Things To Do in Estes Park

RMNPhotographer's Comprehenive Guide to

Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park

ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK TOURS WITH RMNPhotographer: 
Rocky Mountain National Park Private Guided Tours for your family. RMNPhotographer Tours will guide your family and guests to photograph the wonders of Rocky Mountain National Park with your cell phones and cameras. Capture views of snow-covered mountain vistas and lush green valleys. See alpine lakes, rolling streams, and waterfalls. Your private 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 (RMNPhotographer tour guide will drive at your request) to ensure a unique and safe experience for your family and guests. RMNPhotographer Private Guided Tours provides your "timed entry" into Rocky Mountain National Park. (Handicapped Accessible Tours in RMNP)

Mountains To Sky Tour (Half-Day)

With a RMNPhotographer private tour guide, drive to the top of the world on the highest highway in the United States. Look for moose in Sheep Lakes and walk up the Alluvial Fan to Horseshoe Falls. 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. (Note: July 1-October 1, when open, tour up Old Fall River Road, the original one-way dirt road to the top and travel back down Trail Ridge Road)

Lakes and Meadows Tour (Half-Day)

On this Rocky Mountain National Park tour, your RMNPhotorapher Tour private guide will take you to the majestic views of the lower valley stopping for amazing cell phone and camera photo opportunities. Visit Sheep Lakes where bighorn sheep, dynamic elk, and massive moose frequent. Walk up the Alluvial Fan to Horseshoe Falls. Experience breath-taking views from Many Parks Curve, Moraine Park’s incredible meadow with an amazing backdrop of the Continental Divide, and Sprague Lake, our favorite place in RMNP with Hallets Peak towering in the background. The lower valley tour keeps you at lower altitude while leaving you with personal and photographic memories lasting a lifetime. Enjoy our family-friendly tour in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Our RMNPhotographer Over the TOp Tour guide was phenomenal! He was extremely

knowledgeable and very accommodating. He made what would have been an

enjoyable trip anyway, a trip of a lifetime!  Mark - Colorado

Mountain to Sky + Bear Lake Road Tour (¾ Day)

RMNPhotographer Tours has combined the very best of the Mountain to Sky and Lakes and Meadows Tours into this incredible ¾ day Rocky Mountain Naitonal Park Tour. Visit Sheep Lakes, the Alluvial Fan, and Horseshoe Falls where bighorn sheep, dynamic elk, and massive moose frequent. Tour along Trail Ridge Road peaking at 12,183 ft. View eleven miles of spectacular tundra above 11,500 ft. while capturing cell phone and camera photos from the top of the world. Stop at the Continental Divide and the Alpine Visitor Center and Gift Shop (11,796 ft.). Return to tour Bear Lake Road, the most popular area for Rocky Mountain Day Trips. Visit Moraine Park’s incredible meadow with an amazing backdrop of the Continental Divide. Complete the tour with a walk around the beautiful mountain lake of Sprague Lake, our favorite place in RMNP with Hallets Peak towering in the background. 

Over the Top Tour (Full-Day)

Travel over the top of the world experiencing a spectacular RMNP Guided Tour from Estes Park to Grand Lake on this RMNPhotographer Tour. Drive the full length of Trail Ridge Road, the highest highway in the United States including eleven miles of spectacular tundra above 11,500 ft. peaking at 12,183 ft.. Through it all, capture cell phone and camera photos from the tundra above treeline. Visit flowing waterfalls, majestic mountain panoramas, the Continental Divide, and stop anywhere we see bighorn sheep, dynamic elk, and massive moose or other wildlife. Through historic Kawuneeche Valley where elk and moose frequent, the tour stops at the quaint mountain village of Grand Lake on the shore of the largest natural lake in Colorado. While visiting this historic village, enjoy lunch (on your own) with a spectacular view. Enjoy the scenic return drive on Trail Ridge Road stopping at a variety of vistas and over looks viewing miles and miles on this RMNP Guided Tour.

