Valentine’s Day will be here before you know it which means now is the perfect time to plan a scenic and exciting getaway to beautiful Estes Park with the one you love most. Estes Park is packed with opportunities for fun in February and a wonderful place to relax and unwind in style if that’s more your preferred pace. Whether you’re a couple that connects over amazing food, or you’re looking forward to outdoor adventure, you’ll find options that are sure to satisfy and more. The following are some of the most romantic Estes Park Valentine’s Day events and activities to be sure to add to your itinerary this year.
Begin the Day with a Romantic Sunrise
If you happen to be a couple that tends to rise early together, you’ll want to be sure to make the sunrise itself the perfect start to your romantic Estes Park getaway. There’s nothing more inspiring than a sunrise over the mountains with a hot cup of coffee in hand. You can find your cup at Kind Coffee at E. Elkhorn Avenue which opens at 6:30 a.m. before heading to the Centennial Open Space located at Knoll-Willows. You’ll find easy access to this spot just across the street from the historic Stanley Hotel and once you arrive, you’ll have a picture-perfect vantage point over downtown Estes Park. With Rocky Mountain National Park working as your scenic backdrop, welcoming the sun is sure to be a highlight of your Valentine’s Day.
Explore the Great Outdoors Hand-in-Hand
For the couple that enjoys adventuring together when temperatures drop and the ground is covered in fresh powder, there’s no better place to find yourself this Valentine’s Day than Estes Park. It’s the very best holiday for strapping on a pair of snowshoes and hitting the trails that glitter in the winter scenery and offer up options for wildlife watching as well. Backcountry skiing is another great option for winter outdoor fun on Valentine’s Day in Estes Park with the team at the Colorado Mountain School more than happy to help you set up private guided tours. The trails that are tantalizing for mountain biking are still open for fat tire biking in the wintertime across Estes Park while it’s hard to top a wintery trek to Lily Lake for frozen views that promise to inspire.
Plan for Some Well-Deserved Pampering
Even the most adventurous of couples heading to Estes Park over Valentine’s Day will find some well-earned rest and rejuvenation worth their while. Plan to include a stop at a spa or two during your romantic stay to refresh and revitalize in good company. Places like the Qi Lounge Wellness Spa or Elements of Touch Wellness Spa have customized packages available depending on preferences. Whether you’re looking for a couple’s massage, facials, wraps, aromatherapy, or hot stone treatments too, these locales have what you’re looking for to make it a relaxing Valentine’s Day to remember.
Add a Romantic Meal to Your Itinerary
For many couples, it’s hard to imagine a romantic getaway anywhere without a delicious meal for two included on the lineup. The good news is, when you find yourself in Estes Park this holiday, you’ll have plenty of savory options to choose from! Destinations in town like the Snowy Peaks Winery are great for pairing mouthwatering bites with a delectable tasting session. Twin Owls Steakhouse is a must for a robust Valentine’s menu that’s made to please every palate. Just make sure to have your reservation in place in advance to ensure your spot on this important evening!
Enjoy Stargazing
You started the day by greeting the sun, so the evening of Valentine’s Day deserves to be dedicated to watching the sparkling stars come out. Bundle up and head over to the Estes Park Memorial Observatory on Manford Avenue to enjoy a stargazing session that’s as romantic as it is thrilling. You can book your stargazing spot in advance and take time to admire the night sky alongside the one you love most. It’s hard to imagine a better way to end the day.
Book Your Valentine’s Getaway to Estes Park in Style Today
When you’re ready to make the most of your romantic Valentine’s Day adventure, the team at Mountain Village at Lake Estes has the luxurious accommodations in place to elevate your getaway even further. Our property options keep you close to the places you can’t wait to enjoy and explore while providing the luxury, style, and elevated standards of comfort our guests crave too. We have a variety of property options to choose from so you can rest easy knowing your home-away-from-home over Valentine’s Day will be tailored to your personal sense of travel style. Make it a trip to remember and let us handle the details while you focus on the Valentine’s fun ahead. We can’t wait to help you make more of every single moment and look forward to seeing you in scenic Estes Park soon.
With a New Year just around the corner, it’s time to begin making plans to ring 2024 in right. If you’re looking to start things off with spectacular scenery, easy access to fun, and a vacation vibe embraced in good company, there’s no better place to find it all than Estes Park. When you’re ready to start turning plans into a reality, ringing in the New Year in Colorado right begins with adding the following Estes Park activities to your list.
Why You’ll Love Estes Park at New Year’s
While Estes Park is certainly a year-round destination for travelers to enjoy, there’s something almost magical about spending time here over New Year’s when life is full of possibility and the terrain is sparkling with snow. Estes Park is packed with options for winter recreation to add to your to-do list as well as exciting opportunities to get into town and explore as well. From amazing restaurants and shops to slopes and snowy mountain trails to discover, you’ll head into 2024 in scenic style when you make Estes Park your destination.
