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Things to do in Estes Park

Our most recommended things to do in Estes Park

Colorado: Rocky Mountains National Park Hike to Dream Lake

1. Colorado: Rocky Mountains National Park Hike to Dream Lake

Enjoy a sunrise hike in the Rocky Mountain National Park and walk through a forest of Christmas trees. Marvel at the view of Dream Lake, a high alpine lake, and the spectacular peaks above it. Have some professional photos taken as a souvenir of your adventure. Meet your tour guide outside the park early in the morning, and then follow them into the park in your own vehicle. Put on your snow showers and begin your hike, which is roughly 2.2 miles (3.5 km) long. Reach an elevation of 500 ft (152 meters). Afterward, walk on the frozen ice of Dream Lake. Next, take in the amazing scenery, and pose for some professional, high-quality digital photos of your experience.

Estes Park: Hidden Valley Sledding Tour with Park Pass

2. Estes Park: Hidden Valley Sledding Tour with Park Pass

Get the most out of your time with family or friends in the Rocky Mountain National Park during this sledding adventure through the Hidden Valley in Estes Park. Get sleds and all the equipment you need for an exciting ride through the snow. Meet your guides at the Estes Park Visitors Center, then depart for Hidden Valley in the Rocky Mountain National Park following your guide in a lead vehicle. Upon arrival, gear up and spend hours of fun with your group as you create new memories. Sled in an area that’s home to the greatest sledding hills in America. Your guides will be taking photos of you while you sled, so you will be able to look back on your pictures later and think of the great times you had in Rocky Mountain National Park. Restrooms will be available to use at the sledding site.

From Denver: Rocky Mountain National Park Fall/Winter Tour

3. From Denver: Rocky Mountain National Park Fall/Winter Tour

Get to know the wild side of Denver, with a tour of the Rocky Mountain National Park. Take the day to walk through the stunning mountain and valley scenes, spotting wildlife and touring around a glacier lake. Delight in a meal and shopping in Estes Park, then catchup on local history at the Stanley Hotel. Arrive at the Rocky Mountain National Park and allow yourself to explore the diverse natural beauty of Colorado. Walk the snowy paths, and catch sight of elk grazing on rich grasses in Moraine Park. Then, gaze at the mountains and park views at Many Parks Curve. Explore the nature-made Alluvial Fan in Horseshoe Park, and meander through the mountain village of Estes Park, admiring artwork, shops, and the leisurely pace of discovery. Grab some lunch in the village, and continue through the day to learn more about the power of Mother Nature. Make a visit to the Historic Stanley Hotel, and experience this manor-style hotel. Who knows, maybe you'll find it so inviting, you'll book a night or two in the glacial mountains.

From Denver: Rocky Mountain National Park Day Trip and Lunch

4. From Denver: Rocky Mountain National Park Day Trip and Lunch

Explore the Rocky Mountain National Park on this day trip from Denver. See nature at its finest as you take in unspoiled views and magnificent peaks. Cruise down Trail Edge Road and through Estes Park in a comfortable and airconditioned van. Stop for a nice picnic in a stunning natural setting.  Meet your local guide at the Denver Union Station and climb aboard a spacious van with plenty of legroom. Sit back and relax on the drive to the Rocky Mountain National Park. Take in views of the city of Boulder on the drive.  Stop to see the iconic Flatirons red-rock formation. Admire views of this 300-million-year-old wonder that lies in the Rocky Mountain foothills. Feel as though you are on top of the world as you cruise down Trail Edge Road which offers plenty of opportunities for capturing breathtaking photos. Indulge in delicious picnic lunch as you enjoy views of the Rocky Mountains in the background. Visit the Stanley Hotel which was made famous as the shooting location for Stephen King's film 'The Shining.' Encounter marvelous views of the Rocky Mountains as you drive through Estes Park. Return to your meeting point in Denver at the end of your Rocky Mountain adventure. 

