Famed as a gateway to the Rocky Mountain National Park, there’s more to Estes Park, Colorado, than hiking, skiing and boarding with views of craggy peaks (although that, let’s be honest, would be enough).
The town proper is a place that values locally sourced everything — food, beer, wine — and boasts a pretty downtown that mixes red-brick, Old West storefronts with stylish cafés, brewpubs and restaurants.
Add an average 238 days of sunshine each year and a trip to Estes Park is starting to seem like the brightest idea you’ve ever had.
As always, check for travel restrictions and closures before planning your trip.
Friday: Discover Downtown
Begin your day with breakfast at downtown’s friendly Egg of Estes, which serves crab cakes Benedict and apple cinnamon pancakes, along with a long list of coffee drinks.
The downtown area is dotted with both centuries-old businesses and stylish shops — with views of impressive mountain peaks everywhere you look. Wander the streets, stopping at the Art Center of Estes Park and Aspen & Evergreen Gallery to browse contemporary fine art photography, woodwork, sculpture and ceramics made by Rocky Mountain-based artists.
Visit Mountain Blown Glass, where you can watch a colorful glass creation as it’s being made. And before you leave downtown, be sure to taste some famous saltwater taffy from the Taffy Shop — they’ve been using the same mouthwatering recipe since 1935.
For lunch, stop by the old-fashioned Grubsteak Restaurant, for a decidedly Coloradoan lunch — burgers made of elk, yak and buffalo meat, as well as, of course, steaks. The family-friendly spot also pours locally made craft brews, including hometown beers from Estes Park Brewery.
Once you’ve seen the town from eye level, take the Estes Park Aerial Tramway to the summit of Prospect Mountain for sweeping views of the Rocky Mountains (time your trip for sunset, if possible). The tram, which has been open to the public since 1955, rises to the top of the 12,620-foot mountain — no hiking required.
And once the sun dips below the ragged horizon, it’s time for a riverside dinner at Sweet Basilico Café (try the chef’s housemade “Lasagna Bianco”). Finally, drink locally at Rock Cut Brewing Company. Order the featured flight to sample five of their signature brews, including pilsners, ambers, porters and more.
Saturday: Climb a Mountain
Start off on a sweet note with a quick bite at Cinnamon’s Bakery. After a pecan sticky bun and hot cup of coffee, make a quick stop at Notchtop Bakery & Café to get lunch to go (wraps tend to travel well).
Gear up for the day’s adventure with water, appropriate footwear and sunscreen.
Head south to the Lily Mountain Trailhead; this is where you’ll start your 2-mile trek to the summit. You’ll navigate switchbacks and rocky terrain before you reach the peak and its amazing views of Longs Peak, the Continental Divide, Lake Estes and Twin Sisters Peaks. It’s also the perfect spot to unpack that lunch.
Next, travel back downtown to unwind at Snowy Peaks Winery. Sample up to five Colorado wines, as well the locally sourced small bites, including elk salami, raclette cheese and habanero piccalilli, to name just a few choices.
Then it’s time for dinner at Seasoned Bistro, a local favorite for farm-to-table fare. The chef-owned spot serves a savory “Buffaloburgerloaf” and a surf-and-turf option with tiger shrimp and pork shoulder.
Finish the evening at the Estes Park Memorial Observatory. There is very little light pollution in this remote mountain town, so the telescopes reveal remarkable views of the night sky. Be sure to schedule a spot in advance — they have a 12-person capacity for each viewing.
Sunday: Take in Colorado History and Cuisine
Fuel up for a day of history at Inkwell & Brew, where you can relax riverside with your pastry and coffee. Very much in keeping with the artisanal and locally sourced spirit of Estes Park, this lovely spot also sells hand-pressed, deckle-edged paper, letterpress greeting cards and calligraphy pens.
Next, you’re headed to the MacGregor Ranch to learn about the history of the area. The short story: Alexander and Claire MacGregor happened upon Black Canyon in 1872 and decided to homestead here.
Today, exploring the ranch reveals their rugged way of life — with draft horses in the fields and ranch hands at work. The former homestead has been converted to a museum, where you can learn more about Estes Park and MacGregor family history.
After that, make your way to the Estes Park Riverwalk, which runs parallel to the peaceful Big Thompson River as it snakes through the downtown area. Drop into Bird & Jim for a healthy salad or a juicy Buffalo burger. As you stroll the Riverwalk, stop into the plazas, shops, galleries along the way.
And when you’re ready for dinner, head east to Hunter’s Chophouse. Housed in a mountain cabin, the setting is iconic: There are vaulted wooden ceilings, antler chandeliers and rustic furnishings. And the chophouse serves dishes you’ll be hard-pressed to find elsewhere, including smoked-elk carpaccio, trout cheese dip, bison Oscar sirloin and wild-game bratwursts.
Conclude your day at the Barrel, drinking a Colorado-brewed craft beer while listening to live music — bluegrass, folk and country music are often featured. Or head over to the outdoor beer garden at the Wheel Bar, where you can play arcade games and shoot pool.
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