Hike Around Lily Lake
The beauty of making time to enjoy Estes Park is that places like Rocky Mountain National Park are right at your fingertips. What could be more exciting than heading into dynamic wintery terrain when New Year’s Eve rolls around? That’s exactly what you can do to welcome 2024 and you’ll want to start with a beautiful hike around Lily Lake. This destination is beautiful on its own and the path leading there through Rocky Mountain National Park is relatively easy making it a great addition to a family-friendly New Year’s itinerary. Bring your binoculars to spot potential winter wildlife along the way.
Spend Time Sledding with the Kids
While you’re in Rocky Mountain National Park with the little ones in tow exploring the terrain and getting ready for a brand-new year, consider taking some time to sled at Hidden Valley. While this may be a traditional winter activity, the scenery you’ll enjoy is far from standard. Get ready to be thrilled at this exclusive sledding destination in the park. You don’t even have to worry about hauling your own gear along for the adventure because the Estes Park Mountain Shop is open for business on-site and rents out sleds and winter gear upon request.
Hike the Trail at Sprague Lake on New Year’s Day
Many people use New Year’s as a perfect time to put some resolutions in place. If yours happens to be focused on health, a great Estes Park starting point is the half-mile loop around Sprague Lake. Take your time, savor the view, and feel great knowing you’re starting things on a high note this New Years.
Enjoy the Many New Year’s Eve Events
Once you’ve had your fill of outdoor fun, Estes Park is brimming over with options for New Year’s entertainment in town too. The team over at Avant Garde Aleworks typically hosts a New Year’s Eve gathering where guests can settle in with a pint of winter strong ale in the taproom. Bird & Jim is known for hosting a New Year’s Eve specialty menu for those who make a reservation in advance. This Moraine Avenue fan-favorite eatery typically puts together a fantastic 4-course prix fixe menu to enjoy complete with sensational wine pairings. If you’re looking to elevate your New Year’s fun in luxury and historic style, search no further than the New Year’s Eve annual Crystal Ball at the Stanley Hotel. This is an elegant and unforgettable night of live music, fantastic food, drinks, and a full-fledged celebration to ring in 2024. You’ll need to be sure to buy tickets in advance for this exceptional gathering that pairs rich Estes Park history with the exciting future.
Ring in the New Year in Luxury and Style
If you’re looking forward to a New Year that’s calm, relaxing, and enjoyed at your own preferred pace, you can find that as well in Estes Park. Be sure to book beautiful accommodations through Mountain Village at Lake Estes and settle into a vacation rental this holiday that comes with the luxury, comfort, and convenience you’ve been craving built right in. Properties can be booked in a variety of sizes, styles, and location standards to fit your holiday needs and exceed your expectations too. Enjoy tasteful furnishings, custom-built bedrooms, outdoor entertainment spaces, cozy living rooms, fully equipped kitchens, fireplaces, and more when you make a New Year rental of this kind your home-away-from-home for the holidays.
Book Your Holiday Getaway Today
There’s never been a better time to begin planning your New Year’s getaway to scenic Estes Park. Reach out to the team at Mountain Village at Lake Estes today to learn more about our inviting and exciting property options available and how we can help you make more of every single moment. We can’t wait to see you in Estes Park soon.
When the fresh powder falls over the mountains of Colorado, Estes Park becomes one of the state’s most beautiful and alluring vacation destinations for travelers to enjoy. While Estes Park is a haven of opportunities for fun year-round, it’s hard to overlook its appeal when the mountains are sparkling in snow and the outdoor recreation options. From its undeniable mountain town charm to the shopping and dining experiences that await, Estes Park promises to be a one-stop resource for amazing experiences this winter. The following are just a few of the many reasons you’re going to want to begin planning your Estes Park winter trip today!
Enjoy Time on the Rink
For many people, ice skating is a fan-favorite wintertime activity and when you find yourself in scenic Estes Park this time of year, you’ll have plenty of options to add it to your itinerary! Head over to the YMCA of the Rockies to make the most of time on the ice between early December and February. This family-fun venue is great for skaters of all ages but if you happen to be arriving with kids who are six and under, they can skate at no cost. Pair it up with some hot chocolate afterward and you’re in for the picture-perfect winter day in the mountains.
Make it a Savory Winter Getaway
Estes Park is a beautiful place to explore in the winter, but it’s also a seasonal destination where you can warm up with some delicious flavorful options after a day of outdoor recreation. Estes Park is home to a variety of mouthwatering breweries to check out—many of which offer tasting sessions and production tours upon request. A few of the top contenders in the area that you won’t want to miss out on while you’re here include Rock Cut, Lumpy Ridge, and Estes Park Brewery too. Looking for even more to enjoy? Head over to Avant Garde Aleworks and savor a variety of unique and bold flavor options in good company!
Pamper Yourself in Style This Winter
While it’s easy to fill your winter Estes Park itinerary with outdoor adventures, sometimes it’s the relaxing moments that prove the most memorable. When you could go for a pampered moment or two during your stay, be sure to book a well-deserved session at Qi Lounge while you’re in town. Conveniently located right on site of Mountain Village at Lake Estes the spa is open every day but Wednesday, making it a simple addition to your lineup when you’re overdue for some rejuvenation and restoration this winter. At Qi Lounge, guests can book services ranging from facials and massages to skin treatments and acupuncture as well. There are also couples’ treatment options on-site when you’re looking to make your winter getaway to Estes Park a bit more romantic!
