2022-12-03 10:00:23
Despite being one of the most popular parks in the country, Rocky Mountain National Park still offers countless moments of solitude and awe. Morning Spend time exploring Estes Park’s main street and the natural glories of the Colorado Rockies. From late May to early Oct., timed-entry permits are required at recreation.gov. A new seasonal Bustang route will take you to Estes Park and the national park from downtown Denver. And seasonal shuttles in town can help with parking and getting around. Take a drive on Trail Ridge Road, a rollercoaster route that crosses the Continental Divide and offers photo ops as you climb past subalpine forests and wind-swept tundra. Or enjoy a family wildflower hike to Gem Lake. For more challenge, try the Mills Lake trek for Longs Peak views. Stop at Moraine Park for prime wildlife watching. More than 3,000 elk and 800 bighorn sheep live here. Estes Park and the national park are also superior birding spots, with more than 315 species — grab your binoculars for a self-guided exploration of Matthews-Reeser Bird Sanctuary right in town. At the Open Air Adventure Park, rope bridges, aerial tightropes and swinging logs challenge folks, and the new Mountain Mustang alpine coaster offers thin-air thrills. There’s also a new via ferrata course at Kent Mountain Adventure Center, along with climbing instruction and guided hikes. Afternoon Downtown Estes is the gateway into the park, but it’s also a destination unto itself. Stop by The Barrel, a seasonal alfresco beer garden, and windowshop along Elkhorn Avenue, with several new boutiques and eateries. Stop for coffee and sit along the Riverwalk. Take the path east for a tranquil walk around Lake Estes; stop at the marina to rent pontoon boats, paddleboards or kayaks. Estes Park Mountain Shop rents e-bikes, as well. Then, grab a tasting at a handful of breweries and distilleries. Evening Wind down with dinner at the storied Stanley Hotel, an elegant 113-yearold, white-pillared landmark. Guided ghost tours reveal how Stephen King was inspired to write The Shining while staying in room 217. Check out the farm-to-table cuisine from Seasoned – An American Bistro, Bird & Jim’s artisan approach and 15 flavors of moonshine at Estes Park Distilling. SIDETRIPS Relax in lovely Lyons on your way to Estes. With galleries and public art on nearly every corner and plenty of craft beer, it’s worth a respite. Tubers and kayakers roll through the whitewater park and you can show off at the Dirt Jump Bike Track. Summer concerts send tunes into the mountain air while visitors soak up the relaxed scene. Lyons Quilting has more than 6,500 bolts for sale. Spirit Hound Distillers, Moxie Bread and Lyons Dairy Bar are musts for tasty treats and hanging out. The Redstone Museum offers mountain-town history in an 1881 schoolhouse as well as a historic walking tour. Winter’s ice rink means simple cold-weather pleasure. Winter Fun From ice climbing, backcountry split-boarding and backcountry skiing to more relaxed activities like snowshoeing, Estes Park loves winter. It’s easy to get there year-round and offers an alternative to the bustling ski resorts. New snowshoe tours pair with yummy side activities like fondue and whiskey tastings. Connect with Estes Park Mountain Shop, Femme Trek and Kent Mountain Adventure Center for guidance and gear.
©Colorado. View All Articles.