Wildlife and Scenic Guided Tours with RMNPhotographer
“Things to Do in Estes Park”
PLACES TO VISIT IN AND AROUND ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK
WILDLIFE AND SCENIC TOURS WITH RMNPhotographer: With your cell phones and cameras, RMNPhotographer Tours will guide your family and guests to photograph the wonders of Rocky Mountain National Park. Capture views of snow-covered mountain vistas and lush green valleys. See alpine lakes, rolling streams, and waterfalls. Your guide will seek gentle deer, dynamic elk, and massive moose allowing you the time to take the pictures you've dreamed of. Our family tours are in your own vehicle to ensure a unique and safe experience for your family and guests, and RMNPhotographer provides your "timed entry" into Rocky Mountain National Park. Book Now
Mountains To Sky Tour (Half-Day)
Drive to the top of the world on the highest highway in the United States. Capture cell phone photos at the 12,183 foot peak of Trail Ridge Road. Make stops to view lakes and meadows frequented by elk and moose. See flowing waterfalls and snow-capped mountain vistas. Stop at the Continental Divide and the Alpine Visitor Center and Gift Shop (11,796 ft.). Through it all we will guide you to spectacular, unforgettable views and accessibility to photograph dynamic wildlife and spectacular scenery on your cell phones and cameras
Over the Top Tour (Full-Day)
Travel over the top of the world experiencing spectacular RMNP from Estes Park to Grand Lake. Take cell phone & digital pictures of flowing waterfalls, majestic mountain panoramas, the Continental Divide, and stop anywhere we see wildlife. Through historic Kawuneeche Valley where elk and moose frequent, the tour stops at the quaint mountain village of Grand Lake for lunch (on your own). Return on the highest highway in the United States, Trail Ridge Road, peaking at 12,183 feet with spacious, breath-taking views to photograph.
Lakes and Meadows Tour (Half-Day)
This tour guides you to use your cell phones and cameras to photograph majestic views from the lower valley while including stops at amazing locations. These include Sheep Lakes where big horn, elk and moose are often present. See the Alluvial Fan Waterfall, breath-taking views from Many Parks Curve, Moraine Park’s massive meadow with an amazing backdrop, and Sprague Lake, our favorite place in RMNP. The lower valley tour keeps you at lower altitude while leaving you with personal and photographic memories lasting a lifetime.
WILDLIFE LOOP (Open year round): Early morning between 6:00-8:30 or evening between 6:00-8:00 drive the “wildlife loop.” This runs from the Fall River RMNP entrance through Horseshoe Park and Endo Valley, up to the Deer Mountain interchange and down to the Beaver Meadows RMNP entrance (basically from entrance to entrance - you can go either way - Or drive one way from entrance to entrance and turn around going back the other way). This is where we often see elk, big mule deer, and big horn sheep (by the sheep lakes in Horseshoe Park) and occasionally moose. I’ve also seen an occasional black bear on Deer Mountain or along the drive to Endo Valley Picnic Area just past the Alluvial Fan.
ALLUVIAL FAN AND ENDO VALLEY: At Horseshoe Park, take the road toward Fall River and hike up to the Alluvial Fan or down the road toward the Endo Valley Picnic area. Keep your eyes open for deer, big horn sheep, elk, and moose.
ELK: Elk can be seen in downtown Estes Park, on the drive to RMNP, and anywhere in RMNP. During June they are in the lower valley and in July and early August, they can be seen along Trail Ridge Road above treeline. In late August and September, the elk return to the lower valley for the mating season (rut). Their favorite mating area is Moraine Park, but they can be seen in many of the meadows on the east side of RMNP including Horseshoe Park.
BIG HORN SHEEP: Big horn sheep are often seen in June in RMNP at Horseshoe Park feeding at Sheep Lakes. There is a pullout for viewing the sheep (It’s also become a favorite place for moose.) In July and August, big horn are often seen above treeline on Trial Ridge Road especially at Rock Cut. Sheep can also be seen in Big Thompson Canyon between Estes Park and the Dam Store at the bottom along Highway 34. During October, the big horn are actively in their mating season and can often be seen along the highway in the canyon.
MOOSE: Moose have become more predominant on the Estes Park side of RMNP. They are often spotted in Horseshoe Park around Sheep Lake and Endo Valley. This is easily reached from the Fall River park entrance. While moose can be seen at any time of the day, the best time to spot them is between 6:30-8:30 am and 5:00-8:00 pm. Sprague Lake is another favorite location to find moose, but they can be seen moving throughout the park.
