There is something magical about the spring season, making it one of the best times of the year to venture out with your loved ones to explore a beautiful destination. After the harsh days of winter, the bright and crisp air of spring welcomes everyone to head outdoors and appreciate the colorful show arranged by Mother Nature. There is energy and enthusiasm about new beginnings, as flowers start to blossom and lush leaves start making their appearance. For one such magical destination, we can suggest the scenic town of Estes Park: here is our Estes Park guide to spring in the area.
Exploring the Great Outdoors in Estes Park
Situated at the base of the Rocky Mountain National Park, the northern Colorado town of Estes Park has plenty of outdoor activities and attractions suitable for all age groups. It is a family-friendly mountain destination where you can participate in plenty of adventures in the springtime. The area will be carpeted with colorful wildflowers and fresh green leaves that welcome you to appreciate the natural beauty. You can also expect pleasant weather, with average temperatures between the 50s and 60s, allowing you to step outside with a light jacket.
Rocky Mountain National Park is home to a dense network of hiking trails offering scenic viewpoints of the area. You’ll find plenty of trails suitable for beginners, moderate hikers, and experts, turning it into a versatile outdoor destination for the entire family. You can also participate in biking, photography, wildlife and bird watching, picnicking, and so much more. Besides spending time at the National Park, you can explore the various attractions within Estes Park. The downtown area is a vibrant spot with plenty of stores, art galleries, restaurants, cafes, and many historic sites.
A 7-Day Itinerary to the Gorgeous Estes Park
Estes Park is clearly one of the favorite spring destinations for those who appreciate outdoor beauty. You can easily plan a seven-day vacation involving a variety of activities and attractions. As the Rocky Mountain National Park is a huge park, you would need around two to three days to explore the park itself, followed by around three days to explore the town of Estes Park.
Day 1
Start the adventure by heading to the mighty Rocky Mountain National Park. As the park has so much to explore, you can start your trip on an energetic note while accomplishing everything you planned for the park. The later part of the trip can be used for spending a relaxing time in the downtown area and exploring the lakes and rivers in the town.
There are more than 355 hiking trails all around the park. The park spans over 265,000 acres, making it one of the largest parks and definitely one of the busiest with lots to do. There are four visitor centers in the park. Depending on your entrance spot, you can stop at the closest one to learn about the different trails, must-visit attractions, and to plan your adventure.
If you’d like to cover easy and family-friendly trails on your first day, you can check out the Bear Lake Loop surrounding the gorgeous lake. The lake is a wonderful spot to admire the view, capture pictures, and also enjoy a picnic before proceeding ahead. Some of the other easy hikes include the Lily Lake Loop and the Alluvial Fan.
Depending on the time and energy level, you may like to explore longer trails at the Loch and the Alpine Ridge Trails. You can also check out waterfalls such as Adam Falls and Alberta Falls. One key point to remember is that the park does not offer any restaurants or food joints within the premises. You can purchase a few snack items and bottled water at the visitor center. The ideal option would be to pack a picnic lunch from downtown Estes Park before heading to the park.
Day 2
Besides hiking trails, there are many scenic routes within the Rocky Mountain National Park. It is one of the best ways to cover the park while you admire the mighty mountain ranges and alpine trees. Along the way, you can capture many photographs and also spot wild animals such as elk, moose, bears, deer, bighorn sheep, and coyotes. One of the most scenic roads is the Trail Ridge Road, which covers around 48 miles connecting Estes Park to Grand Lake. At the highest point at the end of the road, you’ll get an opportunity to admire the panoramic views of the trees, mountains, and lakes. The Old Fall River Road is another scenic route within the park that cuts through pine forests, waterfalls, and gorgeous mountain ranges.
After checking out the scenic routes, you can head to the gorgeous lakes within the park. There are many freshwater natural lakes where you can enjoy a picnic, capture photos, and take breathtaking views of the thick cover of trees. For accessible lakes, you can head to Bear Lake, Lily Lake, and Sprague Lake. Swimming is allowed in all the lakes except Bear Lake. You can rent a kayak or a paddle boat to add a fun element to your experience. To relish a pizza after reaching your accommodation, you can check out options offered by Antonia’s Real New York Pizza.
Day 3
After getting a general idea of the park on hiking trails and scenic roads, you can take the fun to the next level by participating in horseback riding and fishing. There are many stables within and outside the park that offer guided horseback riding courses. It is one of the best ways to explore the park for the entire family. You can contact the Glacier Creek Stables to understand the different riding options.
You can enjoy fly fishing in the spring in Estes Park. One of the spots perfect for fishing closest to the entrance is Sprague Lake, where you can find mountain trout. For rainbow and brown trout, you can head to Big Thompson River. Some of the other fishing spots include Loch Lake and Dream Lake. You’ll find many fishing stores inside and outside the park to rent fishing gear and equipment. The Estes Park Mountain shop offers all the necessary fishing gear. You can also opt for a guided fishing tour to learn the skills of an expert in the region.
Day 4
You can reserve an entire day to explore the attractive downtown area of Estes Park. Walk along the beautiful Estes Park riverwalk that runs along the Fall River and takes you to the downtown attractions. You can stop by the Estes Park visitor center to grab maps and to understand the must-visit spots in the area. The downtown area has many local boutiques, ice cream and candy stores, casual diners, fine-dining restaurants, and iconic buildings. Be sure to snap a picture of the Historic Park Theater, standing tall as one of the oldest structures in the area.
