We at Voyago Vacation Rentals have always believed that Valentine’s Day takes place during the coldest days of winter for one simple reason: the cold makes you want to snuggle really close to your favorite valentine, especially when you spend the holiday in Estes Park! Offering snow-covered mountain peaks and sunsets that bring fire to your romantic activities, the only thing better than visiting our mountain town for the holiday of love would be choosing our sanctuaries for your love nests. This local guide to Valentine’s Day in Estes Park, CO will give you all the reasons you should start planning your most romantic journey today!
From Sunrise to Sunset and Beyond
On this, the most snuggly day of the year, there will be so many things to do during your stay that you may want to spread them out over multiple days of your visit, extending the holiday and making it even more memorable. Start your day with a sunrise witnessed from the balcony of our romantic retreats, and end the day with a visit to the stars with a warm embrace on your balcony or deck, staring at a night sky filled with stars. The stars in her eyes will, of course, outshine the ones you see through the lens of a telescope, but the memories will last forever, and when it starts to get a little too cold, you are just steps away from electric heat, a crackling fire, and all the colorful and cozy blankets inside!
Happy Wife, Happy Life
We all know the old phrase, “Happy Wife, Happy Life,” and while this is always true and even more so on Valentine’s Day in Estes Park, we know that the best relationships happen because equality in happiness is important to both. This is why a couple’s massage at Elements Of Touch Wellness Spa & River Retreat, 477 Pine River Lane, is going to be your best idea yet! This serene and tranquil spa has been a local favorite for over 30 years, and its location, tucked away in the trees on the banks of a river, might make you want to check out all its other spa services as well.
Snowshoeing in the Back Country with Sojourner Mountain Guides
Now, if you were a local, snowshoeing is an activity you would probably do alone on this most romantic day of the year, but you don’t know the area, and we would just feel more at ease if you connected with this wonderful guide service. Offering two- to four-hour hikes, as well as full-day and multi-day hikes, snowshoes were originally used by hunters searching for meat in the winter months over 6000 years ago, making the impossible task of traversing snow-covered wilderness possible. Today, it is a popular sporting activity and will give couples a chance to experience the stunning beauty of the Estes Park countryside in ways they just can’t while walking around town.
The Wine & Chocolate Festival, February 7, Estes Park Event Center
Yes, this event takes place the week before Valentine’s Day, but if you are able to arrive early and maybe stay a little longer, this is an event you will not want to miss. Offering six hours of delicious fun, it was just announced that in 2026, the festival will offer more than wine and chocolate, expanding their offerings to include sweets, pastries, and other yummy delights as well as offering brewery specials! We saw your ears perk up at the mention of beer, and we at Voyago are so excited to sample all the goodies and discover everything that is new about this much loved annual festival. You can use it as a chance to stock your wine refrigerator and pantry, perhaps celebrating in your love nest on the big day!
Dinner at Twin Owls Steakhouse, 3110 S St Vrain Avenue Suite B
Traditions are important in all aspects of a relationship, and a romantic meal, whether it is one created by the person who doesn’t normally do the cooking in your relationship or one enjoyed at a fine restaurant, may be your favorite tradition. Twin Owls Steakhouse is where we like to take our partners, offering a sumptuous and hearty menu and views of the mountains that will definitely aid in digestion. Often offering holiday specials, we suspect that there will be a special Valentine’s Day menu, but that information isn’t out as of yet. In the case that they don’t, however, we know you won’t mind, because their regular menu is special enough, especially when you order a delicious carrot cake to finish off the meal!
Every Day Is Romantic with Voyago Vacation Rentals
Our Valentine’s Day rentals in Estes Park aren’t any different than our standard rentals, so you will be able to enjoy a romantic retreat with us any day of the year! Contact us to reserve your favorite love nest with us today.
The annual family vacation is a time-honored tradition that we all love and are terrified of equally, especially when it comes time to find a vacation destination and activities that all ages will love. You are already halfway there in the decision-making process, having chosen Estes Park for your family vacation, and of course, Voyago Vacation Rentals for your vacation accommodations. Offering a family-friendly experience and all the comforts of home, to ensure that you don’t miss a beat during your winter getaway to our favorite Colorado town, we have created this Estes Park family vacation itinerary that will bring you joy!
