Top 14 Activities to Experience in Estes Park, Colorado

Estes Park is a town with approximately 6,500 residents, situated in Larimer County in north-central Colorado.

Located a few hours northwest of Denver, it is enveloped by some of the state’s most rugged and captivating landscapes, including state and national parks as well as notable ski resorts across North America.

The town boasts numerous historical attractions along with various options for dining, lodging, and outdoor recreation activities, such as golf, hiking, fishing, horseback riding, and mountain biking.

Below are 14 attractions in and around Estes Park that merit attention during your visit to the area.

1. Glacier Gorge

Amidst Colorado’s rich geography, Glacier Gorge stands out prominently among travelers.

This gorge, located in a picturesque valley within Rocky Mountain National Park, provides visitors with a unique understanding of the landscape shaped by significant glacial movements over millennia.

A variety of hiking trails, catering to different levels of ability, encircle the gorge. Nature enthusiasts will encounter rivers, lakes, and streams inhabited by diverse wildlife and gamefish.

2. Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park ranks as one of Colorado’s most esteemed natural attractions, granting visitors some of the most spectacular mountain views conceivable.

The park encompasses over 400 square miles, with much of it soaring above 10,000 feet in altitude.

Trail Ridge Road offers an ideal experience for those preferring to enjoy the scenery from their vehicles, while other popular activities include hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, camping, and backcountry backpacking.

3. Estes Park Golf Course

For many golfers, playing on the links represents a delightful way to embrace the outdoors, and Estes Park features several noteworthy golf courses.

The 18-hole Estes Park Golf Course, established over a century ago and designed by renowned course architects, successfully integrates the natural landscape into its 6,300-yard layout.

Along with meticulously maintained fairways, plentiful hazards, and stunning mountain vistas, participants often encounter local wildlife during their rounds, including elk, deer, and foxes.

This course is frequently recognized as one of the top ten most scenic golf courses in the country, with greens fees that remain unexpectedly reasonable.

4. MacGregor Ranch and Museum

For over two centuries, ranches have represented essential elements of Colorado’s landscape and economy. These ranches are iconic attractions worth exploring for many first-time visitors to the state.

MacGregor Ranch, which dates back more than 150 years to a time of greater wilderness and rurality than today, has been preserved to provide guests with revealing insights into the lives of early settlers in the region.

Guided tours of the museum and surrounding grounds are available during the summer months, and visitors are encouraged to explore the farm buildings, homestead, and farmland at their own pace.

5. The Stanley Hotel

The Stanley Hotel stands as one of Estes Park’s most historically significant and frequently visited landmarks. Beyond its impressive architecture, there are widely circulated rumors of hauntings.

Before Estes Park emerged as a tourist destination, the hotel attracted affluent visitors seeking luxurious accommodations while exploring the mountains. The on-site Stanley Steamer Car Museum now ranks as one of the hotel’s primary attractions.

This museum showcases a distinctive collection of historically significant automobiles and fire trucks, as well as a historic concert hall. Both hotel and evening ghost tours are conducted at various times throughout the day.

6. Estes Park Aerial Tramway

There is no more exhilarating way to absorb Colorado’s stunning vistas than via an elevated tramway, and adventurous individuals visiting Estes Park have the opportunity to experience just that.

The Estes Park Aerial Tramway, established over six decades ago, arose from the vision of a local lift designer and engineer inspired by European mountain resorts.

This family-run tramway transports thousands of visitors to the summit of Prospect Mountain annually. The operational season typically spans from May through September. Ticket prices are quite reasonable, and children under five are permitted to ride free of charge.

7. Park Theater

The Park Theater represents one of Estes Park’s iconic historical sites, established in the early 20th century, showcasing splendid architectural design.

Past visitors have characterized the theater as breathtaking, quaint, and charming; it is reputed to be one of the oldest movie theaters in the nation.

While ticket prices may not be as low as in previous years, they remain affordable, and the revamped theater offers both current releases and independent films, alongside documentaries and live performances.

