There are times when a refreshing and revitalizing vacation in the mountains is exactly what you need. When this is the case, there’s no better place to enjoy time away than Lake Estes in Estes Park. This Colorado gem of a getaway destination is a treat for travelers who are looking for easy access to the great outdoors and stunning views to top their stay off in scenic style. While you could certainly enjoy a luxurious retreat in this direction any time of year, the option to make the most of a budget-friendly stay is also available. When you’re hoping to save money, but you don’t want to sacrifice the fun, the following are some great ways to enjoy a vacation in Colorado without breaking the bank.
Enjoy a Beautiful Walk Around the Water
There’s absolutely no cost to enjoy great views when you decide to spend time at Lake Estes in good company. Once you arrive, gather your family and friends and spend time strolling around Lake Estes following the Lake Estes Trail. This 3.75-mile loop offers up spectacular vistas over the waves as well as views over the Continental Divide. You can choose to stroll the path on foot or if you’ve brought your bike along for the journey, the trail is cyclist-friendly too. Be sure to add a pair of binoculars to your pack for your time on the Lake Estes Trail because wildlife watching is a fascinating way to spend the day that also doesn’t require you to pay any type of fee to enjoy.
Get Out on the Water in Budget-Friendly Style
When temperatures rise in Estes Park, getting out on the water is a wonderful way to relax, cool off, and enjoy time under the Colorado sun. Lake Estes is a calm and tranquil body of water to explore at your own preferred pace while you’re here. Head over to the Lake Estes Marina at 1770 Big Thompson Avenue and you’ll find it’s simple to rent a kayak for the day at just $25 an hour. You can bring your own on-the-water-on-the-water gear like a paddleboard if you don’t want to spend money on renting equipment as well. Afterward, make time to stroll the banks along the marina and savor great views of passing boats, wildlife, and more.
Take Time to Enjoy Fly Fishing
If it’s tranquility you’re after and you don’t want to spend a dime, a little fly fishing at Lake Estes can go a long way towards the fun. Bring your fishing gear along for the journey and connect with nature while casting a line at the lake from the pier near the Fisherman’s Nook parking lot. Head out early in the day to avoid the crowds and get something exciting to bite too!
Spend Quality Time and Picnic with Family and Friends at Bond Park
While Estes Park is packed with amazing restaurants to check out, there are always options to save on dining and make the most of a picnic with family and friends at scenic Bond Park too. Located at 170 MacGregor Avenue, this park has plenty of green space, offers up great mountain views, and is a top destination for a picnic when you’re looking to enjoy an affordable and family-friendly fresh-air meal. It’s also the site of many community events annually including Elk Fest, concerts, art festivals, and farmers market so you might be fortunate enough to be dropping by when there are on-site activities to participate in too. Bond Park is located close to the center of town, so after a picnic and time playing with the kids, you can spend some time strolling through Estes Park people-watching, or window shopping.
Dig Into the Area’s Past
For history buffs, there’s no better opportunity than digging into an area’s past when you’re there to enjoy a well-deserved vacation. Estes Park is no exception to the rule and when you happen to be here, you can enjoy time at the Estes Park Museum for free. This is a wonderful locale found at 200 4th Street that’s family-friendly and filled with fascinating exhibits and displays. You’ll learn about the tribes, stories, people, and events that have long defined Estes Park as you peruse more than 25,000 historic objects on-site.
Try Local Transportation
If you have plans to stay near the center of town when you make your way toward Lake Estes, there’s a good chance you can leave your vehicle parked and save on needing to fill up on gas during your visit. If you want to get out and explore further but prefer to leave your vehicle behind, Estes Park has a free shuttle during the summer months to consider taking. The shuttle has a variety of local pick-up points to choose from and serves Rocky Mountain National Park’s Beaver Meadows as well between 10:00 am and 10:00 pm daily. If you do head over to Rocky Mountain National Park, be sure to check the National Park Service website ahead of time and plan your trip for one of the annual fee-free days on the calendar to enjoy even more savings.
Book Your Adventure Today
Make sure your Estes Park getaway includes the luxury, comfort, and convenience you deserve by booking your accommodations through the Mountain Village at Lake Estes this year. Reach out today to learn more about our many property options including seasonal rentals that are fit to your particular budget. We look forward to seeing you soon!