Start Each Day with a Hearty Meal
Our Voyago retreats do come with fully equipped kitchens, and you may decide that you want to share cooking duties with your children. We wholeheartedly support you in that, providing high-end appliances that will make it fun to cook.
Sometimes, though, mornings come too early, even on Estes Park family vacation, and you may want to mix it up a bit by exploring the breakfast options at Mountain Home Café. Located at 457 E Wonderview Avenue Suite C-1, this inexpensive restaurant offers a low key vibe and hearty breakfasts that will ensure you will be well fueled during your winter adventures. Offering farm-to-table goodness that mom will be happy about and huge portion sizes that are surprisingly cheap and will make dad happy, their plate-sized Belgian waffles will make everyone thrilled to be there!
Snowy Adventures for the Whole Family
If you are visiting Colorado in the winter you obviously love snow, so your itinerary should be filled with many snowy adventures. Cross country skiing is a popular sport around here but can be a little frustrating for younger children, as it is a little more difficult than strapping on skis and letting gravity do its thing. If you have older kids, however, we can promise they will love exploring backcountry trails, with the Hidden Valley area being the most popular. Also offering a snow play area that is popular with sledders, this beautiful part of Estes Park will give you an authentic Colorado winter experience you will never forget.
Another popular outdoor activity that the entire family will love is ice skating at Dorsey Pond in the YMCA of the Rockies. Offering skate rentals so you don’t have to bring your own, this can also be a romantic activity for mom and dad as they glide around the rink holding hands.
When It Is a Little Too Cold to Play Outside
Winter temperatures can drop into the 30s and even lower at night in Estes Park, and if you aren’t used to it, you may be wanting a family friendly activity that can be enjoyed inside, where it is warm and dry. The Bull Pin, located at 555 S St Vrain Avenue, is where we go when our parkas and winter clothing aren’t cutting it, offering bowling, arcade games, sports playing on all televisions, and most importantly, electric heat! Also offering a bar and restaurant, this wonderful place should take up entire day of your vacation, and we can promise that no one will complain!
Another indoor activity, Time Emporium Escape Rooms: Estes Park, found at 541 Big Thompson Ave Building P Unit C, offers all the escape room fun that is sweeping the nation. It’s sure to be a big hit that your family will look back fondly on, especially if you manage to escape in time!
The Family That Shops Together
Shopping isn’t always going to be an activity enjoyed by all, but a visit to Mountain Blown Glass at 101 W Elkhorn Avenue can change all that. Offering free glass blowing demonstrations, the excitement of the art will have your youngest children frozen in place, unwilling to miss a minute of the fun, and mom and dad, while equally enthralled, will also enjoy a little shopping expedition, taking home pieces of glass art that will forever be a reminder of the fun you had in Estes Park. And because a toy store is always a great idea when traveling with children, Toy Mountain, 160 W Elkhorn Avenue, will make you the hero of the family, especially when you bring home one of the games to play with the kids on a dark and snowy night. (Or on a light and bright day!)
Comfortable Moments with the Family
The best vacations begin and end at home with Voyago Vacation Rentals, offering comfortable moments and fun family adventures that will be your favorite part of your Colorado vacation experience. Our spaces provide luxury without making parents feel uncomfortable letting their children run mild inside, and whether you are enjoying family game night, family movie night, or some quiet mom and dad time after the kids have drifted off to sleep, every memory you make here will be ones you never want to forget. Reserve your favorite family-friendly Estes Park cabin rental today!
We love the holidays, but isn’t there something wonderful about the peace and quiet of the new year? The decorations are packed away, the last of the champagne bottles are resting in recycle bins waiting to be taken away, and we march out of our houses wearing the new clothes we found under the tree. But the end of the old year IS something to celebrate, and chances are, by New Year’s Eve, you are tired and may be thinking you need a break, making an Estes Park New Year’s trip and a stay in our Voyago Vacation Rentals seasonal sanctuaries the best way to start out the new year!