Shop Your Way to Winter Fun
A winter getaway is often a great time to get ahead of holiday shopping lists or to put the finishing touch on those lingering few gifts. A great place to do that in Estes Park is downtown. Here, you’ll find a collection of shops and boutiques that are truly unique. Whether you’re looking for apparel, jewelry, handcrafted goods, or items for your home, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for and more. Downtown is also home to candy shops where you could go for a sweet treat, and plenty of art galleries as well for those moments when a little artistic inspiration would go a long way.
Embrace the Best of Winter Outdoor Adventure
If you’re new to the sport or looking to learn something new beyond skiing, be sure to book a course while you’re in town through the Colorado Mountain School. Here, you can enjoy participating in lessons that focus on everything from ice climbing to avalanche training! In nearby Hidden Valley, Estes Park visitors can enjoy time snowshoeing, sledding, or backcountry skiing depending on preference. Hoping to bundle up and cast a line? Consider spending a day ice fishing on one of the many frozen lakes or ponds that are found throughout Rocky Mountain National Park. Just be sure you have a fishing license in hand as well as hand augers to make the most of this experience. Afterward, book a 4×4 tour with the team over at Wildside through Rocky Mountain National Park, enjoying one-of-a-kind off-road views and winter wildlife viewing opportunities too.
Book Your Stay Today
No matter what your interests might be or how long you have to spare in the name of fun in Estes Park, the team at Mountain Village at Lake Estes is here to make sure you have amazing accommodations to match. Reach out today to learn more about our exciting winter rental options and how we can help you elevate your stay even further in luxury and mountain style.
All year long, Estes Park is a picture-perfect place to enjoy a romantic retreat. Whether you’re one for hiking and exploring or you can’t wait to wine and dine your date, making customized plans is a breeze. The following are just a few of the many romantic Estes Park activities for planning an unforgettable date night in Estes Park the next time you’re here.
Infuse Fantastic Flavor into Your Ideal Estes Park Date Night
Sometimes, the most traditional outings are still the most romantic when it comes to planning your date night in Estes Park. If you’re the type of couple that can’t wait to spend quality time together over a mouthwatering meal, you’ll find Estes Park is packed with romantic restaurants to choose from. Consider making reservations for two at Seasoned an American Bistro while you’re in town. This charming and endlessly romantic restaurant located at 205 Park Lane is a great place to savor American classic dishes ranging from New Bedford Scallops and Colorado buffalo cheeseburgers, to truffled French fries and applewood smoked salmon to name a few of many. Another great option when you’re looking to dine in romantic style is to make a reservation at Twin Owls Steakhouse. Found at 3110 S. St. Vrain Avenue, this steakhouse offers up a sleek setting to enjoy paired with impeccable service and a sensational menu of options. A dinner here comes with the benefit of exceptional views of the Rockies from the dining room and a romantic fireplace to enjoy as well! After dinner, make time for a glass of locally produced wine at Snowy Peaks Winery. This destination is found at 292 Moraine Avenue and is open until 7:00 pm daily.
Spend Quality Time Together at The Whiskey Bar
When you’re looking to plan a date night that infuses the best of history and flavor, you won’t want to miss out on adding a stop at The Whiskey Bar to your date night adventure! Located within the historic Stanley Hotel at 333 E. Wonderview Avenue, The Whiskey Bar is the perfect place to cozy up with a handcrafted cocktail in hand. While this locale also offers lunch and dinner, it’s often the cocktail menu that keeps couples coming back for more! Here, you can enjoy access to the state’s largest selection of whiskeys giving you reasons to sip and taste the very best of the bunch in style.
Enjoy a Sensational and Relaxing Couples Massage
While dinner for two has a way of becoming the focus of date night, there’s no reason your romantic getaway to Estes Park can’t include some pre-dinner romantic outings as well. Make it a relaxing and romantic experience by booking a couple’s spa session while you’re in town that will leave you feeling refreshed and looking your very best before dinnertime. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a couple’s massage, a facial, exfoliating body wraps, aromatherapy or more, you’ll find there are plenty of places that offer up luxurious spa packages to choose from. Places like The Qi Lounge Wellness Spa, Estes Park Massage, and Elements of Touch Wellness Spa are all worth looking into when you’re ready to start planning.
Make it a Night out with a Show
For after-dinner entertainment, Estes Park offers up plenty of options for keeping the romantic evening going! Consider taking time to enjoy a film together at the historic Park Theatre while you’re in town! Located at 130 Moraine Avenue, the Historic Park Theatre dates back to 1913 and today continues to provide a welcoming place to enjoy cinema at its finest. They show all current release films and offer concessions so you can top off the experience with flavor included.
