Learn About Nature

If you want to learn more in-depth about nature and wildlife, The Rocky Mountain Conservancy and the YMCA of the Rockies both have classes and seminars during the summer and fall months.

Nature and wildlife experts will teach about the local flora, fauna, and wildlife that all survive in this high altitude.

See our Calendar of Events or visit their websites for details. RMConservancy.org, YMCARockies.org.

The Perfect Shot

Creeks and Critters Nature Tours takes visitors on Nature Photography Tours in Rocky Mountain National Park. These customized tours focus on getting memorable images of wildlife like moose babies in early summer, elk bugling during the fall rut, or sunrises and sunsets (depending upon tour length). 

Tour operator, Dawn Wilson, is an award-winning nature photographer with knowledge about animals and how to best photograph them. Timed entry included with a tour. 970-567-6109, CCNatureTours.com.

Book a tour with Rock Light Photo Tours to capture the majesty of RMNP. Photograph a sunrise reflected in a mountain lake, a scenic hike with wildflowers and roaring waterfalls, or sunset vistas of three different mountain ranges off Trail Ridge Road. 

Local pro photographer Colin D. Young specializes in teaching photographers how to capture the Milky Way at 12,000ft, with half-day to multi-day tours customized with as much or little hiking as you prefer.  917-902-3063, RockLightPhotoTours.com.

Driving App for Rocky

GuideAlong is an app designed specifically for Rocky and will enhance your drive through the national park. 

This app turns a tablet or smartphone into your personal tour guide. With automatic commentary while you drive, the app makes you feel as if you have a local friend riding along with you. All you have to do is listen to the commentary and enjoy the spectacular scenery. You will be told of upcoming viewpoints and the best things to see. 

GuideAlong uses cutting-edge technology and, once downloaded, doesn’t require data or a cellular network while you are driving. GuideAlong.com.

Scenic Bus Tours

Join the Rocky Mountain Conservancy for a guided bus tour throughout Rocky Mountain National Park to areas including Trail Ridge Road, Bear Lake Road, and other popular spots in Rocky Mountain National Park, June-Oct.

Each family-friendly tour offers a different adventure and is led by one of their talented naturalist guides. 

Custom tours are also available. 970-586-3262, bit.ly/RMCEventbrite.

Let Them Do the Driving

An environmentally-conscious company, Green Jeep Tours, can take you off-roading or on a scenic adventure. Their entertaining guides bring you to amazing scenic places while sharing interesting facts and stories. Tours include Trail Ridge Road and Old Fall River Road. 

They offer private tours for small groups, families, or large groups. 970-577-0034, GreenJeepTour.com.

Hungry? - They Deliver

If you are hungry and comfortable at your lodging facility, you can have food delivered right to you.

WarriorXpress is a local delivery service that delivers meals from popular restaurants in town. The also deliver from The Country Market grocery store.

Their integrated system allows the order to go directly to the restaurant. See their website  or app to view participating restaurants. WarriorXpress.com.

Bike Path

Pedal, walk, or rollerblade the four-mile, paved loop that circles Lake Estes. 

Across from the fairgrounds, the path branches to the south under US Hwy 36. The trail takes you through Stanley Park, past the dog park and the ball fields for another .7 miles.

Paddle About

Head to Lake Estes and take in the majestic views from a kayak, canoe, stand up paddle board, or 10-person pontoon boat. There is a small beach with a picnic ground and horseshoe/volleyball area.

Rent a Bike and go explore

There’s no better place to ride mountain bikes than in the mountains! Estes Park Mountain Shop rents full-suspension mountain bikes that are perfect for exploring the single and double track trails in the area. The staff has some great trail recommendations. 

Didn’t bring your favorite road bike to ride Trail Ridge Road? They also have road bikes available to rent. 

The Estes Park Mountain Shop. 970-586-6548, EstesParkMountainShop.com.

Get Out On An E-Bike

Want to explore some local roads with a little assistance? Rent an e-bike. E-bikes are allowed on the bike paths (watch for pedestrians and dogs) and local roads. 

The Estes Park Resort rent e-bikes and offers tours of the area. This is a great option for the entire family. 

After the tour, stop and have lunch overlooking the lake at their restaurant Ember. 970-577-6400, TheEstesParkResort.com.

The Estes Park Mountain Shop rents e-bikes as well. The Estes Park Mountain Shop. 970-586-6548, EstesParkMountainShop.com.

All the Fun Stuff!

Estes Park Ride-A-Kart is a 3rd generation family-owned entertainment center that offers the full gamut of amusement park-style adventures for the entire family. 

In business for more than 65 years, Ride-A-Kart has go-karts, new electric bumper boats, bumper kars, batting cages, Casey’s Train, extreme bungee trampoline, water wars, arcade, and two 18-hole mini-golf courses alongside the Big Thompson River. Both mini golf courses and the arcade offer local beer and wine.

Estes Park Ride-A-Kart also offers yummy munchies to satisfy your hunger after your fun! New in 2024 they will be offering a Trackman Golf Simulator. Please check the website for how to reserve.  970-586-6495, RideAKart.com.

Elevated Food, Drink, Family Fun

The Bull Pin is Estes Park’s hottest new entertainment venue, and their deck provides one of the best views in town. 

They have eight neon-lit bowling lanes, billiards, and the latest arcade games, so there is something fun for everyone in your group. 

The sports bar has a 150” projector screen and plenty of TVs to catch all the games including all NFL games.

More than 20 taps including several local beers, a large whiskey selection, craft cocktails and fun mocktails. You will not leave thirsty!

Large groups are welcome and encouraged. We highly recommend checking out their website to make bowling reservations and to view their live music calendar. 