Sometimes, nothing is more fun or refreshing than a girls’ trip with your best friends. When you’re ready to get out of town and enjoy something new and exciting alongside your favorite people, a trip to Estes Park is the perfect option! Whether you’re hoping to relax, explore the great outdoors, or shop your way through a stay, Estes Park has it all to offer.
Infuse a Spa Day into Your Girls’ Getaway
Spending time with your friends for a girls’ trip to Estes Park is always a treat and when you could all use some time focusing on rest and relaxation, fitting a spa day or two into the itinerary is a great place to start. Estes Park is packed with options for restorative pampering and the spas here come with the added benefit of being surrounded by stunning scenery. A spa day is a sensational way to get centered and Zen when your girls’ trip could use a little time focused on mind, body, and soul rejuvenation. A few of the top spa destinations in the area to consider include The Qi Lounge Wellness Spa at 1700 Colorado Peaks Drive, Affinity Massage & Wellness Center at 312 E. Elkhorn, and Elements of Touch Wellness Spa at 477 Pine River Lane. Hands Down Best in Town Therapeutic Massage is another great option headquartered at 250 Moraine Avenue. Each of these spa options offers up a unique aesthetic for guests to enjoy, but the services provided are always sure to inspire. Guests can enjoy everything from specialized massages and wraps to exfoliating skincare, facials, and hot stone therapies too. Whether you’re in the mood for a seaweed wrap or a green tea glow skin treatment, you’ll find the spa options in Estes Park check every box on the list.
Spend Quality Time Shopping
When a little retail therapy would go a long way toward the overall fun of your girls’ trip, Estes Park is happy to deliver. Here, visitors will find a plethora of stores and boutique shops to explore hosting everything from apparel and home goods to outdoor recreation equipment, souvenirs, and crafts to name a few of many. Downtown Estes Park is a popular place to set your shopping sights when you’re looking for an area that has eateries and galleries built into the mix as well. Looking to enjoy thrift shops, crystal stores, tea shops, chocolate shops, and more while you’re in town with your friends? Estes Park has them all!
Explore the Great Outdoors
A girls’ trip to Estes Park is the perfect time to incorporate plenty of outdoor exploration into the adventure. If you and your crew are the types that are ready to lace up their boots and hit the scenic trails in style, Estes Park is packed with potential for fun. Known and loved as the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, those who are excited to adventure through the great outdoors will find there’s no shortage of trails or outdoor recreational activities to access. From trails that lead to alpine lakes to those that include waterfalls along the way, the opportunities to savor the sights are truly incredible. Don’t miss out on a chance to explore the visitor’s center at the top of Trail Ridge Road where you can admire the exhibits and displays or sign up for a guided hiking experience. A trek to Alberta Falls is always fantastic while summiting Mount Lady Washington is a feat that’s a must-try for those who are experienced and looking for a challenge.
Try a Stanley Hotel Spirit Tour
Notorious for its role as Stephen King’s inspiration for The Shining, the Stanley Hotel is a must-visit when your girls’ trip could use a little otherworldly wonder included. The hotel is fascinating on its own, but they also offer a walking tour through this more than a 100-year-old hotel at night focused on spirit folklore and phenomena. Your guide will give you insight into the hotel’s past and some of the more incredible stories that are told here regularly regarding the paranormal! It’s a heart-pounding tour you won’t want to miss.
Dine at Ed’s Cantina
When margaritas and tacos would hit the spot after a day of fun, make sure your girls’ trip to Estes Park includes a meal at Ed’s Cantina. Located at 390 Elkhorn Avenue, this vibrant and welcoming eatery serves up savory Mexican bites in a setting that’s fun and friendly. While the traditional menu options are sure to be palate-pleasing, guests can also find a variety of vegan and gluten-free options to enjoy, making this a great dining stop for everyone in your crew.
Book Your Girls’ Trip to Estes Park Today
Make more of your girls’ trip away when you set your travel sights on Estes Park and let the team at Mountain Village at Lake Estes handle your luxurious accommodations while you’re here. Reach out to learn more and to start planning today!
Travelers who are excited to spend time somewhere versatile, inviting, and endlessly scenic will find everything they’re looking for and more in Estes Park, Colorado. Known and loved as a gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park is brimming over with opportunities for fun and adventure that bring visitors back year after year. From its fun downtown shopping and dining to the amazing breweries and of course, access to the slopes in the winter, it’s an oasis of entertainment for visitors from across the map. That said, Estes Park promises to prove just as delightful for those who already call Colorado home. For these visitors, sometimes a little staycation can go a long way toward restoring a sense of balance in mind, body, and spirit. If you find you could use some time focused on rest, relaxation, and fun with incredible views to match, skip the long-distance trip and enjoy the best staycation in Colorado in Estes Park instead!