Celebrate the New Year
Our Estes Park hometown is a quiet one when celebrating the new year. You won’t find fireworks displays or torchlight parades, but you will find serenity, joy, and fun no matter how you spend the evening.
The Stanley Hotel is always offering some kind of unique event, including its Live Magic Show that is held in its Aiden Sinclair Underground event venue, with this year’s show offering a Dicken’s theme. Fine dining restaurants will offer special menus, including Bird & Jim, located at 915 Moraine Avenue, which features a four-course prix fixe menu with optional wine pairings.
Your favorite way to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Estes Park, however, may be choosing to spend the night at home in your seasonal sanctuary, preparing a special meal in our fully equipped kitchen and binge watching movies you’ve always wanted to see on our state of the art televisions. Cozy, warm, and oh so restful, this activity will set the stage for a year filled with serenity and peace!
Your First Steps into 2026
There can be a sense of letdown after the ball drops but in 2026, you will feel your energy coffers beginning to refill and discover what it feels like to wake up every morning feeling rested and ready to face a new day of winter adventures! Sleeping in late on New Year’s Day is, of course, your first priority, and our comfortable beds will ensure that you sleep well, dream happy, and begin each day feeling rested and ready to explore all that Estes Park has to offer in January.
Maybe you will start the first day of the year with donuts you pre-purchased from the Donut Haus, 860 Moraine Avenue, or maybe you will want to enjoy a hearty breakfast from Mountain Home Café, 457 E Wonderview Avenue Suite C-1. The best part of this first meal of the new year is that it doesn’t matter what you eat, because we promise no one here will judge you!
There Will Be Snow
The world of Estes Park will be blanketed in white, and although it is cold and wet, you will still want to play in it for at least a little bit. Experience a guided snow shoeing adventure with Kirk’s Fly Shop, sledding with the kiddos in Hidden Valley (you can rent sleds from Estes Park Mountain Shop), even ice skating at Dorsey Pond (the YMCA of the Rockies) are some examples of the fun outdoor activities you can enjoy during your January visit. The snow is as beautiful to play in as it is to look at, and when you get cold and/or wet, there are a number of activities you can engage in that will help you warm up again!
Warming Up After Your Outdoor Adventures
Bringing the fun inside will help you warm up after a day of cold and snow, and just as there were many things you could do outside, there are an equal number of things you can do inside as well. The Stanley Home Museum and Education Center, 415 Wonderview Avenue, was once the family home of F.O & Flora Stanley (yes, the Stanleys of Stanley Hotel fame) and is open Thursday through Sunday for guided tours, but chances are it will be closed on New Year’s Day 2026. For many travelers, their favorite activities may be exercising their charge cards and the shops of Estes Park will not disappoint. Souvenir shopping at the Mad Moose, 900 Moraine Avenue may elicit your happiest memories, but any store you visit will be sure to thrill.
Take This Time to Relax and Prepare for the Months Ahead
We hope that 2026 is a year filled with fun, love, and fulfillment for all our guests, and we also hope that the time you spend in Estes Park will help you prepare for whatever the new year tosses your way. We speak from experience when we say that a family night spent at home with fire crackling in the fireplace, children laughing as they learn the thrills of living life unplugged while they play board games, and the snow falling quietly outside will be a night you will never forget. Contact us to reserve your favorite New Year’s Estes Park vacation rental today!
While a weekend away in Estes Park is always inspiring, and a week-long family trip this way can be equally appealing, Estes Park is also the perfect spot for a month-long escape. Travelers with a bit more time to spare here will find that Estes Park is a refreshing, beautiful, and inviting place to enjoy a month away from home. Whether you’re looking to slow down, work while traveling, or take time away with those you love most, an Estes Park vacation has everything you need to make the most of the experience.
It’s a Haven of Opportunity for Remote-Working Professionals
If you’re someone who works in a remote capacity, and you’re looking for a new view to keep you inspired, a month-long escape to Estes Park is exactly what you need. Here, you can enjoy the refreshing experience of waking up each day surrounded by incredible scenery and reminders that when the workday is done, there’s so much waiting to be experienced and explored outdoors.