Private, Customized Photography Tours

RMNPhotographer guided private photography wildlife tours in RMNP are led by highly skilled, professional photographers who spend extensive time in Rocky Mountain National Park. They know the best times of day, locations for scenic photographs, where specific wildlife frequent, and how to capture the best images. Our private photography wildlife tours in RMNP are specifically designed to give you the best RMNP photographic opportunity. We builld an intinerary entirely around getting you to the right place at the right time, to get the perfect shot you want.

• Tours start with the best sunrise in RMNP at Sprague Lake when the sky can be spectacular.
• The early morning tundra can be amazing as the sun peaks from the plains radiating across the peaks of the continental divide.
• Deer, elk, and moose often wander into the lakes and feed in the meadows during the early morning hours.
• RMNPhotographer guides will take you to the locations where you have the best opportunity to photograph specific animals.
  

WILDLIFE TOURS IN RMNP AND VIEWING IN ESTES PARK: 

The wonder of Estes Park lies in the natural beauty that surrounds this majestic mountain village. Cradled on three sides by Rocky Mountain National Park and edged by the national forest on the fourth, Estes is surrounded by protected lands that offer natural habitat to hundreds of animal species. Whether you are RMNP Guided Tour or backpacking deep into the backcountry, you are very likely to encounter some of our wilder residents including bighorn sheep, mule deer, elk, moose, and the occasional bear. Prepare to be awed! (Visit Estes Park). Read An Insider’s Guide to Wildlife Viewing in Estes Park.

The RMNPhotographer Mountain to Sky Tour was very personalized,

filled with breathtaking views and phenomenal wildlife.

We photographed elk, moose, and bighorn sheep.   

Drake & Dan - Iowa

• TRAIL RIDGE ROAD 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 Rocky Mountain National Park Fall River 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 as both return to Estes Park). This is where you can often see wildlife including bighorn sheep, mule deer, dynamic elk, and massive moose. You might also seen an occasional black bear on Deer Mountain or along the drive to Endo Valley Picnic Area just past the Alluvial Fan.

• BIGHORN SHEEP: Bighorn sheep are often seen in June in RMNP at Horseshoe Park feeding at Sheep Lakes or above the Alluvial Fan. There is a popular pullout for viewing the sheep (It’s also become a favorite place for moose.) In July and August, bighorn are often seen above treeline on Trial Ridge Road especially at Rock Cut. Outside of RMNP,  sheep can also be seen in Big Thompson Canyon between Estes Park and the Dam Store at the bottom along Highway 34. During October and November, the bighorn are actively in their mating season and can often be seen along the highway in Big Thompson Canyon.

• MULE DEER: Mule deer, named for their oversized ears that resemble a mule's ears, are cousins to the white-tailed deer. Larger in size, they have a black-tipped white tail and white patch on the rump and can weigh anywhere between 100 and 300 pounds. Mule deer are often seen in downtown Estes Park and throughout RMNP. Look for them on the wildlife loop around Deer Mountain and throughout the lower valley.

• ELK: Elk can be seen in downtown Estes Park, on the drive to RMNP, and anywhere in RMNP. Throughout the year, elk are in many locations and can often be seen roaming the streets and grassy areas of Estes Park. The best places to find elk are downtown Estes Park, the Estes Park Golf Course, and in Rocky Mountain National Park at Moraine Park, Horseshoe Park, and along the roadways. In the spring and early summer, elk calves are born in the lower elevation around Estes Park and RMNP. 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. A perfect time to visit Estes Park to see elk is during Elk Fest, typically the last weekend in September.

• MOOSE: Moose population has Swelled in RMNP, particularly on the Estes Park side. Moose are often spotted in Horseshoe Park around Sheep Lake and Endo Valley. These 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.