Pack in the Fun Year-Round No Matter How Long You Have to Spare
When you need a break from the daily routine but you don’t have a lot of time to spare, an Estes Park staycation for Colorado residents is always a good idea. When maximizing the fun in a limited amount of hours is a priority, booking a staycation somewhere as scenic and welcoming as Estes Park means not a minute will be wasted on travel. Instead, staycationers find themselves immediately in the heart of opportunity without any responsibilities or work demands hindering their options. Making the most of the experience is simple and spending less time traveling to your destination means more time focused on quality experiences in Estes Park. Because Estes Park is an all-seasons vacation destination, those enjoying a staycation here never have to stress about leaving something off the itinerary. Instead, what would typically be a packed long-distance trip becomes a fun and leisurely staycation with options to return to get to other activities and events whenever you choose!
A staycation also makes it simple for Colorado residents to savor the moment and the views. It’s easy to overlook those vistas and delicious opportunities that are always within reach when you’re committed to a daily work and life schedule. A staycation to Estes Park means slowing things down in a stress-free style and taking a moment to just take it all in. Consider a simple ride up the Estes Park Tramway. Not only does this provide incredible views of Prospect Mountain and the surrounding valley, but it’s likely an activity that locals might not regularly consider participating in! A staycation also gives you the chance to make the most of slow travel season opportunities and enjoy browsing downtown shops without having crowds to contend with. Great views can also be enjoyed at the Estes Park Memorial Observatory. Follow up the fun by heading out to some of Estes Park’s best breweries that you’ve always wanted to try but just never had time to savor.
Leave Airport Stress Far Behind
For many travelers, airport stress is a big deterrent. Fortunately, those who live in Colorado and book a staycation in Estes Park instead can leave any and all airport hassle far behind while simply focusing on the fun ahead. Not having to get to the airport hours in advance of a getaway experience frees up the itinerary for more enjoyable activities. Those who choose a staycation here won’t have to worry about checking luggage, delayed flights, and of course, there’s no jet lag included! Instead of a frantic rush to the gate, staycationers in Estes Park can enjoy vacationing in Colorado at their very own, preferred pace.
Add a Luxury Stay to the Lineup for Added Fun!
While those who live in Colorado and are looking forward to a staycation in Estes Park won’t have to travel far to find their destination, there’s always an option to elevate the experience further by booking luxurious accommodations. That’s where Mountain Village at Lake Estes comes in. Our vacation rentals are just as well suited to those heading here from across the globe as they are those who only live minutes away. Booking luxurious accommodations through us can make Estes Park seem like a brand new experience with every reservation—especially when your home away from home includes fun extras like hot tubs and fireplaces or extra-large master suites and full kitchens included. From property options with specific mountain views to those with easy ski access, booking through us takes a staycation here to the next level of excellence.
Book Your Staycation Today
When you’re ready to set aside the schedule and make the most of a staycation instead, Estes Park is the place to do exactly that and Mountain Village at Lake Estes keeps you near those places you’re ready to finally enjoy to the fullest! Reach out today to learn more about our inviting options and to start planning your next, unforgettable staycation adventure.
The adventures you can have during your winter vacation to Estes Park are endless, giving visitors the thrill of a lifetime, from the simple pleasures of teaching your youngest the simple joys of making snow angels to the rugged escapades you can have in the backcountry landscape of our winter paradise, including a favorite of all thrill seekers, the sport of backcountry skiing! Also called off-piste, alpine touring, or simply out-of-area, this winter sport can change the way you look at skiing forever! And the only thing better than spending a day exploring the snowy landscape on a pair of skis is, of course, coming home to the quiet comforts and warmth found in our Mountain Village at Lake Estes seasonal sanctuaries. This guide to the thrills of backcountry skiing in Estes Park will give you a secret preview of your upcoming Colorado getaway!