Rocky Mountain National Park: Sightseeing with Picnic Lunch

5. Rocky Mountain National Park: Sightseeing with Picnic Lunch

Immerse yourself in the spectacular sights of Rocky Mountain National Park with a guided day trip from Denver. Hike the park trails while watching for local wildlife such as elk, eagles, and marmots. Savor a picnic lunch and discover alpine lakes and waterfalls. Begin your tour by meeting your guide at the designated pickup point and drive into Rocky Mountain National Park in an air-conditioned van. Admire incredible mountain views as you head deeper into the park, stopping at the scenic panoramic overlook at Many Parks Curve, a hairpin turn on Trail Ridge Road. Proceed to Horseshoe Park to discover a staggering alluvial fan, a naturally made deposit of water-transported material. Explore several short trails, watch for native wildlife such as elk and deer, traverse wide meadows, and wander by waterfalls, alpine lakes, and fragile alpine tundra. Take a break from hiking for a picnic lunch. Enjoy one last glance at the expansive forests, sprawling meadows, and towering mountains before driving back to your pickup location. Visit the village's art galleries and The Stanley Hotel, best known for inspiring the novel "The Shining" by Steven King.

Rocky Mountain National Park: Scenic Airplane Flight

6. Rocky Mountain National Park: Scenic Airplane Flight

On this 30-minute private flight, you’ll experience the Front Range of Colorado from a bird’s-eye view, with your pilot acting as your guide. Enjoy your window seat as you soar over landmarks such as the Big Thompson River Canyon and savor incredible views of the Rocky Mountain National Park.   Departing from Longmont, your pilot will provide headsets for you to don as you glide over the beautiful nature of Colorado. Experience the view over the expansive Carter Lake and Big Thompson Canyon before glimpsing Estes Park and the Rocky Mountain National Park.  Gain perspective on the Cameron Peak burn scar and learn other interesting facts about the land as your pilot narrates along the flight route. Be sure to bring a camera to relive this unique and unforgettable perspective of charming northern Colorado. 

Estes Park: Rocky Mountain National Park Snowshoeing Tour

7. Estes Park: Rocky Mountain National Park Snowshoeing Tour

Put on your snowshoes and discover the winter wonderland of Rocky Mountain National Park on this tour with a local guide. Admire spectacular views, take photos of unforgettable scenery, and immerse yourself in complete tranquility. Head to the Estes Park Mountain Shop to rent your own snowshoes, boots, and poles, or bring your own. Then, learn the basics of snowshoeing so you can get the most out of this fun and unique way of trekking in the snow. Follow alongside your guide who will take you to hidden locations only locals know and share with you their knowledge about the region and snowshoeing technique. 

Rocky Mountain National Park: Driving Audio Tour App

8. Rocky Mountain National Park: Driving Audio Tour App

Experience the beauty of the Rocky Mountain National Park with this audio tour that works offline. Use the live GPS to learn more about historical sites, natural landscapes, and the people who have lived in this area. Start at the Estes Park entrance and travel toward sparkling Bear Lake. Pass numerous hiking trails to smaller lakes like Fern Lake and Bierstadt Lake. Make as many stops or take as many detours as you like. Reach Deer Mountain Trailhead. Head to Beaver Ponds which has a boardwalk through a unique wetland biome. Travel to Hidden Valley and Marvel at the views of lush glacial meadows at Many Parks Curve Overlook. Hear about the General Federation of Women’s Clubs. Uncover the buried history of the Ute tribe and listen to a Ute story. Go by the Roger Toll Memorial. Tour at your own pace and let your audio guide reveal all this and more as you drive along.