• BLACK BEAR: Only black bears are known to exist in Rocky Mountain National Park. Its northern cousin, the grizzly bear, is no longer found in Colorado. Black bears make a point to avoid humans, so they are not often seen. Research shows only 30+ adult black bears reside in RMNP. Colorado's total black bear population is estimated by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) to be between 17,000 to 20,000 bears. During early spring when the bears are feeding after a long winter’s hibernation. During the fall months bears eat and drink nearly nonstop, putting on weight to prepare for winter and hibernation. This process is called hyperphagia. When seen, they are often fleeting moments around Horseshoe Park.

Our RMNPhotographer Private Mountain to Sky Tour Guide had somehow spotted

a moose across the valley in the willows. Standing on Old Fall River Road watching,

he then pointed higher up where a bear was moving over the rocks.

• MOUNTAIN LIONS: Mountain lions, also known as pumas, cougars, and panthers, are common in Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP). They are the largest predators in the park, with males reaching up to 200 pounds and eight feet in length. Mountain lions are generally calm and quiet, but are elusive and rarely seen. They are opportunistic hunters that primarily eat deer, but also consume coyotes, raccoons, rodents, carcasses, and domestic animals. While not often seen, it was in a rare occurrence in the spring of 2024 when multiple mountain lions were spotted in and around the town of Estes Park. Read RMNPhotographer Brad Manard's blog Mountain Lions Feeding Around Estes Park.

• WILDLIFE IN RMNP: RMNP is an active natural area teaming with wildlife. The National Park Service in RMNP offers a comprehensive list of mammals, birds, fish, and other species present in RMNP. To learn more go to: Animals in RMNP on the National Park Service website.

FAMILY-FRIENDLY AND KID WALKS IN RMNP & ESTES PARK

• ESTES PARK DOWNTOWN RIVERWALK: Through the downtown behind the south side shops stroll along the Riverwalk all the way to the Estes Park Visitors Center and Lake Estes. Walking along, wandering in and out of shops with a treat in hand is a quintessential mountain town experience. And when there is a river involved? Even better. Both Fall River and the Big Thompson River flow along the backside of Elkhorn Avenue, Estes Park’s main downtown street. The riverwalk is lined with trees, an easy-to-traverse paved path, wall art, paintings by local artists, and the soothing sound of water. Mom and pop shops offer access to their wares from riverwalk entrances. It is cooler on this side of Elkhorn and more musical too as you stroll from shop to shop along Big Thompson River.

• LAKE ESTES TRAIL: In town east of the Hwy 34 and 36 intersection on the south side of Hwy 34 is Lake Estes. Surrounding it is an active 4.0 mile walking/biking trail with Long’s Peak and the Continental Divide as a backdrop. Located in the center of Estes Valley, the Lake Estes Trail acts as a central trail hub for an extensive trail network throughout the Estes area and Rocky Mountain National Park. A beautiful area for a casual or fitness activity, the area is teaming with wildlife including elk who are often in the lake or on the golf course. Also watch the skies bald eagles, osprey, and a variety of waterfowl.
  

• ALLUVIAL FAN: The Alluvial Fan is on Endo Valley Road from the turn at Horseshoe Park to Old Fall River Road. This is the rock formation and waterfalls impacted by the July 15, 1982 Lawn Lake Flood. Explore this paved walk in RMNP which is 0.7 mile out-and-back. This historic and beautiful walk is generally considered an easy route. It takes an average of 16 minutes to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking and walking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are May through October.
• 
  SPRAGUE LAKE LOOP: On Bear Lake Road just past the shuttle parking area halfway to Bear Lake is Sprague Lake. Sprague Lake is a beautiful setting with an incredible view of Hallett's Peak and the Continental Divide. There is a .75 mile easy, handicapped accessible walking path around the lake known for its wildlife and spectacular views. Watch for elk and moose along with waterfowl and raptors around the lake. It is also a great place to picnic with a large picnic area and in-ground grills. Pick-up lunch at a sandwich shop or the Country Market in Estes Park or bring a small bag of charcoal and food to create your own picnic. 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.