When you book your month-long getaway to Estes Park through Voyago Vacation Rentals, you’ll be delighted to find that our cabins, homes, and condos here are set up with dependable Wi-Fi and often host dedicated workspaces as well. Feeling right at home is a breeze, especially when you book a stay within walking distance of some of Estes Park’s fan-favorite coffee shops, bookstores, restaurants, boutiques, and more! Even your lunch breaks can be customized to include time in nature here, with options to enjoy a walk along the Big Thompson River midday, working as a revitalizing choice.
You Can Discover Rocky Mountain National Park at Your Own Pace
When you only have a short time to spare in Estes Park in the name of vacation fun, there’s a tendency to feel pressure when it comes to making sure you see as much of your surroundings as possible within that timeframe. Fortunately, this just isn’t the case when you have a full month to explore! When you treat yourself to this kind of trip, it gives you the time you truly deserve to discover places like Rocky Mountain National Park at your own pace. This is often one of the biggest draws for travelers heading to Estes Park, and a month gives you plenty of time to pick and choose just how many of the 350 miles of hiking trails here you’re going to explore with a camera and binoculars in hand. A month-long escape to Estes Park means you don’t have to leave a sunrise hike to Dream Lake off your list, or miss out on those scenic drives along Trail Ridge Road. It’s also a fantastic opportunity to enjoy several weeks of wildlife watching when you’re hoping to spot everything from bighorn sheep and mule deer to elk, along the way.
There Are Options to Really Embrace the Small-Town Charm
Estes Park has earned a reputation for excellence among travelers for the easy access it provides to time in the great outdoors. That said, a month-long escape this way gives visitors time to really embrace the small-town charm they’ll enjoy here, too. When you have a month to spare for vacation, you have options to spend a significant amount of time exploring downtown. Here, you can enjoy your time hopping between impressive art galleries and admiring work that’s crafted by local talent. This area also hosts weekly farmers markets to browse, boutique shops to explore, and a variety of places to simply settle in and make the most of people watching as well.
A Month of Wellness and Reflection Goes a Long Way
If you’ve decided to enjoy a month-long escape to Estes Park so you can focus on wellness and reflection, far from the hustle of life, it’s a destination that never fails to inspire. Spending a month within easy reach of the relaxing solitude the mountains provide means you can spend afternoons in tranquility writing, journaling, or meditating uninterrupted. Aspiring and seasoned nature photographers will find a month in Estes Park might be just what they need to re-awaken their creative spirit while capturing incredible surroundings on camera.
Over at the Art Center of Estes Park, there are also opportunities for those looking to learn something new to sign up for a creative workshop during their month away. If you find that starting each day with yoga puts you in the right state of mind, you can attend classes at the Estes Valley Community Center during your month here, and hone your practice in balance, focus, and flexibility.
Book Your Stay in Estes Park Today
No matter what it is that brings you to Estes Park for a month-long escape this year, be sure to treat yourself to the comfort, style, and luxury you deserve by booking your local vacation accommodations through Voyago Vacation Rentals. We’ll make sure you feel right at home upon arrival and enjoy a stay that fits your travel style! Reach out today to learn more about our inviting portfolio of Estes Park cabin rentals and how we can help you tailor the details of your month away that matter most.
As much as we love the snow, the bracing cold, and the dramatic beauty of leafless trees and snow-capped mountains, if we were playing a game of truth and dare, we’d have to say our truth is we in Estes Park love fall best. The crisp air, the scent of the first fires being lit in fireplaces all over the valley, and the sight of brilliantly colored forests adding extra beauty to our lives. All of these things make us so very happy, and when you choose to visit our Colorado mountain town and stay in our Voyago Park Vacation Rentals seasonal sanctuaries, you will experience all the happiness while savoring the coziness and luxuries of your favorite rental in Estes Park in the fall.
What Makes Life Cozy?