Colorado: GetOutPass

9. Colorado: GetOutPass

The GetOutPass is the ultimate fun-pass. It works as an app on your smartphone. Once signed up, you and anyone on your membership can gain free admission to the best entertainment attractions in your area! Roller coasters, arcades, good times--we've got you covered. When you sign on to the GetOutPass, you'll get access to venues in Colorado through the member portal found in the app and on any web browser. All venues create an “offer” specifically for members. This offer can include free admission, free products, special deals, or special perks, just to name a few. Attractions Included with the GetOutPass Colorado: Downtown Aquarium - Denver SeaQuest Colorado Aquarium - Littleton The Summit - Thornton FatCats - Westminster FortFun - Fort Collins Sky Zone Trampoline Park - Colorado Springs Bear Creek Archery - Englewood Family Sports Center - Littleton Colorado Journey Mini Golf - Littleton Activate - Westminster The Summit - Windsor Sky Zone Trampoline Park - Parker Chipper's Lanes - Broomfield Sky Zone Trampoline Park - Arvada Monster Mini Golf - Centennial WhirlyBall - Colorado Whetstone Climbing - Fort Collins Monkey Bizness - Parker The Summit - Interquest Parkway, Colorado Springs Chipper's Lanes - Horsetooth Fort Collins Jumpin' - Loveland Color Me Mine - Boulder Progresh - Thornton Unser Racing- North Denver Bandimere Speedway - Morrison Little Monkey Business - Westminster Chipper's Lanes - College Center Fort Collins DBAT: Colorado Springs Game Train USA - Littleton Colorado Bounce Company - Lakewood Altitude Ninja Gym - Colorado Springs Curbside Skatepark - Sheridan The Little Gym - Colorado Springs Chipper's Lanes - Estes Park The Playground, LLC - Greeley Roller City - Lakewood The VR Arcade - Loveland Chipper's Lanes - Greeley Center Ebike Tours & Rental - Manitou Springs Crown Lanes - Denver Dynamic Paintball - Aurora Bowhunters Edge - Colorado Springs Pedego Fort Collins - Fort Collins The Gutterhouse - Pueblo West Monument Ice Rink - Monument Old Town Putt - Fort Collins Color Splash Paintball Park - Pueblo Localhost - Lakewood Premier Martial Arts - Layfayette Pure Bouldering Gym - Colorado Springs Ice Lanes - Sterling Haute Yoga Colorado - Thornton Premier Martial Arts - Littleton Altitude Outdoor Adventures - Cedaredge Family Shooting Center - Aurora Loonees Comedy Club - Colorado Springs Main Event - Highlands Ranch United States Olympic Training Center - Colorado Springs Highland Park Lanes - Greeley Operation City Quest - Arvada, Aurora, Boulder, Centennial, Colorado Springs, Denver, Fort Collins, Greeley. Lakewood, Pueblo, Thornton, Westminster Wacky Walks - Arvada, Aurora, Boulder, Centennial, Colorado Springs, Denver, Fort Collins, Greeley, Lakewood, Pueblo, Thornton, Westminster Puzzling Adventures - Aspen, Boulder, Breckenridge, Colorado Springs, Denver, Durango, Fort Collins, Loveland, Pueblo 3Quest Challenge - Arvada, Aurora, Boulder, Centennial, Colorado Springs, Denver, Fort Collins, Greeley, Lakewood, Pueblo, Thornton, Westminster Crazy Dash - Arvada, Aurora, Boulder, Centennial, Colorado Springs, Denver, Fort Collins, Greeley, Lakewood, Pueblo, Thornton, Westminster Zombie Scavengers - Arvada, Aurora, Boulder, Centennial, Colorado Springs, Denver, Fort Collins, Greeley, Lakewood, Pueblo, Thornton, Westminster Academy of Life and Leadership Taekwondo - Colorado Springs Colorado Gators Reptile Park - Mosca Evergood Adventure Wines - Palmer Lake Pedego Electric Bikes - Steamboat Springs Warrior Challenge Arena - Broomfield

Frequently asked questions about Estes Park

What top attractions are a must-see in Estes Park?

The must-see attractions in Estes Park are:

Other Sightseeing Options in Estes Park

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What people are saying about Estes Park

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 215 reviews

Don’t even hesitate - this is one of the best tours I’ve ever taken! The Rocky Mountains are truly stunning in winter. Emily our tour guide was wonderful, had so many interesting facts to share and had boundless energy. The stop at the Stanley Hotel was a cool extra addition!

Execelente atención, un ser humano muy valioso, profesional muy puntual. Un viaje fuera de lo común. Pocas veces disfrutamos del paraíso donde nos encontramos , pero haya arriba en el aire todo es más que una fantasía . Super recomendado el tour. No se arrepentirán .

I enjoyed seeing Rocky Mountain National Park and all of the cute towns that surround it. Our guide Will was very knowledgeable and had plenty of great stories to tell us.

Brian was great. The views were amazing. The only thing that could have helped was telling people to met at the flag pole. Worth the money!!!!!!

Will was great! Very professional and we really enjoyed the trip.