Spend time Exploring with a Romantic and Scenic Drive
When you find yourself planning a date night experience in Estes Park, you have all of nature on your side! This is a spectacularly scenic destination to enjoy as a couple year-round and when you’re making plans to elevate the romance, a scenic drive is always worth your while. It’s hard to imagine anything more refreshing and romantic than the beautiful views you’ll encounter as you wind along roads through Rocky Mountain National Park. Of course, you can always pull over and make the most of a romantic picnic for two along the way as well.
Include a Romantic Hike for Two on your Date
If you’re a couple that connects over a love for the great outdoors, including a hike for two is a great way to make more of your romantic date night in Estes Park. Focus on a waterfall hike when you head out to Bridal Veil Falls. Here, couples can enjoy a 20-foot cascade in Rocky Mountain National Park. A hike to Birch Ruins is also a great date option. It offers a bird’s eye view of Main Street and is just outside of downtown Estes Park.
Book Your Romantic Estes Park Getaway Today
Ensure your romantic getaway to Estes Park includes luxurious, comfortable, and stylish accommodations too when you book your vacation rental through Mountain Village at Lake Estes. Reach out today to learn more!
Estes Park, Colorado is a captivating destination for travelers to enjoy year-round. If you happen to be a visitor with a passion for capturing beautiful moments on camera, there are plenty to be found during your stay. The following are just a few of the most photographable places to visit in Estes Park that you’re going to want to be sure to make time for.
Frame the View at Lake Estes
Many travelers who made their way to Estes Park in the name of outdoor adventure find Lake Estes a place where it’s easy to linger longer than they originally planned. This is with good reason! Here, adventurers can enjoy everything from paddleboarding at their very own pace to heading out in a boat and making the most of fishing fun too. It’s a popular summertime gathering destination in the area for picnics with family and friends and it also hosts a four-mile walking path around the perimeter that offers up great views over the water. Whether you’re one for jogging, birding, or strolling, Lake Estes is a great place to land for the day and if you happen to be in this area in the autumn, you’ll find nearby terrain is a gathering place for elk as well. All in all, it offers a picture-perfect place to grab the camera and capture the view. This is true whether your focus is on portraits or you’re a photographer with a passion for framing lovely landscapes.
Capture the Moment at the Knoll Willows Open Space
When you’re looking for wide-open and scenic spaces to photograph others or capture the best the landscape has to offer, Knoll Willows Open Space ticks every box on the list. Here, photographers will find no less than 20 acres of land to explore when it comes time to find just the right angle and shot. The area is known for its diverse lineup of wildlife, amazing views, and a trail that loops near downtown Estes Park for a new vantage point over the city. Panoramic views of the historic Birch Ruins and Rocky Mountain National Park are available to photographers from this location too. It’s a perfect place to pair hiking fun with great photography experiences as well.
Check Out the Kruger Rock Trail
Located within the Hermit Park Open Space, Kruger Rock Trail is a must for those heading to Estes Park looking to visit the most photographable places around. Here, you’ll find a four-mile loop that leads directly to the summit of Kruger Rock. The effort to get there with a camera in hand will be worth your while as the top of Kruger Rock features breathtaking views that encompass the Continental Divide, Longs Peak and Mount Meeker alike. Photographers would be wise to head this way around sunrise for a colorful take on their framing over Estes Park.
Make Time to Visit Mary’s Lake
If you’re looking for a photographable spot in Estes Park that’s minimal on crowds, Mary’s Lake is the place to be. Far less frequented than its counterpart Lake Estes, Mary’s Lake has just as much to offer in the way of amazing scenery. Those who come this way do so in the name of boating, biking, and fishing in the warm weather months. There’s a marina on-site that makes for a great place to rent a vessel and take your photos from a vantage point on the water. It’s also a great place to capture sunrise photographs that infuse the lake’s reflection into the image.
Enjoy Photographing the Best Views of Rocky Mountain National Park
An Estes Park getaway puts you within easy reach of stunning photography opportunities across Rocky Mountain National Park. This is one of the most photographed national parks in America for many reasons. Whether you drive through, hike, or bike, you’ll find a plethora of dynamic landscapes waiting to be captured on camera as well as views of wildlife that are truly one-of-a-kind. Moraine Park is a perfect place to set your photography sights when you’re looking for an idyllic combination of valleys, evergreen forests, and mountains. If it’s lake views you’re after, Emerald Lake and Bear Lake are both certainly worth visiting! Lily Lake is another must-visit destination for watery backgrounds complete with aerial landscape views from varying vantage points to explore.
Don’t Forget the Welcome Sign
It’s so obvious it might just be easy to overlook when it comes to capturing your vacation moments on camera, but it shouldn’t be! Don’t miss out on an opportunity to grab a great photo at the Estes Park welcome sign while you’re in town. It’s an iconic shot complete with towering mountains in the background that promises to capture the moment flawlessly.
Book Your Stay Today
Enjoy your Estes Park getaway in style when you book your vacation rental at Mountain Village at Lake Estes. Reach out today to learn more about our exciting and inviting options!