SPRAGUE LAKE: On Bear Lake Road just past the shuttle parking area halfway to Bear Lake is Sprague Lake. Sprague Lake is a beautiful setting with a great view of Hallet’s Peak. There is a mile or so walking path (flat) around the lake, and it is very enjoyable. Also, watch for moose and elk around the lake. It is also a great place to picnic. Get a lunch at a sandwich shop or the Country Market. There are plenty of picnic tables near the Sprague Lake parking area or on the drive along Bear Lake Road between Moraine Park and Sprague Lake.
BEAR LAKE: Bear Lake in RMNP is a beautiful area but very busy. Likely, you’ll have to take a shuttle bus from the shuttle bus parking area on Bear Lake Road just before Sprague Lake The shuttle is very easy to use and quite convenient. Bear Lake has a beautiful walk around it with great views of Hallets and Longs Peaks.
HIKING NEAR BEAR LAKE: There are several wonderful hikes from the Bear Lake Trailhead.
ALBERTA FALLS: There is a nice 2.5 mile long walk from Bear Lake to Alberta Falls (380 ft. elevation gain).
DREAM LAKE (EMERALD LAKE): If you want a mountain hiking experience, I’d recommend hiking from Bear Lake to Nymph Lake and Dream Lake (Bear Lake to Dream Lake is 2.0 miles round-trip and 426 ft. elevation gain). If you feel up to it, Emerald Lake is beyond Dream Lake (Bear Lake to Emerald Lake is 3.2 miles round-trip and 698 ft. elevation gain.)
LAKE HAIYAHA: An even greater but beautiful challenge is to hike from Dream Lake to Lake Haiyaha (3.6 miles round-trip and 846 elevation gain. Note: Haiyaha is surrounded by boulders, some of which must be climbed to get to the lake.)
FROM ALBERTA FALLS: You can continue your hike to Mills Lake, Sky Pond, etc. There are longer and a bit more challenging, but the reward is evident when you reach each lake.
These are great mountain hikes, and know you’ll have to stop often on the way up to catch your breath. On these hikes, you’ll experience great views of very different and beautiful lakes. (Know you can turn around at any of the lakes and head back.) NOTE: There are often afternoon showers, so go earlier in the day, take some cheap $2.00 ponchos you can purchase at the grocery or many Estes shops and carry water. Also keep some water in the car for the drive back.
LILY LAKE: Part of RMNP, drive up Highway 7 to Lily Lake and take a leisurely walk around the lake. Periodically, moose are seen in or around the lake.
LAKE ESTES: In town east of the Hwy 34 and 36 intersection on the south side of Hwy 34. There is a walking/bike trail all along the lake. Nice area to walk and watch for elk on the golf course. Also occasionally bald eagles, Osprey, and trumpeter swans can be seen.
RIVERWALK: On the south side shops through downtown and all the way to the EP Visitors Center and Lake Estes is the riverwalk. Don’t just enjoy the shops, but walk behind them on the River Walk along Big Thompson River.
FISHING IN ESTES: Lake Estes downtown just past McDonalds, Mary’s Lake near Mary’s Lake Lodge, Lilli Lake just up Highway 7 from Mary’s Lake Lodge, and Big Thompson River downtown.
THE STANLEY HOTEL: Watch “The Shining” then go on the evening ghost tour at the Stanley to see where Steven King spent the night and was inspired to write the book.
OTHER “TO DOS”: Golf, go-carts, miniature golf, shopping. There are a variety of activities and places to enjoy in downtown Estes Park.
RESTAURANTS
BREAKFAST
COFFEE ON THE ROCKS
510 Moraine Ave, Estes Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, CO 80517-8002 970-586-5181
Ranked #4 of 112 restaurants in Estes Park
Dining options: Breakfast/Brunch – Great Coffee
ONE BLOCK NORTH FROM PARK RIVER WEST ON MORAIN AVENUE
DONUT HAUS
At Tiny Town Sinclair, 342 Moraine Ave, Estes Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, CO 80511
Open 5:00 a.m. till out of donuts – on the corner by the big slide
CINNAMONS
920 W Elkhorn, Estes Park, Colorado, CO 80517
Amazing cinnamon rolls, pecan rolls, sticky buns, and muffins.
Open 7-10 a.m. or until sold out. Often sell out well before 10:00 a.m.