For shopping souvenirs and gifts, you can visit the Water Wheel Gift Corner. Savor delicious candies and soda at the Rocket Fizz and The Taffy Shop. To satisfy your hungry stomach and taste buds, you can find restaurants like the Big Horn Restaurant, Himalayan Curry and Kebob, Seasoned- An American Bistro, and many other spots. To finish your meal with a dessert, you can visit the popular Donut Haus or the Cinnamon Bakery. A peaceful stroll along the riverwalk while dining, shopping, and simply admiring the town is one of the best ways to spend an entire day.
Day 5
To start your day with a big cup of coffee, we recommend heading to Coffee on the Rocks. They offer a wide range of espresso and regular coffee drinks in addition to many breakfast items. If you’d like to grab a hearty breakfast before starting your adventures, you can visit the Egg of Estes, offering a wide menu of sandwiches, egg items, pancakes, waffles, coffee, and much more.
After spending time in the downtown area on the previous day, you can participate in a fun activity like mountain climbing. There are both indoor and outdoor spots for this activity suitable for all levels. Check out the Kent Mountain Adventure Center. For an indoor location, you can explore the options offered at the Estes Park Indoor Climbing Gym.
Participate in fun outdoor adventures at the Open Air Adventure Park, located at Estes Park. It houses more than 32 aerial challenges including zip lining, rope walking, climbing, and other adventures suitable for the entire family. You can also enjoy axe-throwing options. If you’d like to opt for a sunset kayak tour with a guide, you can ask the team at the park.
Day 6
Stay local and enjoy the day exploring the local trails such as Fish Creek Trail and Kruger Rock. The Fish Creek Trail features a few ponds along the way and is relatively easy for hiking with kids. At Kruger Rock, you can admire the views from elevated spots. To grab a quick lunch, you can head to Mountain Home Cafe, Scratch Deli and Baker, or Boss Burgers and Gyro before heading to Lake Estes. You’ll find a well-paved trail surrounding Lake Estes that is perfect for a relaxing stroll.
For the next adventure, you can plan a visit to the Mustang Mountain coaster for fun roller coaster rides cutting through mountains. This outdoor adventure is suitable for kids above 3 years of age and offers a fun way to explore the mighty Colorado mountain ranges.
Day 7
Get ready to ride the waves of the Colorado River on a fun whitewater rafting adventure. There are many private companies that offer guided ride options for the entire family. You can ride the different rapids, admire waterfalls, and find quiet spots to see deer, eagles, and other wildlife. Check out the options offered by Rapid Transit Rafting, located at Estes Park. Mountain Whitewater and A Wanderlust Adventure are other companies offering fun rides.
To end the trip with a hearty meal while enjoying a fine-dining experience, we can recommend the Twins Owl Steakhouse, The View Restaurant at the Historic Crags Lodge, or the Cascades Restaurant at the Stanley Hotel.
Stay at a Perfect Second Home
With so many exciting options for the entire family, a trip to Estes Park is definitely worth planning. For your accommodation requirements, you can pick a fully furnished and luxurious vacation rental with us at the Mountain Village at Lake Estes. Our rentals are suitable for both small and big groups and offer a long list of amenities that can ensure a smooth flow to your routine. Located right in the center of the city, you can walk and explore the surrounding area for restaurants and shops. By staying in the downtown area, you can be within a short distance from all the basic necessities.
Our rentals include multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, a large and welcoming living room, a functional kitchen, a dedicated dining area, and a huge outdoor area. The open floor design can allow a smooth flow between the different spaces, allowing you and your guests to seek privacy and togetherness as you desire. We offer many electronic appliances to help you with your stay. After staying outdoors, you can come home to a welcoming couch in the living room, tune into the flat-screen television, and start a movie or show. All the cabins offer complimentary internet access in all the rooms. As the spring in Estes Park, it may get chilly in the morning and evening, you can take advantage of centralized heating.
The indoor and outdoor fireplaces add a warm and charming touch to your holidays. The fully equipped kitchen is another key highlight as you can prepare your meals before stepping out. Though you’ll find many restaurants in the downtown area, you may not appreciate the idea of dining out for every single meal. As Rocky Mountain State Park does not have any dining options within the park, you can pack a picnic lunch from home before heading out. This can save unnecessary commuting time to drive all the way out of the park in the middle of the day. Find a wide range of pots, pans, cutlery, spoons, knives, utensils, plates, mugs, and much more for your convenience. You can also find full-size appliances that make it easy to cook, store, and clean the kitchen just like back home.
Enjoy comfy and cozy bedrooms with premium bedding and full-size beds along with full bathrooms, cabinets, and other basic essentials. The bathrooms are complete with a walk-in shower, bathtubs, fresh towels, vanity, sinks, and personal care products. Outdoor fun equals a lot of laundry. You won’t need to search for a laundromat or worry about your clothes, as we offer an in-unit washer and dryer right inside the house.
Plan the Perfect Spring Journey
Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime. A fun-filled spring trip to Estes Park can be one of the best ways to enjoy the outdoors and make incredible memories with your loved ones. Contact us at Mountain Village at Lake Estes to book your dream vacation!