Those who are looking for the perfect place to vacation where they can access natural beauty, entertainment, flavor, and fun for everyone will find it with ease when they set their travel sights on Estes Park, Colorado. As scenic as it is exciting, Estes Park is a place where guests are invited to embrace interests of all types during a customized getaway. The proximity of Estes Park to Rocky Mountain National Park and surrounding mountain peaks makes it absolutely ideal for those with a passion for outdoor fun and adventure. Whether you’re one for fishing, paddle boarding, hiking, or wildlife-watching, Estes Park and its surrounding terrain are sure to inspire. There’s also a charming downtown to explore complete with boutique shops, art galleries, great restaurants, and beyond. Estes Park hosts a variety of fun events year-round that are fun for locals and visitors alike and in the wintertime, the slopes provide a place for adrenaline-pumping fun. In November of 2023, those heading to Colorado to enjoy a one-of-a-kind winter journey will have even more to look forward to with the return of snowmobiling at Backbone Adventures in Estes Park! This will be another great addition to an outdoor recreation itinerary and another reason to make your way in this direction when the fresh powder falls.
All About Backbone Adventures
As a premier provider of outdoor recreation guided tours and activity rentals, Backbone Adventures is proud to serve the greater Estes Park area. The team here offers up year-round rentals that range from UTVs to Jeeps upon request. They also offer E-bike rentals and ATV rental options for those who are looking to enjoy something thrilling and fun alongside family and friends. The company has trails in and around Estes Park for guests to explore that can be customized according to skill level or preference. This family-run business is built on a foundation of commitment to excellence and their exciting rental and tour options are enhanced with top-notch customer service too.
Snowmobiling Options While You’re in Town
Some of the best snowmobiling trails are going to once again be open for business with Backbone Adventures starting at the end of 2023 much to the delight of locals and visitors. Many are located less than an hour from Estes Park and all-inclusive snowmobiling packages offered through Backbone Adventures will take participants right to the fun. When you book a snowmobiling outing, the cost of the experience will include everything from helmets and goggles to gloves, maps, a trailer, and easy navigation to the trail. For those snowmobiling guests who don’t want to have to worry about not having the right apparel on-hand, the company even offers coat and snow pant rentals too.
The snowmobiles guests can use on the exciting mountain trails are the 2023 Ski-Doo Summit 850s which are meticulously maintained for a safe, reliable, and fun experience from start to finish for adventurers. When guests sign up for this experience, they should definitely be prepared for heart-pounding fun as this top-notch gear can attain breathtaking speeds on the trails. The 2023 Ski-Doo Summit 850s are known to reach speeds of up to 80 MPH in just seconds. This makes it important for guests to make the most of a safety briefing and instruction session with the on-site staff at Backbone Adventures prior to heading out, even if you’re an experienced snowmobiling enthusiast. The team here can offer up insight, tips, and tricks for making the most of your experience out on the trails.
Guests who are looking forward to taking advantage of the return of snowmobiling through Backbone Adventures in Estes Park in 2023 will have options to customize their experiences. The Backbone Adventures team is happy to be able to offer guests access to both half or full-day snowmobiling outings and rentals upon request. When it’s time to choose trail preferences, guests will find they have access to both national and private forest terrain just about 30 minutes from Estes Park. The trails offer up a combination of powder riding and hard-packed trails making every outing a one-of-a-kind adventure.
Plan Your Experience
The return of snowmobiling at Backbone Adventures in Estes Park is certainly exciting! Those who are looking forward to taking part in the fun will want to be sure to note that Backbone Adventures is open in the spring, summer, and fall from 7:00 am until 5:00 pm with adjusted wintertime hours that run from 8:00 am until 4:00 pm. Backbone Adventures is located at 1851 North Lake Avenue in Estes Park, and they can be reached at 970-235-5045. Those who are looking to drive snowmobiles through the company’s tours or rental options need to be at least 16 years old and 21 years old to rent gear. The trailer is complimentary, but guests also have options to rent a Suburban to haul equipment for an additional fee. The team recommends full ski gear for a comfortable day of snowmobiling if you aren’t planning on renting a snowsuit on-site.
Book Your Stay in Estes Park Today
Make more of every moment in Estes Park when you book your accommodations through Mountain Village at Lake Estes. Reach out today to learn more about our luxurious vacation rentals and how we can help you elevate your stay in Colorado!
A trip to beautiful Estes Park, Colorado is always exciting and when you fill your itinerary with stops that support local Colorado businesses along the way, it’s that much more meaningful! The following are just a few of the many that are well worth investing in and enjoying the next time you’re in town.
Get Creative at Inspired Artisan Market & Studio
If you’re looking to support a local business in Estes Park during your stay that provides plenty of creativity along the way, be sure to make time to stop by Inspired Artisan Market & Studio! Located at 138 Moraine Avenue, Inspired artisan Market & Studio is a family-friendly destination for those looking to access their artistic side. Here, you can drop by daily to make the most of a variety of Colorado-inspired art experiences on-site and enjoy a guided adventure alongside a knowledgeable and friendly instructor. Artisan Market & Studio also hosts specialty classes throughout the year that are listed on their monthly calendar and if you’re not quite in the mood to put your own skills to the test, this is a one-stop resource for checking out works by local talent! At Inspired Artisan Market & Studio, visitors can browse a collection of works by over 50 Colorado artists that are available to enjoy or purchase when you find just the right piece to enhance your home. They also offer online shopping if you want to pop back in and see what’s new once you’ve left your Estes Park vacation behind.
