Take a Day Trip
Taste a Colorado Wine
The quality of grapes from western Colorado is one of the best kept secrets in the wine industry. There are numerous wineries and vineyards within a couple of hours of Denver, including some as close as Estes Park and Loveland. Venture out and you can taste some of the award winning wines the state has to offer.
The quality of grapes from western Colorado is one of the best kept secrets in the wine industry. There are numerous wineries and vineyards within a couple of hours of Denver, including some as close as Estes Park and Loveland. Venture out and you can taste some of the award winning wines the state has to offer.
The Denver Zoo consistently rates in the top 5 zoos in the country.
The museum is the fourth largest museum in the U.S. and filled with dinosaurs, space exhibits, a digital planetarium, and IMAX theatre.
These two old gold mining towns have become a popular casino gambling destination. Two dozen casinos are available 24-7 with 10,000 slot machines, poker, black jack, roulette and craps.
Located in Golden, the Coors brewery tour is an educational and fun trip for beer aficionados.
Mount Evans is one of the highest (14,264') peaks in Colorado. Just an hour west of Denver, you can drive nearly to the summit and hike the final 130 feet to the top. It's the easiest way to claim you climbed a 14,000 foot mountain in Colorado! Call (303) 567-3000 for road status.
Red Rocks Amphitheater is one of the most world's most famous and recognized open air theaters. The distinctive rocky back drop has become a preferred venue for performers and fans alike. Check the schedule for an opportunity to catch a favorite performer.
Maybe you pushed too hard on a hike. Or daily stress is taking its toll. Colorado's numerous natural hot springs offer a therapeutic way to relieve sore muscles and renew your spirit. A visit to Hot Sulphur Springs in Granby might just be what you need.
If you don't mind a 3 hour drive, take a scenic train ride from Canon City to the Royal Gorge in a luxury vintage rail car. The combination of scenery and novelty of 1800s steam train technology make this a great trip for the whole family. Unless you have siderodromophobia.
Things to Do in Estes Park
HikingWith over 350 miles of hiking trails in Rocky Mountain National Park, you'll find a trip suited for your party's ability. We provide maps and books that describe all of trails and hikes available. Here are some recommendations based on difficulty.
- Easy: Lily Lake, Bear Lake or Sprague Lake
- Medium: Glacier Gorge, Deer Mountain, Alberta Falls
- Difficult: Odessa Lake, Twin Sisters, Thunder Lake, Longs Peak
FishingThe sheer volume of lakes, streams and rivers provides the vacationing angler with plenty of options. Whether you are renting a boat on Lake Estes or fly fishing on the Big Thompson, check with a local outfitter for licensing and equipment rentals.
Bicycle/Scooter RentalsSeveral companies rent bicycles for self exploration or offer organized tours. Hitch a ride to the Fall River Road park entrance and ride back down to town with incredible scenery and gentle hills doing most of the work. Scooters are a great way to explore downtown during the busy summer tourist season.
GolfEver wonder if you could drive a ball farther in the thin mountain air? There are two public courses available in town with a 9 and 18 hole configuration. Typical course hazards are oxygen deprivation and elk herds. Stop by the clubhouse to see about equipment rentals and tee times.
RaftingColorado is a world renowned whitewater rafting destination. There are classes of rapids rated for beginners to advanced with trip lengths ranging from a couple of hours to multiple days. The most famous river is the Arkansas, but that is a three hour drive. Nearby is the Upper Colorado River and the Cache la Poudre River.
Stanley HotelTake a tour of the historic Stanley hotel. Aside from being the inspiration of Steven King's Overlook Hotel in the novel "The Shining," this historic district was critical in putting the budding mountain town on the map. For the more adventurous at heart, try the ghost tour.
RestaurantsFine restaurants and cafes serve fare ranging from continental cuisine to wild game and ethnic options. Whether you would like a leisurely dining experience or a carry-out picnic lunch, you will find something to suit your tastes. Personal recommendations should be taken with a grain of salt, but we prefer:
- The Other Side - Breakfast, lunch and dinner, casual dining. The real treat is their off season seafood buffet.
- Peak to Peak - Great prime rib at a reasonable price. Very friendly staff.
- Ed's Cantina - Good breakfast and lunch menu.
- Twin Owls Steak House - Upscale dining.
ShoppingDowntown Estes Park offers a great combination of equipment outfitters, quaint shops and tourist retailers. Take the time to explore some of these unique stores.
Family FriendlyThere are several activities to fill an afternoon with the kids. Play miniature golf, ride go-karts, or take a tram ride up Prospect Mountain.
Horseback RidingHorses are available for tours both inside and outside the park. A 3-4 hour ride is all an inexperienced rider is going to be able to handle, but some stables will offer multi-day trips. Try the half day trip around Deer Mountain.
Organized EventsA number of events visit Estes Park on an annual basis, especially during the summer season. Check with the Estes Park Visitor Center to see if any festivals will coincide with your visit. You may get to see a live rodeo, listen to some jazz or participate in a 5k marathon. You never know.