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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.

From Denver: Rocky Mountain National Park Fall/Winter Tour

2. 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.

Rocky Mountain National Park: Sightseeing with Picnic Lunch

3. 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

4. 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. 

From Denver: Rocky Mountain National Park Day Trip and Lunch

5. 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. 

Estes Park: Rocky Mountain National Park Snowshoeing Tour

6. 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

7. 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.

Other Sightseeing Options in Estes Park

Want to discover all there is to do in Estes Park? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Estes Park

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 220 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.

this was a great way to learn more about the park, it's history, and geology. it was just the right amount of information, easy to use, stop, restart

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!!!!!!