On our RMNPhotographer Lakes and MeadowsTour, Sprague Lake was a perfect

walk for our children to experience incredible views and a mountain lake.

• BEAR LAKE LOOP: Bear Lake is a dynamic area but very busy as it is a trailhead for many of the most amazing hikes in RMNP. Bear Lake has a beautiful walk around it with great views of Hallett's Peak, Long's Peak, and the Continental Divide. A 0.7 mile walk, the elevation gain is only 79 ft. Watch for wildlife along the trail and stop in many locations as the spectacular views change as you circle the lake. Rocky Mountain National Park offers shuttle service to all locations along Bear Lake Road. Shuttle Park is located halfway up Bear Lake Road. For more information, please visit Bear Lake Shuttle Service.

• LILY LAKE LOOP: Lily Lake Loop is an 0.8 mile level walk with fabulous views and activities for visitors of all abilities! Follow the trail around the lake and surrounding wetlands. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 16 minutes to complete. Take in views of Long's Peak and Meeker Mountain, as well as the Twin Sister's Peaks to the southeast. There are benches and picnic tables around the lake for those who wish to picnic and relax. This is a very popular area for birding, fishing, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. To reach the trailhead from Estes Park, drive 6.3 miles south on Colorado Highway 7 to the Lily Lake parking area. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.

BEST FAMILY-FRIENDLY HIKING TRAILS IN RMNP

COMPREHENSIVE LIST OF HIKES IN RMNP: Rocky Mountain National Park has 355 miles of hiking trails. They range from flat lakeside strolls to steep mountain peak climbs. If you are new to the park consult with rangers at the RMNP Visitor Centers and backcountry office. They can provide advice about trails which are appropriate to different fitness and experience levels. Excellent hiking resources include National Park Service Suggested Hikes in RMNP, AllTrails Best Hiking Trials in RMNP, Rocky Mountain Hiking Trails,and Trail Conditions in RMNP. As you plan your hike, keep in mind that park elevations range from 7,500 to over 12,000 feet. Even very fit individuals coming from lower elevations may experience altitude problems. Symptoms include headaches, shortness of breath, insomnia and rapid heartbeat. After a few days your body will have made some adjustments to higher elevations, but to minimize symptoms drink plenty of fluids, avoid alcohol, don't skip meals, and get plenty of rest.

Rocky Mountain National Park has 355 miles of hiking trails ranging from flat lakeside

strolls to steep mountain peak climbs, providing for all fitness levels.

   SUGGESTED HIKES INCLUDE:

• BEAR, NYMPH, DREAM, AND EMERALD LAKE: This scenic hiking trail through the Tyndall Gorge to Emerald Lake is an extremely popular route in Rocky Mountain National Park. Starting from the Bear Lake Trailhead, hikers will walk through pine forests, past pristine views, to Nymph Lake, Dream Lake, and Emerald Lake. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, this 3.2 mile out-and-back trail takes an average of 1.5 to 2 hours to complete. This is a very popular area, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Note: You can stop at any of the lakes and turn around from there choosing the length and difficulty of the hike.
• Bear Lake Trailhead: The Trailhead.
• Nymph Lake: 1.0 miles out-and-back
• Dream Lake: 2.0 miles out-and-back (best lake and turnaround - See photo below of Dream Lake)
• Emerald Lake: 3.2 miles out-and-back

        Parking is limited at this popular trailhead. Rocky Mountain National Park offers shuttle service to this location. For more information, please visit Bear Lake Shuttle Service.

• ALBERTA FALLS AND MILLS LAKE: You'll pass Alberta Falls, a favorite hiking destination for many families, and Glacier Falls before reaching Mills Lake. The boulders around the lake are great spots to take a break or have a snack. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2.5 hours to complete. This is a very popular area, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are May through October.