Cozy is one of those words that can mean different things to different people, but we try hard to meet the expectations of every traveler who turns to us for cozy comforts during their Estes Park vacation. Sometimes, cozy can be that welcoming vibe when you step inside our warm spaces, feeling as if the entire home has been waiting for you with bated breath. Cozy can be the plush sofas that invite you to sink into their soft depths, grab a throw off their backs, and snuggle in for the night, understanding that as the sun falls behind the mountains, the cold outside will be more than a little nippy. And cozy can be found in a roaring fire, a hot mug of freshly brewed coffee, and the first airing of the fall season of your favorite show, all three experienced after a long day of vacation fun.
Comfort Is Key
Cozy can also be defined by the comfort of the space. Can you sit around the dining room for another game, another beverage, another family story being retold, without feeling your legs go numb and your back starting to hurt? Are the chairs on the back decks and patios more than just a place to sit, offering a comfort level so complete you find yourself taking unexpected naps in them? And at night, when you slide between the super soft linens on our premium beds, can you feel your body going weightless, the tightness between your shoulder blades loosening, and the cloud soft comfort of the pillow perfectly cradling your head, neck, and shoulders? These cozy comforts can’t always be found in vacation rentals, but they will be found in all our Voyago retreats! And, because cozy amenities are our specialty, don’t be surprised to find another fireplace in your primary suite bedroom, adding a touch of romance as well as warmth and cozy comfort to your sleeping experiences.
Can We Call Our Bathrooms Cozy?
At first glance, a bathroom is all cold tile and sharp angles, but there is coziness to be found if you know where to look. Towels thar are large, thick, and fluffy are one way you can find cozy in these spaces, but perhaps the coziest feeling of all will be discovered in the baths you take. Many of our retreats feature deep tubs that are perfect for soaking, and as you fill their depths with hot waters scented with the oils you have added, turn the lights down, the music up, and sink into the water with a book in one hand and glass of wine in the other, your cozy night of relaxation will have begun. Once Upon a Hive, a candle store located in downtown Estes Park at 145 E Elkhorn Avenue, can help shed a cozy light on the matter when you purchase and utilize the beeswax candles they sell.
Cozily Relaxing Under the Stars
As we move closer to snow season, Colorado nights can be downright cold, with temperatures falling below freezing as winter begins to creep into the picture, but there can still be cozy moments enjoyed outside. Having a hot tub on the deck is practically the law in this part of the world, and there just aren’t enough words to describe the cozy wonder of soaking your body in bubbling waters, watching the steam rise up and disappear into the night sky, and feeling the cool (or cold) night air nip at your nose.
And for those who don’t fancy climbing out of a hot tub in a wet suit, shivering in the night air until you wrap the thick towel around you and head back inside where life is warm and wonderful, many of our properties will offer a firepit in the back yard, surrounded by chairs and inviting guests to roast marshmallows to make s’mores!
Contact us to reserve your favorite fall Estes Park vacation rental today!
Although it is quite obvious that Estes Park shines bright when blanketed in snow, an autumn visit is also pretty special, showing a different, more colorful side of our mountain town. Offering a vibrant and exciting adventure which is complemented by the luxurious comforts of our Voyago Vacation Rentals seasonal sanctuaries, your fall visit is definitely going to be one you will never forget. And to make sure that you don’t miss out on some of our favorite adventures, this guide to the top outdoor activities in Estes Park will help you fill in all the blank spaces on your vacation itinerary!
Peeping Leaves
The colors of fall are absolutely stunning, bringing people in from all over the world just to bask in their beauty, and we invite you to check them out for yourselves. For those visiting before Trail Ridge Road closes (usually around the 3rd week in October), this is the path we suggest you take. Leading travelers through Rocky Mountain National Park, the road is known for being the highest continually paved road in North America, and the views—not just of the trees, but of the park, the mountains, and the valleys—will take your breath away. Of course, if you aren’t up for a drive, we can promise that the trees you see from the balcony of your Voyago Vacation Rentals retreat will be pretty spectacular as well!