Spend Some Time at MacDonald Book Shop
Supporting a local business can take you to new worlds through the power of captivating stories when you spend some quality time at MacDonald Book Shop the next time you’re in town. This charming locale has been a staple in Estes Park since 1928 and has just about every type of literature on the shelves you can imagine. Head over to 152 E. Elkhorn Avenue between 9:00 am and 8:00 pm daily to browse the various sections featuring everything from fiction and non-fiction to children’s literature, and local history too. The bookstore hosts a number of events throughout the year including author talks and book signings to look forward to so be sure to check their calendar before you arrive. When you purchase items at MacDonald Book Shop, you’ll be supporting a business with founding families that still live in the area more than 100 years after the store opened to the public. The on-site staff here can help direct to you to the Estes Park and Rocky Mountain Park guidebooks and photography instruction guides if your plans have you heading from the bookstore to the trails.
Shop Handmade Local Goods
Estes Park is filled with fantastic and talented residents, many of whom are ready and willing to share their gifts with visitors! A great place to support a local business while enjoying products that are truly one-of-a-kind in town is Once Upon a Hive. Located at 145 E. Elkhorn Avenue, Once Upon a Hive is open every day of the week except for Tuesdays and is a one-stop resource for browsing everything from hand-crafted beeswax candles to wooden welcome mats designed right in Estes Park. They also sell products like beeswax foot balm, lemon-eucalyptus soaps, and lotion bars alongside beeswax melts for home aromatherapy.
At 332 E. Elkhorn Avenue, Estes Park visitors can also spend some festive time in the Christmas Shoppe which is open year-round and provides the perfect place to get into the holiday spirit no matter what season your Estes Park vacation happens. This locally owned boutique features an impressive collection of holiday decorations on-site including ornaments, table décor, Christmas trees, whimsical holiday scenes for the mantle, and more. From the Christmas music to the hot chocolate, it’s a place that transports you to December no matter when you arrive.
Savor the Moment at Snowy Peaks Winery
You can support a local business with every sip when you enjoy a wine tasting experience at Snowy Peaks Winery when you find yourself in Estes Park or drop by to purchase a bottle. Here, you can always count on enjoying an authentic taste of Colorado. The tasting room features award-winning handcrafted area wines ranging from Viognier and Riesling to Merlot and Syrah to name a few. You can opt for a tasting flight with five wines of your choice for just $12 and pair a facility tour with the experience to top it all off in style. There are also gourmet foods sold here to complement wine selections that include handmade chocolates and cheeses as well as jams and jellies. The winery also carries wine-themed gifts handcrafted by local artists that are available to purchase.
Book Your Stay Today
Make sure your trip to Estes Park includes amazing accommodations by booking through Mountain Village at Lake Estes. Reach out today to learn more about our luxurious and inviting property options available.
Estes Park is always an exciting vacation destination for families to enjoy. While the focus is often on outdoor fun, this area has plenty of options when it comes to kid-friendly indoor activities too. The following indoor activities in Estes Park are well worth adding to your to-do list the next time you’re here!
Visit the Estes Park Recreation Center
When you find yourself in Estes Park with the kids in tow and you’re looking for an indoor venue where they’re free to run off excess energy and indulge in some fun as well, the Estes Park Recreation Center is a great addition to the list! Also referred to as the Estes Valley Recreation Center, this stop is found at 660 Community Drive in Estes Park and hosts everything from an indoor swimming room and basketball court to specialized fitness programming and classes to participate in throughout the year. They even have a golf simulator on-site so the entire family can hone their skills before hitting the golf course in style! Older kids in your crew might appreciate some time in the weight room too if they want to keep on top of their athletic regiments even while on vacation.
Explore the Estes Park Historical Museum
Situated at 200 4th Street in Estes Park, the Estes Park Historical Museum is another great option when you’re looking to expand your kid-friendly indoor fun during your Estes Park getaway. This stop infuses history and learning into an experience that’s equally engaging! Admission to the museum is free which makes it a conveniently budget-friendly stop as well as the museum is open year-round from Wednesday through Saturday from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm. This museum emphasizes the history of Estes Park at the turn of the century and how that has found its way through a destination’s story that has traveled across generations. The many exhibits and displays encourage hands-on learning and highlight everything from tribes that call the area home to homesteaders and area artists as well. The Estes Park Historical Museum also hosts programs and events throughout the year so it’s worth taking a peek at the events calendar before you arrive. The museum is designed to inspire a passion for history and share the area’s unique story so it can be passed down even further.