Alberta Falls: 

• From Glacier Gorge Trailhead - 1.6 miles out-and-back
• From Bear Lake Trailhead - 2.5 miles out-and-back

Mills Lake

• From Glacier Gorge Trailhead - 5.2 miles out-and-back
• From Bear Lake Trailhead - 6.1 miles out-and-back

      Parking is limited at this popular trailhead. Rocky Mountain National Park offers shuttle service to this location. For more

      information, please visit Bear Lake Shuttle Service.

FISHING IN ESTES PARK/RMNP

FISHING IN ESTES PARK/RMNP: Peak fishing in Rocky Mountain National Park takes place from mid-June through mid-October. Brown, brook, and rainbow trout swim the waters, and so do greenback cutthroats. Colorado River cutthroats are an indigenous trout species that the park has helped restore and propagate since 1975. In Estes Park there is great fishing in Lake Estes and the Big Thompson River. There are many great locations for fly fishing in RMNP. Read more at Visit Estes Park or contact Kirks Fly Shop or Estes Angler. A valid Colorado fishing license is required for all persons 16 years of age or older to fish.

RESTAURANTS IN ESTES PARK

COFFEE SHOPS

COFFEE ON THE ROCKS

510 Moraine Avenue, Estes Park, CO 

• 970-586-5181
• 7:00 am - 4:00 pm
• Ranked #4 of 112 on TripAdvisor

Breakfast/Brunch – Great Coffee, Pastries, and Sandwiches. Sit by the pond, enjoy a coffee or a glass of wine.

Where RMNPhotographer Tours meets our guests.

The intimacy of Coffee on the Rock, sitting by the pond watching ducks and geese,

is only exceeded by their rich, flagrant, and flavorful beverages.



INKWELL AND BREW

In downtown Estes Park at 150 E Elkhorn Avenue, Estes Park, CO 

• info@inkwellbrew.com
• 7:00 am - 6:00 pm

Artisan shop for fountain pens, ink, fine paper & other writing supplies with craft coffee drinks. The coffee bar includes traditional cappuccino, cortado, pour-over coffee, and Cold brewed coffee along with loose leaf tea and an assortment of baked goods and sandwiches.

KIND COFFEE

470 East Elkhorn Ave., Estes Park, CO

• 970-586-5206
• info@kindcoffee.com
• 6:30 am - 4:00 pm

In downtown Estes Park on the Riverwalk, a quaint café where the local community meets for the coffee and conversation. Kind Coffee is a meeting place where coffee connoisseurs and novices alike can experience fine quality certified organic, shade-grown coffees while sitting along the Riverwalk and bank of the Big Thompson River.

STARBUCKS

37 Big Thompson Ave, Estes Park, CO

• 970-586-1600
• 5:00 am - 8:00 pm

Starbucks is an American company that operates the largest coffeehouse chain and one of the most recognizable brands in the world. 

RAVEN ROAST COFFEE LOUNGE

In downtown Estes Park at 157 West Elkhorn Ave, Old Church Shops Mall, Estes Park, CO 

• 970-586-4326
• 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Raven's Roast Coffee Lounge is a convenient location to enjoy coffee, tea, hot cocoa, tasty treats and conversation!

ZIGGI'S COFFEE

519 South Saint Vrain Avenue, Estes Park, CO

• 303-682-5120
• 6:00 am - 4:00 pm (Closed Sunday)

Ziggi's Coffee is dedicated to being the best part of your day by serving a superior and convenient cup of coffee with service you can rely on.

BREAKFAST/LUNCH

BIG HORN RESTAURANT

401 W. Avenue, Estes Park, CO 80517

• 970-586-2792
• 7:00 am - 2:00 pm (Open until 7:30 pm on Thur, Fri, Sat)

A family-oriented and family-run restaurant situated at the west end of downtown Estes Park, Colorado. Know for fantastic food and large portions.

