In much of the world, the heat of summer is turned up a few more notches by the time August rolls around, but here in Estes Park, our weather is already turning to fall. Warm days fold into nights so cool, the temperatures will often drop near freezing, offering the perfect contrast in wonderful, as this contradiction allows guests to utilize all the amenities our Voyago Vacation Rentals seasonal sanctuaries have to offer. August may be the local’s favorite time of year, and if your journey brings you to our mountain home at that time, this guide on how to do August in Estes Park like a local will help you enjoy the most joyful Estes Park August vacation of all.
First We Sip Wine at the Estes Park Wine Festival, August 9th & 10th, Bond Park
A good wine adds a spark of wonderful to a summer day, and the Estes Park Wine Festival allows us to sip all the wines while listening to live music, devouring delectable food, and even get a little pre-holiday shopping done, as the vendors open booths filled with arts, crafts, and gifts. (Christmas is only 138 days away!) Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online, with General Admission tickets providing a wine glass, a wine tote, and unlimited tastings as well as access to all vendors and music. VIP tickets include VIP tent entry with catered food and wine bar.
Then We Splash Around at Lake Estes
The water is already beginning to cool down, but when the sun shines and the mercury rises to a comfortable 78 degrees, we and our families often find ourselves heading to the lake for a day of fun in the sun and water. Lake Estes Marina rents a generous selection of boats, including pontoon, fishing, and kayaks, and canoes, and if you want to get a little workout in during your lake activities, they also rent out paddleboards. Sometimes we hike the trail that surrounds the lake, and most times we pack a picnic, as there are also picnic tables at the lake. Visitors can also swim, relax on the sandy beach by the marina, or even join in a pick-up game of beach volleyball—there’s no end to the amount of fun that can be had at Lake Estes on an August day.
Sometimes We Eat a LOT
The restaurants of Estes Park are known to be some of the best in the state, and although you can create your own self-guided tour of deliciousness, Estes Park Tour Guides offers a four-hour food and drink tour that allows you to sample a little bit of everything. You can always return to the restaurants that interest you most at a later time, living like a local when you find “your place,” but early on in your Estes Park journey, the tour may be the best way to get your feet wet!
Hiking Saves the Day
The way we look at it, we could constantly count calories and miss out on the fun a good meal can bring, or we can eat all we want and hike away all the excess calories we have consumed. If you see things the way we do, in addition to the Lake Estes Trail we mentioned earlier, you may want to explore the Lumpy Ridge Trail, which features panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains. You can also push yourself to complete the extremely hard Sky Pond via the Glacier Gorge Trail; offering an elevation gain of 1700+ feet, the 8.6-mile-long trail offers waterfalls, lakes, creeks, and canopies of trees to help ease the pain of all the extra steps.
And Then We Sip Some More
The perfect way to end a day of Colorado adventures is by sipping and savoring the cool of the night, and places like The Slab-Outdoor Pub, located at 116 E Elkhorn Avenue, let us do it in style. The Slab is technically a beer garden that serves pub grub, and it does close relatively early (9 or 10 PM), so if you have the urge to sip a little later, the Wheel Bar, 132 E Elkhorn Avenue, stays open until 2 AM and offers the full bar experience.
But Mostly We Relax and Take It Easy
Because our Voyago Vacation Rentals Estes Park escapes are designed to bring comfort and fun to all who reside within, you too can follow in the footsteps of the locals. Offering hot tubs on decks overlooking the breathtaking Estes Park landscape, ping pong, pool, or even foosball tables for some extra entertainment, and fireplaces in living rooms and some bedrooms, state of the art televisions, and gourmet kitchens equipped with high-end appliances, staying in and relaxing won’t make you feel like you’re missing out on anything—it will make you feel that you are enjoying EVERYTHING. Reserve your favorite August cabin in Estes Park today!
If summer has you dreaming of crisp mountain air, stunning views, and time spent unplugged, Estes Park should be at the top of your list. Tucked beside Rocky Mountain National Park, it is a place where nature and small-town charm come together. You will find hiking trails, scenic drives, and wildlife watching all within reach. Whether you are planning a family vacation, couple’s getaway, or solo retreat, Estes Park in the summer has the fresh air and freedom that the season calls for.