Check Out the Indoor Climbing Wall
You and the kids can take your Estes Park fun to new heights when you head over to the popular indoor climbing wall in town. Found at 2050 Big Thompson Avenue, The Estes Park Mountain Shop Climbing Gym is a state-of-the-art climbing center that offers up a welcoming atmosphere and quality gear to utilize as you put your climbing skills to the test across 4,500 square feet of discovery space. From tread walls to bouldering, the routes are changed up regularly making every stop a unique, fun, and challenging experience. The gym caters to beginners and experts alike and they have daily and monthly passes available depending on how often you plan on visiting during your stay. They’re open daily from 8:00 am until 8:00 pm year-round and if you’re looking for a comprehensive overview of climbing, be sure to look into their customized introduction to climbing package.
Cool Off at the Estes Park Aquatic Center
When you’re looking for a new scene, or the kids are simply in the mood to swim and the weather isn’t quite cooperating, heading over to the Estes Park Aquatic Center is always a good choice. The Aquatic Center is located near the recreation complex at 660 Community Drive off Highway 7 and is refreshingly easy to access. This inviting stop is open year-round and it’s just $5 for adults to enjoy the water and $3 for children to enjoy the indoor swimming fun. Some of the highlights of a stop here include lap swimming as well as a wading pool. The center is also equipped with a fun rope swing, offers swimming lessons, and has water aerobics too!
Enjoy a Show at the Historic Park Theater
History and entertainment go hand-in-hand when you visit the Historic Park Theater in Estes Park. Located at 130 Moraine Avenue, this historic stop dates back to 1913 and was designed by Clyde Anderson. The 80-foot neon-trimmed tower lets you know you’ve arrived in the right place. It’s earned the title of the oldest single-house motion picture theater in the United States and is still fully operational today! The theater was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984 and is a great place to come and enjoy a movie or a live performance throughout the year. They serve up concessions and have new screens added to their experience lineup alongside a digital projector with Dolby 3D systems and a Dolby 5.1 surround sound system in place as well.
Book Your Estes Park Adventure Today
Enjoy every moment in Estes Park with the family and make sure you have luxurious accommodation to enjoy too when you book your vacation rental through Mountain Village at Lake Estes. Reach out today to learn more and to start turning travel plans into a reality!
Estes Park, Colorado is truly a captivating vacation destination year-round that appeals to travelers who love to immerse themselves in the fun of the great outdoors! When you’re looking to make the most of fun Estes Park activities and natural landmarks during your stay, there are plenty of options for thrills, adventure, and learning that await. The following are a few of the many ways travelers can get active outside when they’re headed to Estes Park in the name of well-deserved fun.
Partner Up with the Colorado Mountain School
Whether it’s your first time in Estes Park, or you have a passion for the great outdoors that brings you back year after year, there’s always more to learn about navigating the mountains here. That’s where partnering up with the Colorado Mountain School comes in! When you’re looking to elevate your outdoor experiences in and around Estes Park, the team at the Colorado Mountain School exists to help explorers learn to take to the mountains, safely and with a newfound passion for conservation, adventure, and the beauty of their surroundings. Headquartered at 341 Moraine Avenue, the Colorado Mountain School employs a team of professional guides, educators, and mentors who provide inspiring and often life-changing outdoor experiences in Estes Park. Established in 1981, this mountain school has hosted thousands of days of mountaineering instruction, guided climbs, and guide training courses for aspiring outdoor experts alike. The highly trained team curates their courses and adventures to fit student skill levels and is part of the accredited guide service of the American Mountain Guides Association. Stewardship, professionalism, and quality of life are their founding principles and a dedication to all three makes them leaders in the industry. Those who partner with the Colorado Mountain School during their time in Estes Park can enjoy rock climbing, mountaineering, or guide training as well as take time to participate in a fundamental mountain skills course. Some of the fan-favorite experiences offered here include a Flatirons classic climb, a half-day climb, Long Peak classic climb as well as a guided tour through Eldorado Canyon.
Kent Mountain Adventure Center
Located at 1230 Big Thompson Avenue in Estes Park, Kent Mountain Adventure Center is another great option for thrill seekers who are heading to Colorado and have every intention of spending as much time as possible in the great outdoors. While the team at Kent Mountain Adventure Center also offers guided hiking and climbing lessons, their specialty that sets them apart is the option to make the most of cliff camping adventures with their team of experts. Kent Mountain Adventure Center is locally owned and operated and has served the Estes Park area for more than 28 years. The team is passionate about rock and mountain climbing and is always thrilled to help newcomers enjoy the adrenaline-pumping fun of spending an afternoon or evening perched mountainside taking photos and savoring the views from hundreds of feet up in the air. For many travelers heading this way, a cliff camping adventure is one to add to, and certainly check off the bucket list when they come alongside the pros at Kent Mountain Adventure Center.
