Location: Estes Park
Top Things to do in Estes Park
The 10 Best Things to Do in Estes Park, United States
Estes Park is located 7,522 feet above sea level, nestled in the heart of the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Shops, galleries and boutiques line the main street, which has a quaint, small-town ambiance. Exceptional outdoor adventures await both families and enthusiasts. Wildlife sightings, including elk and big horn sheep, are prevalent. Estes Park is the basecamp for adventures in Rocky Mountain National Park, where world-class hiking, rock climbing, backcountry skiing and scenic drives abound.
Restaurants in Estes Park
1. Aspen and Evergreen Gallery
Overall Ratings
5 based on 144 reviews
Estes Park's finest art gallery featuring the Fine-art Photography of James Frank as well as art by more than 60 Estes Park and Colorado artists. In addition to photography, you'll find an array of original paintings, artisan jewelry, sculpture, exquisite woodwork, blown glass, pottery, sculpture, gourd art, and so much more. We're open all year, will ship your uniquely chosen art to you and offer free gift wrapping. We can't wait to meet you!
Reviewed By Todd G - Omaha, Nebraska
We just love this shop. The staff is very friendly and helpful. Lots of variety of art, photographs, pottery, glass, etc. A very beautiful collection of things.
I think we leave Estes with something from here every time we visit.
2. Dancing Pines Distillery
Overall Ratings
5 based on 166 reviews
Come sip cocktails on our patio or enjoy a tasting flight inside our historic building. Our Colorado spirits include Bourbon Whiskey, Rye Whiskey, Vodka, Gin, Spice Rum, Chai Liqueur, Black Walnut Bourbon Liqueur and more. Beverages and bottles are available for purchase. All of our spirits are distilled just down the canyon and virtual tours are available. Well behaved children are always welcome. Please bring appropriate age identification.
Reviewed By Jake K
In Short: great bar tender; good bourbon and unique variations.
I had a Flight of Vodka, Bourbon, Black Walnut, and Chia. It was all good. I purchased a bottle of the bourbon and a bottle of Chia. You have to try the Chia and Black Walnut, both delicious and smooth. The bar tender was awesome and considerate of my pregnant wife and offered her some cranberry juice.
Highly recommend stopping by.
3. Peak to Peak Scenic Byway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Popular route from Estes Park to Black Hawk.
Reviewed By Cg P
Went on this drive recently and lots of scenic stops along the way, but the best time if you can make it is in the fall with all the Leaves changing ? But it’s still a great drive year round
4. Riverwalk in Downtown Estes Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 368 reviews
Reviewed By SerenKimbo - Glasgow
We went when it was due to snow later. Walked through some of the shops to get access. It's a pretty walk, good sized path. Lots to see and gawp at. The scenery is gorgeous, and the chance for wild life is high (we were too busy chatting and squeeing at the snow).
Clean, safe. At the end there is a public toilet. Several spaces to have a rest.
5. Mountain Blown Glass
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 197 reviews
A local family owned and operated hand blown glass studio and gallery! Watch live demo's daily!
Reviewed By Paul D - Colorado
There is a glass blowing demonstration about every 30 minutes. The guy explains each step. Many different examples of glass art are available for purchase.
6. Rock Cut Brewing Company
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 149 reviews
Craft brewery featuring unique and quality beers in a family-friendly environment. Most current beer list can be found on our website or on Untappd. No kitchen in-house, but onsite food truck (Two Chicks Wings & Henhouse) available Tuesday-Saturday for lunch and dinner. Outside food also welcomed!
Reviewed By Tim M - Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin
We stopped here after hiking Rocky Mountain National Park. We had a flight and a pint. Very friendly and informative staff. There was a nice outdoor beer garden and also a food truck outside. One of the nicest breweries I have been to.
7. Lily Lake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 288 reviews
Reviewed By lord-xeon - NYC
The mostly flat, paved/boardwalk trail around Lily Lake is a wonderful morning stroll. However, it's vicinity in relation to the mountains and the flat surface of the water make it a prime target for very gusty winds. Be sure to dress appropriately.
The hike around the lake is quite nice with plenty of views, there are some places to stop and sit down, but they are mostly on rocks and downed trees. Depending on which way you go from the parking lot, there is a side trail you can take that gives you views above the lake. That trail is much steeper, but you're above everything and within trees most of the way, which makes it less windy.
8. Estes Park Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 426 reviews
Reviewed By scooterpieMinnesota - Owatonna, Minnesota
Having never been in the area before, the best place to hit is this travel center. Very clean and informative with everything you’d need to know. They even have large menus from several local restaurants. Although we never spoke with anybody, I’m sure if we had wanted to, someone would have helped us. Got our pamphlets and headed out to explore the town.
9. Adams Falls Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 199 reviews
Reviewed By AussieBarbara - Tamworth, Australia
We were there in fall so the water level was quite low and the falls weren't in any way spectacular. However, it is a very short, easy walk and the colours were beautiful. We also enjoyed the pretty drive around the lake to get to the eastern side. Would have like to spend longer at the lake and do some of the longer walks.
10. Red Rose Rock Shop & Dick's Rock Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 201 reviews
Reviewed By Trave1er - Webster, NY
My wife and myself stopped by, and were impressed by the minerals on display. The prices are good. There are big specimens sold by the pound, and many small specimens sold by the piece. The small exhibits are interesting and worth a look.
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