1. The Gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park
Estes Park is more than just a pretty mountain town. It is the eastern gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, one of the most visited and beloved parks in the country. Summer is the perfect season to explore it. Trail Ridge Road, the highest paved road in any national park, opens up to panoramic views and alpine tundra that feels like another world.
There are over 300 miles of hiking trails to choose from, ranging from easy lakeside strolls to challenging climbs that reward you with unforgettable summit views. Popular hikes like Bear Lake, Alberta Falls, and Emerald Lake offer easy access and big payoffs. For those seeking solitude, there are plenty of quiet trails off the main path waiting to be discovered.
Wildlife sightings are almost guaranteed. You might spot elk grazing in open meadows, mule deer near the trail, or a marmot sunning itself on a rock. The park’s rangers offer daily programs to help visitors learn more about the area, from geology to local ecosystems.
You do not have to be an expert hiker to enjoy Rocky Mountain National Park. There are drives, lookouts, and easy walking paths that anyone can enjoy. Estes Park puts it all within minutes of your doorstep, making it an ideal base for park adventures all summer long.
2. Mild Weather and Stunning Scenery
If the summer heat gets to you, Estes Park offers a welcome break. At over 7,500 feet in elevation, this mountain town stays cool and comfortable even during the warmest months. Days are usually sunny and dry with highs in the 70s and 80s, while nights are crisp and perfect for sitting by a fire or soaking in a hot tub.
The scenery is the kind you never get used to. Majestic peaks rise in every direction. Clear lakes reflect the blue sky. Aspen groves shimmer in the breeze. Even a quick walk around town comes with sweeping views that make you pause and take it all in.
If you enjoy photography, you will find inspiration everywhere. Sunrise over the mountains, moody afternoon clouds rolling through the valleys, and golden hour lighting up the landscape. This is a place where you will want your camera ready.
The air is clean and refreshing. Every breath feels like it clears your head. Whether you are lounging on a cabin porch or paddling across a quiet lake, the natural setting makes it easy to relax.
Estes Park’s scenery is stunning and accessible. You do not have to venture far to experience it. It is right there when you wake up and still there as the stars come out. That constant connection to the outdoors is what makes Estes Park in the summer feel different from anywhere else.
3. Endless Outdoor Activities
Estes Park is made for people who like to spend their days outside. From sunrise to sunset, you will find plenty of ways to get moving, try something new, or just enjoy nature at your own pace. Hiking may be the big draw, but it is only the beginning.
The area’s lakes and rivers make water activities a summer favorite. Go kayaking on Lake Estes, take a guided fly-fishing trip on the Big Thompson River, or rent a paddleboard and glide across calm water surrounded by mountain peaks. You can even try whitewater rafting nearby for more of a thrill.
Rock climbing is big here too, with routes for every experience level. Estes Park has climbing guides and gear shops to help you get started safely. You can also sign up for guided hikes, birdwatching walks, or outdoor yoga sessions in the fresh mountain air.
Even if your idea of adventure is simply sitting outside with a cold drink, the setting makes it special. Summer in Estes Park means every day is wide open and waiting, no matter how you choose to fill it.
4. A Downtown That Blends Charm and Local Flavor
Estes Park’s downtown area is packed with personality. It is the kind of place where you can grab an ice cream cone, browse shops, and hear live music all within a few blocks. What makes it different is how seamlessly it blends local flavor with the easygoing feel of a mountain town.
You will find family-owned shops selling everything from handmade jewelry to local art to outdoor gear. There are cozy bookstores, souvenir stands, and even old-fashioned candy counters. Walk along the Riverwalk and you will pass patios filled with people enjoying coffee, craft beer, or just the sound of the rushing water.
Dining is just as diverse. You can grab a burger with a mountain view, settle in for a farm-to-table meal, or take the kids out for pizza. Local breweries and distilleries serve up drinks made right here in the Rockies, and many have outdoor seating perfect for a summer afternoon.