Rewilding Expeditions
When you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors in Estes Park but want to add something to the itinerary that focuses on conservation efforts too, Rewilding Expeditions is made just for you. Here, the team focuses on creating uncommon adventures for guests in the name of conservation. Rewilding Expeditions is dedicated to protecting the environment through experiences that are unique, wilderness focused, and ethical. At Rewilding Expeditions, guests will find that giving back is just as rewarding as what is gained when you head into nature and make the most of the adventure. Headquartered at 1553 S. Saint Vrain Avenue, Rewilding Expeditions is dedicated to making sure you have an amazing journey and leave feeling great about what you’ve contributed to the world as well. Both day trips and multi-day trips are available to book through Rewilding Expeditions. If you choose a day trip, you can focus on guided hikes that focus on exploring Rocky Mountain National Park with an emphasis on either Mt. Orton, the Mummy Range, Chasm Lake, and Bear Lake as well. Rewilding Expeditions also offers single day packrafting trips thanks to their partnership with Packraft Rocky. These paddling adventures give guests a chance to explore a new destination, learn about intricate mountain ecosystems, and linger until the sun goes down to enjoy stargazing from the water!
Book Your Stay Today
The next time your travel plans bring you to scenic Estes Park, make sure you have amazing vacation rental accommodations to match by booking through Mountain Village at Lake Estes. Our property options are designed to inspire and please visitors with interests and aesthetic preferences of all types. Reach out today to learn more about our exciting options and to get started. We look forward to seeing you in Estes Park soon!
Making time to unwind and enjoy a well-earned getaway to Estes Park is always a treat for travelers. Being able to spend time here with the kids over the summer makes it that much more exciting! Estes Park is a family-friendly vacation destination packed with opportunities for fun whether your kids are looking to get into nature or are the type that seek out adrenaline-pumping entertainment. From amazing views to fun shopping stops, Estes Park truly has something for everyone. The following are just a few of the many exciting Estes Park summer activities you can add to your itinerary when you’re headed this way in the summertime and looking for activities the kids are sure to love.
Explore the Open Air Adventure Park
When you and the kids could do with a sky-high view and some heart-pounding fun along the way, head over to the Estes Park Open Air Adventure Park this summer. Located at 490 Prospect Village Drive, the Open Air Adventure Park is the perfect place to spend 90 minutes alongside your favorite crew exploring no less than 32 on-site thrilling elements both on and above the ground. While some of the obstacles are just 10 feet off the ground, others rise to 21 feet over the earth, providing a new perspective on the terrain. Visitors here can enjoy everything from swinging log steps and aerial tightropes to rope bridges, moving platforms, and more! This is the perfect place to adventure alongside kids that are at least six years old and making a recommendation in advance is highly recommended.
Book a Wildside 4×4 Tour
Getting out to take in the stunning Estes Park views is always memorable and when you’re along for the ride with the kids this summer, there’s no reason not to do it in authentic mountain style. Make time to enjoy a jeep tour altogether and pair backcountry adventures with amazing vistas. Headquartered at 212 E Elkhorn Ave in Estes Park, this company can customize your tour experience according to preference, but you can always count on riding alongside a knowledgeable and friendly guide. There are different tour routes to choose from that feature everything from wildlife and waterfalls to the best of Rocky Mountain National Park. If you opt for the National Park experience, you’ll ride through at the Fall River entrance station and navigate no less than 12 miles of mesmerizing switchback dirt roads at an elevation of around 7,800 feet. There are opportunities to stop and take pictures along the way so be sure you have your camera on hand for this experience.
Take a Family Trek
For the family traveling to Estes Park with the kids this summer that loves to lace up their boots and hit the trails, there are plenty of kid-friendly routes waiting to be discovered at Rocky Mountain National Park. Whether you’re hoping for a challenge or hiking with little ones that move at a more leisurely rate, there are many options to choose from. The Sprague Lake Trail is a great starting point for hiking families with kids that are bound to make plenty of stops along the way. This hike is less than a mile in total and is relatively flat with stunning views across lakes as well as the Continental Divide peaks. You can plan on stopping at Sprague Lake and exploring the pier or making the most of a picnic too. The Bear Lake trail is also less than a mile and a popular option for families with kids who are looking for a little more elevation with just as much scenery included.
Consider Joining a Junior Ranger Program
If you’re going to be in town for a while this summer and your kids are excited to really get into the lifestyle, make your way to one of the Rocky Mountain National Park Visit Centers where you can sign up for a summertime Junior Ranger Program. You’ll pick up one of three different activity books depending on your children’s ages and head out to discover the park following the booklet’s instructions. As activities are completed, kids can earn badges while simultaneously discovering more about the natural world around them. When they’ve earned all of their badges, they’ll officially be a Junior Ranger.
Visit the YMCA of the Rockies
Travelers who are heading to Estes Park with kids of varying ages who have just as many different interests will find that a stop at the YMCA of the Rockies is a great option when you’re looking for access to many different activities at once. The YMCA of the Rockies is found at 2515 Tunnel Road and in total, spans 5,100 acres of rolling terrain. Here, guests can enjoy activities ranging from disc golf and archery to spending time stretching creative muscles in the on-site Craft and Design Center.
Book Your Stay Today
Make sure your Estes Park getaway comes with luxury, comfort, and style too when you book accommodations this summer through Mountain Village at Lake Estes. Reach out to learn more about our exciting property options and to start planning!