Estes Park Autumn Gold, September 20 & 21, Bond Park
Oh, how we love a good fall festival, and we especially love the Estes Park Autumn Gold festival, offering family friendly activities, live music, delicious food, and all the beer you want to drink! This exciting event used to be held in October, making it more of an Oktoberfest adventure, but it did get a little too cold, so we just moved it up a few weeks. The world-famous Autumn Gold Brat is the star of this show, but your kids may prefer the face painting and LEGO racecars they can build, and you may prefer the Rocky Mountain Spirits Experience, but we are pretty sure the music, the cool mountain air, and the raffles will excite you too!
Experience the Elk Rut
Viewing the wildlife in the area, especially during a tour of the park, but during the elk rut (generally occurring in September and October) it can be especially fascinating. Elk rut is, of course, elk mating season, and we can assure you those randy bulls certainly make their presence known, so much so that you may be able to hear them calling for a mate as you relax on your balcony overlooking the Colorado countryside. Some of the best viewing spots are also the best spots for viewing the changing leaves, including Lake Estes, Big Thompson Canyon, and Moraine Park.
Take a Hike
The weather is so beautiful this time of year, cold enough to keep you from sweating but warm enough that you can still feel your toes, and the trails you are taking will lead you through some of the most beautiful countryside in the world. The 4-mile paved trail that goes around the lake is easy to navigate and is also often used by joggers and bikers.
Ride the Mustang Mountain Coaster
Setting free your inner child is as easy as climbing aboard the Mustang Mountain Coaster and riding down the mountain at speeds that may reach up to 25-27 miles per hour. You probably already know how an alpine coaster works and that it is similar to a roller coaster, only it is gravity that propels you, and you have the control of how fast you go, but if you have never experienced the fast ride down the mountain, fall is the perfect time to do so! Located at 1180 Dry Gulch Road, the coaster gives guests a new and exciting way to experience the trails of Estes Park and will be one of those experiences you will cherish forever.
Relaxing in the Backyard of Your Voyago Vacation Rentals Seasonal Sanctuary
Of all the fun outdoor activities you can engage in during your stay in our Estes Park escapes, the ones that will reap the biggest benefits may be the activities you engage in while exploring the wonders of our backyards. Sit out on balconies that face the most stunning Rocky Mountain views, sipping mulled wine (it is fall after all!) or pumpkin porter, and wondering how did you get this lucky? Some retreats may offer hot tubs, others may offer firepits, and still others will offer both, perhaps encouraging you to stay home more, spoiling yourself and your family as much as possible. Contact us to reserve your favorite fall Estes Park vacation cabin today and discover even more ways to play and relax in Estes Park!
A family vacation is truly a wonderful thing, but there will always be one problem: trying to find something that all ages of travelers will enjoy together, especially when you bring the in-laws along on your trip. That’s three generations of humans coming together to find common ground and often failing miserably—unless, of course, your vacation is to Estes Park and you have chosen Voyago Vacation Rentals for your trip of a lifetime. In that case, all you need to do is keep reading to discover all the activities that all ages will enjoy, and we’ve listed some of our favorites below to help you plan your trip to Estes Park.
We All Scream for Ice Cream from Hayley’s Ice Cream, 102 E Elkhorn Avenue
It’s a beautiful summer day, your teens are smiling, your tweens are giddy, and your mom is enjoying this dedicated times with the grandkids, so of course you want to make the good times sweeter with a visit to Hayley’s Ice Cream. Their ice cream is made in small batches in the shop, ensuring that every lick you take will be fresh and wonderful, and they offer 32 flavors of homemade goodness. They don’t offer indoor seating but do provide a large number of tables with umbrellas outside, which on a beautiful summer day, why would you want to be cooped up inside anyway?
A Self-Guided Tour of the Stanley Hotel
Chances are your younger children have not seen the movie The Shining, but most children get excited at the idea of seeing a haunted house, they just don’t like the idea of sleeping in one, so an hour tour of the famous hotel is the perfect activity, one that grandma, mom, dad, and all the kids will enjoy. If your children are under the age of 8, however, this activity should be tabled for a return trip, because they are not permitted on the tour. Exploring the history, the architecture, and just how Stephen King came up with his idea for The Shining is an adventure we recommend to everyone. Ticket prices are $20 for children 8-17 and $25 for adults.