CINNAMON'S BAKERY

920 W. Elkhorn Avenue. Estes Park, CO

• 970-480-1501
• 7:30 - 10:00 am (Summer Hours)

Open since 2016, Cinnamons Bakery is a local favorite. Enjoy a mouth-watering, handmade cinnamon roll perfected from a secret family recipe. Open 7:30-10:00 am, Cinnamons usually sells out well before 10:00 am. Call to place a pre-order.

DONUT HAUS

860 Moraine Ave, Estes Park, CO (In Sinclair Quick Shop)

• 970-586-2988
• 6:00 - 11:30 am
• #1 of 12 Desserts Shops in Estes Park on TripAdvisor

A variety of donuts made fresh daily.

EGG OF ESTES

393 E. Elkhorn Ave., Estes Park, CO

• 970-586-1173
• 6:00 am - 2:00 pm

Over Easy. Poached. Scrambled. Egg of Estes will cook your eggs however you like, but days at The Egg are always Sunnyside Up! Meeting some of the good eggs that will make your visit truly special.

MEADOW MOUNTAIN CAFE

A twenty minute drive away in Allenspark, CO down Highway 7 at 441 CO-7 Business.

• 303-747-2541 (Call before to make sure they are open)
• 8:00 am - 2:00 pm - Open Friday through Monday 

For a small town, no hurry, great food, unique restaurant, the Meadow Mountain Cafe fits the bill. This is a small family restaurant their mother left to her kids. Jenny is the waitress, her brother is the cook, and dad helps out when he can. Meadow Mountain Cafe is busy in the summer, so the wait can be long. If you go, plan on time to visit and enjoy family as you look forward to a wonderful breakfast.

MOUNTAIN HOME CAFE

457 E Wonderview Ave in Stanley Village, Estes Park, CO

• 970-586-6624
• 7:00 am - 2:30 pm

For years, Mountain Home Cafe has been serving breakfast and lunch in Estes Park. It is family owned and operated. A favorite for locals & visitors!

NOTCHTOP BAKERY AND CAFE

459 E Wonderview Avenue in Stanley Village, Estes Park, CO

• 970-586-0272
• 7:00 am - 3:00 pm

Comfy standby offering large breakfast & lunch menus with a focus on local & organic ingredients and an amazing bakery. A local favorite.

CASUAL LUNCH/DINNER

ANTONIOS PIZZA

#1 NY Pizzeria in the State of Colorado per The Washington Post

1560 Big Thompson Avenue, Estes Park, CO 

• 970-586-7275
• 12:00 - 8:00 pm (Closed Sunday and Monday)

Woodfired New York Style Pizza made by a real New Yorker. Breaking news 3/20/24: Antonios takes second place (OUT OF 50) in the world’s best cheese slice at the International Pizza Expo.

CLAIRE'S RESTAURANT

225 Park Lane, Estes Park, CO

• 970-586-9564
• 11:00 am - 7:00 pm 

Good food in downtown Estes on the backside of Bond Park. The views can’t be beat, and the menu and full bar have something for everyone. Every meal at Claire’s is created from locally sourced food and is made to order.

ED'S CANTINA

390 E Elkhorn Ave, Estes Park, CO

• 970-586-2919
• 11:30 am - 8:30 pm

Vibrant, locally owned, sustainable cafe serving up traditional Mexican eats plus margaritas & beer.

THE GRUBSTEAK

134 W. Elkhorn Avenue, Downtown Estes Park, CO

• 970-586-8838
• 11:00 am - 8:30 pm

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 in a casual setting.

HUNTERS CHOPHOUSE

Old Fashioned Mountain Fare! Hunters Chophouse Wine Program

is recognized by Wine Spectator with its Award of Excellence!

1690 Big Thompson Avenue, Estes Park, Colorado

• 970-586-6962
• 4:00 - 8:00 pm

Casual steakhouse serving up beef, poultry & elk dishes in airy, hunting-lodge-style surrounds.

