Spend a few days (or a few weeks!) on a summer getaway to Estes Park, CO. As the base camp for Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park offers boundless access to the outdoors, a charming downtown area, and water activities to keep you cool on warm summer days.
The great thing about summer weather in Estes Park is that while temperatures reach the upper 70s, warming up enough to enjoy water activities, it still remains moderate enough to enjoy hiking, climbing, and any other outdoor adventures you’ve been dreaming of. Envision yourself enjoying warm days this summer in Estes Park!
Day 1: Explore the Trails of Rocky Mountain National Park
While Rocky Mountain National Park can be accessed at least in part year-round, the Estes Park summer months bring full accessibility and excellent hiking conditions. Rocky Mountain National Park is home to over 100 trails ranging from difficult summits to easy strolls. Take your pick from the many options convenient to Estes Park, and hit the trail. Seasoned hikers may want to attempt a difficult 14er (a peak exceeding 14,000 feet, of which there are 58 in Colorado), while casual hikers will find a wide variety of attainable options.
Day 2: Cool Off on Lake Estes
Enjoy an Estes Park summer day out on Lake Estes, with the Lake Estes Marina providing all the equipment you’ll need for a day of fun in the sun. The marina store rents kayaks, paddle boards, paddle boats, canoes, pontoon boats, and rods and reels. Lakes Estes offers four miles of shoreline and 185 surface acres ready to be explored. Spend the day playing along the sandy shoreline, enjoying a relaxing morning fishing, or getting in a great workout while soaking up the scenery as you paddle around the lake.
Day 3: Cycle the Paved Lake Estes Path
A paved, four-mile path encircles Lake Estes, providing a great venue for jogging or biking this summer. The marina offers rental bikes and pedal carts, bringing fun for the whole family. If you’d prefer a scenic route with places to stop along the way, the Estes Park Riverwalk is a great option. This path which runs along the bubbling river winds its way through Estes Park’s downtown, with benches, restaurants, bars, and shops along the way, providing both a scenic stroll and plenty of stop-off points.
Day 4: Stroll the Riverwalk in Downtown Estes Park
The tranquil Fall River passing through downtown Estes Park adds to this town’s charm. With a paved path that follows along the riverside, this is a great place to go for an afternoon stroll or to take a break between shopping destinations. Shops, restaurants, and coffee shops are located both on and near the Riverwalk, adding in activity options along the way. The Riverwalk is tucked behind Elkhorn Avenue, with many shops offering both street access as well as access from the path. Keep the kids entertained along the way by participating in a pika scavenger hunt, keeping an eye out for bronze sculptures of these mountain dwelling mammals that resemble rabbits that are hidden along the path. Another highlight along the Estes Park Riverwalk is the sensory garden, filled with hundreds of plants that appeal to the senses.
The real gems of Estes Park’s downtown are the small, locally owned shops and eateries that make this place unique. Grab a cup of locally roasted joe at Kind Coffee in the morning and try a wild game steak at The Grubsteak for lunch or dinner. There is also plenty of browsing to be done at the boutiques and outdoor gear shops located throughout downtown Estes Park!
Day 5: Go Horseback Riding
Estes Park Outfitters offers a summer horseback riding experience that provides a true getaway into Estes Park’s wilderness. Rides take place in the remote historic homestead meadows area, a region otherwise inaccessible to visitors. Dotted with homesteader cabins dating back to the 1800s and boasting panoramic views of meadows and mountains, the scenery here is astounding. More than simply following in line on a trail ride, this horseback riding excursion truly gives riders the opportunity to practice handling a horse, all while immersed in a beautiful setting. Estes Park Outfitters can be contacted at reservations@estesparkoutfitters.com or 970-215-7064 for bookings or to answer any questions you may have.
Estes Park Accommodations for a Summer Getaway
Spend this summer in the outdoor playground of Estes Park! Still searching for accommodations for your summer in Estes Park? Browse our luxurious cabins on Lake Estes here! These luxury cabins boast multiple bedrooms, perfect for families or friends traveling together. An open floorplan with a full kitchen means you can keep summer treats on hand. And with their excellent proximity to Lake Estes, your summer days will easily be spent playing on the water just steps from your door! Contact us to learn more about how to enjoy this summer in Estes Park.