Light snacks and beverages are offered on-site, and tickets tend to sell quickly for popular screenings, thus advance planning is advised.

8. Open Air Adventure Park

Situated on Prospect Village Drive in Estes Park, Open Air Adventure Park is an excellent venue for visitors looking to engage in physical activities while enjoying the outdoors within the town’s limits.

The park offers a variety of individual activities, thoughtfully designed for nearly all age groups and physical capabilities.

Climbing features, rope bridges, and obstacle courses are plentiful, and the park is staffed by safety-conscious professionals ensuring all participants have an enjoyable and secure experience.

While it may be somewhat costly, its convenience and customer satisfaction have made it a highlight for many visitors.

9. Notchtop Bakery & Café

For over twenty years, Notchtop Bakery & Café has been a cherished destination for those desiring to satiate their hunger without incurring excessive expenses.

Located on East Wonder View Street in Estes Park, the café operates daily from 7 AM until 3 PM.

Notchtop is particularly acclaimed for its robust breakfast offerings, featuring Tex-Mex dishes, steak and eggs, eggs benedict, and various scramble platters. They also provide gluten-free selections for those with dietary restrictions.

Lunch options include burgers, gyros, soups, and salads, alongside an array of freshly baked goods such as donuts, bread, and banana cream pie.

10. New Venture Cycling Tours

New Venture Cycling Tours provides active visitors with a unique and refreshing method to discover Colorado, operating out of downtown Estes Park.

For those who may not have their own cycling equipment, the company supplies bikes and helmets, along with drinks and snacks while showcasing some of the most stunning scenery imaginable.

Tour choices range from easy, family-friendly outings lasting a few hours to full-day adventures in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.

Past participants recommend bringing extra snacks, a hat, sunglasses, and appropriate gear for inclement weather.

11. Rapid Transit Rafting

Rapid Transit Rafting stands as one of Estes Park’s premier providers of outdoor adventure. Fully licensed with the state parks and wildlife department, they prioritize offering safe, well-organized, and unforgettable experiences.

Having operated for over three decades, their company offers various rafting experiences on Colorado and Cache La Poudre Rivers.

Adventure lengths and difficulty levels vary; therefore, there is likely a suitable option for everyone in your party.

During peak seasons, spaces may fill rapidly, hence advance planning is recommended to ensure a remarkable experience.

12. Ed’s Cantina

Ed’s Cantina has been a staple in Estes Park since the mid-‘80s, operating as a family-run restaurant that specializes in providing exceptional Mexican cuisine with a Rocky Mountain influence to both locals and visitors.

The cantina is open daily and showcases authentic Mexican decor in a relaxed atmosphere with attentive service.

The majority of dishes are prepared fresh daily, with popular menu items including fajitas, chimichangas, tacos, and carnitas.

Patrons rave about their exceptional margaritas, reasonable prices, and generous portion sizes.

13. Estes Park Memorial Observatory

Owing to its expansive mountainous areas and rural characteristics, Colorado features considerably darker skies compared to many other states, presenting exceptional stargazing opportunities for both amateur and professional astronomy enthusiasts.

The Estes Park Memorial Observatory represents an underappreciated community asset that is frequently overlooked by hurried travelers; however, it provides a perfect setting for those interested in guided astral tours.

The observatory’s staff hosts a range of engaging educational programs designed for audiences of all ages. Admission is complimentary, although many visitors opt to contribute financially.

14. Kind Coffee

Kind Coffee, positioned on East Elkhorn Avenue in Estes Park, operates daily from 6:30 AM until 6 PM, earning local acclaim for its commitment to offering only organic and fair trade beans sourced globally.

The establishment is particularly popular for its hot and cold coffee beverages, drawing caffeine enthusiasts in the mornings and afternoons. Additionally, an extensive selection of non-coffee beverages, including teas, smoothies, juices, and shakes, is available.

First-time customers frequently express satisfaction with their coffee and often purchase bags of whole beans to take home. For those arriving with an appetite, a variety of freshly baked pastries and goods are also offered.