Live music and seasonal events add to the vibe. Outdoor concerts, art walks, and the weekly farmers market bring both locals and visitors together. Estes Park has that rare balance of being active without being overwhelming. You can enjoy the energy of town one minute and retreat to quiet nature the next.
The best part is you do not need a plan. Downtown Estes is built for wandering. Just follow your curiosity, take your time, and enjoy whatever you stumble into along the way.
5. Perfect for Families, Couples, and Groups
Estes Park works for just about any type of summer traveler. Families love the safe, walkable layout and the variety of activities that appeal to all ages. Couples come for the romantic scenery, cozy restaurants, and peaceful places to unwind. Groups of friends or extended families will find plenty of space to spread out, reconnect, and make memories together.
Kid-friendly adventures are everywhere. Easy nature trails, wildlife watching, mini golf, and lakeside playgrounds keep little ones entertained without the need for screens. Teens and adults will find plenty of thrill in hiking, rafting, or climbing. It is a great way to unplug and share time that feels genuinely meaningful.
For couples, the setting could not be better. Early morning walks, stargazing, and evenings spent around the fire are simple pleasures that feel even more special in the mountains. Many rentals offer private hot tubs, balconies, and scenic decks that make it easy to enjoy quiet time together.
Groups can rent larger homes or neighboring cabins and still be close to everything. Whether it is a girls’ trip, a multi-generational family vacation, or a reunion with friends, Estes Park gives everyone room to breathe while keeping the vibe relaxed.
6. Easy Access with a True Getaway Feel
One of the best parts about vacationing in Estes Park is how easy it is to get there without sacrificing that true getaway feeling. Unlike more remote mountain destinations that require hours of winding roads or multiple travel legs, Estes Park is just a 90-minute drive from Denver. That short distance makes a huge difference when you are traveling with kids, trying to make the most of a long weekend, or simply want a stress-free arrival.
Despite being close to a major metro area, Estes Park feels a world away once you arrive. The winding entrance roads climb into tree-lined valleys that instantly shift the pace. Instead of traffic and city noise, you are greeted with open skies, towering peaks, and fresh mountain air. There is no need for complicated itineraries or a jam-packed agenda. Everything feels more relaxed here, which is exactly what most people want from a summer break.
Because it is so accessible, it is also easy to invite others to join you. Friends and family can plan last-minute visits without worrying about a complicated journey. That makes group trips, reunions, or even surprise celebrations much simpler to pull off. If you want to unplug without going off-grid, Estes Park offers the perfect balance. It is close, but it does not feel close. You can drive in, settle in, and feel far from the noise without ever being too far from what you need.
Book Your Estes Park Summer Rental with Us at Voyago
At Voyago, we know how to make your Estes Park summer vacation exactly what it should be: effortless, relaxing, and surrounded by natural beauty. Since 1999, we have been helping guests create memories that last a lifetime by offering cabins and homes that are just as special as their setting.
Our weekly rentals are designed for comfort and connection. You will find spacious, open-concept floor plans that make it easy to gather with family and friends. Many of our homes include private hot tubs, outdoor patios, and mountain views that make every morning and evening feel like a moment worth savoring.
Whether you are sipping coffee by the lake, hosting dinner on the deck, or watching the stars from your hot tub, our properties help you make the most of your time in Estes Park. Each one is prepared with hotel-quality linens, stocked kitchens, and thoughtful details that make your stay feel effortless from start to finish.
We offer cabins that sleep up to eight guests, so there is room for everyone. Some homes are dog-friendly, others come with game rooms or boat slips, and all are maintained to meet our high standards of safety, cleanliness, and style.
When you are ready to plan your mountain escape, Voyago is here to help you do it the right way.
Book Your Summer Getaway Today
Estes Park offers everything you want from a summer vacation. Breathtaking landscapes, endless outdoor activities, a charming town, and rentals that feel like home. Whether you are looking for adventure, rest, or a little of both, this mountain town delivers. Book your summer stay with Voyago today and experience the magic of Estes Park for yourself!