MEADOW MOUNTAIN CAFÉ
Allenspark, CO on Highway 7
OUR FAVORITE BREAKFAST AND LUNCH CAFÉ ABOUT A 30 MINUTE DRIVE FROM ESTES.
You may want to call ahead to make sure they are open. 313-747-2541. Two of Brad’s pictures are on the wall. (One fall image of Long’s Peak with yellow trees in the foreground and a small shot with two moose.) If your waitress is Jen, tell her we sent you. Note: This is a small family restaurant that is busy in the summer, so the wait can be quite long. If you go, plan on time to visit and enjoy family.
EGG AND I
393 E. Elkhorn Ave. Estes Park, CO 80517
Great breakfast restaurant with a “Perkins” environment at the intersection of Hwy 34 and 36.
THE BIG HORN RESTAURANT
401 W. Avenue Estes Park, CO 80517
Great breakfast especially if you like a lot of food
DUNRAVEN ITALIAN
Address: 1700 Big Thompson Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517
An Italian restaurant n the Estes Park Resort so serves breakfast. A touch pricey, but a wonderful view of Lake Estes and outdoor seating if weather permits.
IN THE ESTES PARK RESORT ON THE LAKE NEXT TO THE MARINA
CASUAL LUNCH/DINNER
GRUBSTEAK
134 W. Elkhorn Avenue (Downtown), Estes Park, CO 80517
The front of the Grubsteak is an old restaurant, but the back half has been completely redone. There is a great bar and grill area with indoor and outdoor seating. They serve a full menu and local beers. The burgers include beef, elk, buffalo, and yak meat options. Good food and casual setting.
CLAIRE'S RESTAURANT
225 Park Lane, Estes Park, CO 80517
GOOD FOOD IN DOWNTOWN ESTES ON THE BACK SIDE OF THE DOWNTOWN PARK
SMOKIN' DAVE'S BBQ & TAP HOUSE
820 Moraine Avenue, Estes Park, CO 80517
(970) 577-742
Ranked #3 of 112 restaurants in Estes Park Dining options: Breakfast/Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, Reservations, Takeout, Late Night, Dessert
JUST SOUTH FROM PARK RIVER WEST ON MORAINE AVENUE
BOB & TONY'S PIZZA
124 W Elkhorn Ave, Estes Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, CO 80511
(970)
586-2044
Ranked #47 of 112 restaurants in Estes Park Cuisines: Pizza Dining options: Lunch, Dinner, Takeout
BRAD’S FAVORITE PIZZA (No Delivery)
SWEET BASILICO ITALIAN RESTAURANT
430 Prospect Village Dr., Estes Park, Colorado
(970) 586-3899
Great Italian at Reasonable Prices
BY THE BIG SLIDE BEHIND DONUT HAUS
TRAILHEAD RESTAURANT AT ROCK MOUNTAIN GATEWAY
(Right before the Fall River Entrance to RMNP)
Nice atmosphere and good food with a bit of a view. Not as busy as downtown restaurants.
ANTONIOS PIZZA
1560 Big Thompson Avenue, Estes Park, CO 80517
(970) 586-7275
ALONG THE LAKE EAST OF DOWNTOWN
Woodfired New York Style Pizza
ED’S CANTINA
390 E Elkhorn Ave, Estes Park, CO
(970) 586-2919
Probably the better Mexican restaurant in town
FINER DINING
THE ROCK INN MOUNTAIN TAVERN (Our “go-to” place for a great meal and evening)
1675 Highway 66, Estes Park, CO 80517
Hamburgers to steaks in a rustic mountain environment. Great place for a nicer but not too expensive dinner. Usually have background acoustic guitar. Brad’s favorite restaurant in Estes (the bison meatballs are fantastic as are the wine choices).
ON THE ROAD TO THE YMCA CAMP SOUTH ON MORAINE AVE
TWIN OWLS STEAKHOUSE at Taharaa Mountain Lodge
3110 S St Vrain Ave B, Estes Park, CO 80517
(970) 586-9344
In the Tah-hara Resort - Great views. High end cost but great food and atmosphere. My favorite fine dining in Estes. Great views.
Reservations recommended.
DUNRAVEN ITALIAN
1700 Big Thompson Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517
Italian Fine Dining IN THE ESTES PARK RESORT ON THE LAKE NEXT TO THE MARINA
JIM AND BIRDS
915 Moraine Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517
(970) 586-9832
A bit eclectic with a limited menu but very popular.
