In every season of the year, those seeking a Rocky Mountain retreat that’s scenic, refreshing, and endlessly fun can find it with ease in Estes Park, Colorado. This beautiful getaway is a place with something for travelers with interests of all types to enjoy. Of course, an added benefit to booking your stay in Estes Park is that a trip this way puts you within easy reach of a collection of captivating destinations to explore when you’re looking to add even more to your itinerary. The following are some of the top day trips from Estes Park to consider taking this year, according to those who call this area home.
Spend Some Quality Time in Neighboring Boulder
If you find yourself longing for some time enjoyed in a vibrant, inspiring, and eclectic destination during your Estes Park stay, you’ll only have to travel about an hour from the center of town to enjoy a day in Boulder! This one-of-a-kind city enjoys the Flatirons as its natural backdrop, and it’s often praised by visitors for its high-energy vibes, great dining options, and all-around welcoming culture. When you decide to take a trip to Boulder for the day during your Estes Park getaway, you have great opportunities to indulge in some terrific shopping along the Pearl Street Mall, which hosts a variety of unique boutiques to check out, and typically hosts live musical performances throughout the warm weather seasons of the year, too. When cravings come calling, eateries in Boulder like Bramble & Hare on 13th Street serve up farm-to-table favorites in a setting that’s cozy and friendly. For those day trippers heading this way, determined to get into nature, time hiking the trails at Chautauqua Park is always highly recommended when it’s the beautiful views of the Flatirons you’re after.
Head to Lyons for a Laid-Back Day of Fun
For those Estes Park-bound travelers looking to include a day trip on their itinerary that slows things down and gives them a chance to really relish their time away, a visit to nearby Lyons is always the right choice. You can reach this inviting destination in anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes following US-36 for about 21 miles from town center. Lyons is a small town in Colorado that’s earned a reputation for excellence among travelers for its inspiring art scene and gorgeous natural scenery.
A popular activity to enjoy here when the weather is warm and the sun is high in the sky is taking time to tube or kayak down the North St. Vrain Creek. The rapids are gentle, and the views are spectacular, whether you float for an hour or spend the entire day on the water alongside family and friends. This is also a great place to enjoy some time fly fishing when angling is the activity that gets you into your vacation state of mind most easily.
If you’re heading to Lyons for the day with the entire family, it’s always a good idea to set aside some time to explore the LaVern M. Johnson Park in town. This is a riverside retreat in the area that hosts a splash pad for the littlest in your traveling crew, and is a wonderful destination for an afternoon picnic, too. If you’re day tripping in the wintertime, this park is where you’ll find a local ice rink set up seasonally as well.
History buffs heading to Lyons for the day won’t want to miss out on a visit to the Lyons Redstone Museum, where exhibits tell the story of the area’s rich past in an old schoolhouse setting that makes your visit that much more meaningful and authentic to the passage of time. Afterward, head over to the seasonal Lyons Outdoor Market and pick up some handcrafted goods, or make time to sip your way through an evening with live music included at Oskar Blues Grill & Brew right on Main Street.
Experience Grand Lake for Yourself
If you have a bit more time to drive to your day trip destination from Estes Park, you can’t go wrong with some time spent in Grand Lake. Following US-34 W and Trail Ridge Road, you’ll find yourself in Grand Lake in about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic conditions. Grand Lake is a one-stop hub for outdoor fun where many visitors in town for the day choose to spend their time unwinding on the water by kayak or paddleboard. Grand Lake is the state’s largest natural lake which makes it an exciting addition to your itinerary, and it can be viewed from the expansive boardwalk too. Grand Lake is a great place to be if you enjoy dining in Old-time themed saloons by the water, and have a heart for delicious craft brews, too. Grand Lake is also home to the Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre on Grand Avenue, where you can catch a show in historic style if you have time to spare while you’re here.
Book Your Estes Park Stay Today
No matter when travel plans bring you to Estes Park, booking your accommodations through Mountain Village at Lake Estes is a sure way to integrate the elevated standards of comfort, quality, and style into your experience that you deserve. Reach out today to learn more about our many property options available and how we can help you tailor your next Colorado adventure to your unique travel style! We can’t wait to see you here soon.
