Location: Estes Park
Top Things to do in Estes Park
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Top 10 Nature & Parks in Estes Park, Colorado (CO)
Estes Park is located 7,522 feet above sea level, nestled in the heart of the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Shops, galleries and boutiques line the main street, which has a quaint, small-town ambiance. Exceptional outdoor adventures await both families and enthusiasts. Wildlife sightings, including elk and big horn sheep, are prevalent. Estes Park is the basecamp for adventures in Rocky Mountain National Park, where world-class hiking, rock climbing, backcountry skiing and scenic drives abound.
Restaurants in Estes Park
1. Kep Expeditions
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 25 reviews
Kep operates by running daily, personalized tours and custom expeditions in the heart of the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Our vision includes accessibility and inclusivity by getting "Everybody Anywhere." Kep entertains, informs and safely guides visitors into the most beautiful spots RMNP has to offer.
2. Stanley Park Bike Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
The Stanley Park Bike Park offers a 1.25 mile unpaved perimeter trail for biking, running, horseback riding, dog walking, ... (accessible from the Lake Estes loop). A mountain bike skills loops of about 1/2 mile with beginner - expert skills challenges incorporating both man-made and natural riding features. And multiple paved and dirt pump track loops.
3. Lake Estes Marina
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 270 reviews
Reviewed By annmariec543 - Colorado Springs, United States
Beautiful lake in Estes Park. You need to pay a daily fee, but it’s great for picnics, fishing, boating. Perfect views of the Rocky mountains!
4. Estes Valley Dog Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 116 reviews
Reviewed By misseryn29 - Loveland, United States
Nice size park with ample room for your pups to play and a small dog side as well. 2 entrances into the main puppy park and it is clean and well maintained.
5. Mrs. Walsh's Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By dsnodtriptime
We spied this place near a restaurant we visited. The kids insisted we check it out. It is a neat garden with each species labeled as you walk the path. If I were a local I'm sure I'd hang out here with coffee and a book.
6. Kruger Rock
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 35 reviews
Reviewed By melaniebW9191HO - Seattle, United States
Gorgeous hike! The payoff is fantastic! You can see all of Estes Park from the very top as well as great views of the Rockies. Dogs are allowed on leash. The very top is tricky to navigate and will require trekking over large rocks and a narrow pass but it is well worth the climb. Bring plenty of water if hiking during the summer. You pay for entrance (by card) at the entrance to the Hermit Park Campground-$9. Then you drive about 2 more miles to the trail head. There is a clean bathroom there as well.
7. Lily Mountain Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 91 reviews
Reviewed By JMCirlin
I did some homework prior to this climb and it appeared to be a straightforward hike on a natural path. There were some nice views between trees and notches in the rocks as you climb. I had read that there is some "easy rock scrambling" required to reach the peak. That term is relative. If you are an experienced climber from Colorado, I'm sure that's true. But, if you have a fear of heights or you have short legs, you may find the lengthy scramble scary. Some found it more scary to come down. I'm not trying to discourage you. I loved it and I'm delighted I had the opportunity. I just want people --who aren't 25 years old-- to know it's not necessarily easy! It is beautiful and offers a spectacular pay off, but only if you scramble to the top for the 180-degree view. BTW, there is no parking lot for this trail. Expect to spend four hours or more if you're not acclimated.
8. Hermit Park Open Space
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 28 reviews
Reviewed By Monty1989 - Manchester, United Kingdom
Stayed here with a friend whilst we were over in the states. We had been to Denver before but couldn’t make it up to the mountains last time so we made a point of going up. Looking for places to camp in the mountains and found Hermit Park. We decided to go for the cabins and we ended up reserving Elkhorn which Was the last one available. It cost around $80 per night which was not bad! The cabin itself could fit 8 people inside and was very spacious with beds, table, storage areas, gas lamps and a wood stove. Outside there is a picnic bench and a fire pit (you can buy firewood from the main office at the entrance). Had some great nights sitting out by the fire and cooking some food. Saw quite a few deer (and possible a bear but it was dark). There is a toilet a few yards away from the cabin which was very clean! Hermit park is very close to estes park if you need supplies / wifi and the national park for hikes. Rangers would drive past every now and then but weren’t too invasive. One day we did come back to a note saying they had to put out our fire with 3 gallons of water because we left it unattended (it was pretty much out when we left and definitely would not need that much water, but I can see where they are coming from, don’t leave fire unattended!). All in all if you are looking to experience the outdoors without the discomfort of camping in a tent then I would definitely reccommend these cabins. Very relaxing and gives you a sense of being away from the city. And the views from the hikes in RMNP are amazing!
9. Art Center of Estes Park Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
Located in beautiful Estes Park, we feature the work of 40 leading artists from Rocky Mountain area. We offer an extensive collection of fine art including painting, photography, jewelry, ceramics, glass, fiber, and woodworking. Whether you’re searching for a large piece of fine art or photography to enhance your home or business, or the perfect gift of jewelry, fiber, pottery, or a notecard for a friend, we have it. We feature a new exhibit approximately every six weeks, opened by a fun public reception featuring refreshments and entertainment. As the only non-profit gallery in Estes Park, we present opportunities for education in the visual arts, and act as an advocate for community arts development. Come join us in one of our many adult and children's art classes. Every fall, plein air artists from across the country converge on the Art Center for our Estes Valley Plein Air, which culminates in a "Quick Paint" and auction, and a gala opening reception. We hope to see you soon!
Reviewed By ColoradoCat
This is an art cooperative or membership group. Some members take turns running the counter, and/or teaching classes. I go a few times a year, as they change the "main exhibits" maybe every couple of months. There are two main large rooms, with modern and natural art, sculpture, photographs, jewelry and more. I believe all the work is done by people within a 60 mile range of the Center. All work is top-notch and has been juried before being put on exhibit. Every August they have artists come from all over the US to do their Plein Art (open air) program. They paint the beautiful outdoors in a limited amount of time, and compete for prizes. Note, there are a lot of stairs to climb to get to the gallery. There is free parking at the top and bottom of the stairway. There are many other kinds of stores nearby.
10. Sleepy Hollow County Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 6 reviews