SMOKIN' DAVE'S BBQ & TAP HOUSE

820 Moraine Avenue, Estes Park, CO 

• 970-577-7427
• 11:00 am - 8:00 pm

A legendary and award-winning BBQ concept. The BBQ sauce is signature.

SWEET BASILICO ITALIAN RESTAURANT

430 Prospect Village Dr., Estes Park, Colorado 

• 970-586-3899
• 4:00 - 9:00 pm (Closed Monday)

Great Italian at Reasonable Prices.

TRAILHEAD RESTAURANT 

3450 Fall River Rd, Estes Park, CO at the RMNP Gateway Fall River Visitor Center

• 970-577-0043
• 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Nice atmosphere and good food with a view. Not as busy as downtown restaurants.

YOU NEED PIE

509 Big Thompson Avenue in Lower Stanley Village, Estes Park, CO

• 970-577-7437
• 8:00 am - 8:00 pm

Mellow bakery & eatery known for award-winning pies & American comfort classic foods in a casual setup.

THE WAPITI COLORADO PUB

Have you heard of the Colorado 100? The Wapiti Pub carries the

largest selection of all-Colorado beers in the state. 

1350 Fall River Road, Estes Park, CO

• 970-586-5056
• 11:30 am - 8:00 pm (Closed Wednesday)

The award-winning Wapiti Colorado Pub celebrates all things Colorado! From the amazing views to the glorious foods grown and raised locally plus the amazing range of craft and micro brewed beers and wines. Wapiti is celebrated for juicy burgers, pub-style sandwiches, crisp salads, exotic games meats, and so much more.

WILD ROSE RESTAURANT

157 W Elkhorn Avenue in downtown Estes Park, CO

• 970-586-2806
• 11:00 am - 9:00 pm

Gourmet American & European cuisine served for lunch & dinner in a casual setting with a full bar.

FINE DINING EXPERIENCE

The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern - Where locals go for great food,

a fun atmosphere, and wonderful service.

ROCK INN MOUNTAIN TAVERN

1675 Highway 66, Estes Park, CO

• 970-586-4116
• 4:00 - 8:00 pm

The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern is a woodsy gathering place with live music & outdoor seats serving carefully sourced American eats. From hamburgers to steaks with specialty meals on an outstanding menu, eat in a historic mountain environment. Great place for a casual, upscale, but not too expensive dinner with exceptional service. A local favorite for all the right reasons, you won’t be disappointed.

Built in 1937, The Rock Inn has a rich history as the go-to spot for locals with a

lively atmosphere, delicious food, and amazing live music. The menu is an ever-evolving

blend of hand-crafted, hearty comfort food with a focus on health and sustainability.

BIRD AND JIMS

915 Moraine Ave, Estes Park, CO

• 970-586-9832
• 11:00 am - 8:00 pm

Modern mountain dining from an ingredient-driven kitchen.

TWIN OWLS STEAKHOUSE 

3110 S St Vrain Avenue, Estes Park, CO in Taharaa Mountain Lodge

• 970-586-9344
• 5:00 - 8:00 pm

High end menu and atmosphere with wonderful views. Reservations are recommended.

THE INN OF GLEN HAVEN

7468 County Rd 43, Glen Haven,  CO

• (970) 586-4696 (Reservations recommended)

Visit their website at The Inn of Glen Haven Restaurant for the season schedule. A short, beautiful 13 minutes drive down Devil’s Gulch Road, The Inn of Glen Haven is a small but elegant step back into history. The The Inn of Glen Haven Restaurant offers diverse dishes that draw inspiration from Old England. Each dish showcases the highest quality steaks and the freshest fish available. Dine in complete elegance and enjoy superior service.  The Inn of Glen Haven has a deep appreciation for the finest in dining.