The craft food menu is not your average bowling alley food including arguably the best wings in town as well as fresh-made salads, sandwiches, and weekly specials.  

Open seven days a week, hours vary by season. 970-591-7771, EstesParkBowl.com.

4x4 Exploring

If you want to head out and explore this area in a 4x4, there are several options.

The historic Old Fall River Road is a beautiful nine mile, one-way drive in Rocky. The road opens July 4 weekend and closes the end of September. 

You will need a timed-entry permit unless you are in the park before 9am or go after 3pm. The road ends at the Alpine Visitor Center where you can then drive down Trail Ridge Road back to town. 

Pole Hill, located off US Hwy 36 just across from Hermit Park, is a nice option. Drive out and back or all the way to Carter Lake near the town of Loveland.

Storm Mountain east of Glen Haven has a variety of options. There are many trails from easy to moderate with amazing views. You can see evidence of the Cameron Peak fire in this area.

Bunce School Road is south of Allenspark on CO Hwy 7. This is a popular trail system with easy to moderate trails with a few advanced trail options as well.

The best trail guidebook to have with you is FunTreks. The guidebook provides first-hand knowledge with turn-by-turn custom-designed maps highlighting trouble spots and details on every aspect of the trails. You can order one online at FunTreks.com or look for them at Macdonald Book Shop.

Fish Tales

Are you ready to drop a line to hook the elusive rainbow or cutthroat trout? Fishing in the Rocky Mountains is one activity most folks can do.

Anyone age 16 and older who wants to fish in Colorado is required to purchase a $11.50 Colorado Habitat Stamp, in addition to a fishing license, to legally fish in the state. The stamp fee is automatically included in the price of your first fishing license. Purchase of the Habitat Stamp provides the main funds for the Colorado Wildlife Habitat Protection Program.

An annual fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older. You can get a license at the Estes Park Mountain Shop. They can help answer questions as well. 

Fish are vulnerable to several invasive organisms that can be carried on waders and other gear. Please disinfect your gear before entering local waters and when moving between lakes and streams.

Estes Park Mountain Shop has a fly shop with licenses, flies, and bait as well as outdoor gear, hiking shoes, and maps. 970-586-6548, EstesParkMountainShop.com.

Hermit Park Open Space

Located about 2.5 miles southeast of Estes Park just off US Hwy 36, the 1,362-acre Hermit Park Open Space offers several outdoor experiences. 

There are more than 10 miles of trails to explore. Kruger Rock Trail, with its 360-degree views of Rocky Mountain National Park, is for hikers only. Two trails are designated mountain biking trails. 

Restrooms are located at most trailheads. Pick up a map at an adjacent kiosk or check COTREX app (Trails.Colorado.gov) for a paperless version. 

The open space requires entrance and camping permits. Open March through mid-December. $10/day per vehicle. Pay at the visitor center or entrance self-serve stations via credit card. Leashed dogs are allowed.

For more information, 970-619-4570, Larimer.org/NaturalResources.

On Belay

Estes Park has world-class rock climbing. Whether you are a beginner or have been climbing for years, work out your moves on the indoor walls at Estes Park Mountain Shop. 

They have more than 4,500 square feet of climbing terrain, including state-of-the-art training tools. They also carry all sorts of gear and can help with local routes and conditions. 970-586-6548, EstesParkMountainShop.com.

Spa Time

For a relaxing and rejuvenating day, book a treatment at one of the amazing spas in town. Both offer all kinds of different treatments in calming settings.

Elements of Touch Wellness Spa celebrates 31 years as Estes Parks boutique spa experience in a private setting along a rushing river. Enjoy massage, facials and unique spa treatments using quality ingredients with highly skilled therapists. Book online or call. Groups welcome. 970-586-6597, ElementsofTouchEstesPark.com.

The Qi Lounge Wellness Spa, located at the Estes Park Resort, offers massage therapy, facials, acupuncture, couples massage and more! Qi (pronounced “chee”) is the vital life force that exists and circulates within each of us. 970-235-0056, TheQiLounge.com.

Learn to Make It

Makerspace Equipment Classes are held year-round at the Estes Valley Library. Learn how to use equipment like 3D printers, embroidery machines, laser cutters, and more. 

Classes are free for ages 15 and up, participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.  Days and times vary; check website for details. 970-586-8116, EstesValleyLibrary.org.

Find Your Inner Artist

Artists of all ages and abilities will enjoy taking a class at Inspired Artisan Market & Studio. A variety of classes are held throughout the year and they have something offered almost every day of the week. Take home a piece of art that you created.

Half- and full-day studio passes are available which allows you to create a variety of projects.

All materials and tools are provided for all classes and passes. 

Inspired also has Art Kits which are pre-packaged with all the materials and instructions needed for an art project you can create. 

The studio has tables you can use to create the kit you choose, or take them home to create. There are 12 different kits to choose from including snow globes, mosaic frames, wildlife collages, metal embossing, positive-thought catchers, and felted hummingbird ornaments.

The studio also has gifts made by Colorado artists.

Open daily in the summer and fall from 10am-7pm. Winter hours vary. 970-685-8818, InspiredArtExperiences.com.

Go on the Search

Pikas in the Park is a fun activity for the whole family in downtown Estes Park. Pikas are cute small mammals that live in high rocky slopes in Rocky Mountain National Park. 

There are 12 bronze pika sculptures hiding in downtown Estes Park, from the east end of the Riverwalk to the west end of downtown. Each pika is named after a famous character from the history of Estes Park. Pick up a pika clue brochure at the Estes Park Visitor Center and try to find all 12 of these cute bronze creatures. 

If you find them all, go to the Estes Park Visitor Center and get your “I found the Pikas in Estes Park” badge!