Attend the Elk Fest, September 28 & 29th, Bond Park
The best way to get a true understanding of the place you are visiting and have a great time while doing so is by attending local festivals and the Elk Fest, held at the end of September every year is sure to appeal to children from 2-92 years of age. Offering two days of food and vendor booths, live music, Native American dancing, and elk presentations that educate and entertain the crowds, there will also be bugling contests, and a raptor program that will thrill. This wonderful event takes place during the famous elk rut (elk mating season), increasing the chances that you may encounter the animal as you go about your vacation business, and you will probably hear their calls at night!
White Water Rafting with Colorado River Expeditions, 343 S St. Vrain Avenue
You really don’t have to be a daredevil to enjoy a white water rafting trip down the Colorado. It’s not that scary and for much of the river you will just be enjoying a leisurely ride through some of the most beautiful landscape you have ever seen in this lifetime. Their standard rafting trip lasts between 9 to 12 hours and includes a hot lunch on the shore (comfortable lounge chairs and umbrellas are provided) and a fascinating history lesson about the river and Rocky Mountain National Park. This adventure is for those 7 years and older and is definitely one we recommend adding to your itinerary.
Visit Rocky Mountain National Park
There are so many reasons that a visit to Rocky Mountain National Park will be a highlight of your vacation adventures and we love that it is something all ages will enjoy. Hiking along the many trails that traverse the park, keeping your eye out for wildlife as you hike, is perhaps the most popular thing to do inside the park. The Continental Divide trail is a 30-mile one that runs through the middle of the park, but there are shorter hikes that may be more appropriate for the mixture of age groups in your traveling party. Also offering 150 historic structures to explore or photograph, fields of wildflowers, acres of forests, and the Colorado River that flows through the park, there is sure to be many activities inside that everyone in your traveling group will be thrilled to participate in. Summer visitors will need to make their reservations in advance with the park’s Timed Entry Reservation system, and there is a fee to enter the park that must be paid as well.
Chilling in Our Voyago Vacation Rentals Estes Park Retreats
Your best memories may be the ones made in our Estes Park vacation retreats, offering all the ways to relax, play, and just enjoy your time with the family. Contact us to reserve your favorite Estes Park vacation rental today!
If you are looking for your gateway into the Rocky Mountains and a whole lot of fun, you need to make your way to Estes Park. We are a top Colorado destination that features tons of outdoor adventures for everyone. Expenses can quickly add up when planning for any vacation getaway, but a great way to offset some costs is by finding plenty of free Estes Park activities to add to your itinerary. Here are some of the top free things to do in Estes Park no matter when you visit:
Check Out the Estes Park Riverwalk
If you want to see one of the most scenic areas of Estes Park, consider making your way to the Riverwalk. You will find this paved path taking you through Downtown Estes Park before it runs next to the Big Thompson and Fall Rivers. During your walk, you will find all kinds of shops and galleries that you can window shop. The Riverwalk features plenty of benches you can stop at to take in the scenic overlooks. You will find this area of town to be a relaxing and peaceful spot to check out. The sound of rushing water is always a popular feeling with the rivers flowing at their highest in the spring. Or check out the Riverwalk during the fall season as the color of the leaves change into vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows. There is no bad time of year to check out the Estes Park River.
Take in the Scenic Views and Overlook
Estes Park is a destination that is complete with all kinds of views that you will want to see to believe. During your visit drive around to the different scenic overlooks where you can see the mountains at no cost. You will find that scenic overlooks offer free parking spots along with picnic tables to enjoy a meal with your family. Some of our favorite overlooks can be found over at Lily Lake just along Highway 7 along with Lake Estes Marina. You can expect to find panoramic views from the vistas as both area. These are must-see areas for any photographers in your family.
Explore the Historic Stanley Hotel rounds
Estes Park has a surprising connection to Hollywood as the historic Stanley Hotel here in the area was featured in The Shining. Don’t let the movie spook you away from checking out this historic site that was rumored to be paranormal while the movie filmed on the premises. Visitors can tour the Stanley Hotel for a fee but walking around the hotel grounds outdoors is completely free. You will be able to enjoy the stunning architecture of the building along with the sweeping mountain views. You can even peek inside to see the vintage lobby and atmosphere that the movie featured.