OTHER “THINGS TO DO IN ESTES PARK AND RMNP”

ESTES PARK COMMUNITY (FITNESS) CENTER: Estes Park’s Community Center provides a variety of health conscious activities including gym, cardio, and weight training; leisure and lap pools, and fitness classes. Learn more at the Estes Park Community Center website.

ESTES PARK MUSEUM: The Estes Park Museum connects the beautiful natural setting to the growth and development of this unique mountain community. In the main gallery, explore historic images and artifacts that tell the story of Estes Park.

GOLF COURSES: Estes Park hosts two golf courses, one nine hole and one eighteen hole plus disc golf. Learn more at Estes Park Golf Courses.

HORSEBACK RIDING: A popular activity while visiting Estes Park, there are several excellent stables including National Park Gateway Stables, Sombrero Stables, Meeker Park Lodge Stables, or for a comprehensive list got to Visit Estes Park.

LAKE ESTES MARINA: For a variety of water activities including boat, canoe, etc. rental contact the Lake Estes Marina.

MACGREGOR RANCH AND MUSEUM: Founded in 1873, the ranch has remained a showplace of early life among settlers and homesteaders in Colorado Territory. Just passing beneath the entrance gate inspires a fondness for simpler times as Percheron draft horses and ranch hands can be seen working the hay meadow alongside grazing Black Angus cattle. The main ranch house has been transformed into our museum, perfect for children's groups and summer visitors to learn more about this rugged and rewarding way of life. Learn more about the museum at MacGregor Ranch Museum.

MINI GOLF & RIDE A KART: For a variety of family fun activities including go-karts, mini golf, bumper cars, trampolines, arcade, and other activities.

MUSIC IN THE PARK: Cowboy Brad Fitch brings his popular summer Cowboy Singalongs to Bond Park in downtown Estes Park on most summer Sunday, Monday, and/or Tuesday evenings at 7pm. For a full list of Brad Fitch performances visit Brad Fitch's Music Calendar. For a list of other music events in Estes Park, go to the Estes Park Summer Concerts and Estes Park Live Music Calendar.

Brad Fitch has been delighting visitors to Rocky Mountain National Park

by performing the songs of John Denver (and many others) for nearly

three decades. (National Public Radio)

MUSTANG MOUNTAIN COASTER: Grip the handles tightly as you race through the ponderosa pines and feel the rocky mountain wind rush past you as you traverse down the mountainside on the Mustang Mountain Coaster.

ROCK CLIMBING: Estes Park and the surrounding area is a rock climbing mecca. To learn more visit Estes Park Rock Climbing, Colorado Mountain School, and Estes Park Mountain Shop, 

THE STANLEY HOTEL: Visit the original Stanley Hotel featuring historic hotel rooms offering a unique experience and classically styled furnishings. Opened in 1909, it was designed and built by Freelan Oscar (F.O.) Stanley who, along with his brother, invented the steam-powered “Stanley Steamer” car. 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 that became a classic horror movie starring Jack Nicholson. Learn more about the historic ghost tours at Stanley Tours.

STANLEY HOME MUSEUM:  Get an intimate look at the life of F.O. Stanley and his family, founder of the Stanley Hotel. Knowledgeable guides lead you through the Stanley Family Home, sharing fascinating stories and insights into the daily life of the Stanley family.

VISITOR CENTER OF ESTES PARK: The Estes Park Visitor Center sees over 400,000 people each year! You will find the Estes Park Visitor Center at 500 Big Thompson Avenue, near the intersection of Highways 34 and 36. Travel information is also available by calling the Visitor Center at 800-443-7837 or 970-577-9900 or via email at: VisitorServices@estes.org.

VISITOR CENTERS IN RMNP: Rocky Mountain National Park has seven visitor centers located throughout the park, each offering information and resources to help you craft an amazing park adventure. For comprehensive information Visit Estes Park - Visitor Centers and the National Park Service - RMNP.