The Equipment
Backcountry skiing is not a sport for the novice skier, it is best to get some acreage under your skis on the groomed slopes of ski resorts, perhaps take some lessons, and put in your hours before even thinking of attempting the backcountry. For experienced skiers, however, this sport can be become your new obsession and requires much of the same equipment you would use for resort style skiing, with a couple of exceptions. Backcountry skis offer different bindings and also need mohair or synthetic skins that can be attached to the bottom of the skis, making it easier to walk uphill to get to your favorite ski spot. (Remember, this is out-of-area, meaning the slopes aren’t groomed and there will not be any chair lifts!) Backcountry ski boots also need to be more flexible than standard ski boots, for the same reason you need the skins for your skis. Finally, and we aren’t trying to scare you, avalanches are a threat to any alpine touring skier and avalanche training should be considered before heading out for the first time—plus, an avalanche rescue pack should be added to your equipment list. Rocky Mountain National Park Service provides courses that can last two days, but Colorado Mountain School offers lessons that include the avalanche training and only lasts 8 hours, which may be more useful to visitors with a limited schedule. If you don’t already have your own backcountry equipment, or just don’t want to travel with your own gear, pretty much any ski rental place will offer equipment rentals, including, Estes Park Mountain Shop, located at 2050 Big Thompson Avenue in Estes Park.
The Wow Factor
We don’t like to brag, but the Estes Park area is known throughout the world as a popular place for backcountry skiing! Offering miles of virgin landscape just waiting for your skis to shred, Hidden Valley (and no, we are not talking about the ranch dressing, as delicious as it may be!) is the top spot in the region for backcountry skiing. In its previous life, this area was once a ski area with groomed trails and all the ski resort amenities, but that resort closed 30 years ago and it became open season for the thrill seekers in the world! If you are new to backcountry skiing, it is the perfect place to get your skiers legs, as the Ptarmigan in the Lower T-Bar area is easily accessible. Feel like a road trip before you begin your backcountry adventures? St. Vrain Mountain is located just about 20 miles south of your Mountain Village at Lake Estes winter escape and offers incredible views along the road, in addition to the views you will see as you spend your day playing in the snow. Mt. Vrain was also a ski area once, closed many years ago, and is popular with backcountry skiers of all skill levels!
Sunrise Is the Right Time
Although no one likes to get up early on vacation, we suggest that on at least one day during your stay with us, you make the effort, heading to the ski area of your choice and timing it to catch the sun rising over the Rocky Mountains. The cold of the pre-dawn air while watching the sky turn from an inky and velvety blackness that fades into grays, pinks, and finally a clear blue, creates a moment that you will lock into your memory banks, replaying whenever your real life feels bland and colorless. Pack a thermos of hot cocoa with your gear and just take those first few minutes of the day to sip and marvel over the beauty of Mother Nature, before you start your mountain adventures!
Come Home to Mountain Village at Lake Estes
Some vacations are just destined to be better than others and your Colorado getaway spent with us will definitely be one of the favored few. Reserve your favorite Mountain Village at Lake Estes escape and come home to comfort and style every night of your stay!
As another date is marked off the calendars, you can feel the excitement that buzzes through the air the closer we get to the big holidays. Our small mountain village comes to life in these last months of the year, first offering the fiery beauty of autumn and near perfect weather before morphing into the serene peace of winter. But before the snow falls (generally) it is time to experience the fun that can be offered during the fall holidays, and for the purpose of this article, the spookiest time of the year, Halloween! As you munch on handfuls of candy corn, sip your pumpkin spice lattes, and revel in the cool perfection of another Colorado fall today, the only thing more wonderful than the holiday is choosing Mountain Village at Lake Estes for your seasonal accommodations. Our homes offer comfort, luxury, and style ALL seasons of the year, making them the perfect places to come home to after trick or treating, feeling thankful, or participating in a little Christmas cheer. This guide to all the fun you can have in Estes Park at Halloween will ensure that every minute of your stay is exciting and happy!
The Shining Ball 2021, October 23, The Stanley Hotel
If the name sounds familiar, it is probably because it was the inspiration behind the Overlook Hotel in the book and movie, The Shining, and as you might expect, most of the events we will discuss will take place behind in the ballroom of this elegant hotel! The Shining Ball is the first of the Halloween oriented events taking place in our mountain town, and although the ball itself takes place on October 23, there will be a pre-party held on Friday, October 22, and a Jazz Brunch on Sunday, October 24th, so plan on your weekend being taken up by all things Stanley! Costumes are recommended, with the most interesting winning accolades and fun prizes, so start planning your costume today! And who knows? Maybe the living won’t be the only guests taking part in the dance party ball; the Stanley is, after all, rumored to be haunted too!
