estes park activities

Estes Park is a charming mountain town. Best known as the Gateway to the Rockies, Estes Park has something for everybody.

Shopping & Art Galleries: Downtown Estes Park is filled with unique shopping destinations and galleries featuring a wide range of artistic mediums. Be sure to check out all the shops along the Riverwalk too! You're missing out if you only shop on Elkhorn Drive!

You won't find the typical mall stores and chains in Estes Park. Whether you are looking for clothing, outdoor gear, home decor or gift ideas, you will find new interesting products in downtown Estes Park.

Restaurants: For a small town, Estes Park has a lot of restaurants! From fine dining to casual cuisine, American to Thai food, you will find something that satisfies your taste buds. Be sure to try to longtime favorites: Twin Owls Restaurant, The Dunraven, Sweet Basilico, or Nicky's Steakhouse. Taste the newest seasonal creation at the Estes Park Brewery. Or just head downtown and pick any of the many restaurants that looks appealing!

Outdoor Activities: Rocky Mountain National Park isn 't the only place to enjoy the wild outdoors. Estes Park is teeming with opportunities including hiking, fishing, kayaking, snow shoeing, horseback riding, walking and bike trails, and of course, wildlife viewing!

Enjoy the miles of walking trails, including the Riverwalk through downtown and the path around Lake Estes. Or, head into the mountains on foot, snow shoe or horseback on the many local trails. Test your skills fishing the Big Thompson River, or glide over Lake Estes in a canoe or kayak. Whatever activity you choose, you are sure to find an array of birds and maybe even some elk, deer, fox or other wild visitors!

Scenic Drives: Driving around Estes Park creates an unlimited number of unique and unexpected views and vistas. Some favorite scenic drives include Devil's Gulch Road to Glen Haven and Drake (back to Estes via Highway 34), or Highway 7 to Allenspark looping around to Lyons and back to town via Hightway 36. And of course, driving Trail Ridge Road through the National Park is a must!

Summer Music Series: Estes Park is filled with music in the summer. From the Monday and Tuesday afternoon concerts in Riverside Plaza to the concerts at Performance Park Amphitheater on Wednesday and Thursday evenings, to the SummerFest concert series at the YMCA of the Rockies, and of course, live music at local restaurants, there is a wide range of options. Rock, blues, country, folk, classical and jazz - all are represented well in the weekly concert series.

Festivals and Fairs: Estes Park keeps a calendar full of festivals and fairs. Larger events include the annual Rooftop Rodeo every July, The Longs Peak Scottish Irish Festival, the Catch the Glow Holiday Parade & Celebration,

Nightlife: Many people choose Estes Park to escape city life. But that doesn't mean you have to spend the evening in your hotel room! Many local restaurants offer live entertainment from local musicians, including classical, country, jazz and blues. Karaoke and open mics are also available for those who like to join in the fun. In the summer, the Park Village Playhouse hosts shows on the weekends. Or you can check out a movie at the historic Park Theatre (June to September) or the multiplex in Stanley Village. Or, enjoy the amazing nightly star show, visible anywhere in town!