The Historic Stanley Day Tour, October 29, All Day
This exciting tour that explores the history and the beauty of the Stanley Hotel is available all year long, but at Halloween it features an extra spooky ambience enjoyed by all who take part in the tour. Learn about the original owners and all the very important visitors who have stayed under its iconic red roof, including the famed horror writer, Stephen King! The tour takes you all throughout the hotel but does not include the guest rooms, as guests do deserve their privacy. The tour also includes a visit to the small pet cemetery where former owner’s pets were buried, perhaps leading to the idea behind Mr. King’s aptly named novel, Pet Cemetery!
Devotchka’s Halloween Black Tie Ball, October 29th and October 30th
Halloween with Devotchka has become a Stanley Hotel tradition, and this year they are offering two opportunities to take part in the fun! Offering live music, aerialists, stilt walkers, and a variety of circus style entertainment features, a Bloody Mary bar, and live DJs ensures that every minute of this Halloween happening is guaranteed to be ones you will never forget! Dress up in your party finest and be entertained as you never have before when you attend the Devotchka Halloween Ball with your favorite escort. Tickets are on sale now!
311 at the Stanley Hotel, October 31
311 is a popular band, playing a mix of alt rock, reggae, and funk metal, adding a kaleidoscope of music to the spookiest night of the year. Enjoy your favorite cocktails (What beverage goes best with funk metal?) and a rousing good time on a night you usually sit at home giving out candy to costumed kids! 2020 was the 30th anniversary of the group, but due to pandemic issues they didn’t really get to celebrate last year, so we are expecting a performance that will wow more than normal!
Not Everything Is About the Stanley
One of the most famous horror movies in Hollywood was made about this hotel, so it is only natural that most of the Halloween events will take place there, but if you don’t feel like going out, stay in and enjoying the comforts of our seasonal sanctuaries! Brew up a batch of Halloween themed cocktails in our fully equipped kitchens, turn on state-of-the-art televisions to the horror movie marathon that is practically guaranteed to be showing, and spend the evening feeling comfortable and welcomed. Reserve your favorite Mountain Village at Lake Estes home and discover that Halloween has become your new favorite holiday!
When Valentine’s Day rolls around, couples everywhere begin planning that perfect day filled with sweet sentiments dedicated to the one you love most. This year, consider swapping out a traditional dinner or box of chocolates for a mesmerizing holiday away in the Rocky Mountains. Planning a trip to Estes Park is ideal whether you’re a couple enchanted by the great outdoors or you tend to come together over savory flavors. No matter how you enjoy spending time together, this is a stop that promises to provide everything you’re looking for and much more! Here are just a few ideas for making the most of a romantic Valentine’s Day vacation in Estes Park this year.
Enjoy a Tasting at Snowy Peaks Winery
For couples that find themselves in Estes Park over Valentine’s Day with a passion for palate-pleasing adventures, there’s nothing quite like a tasting at Snowy Peaks Winery. Located at 292 Moraine Avenue, this winery is an elegant and welcoming stop where you’re likely to find a wine tasting experience paired with a chocolate tasting or a side of live musical entertainment. The staff is more than willing to offer up flavorful advice and is happy to help answer questions you might have around the production process as well.
Book a Private Ski Guide Through the Colorado Mountain School
For many couples, there’s nothing more romantic than taking on a new challenge together. When you’re planning on spending this day dedicated to love in Estes Park, feel free to push the limits of athleticism hand in hand by booking a professional guide through the Colorado Mountain School. Private guides are available every day of the year and can provide services that go beyond backcountry skiing. Guides can also help you and your loved one enjoy a day of climbing, mountaineering or ice scaling upon request!
Visit the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory
Valentine’s Day is a holiday that’s practically built around chocolate and when you’re in the mood to celebrate this savory treat, head on over to the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. This fun locale is located at 517 Big Thompson Avenue and is just the place for you and your sweetheart to enjoy picking up a tasty treat to be enjoyed together. Plenty of delicious options await and if you’re not sure where to begin, the on-site staff are more than willing to put together a blended box of goodies for you.
Book a Mountain Stay and Vacation in Estes Park
Savor every moment of your Rocky Mountain getaway by letting the team at Mountain Villages at Lake Estes handle the details of your accommodations. Contact us today for more information on our many options and to start planning your vacation in Estes Park.