Enjoy the Free Events Throughout the Year
Estes Park is not just about free activities but also free events that you can attend all year long. You and your family can attend a variety of events right here in the area. The Estes Park Elk Fest takes place during the fall season that coincides with the elk hunting season. You will find this event complete with live music, educational booths, and storytelling all for free. The Estes Park Jazz Fest in the month of May provides all kinds of free live jazz performances found here in town. Frozen Dead Guy Days in March is a quirky winter event that is still new to the area. It features all kinds of free entertainment and events. Last but not least is the Glow Holiday Parade in November that features all kinds of holiday lights and floats to help kick off the holiday season with.
Check Out Local Hiking Trails
Entry into the Rocky Mountain National Park will always require a fee so if you wish to see the area for free you can check out other hiking trails. One of our favorite trails is the Lily Mountain Trail that offers a moderately challenging experience that rewards you with panoramic views of Estes Valley and Longs Peak. Kruger Rock Trail is another great trail to hit up. If you enter Hermit Park from your vehicle there will be an entrance fee but you can avoid this by walking into the park. There are also local promotions throughout the year that will also offer free entry. Estes Lake Trail will take you around Lake Estes that is great for biking anytime of the year.
More Free Fun Right Here in Estes Park
Don’t miss out on all of this fun right here in the area. Reach out to us today to book our Estes Park vacation rentals, which will offer you a fantastic experience during your stay. There is no better way to enjoy Estes Park.
Your vacation in Estes Park is going to be filled with adventures of all types, including, if you are so inclined, road trips just waiting to be taken. This part of Colorado is known for its stunning landscape, its wonderful attractions, and for the charm of the small towns that are in the area and the locals here (and yes, that includes us at Voyago Vacation Rentals) love to take little voyages to all the most wonderful places. This guide to the top Estes Park day trips you can take—trips that begin in Estes Park and end right back where you started—has been curated from tips and hints that we received from staff, friends, and other Estes Park locals!
Wildlife Watching in Sheep Lakes
Located inside Horseshoe Park, Sheep Lakes is a beautiful part of the park, offering the water that attracts all the wildlife, and although it is technically still within city limits and it really won’t take all day to enjoy all this area has to offer, it’s has many benefits, including a short drive and the opportunity to see the wildlife in the area. We like to take our families to the parking lot that overlooks the lakes, packing a picnic, and for those of us who have smaller children, games to play. And we just sit and wait for the animals to come to us. Over the years we have spotted and photographed moose, coyotes, elk, and of course, the bighorn sheep that are the lake’s namesake. Sunrise and sunset are when the wildlife really get active, so consider scheduling your visit during those times and be prepared to be amazed at the wildlife you will spot.
A Scenic Drive Along the Trail Ridge Road
The Trail Ridge Road is a popular one, noted as the highest continuous paved highway and offering stunning views of the Rocky Mountains, practically around every turn. Open for cars May through October, in the off months, bicyclists love to ride this road and pedestrians love to walk along it, but in the height of summer, it is all about the drive. Offering multiple scenic overlooks, we advise our guests to stop, take pictures, and soak in the natural beauty that makes this area one of the top tourist destinations in the world. The Alpine Visitor’s Center is one such overlook, located above the tree line so you will feel as if you are on top of the world!
Journey to Nederland
The town of Nederland boasts a population of less than 2000 people and a lifestyle that is serene, calm, and happy, especially as it home to what they call the Carousel of Happiness, a 1910 carousel that has been fully restored to its original glory. 57 hand-carved and hand-painted animals continue their circuit thousands of times in a day, “dancing” to the tunes played by a restored 1913 Wurlitzer band organ, and as you ride your chosen “steed” (an ostrich, a pig, a giraffe, and a panda are amongst some of your choices), you will learn why it is named what it is named. It’s impossible not to be happy on this bright, colorful, and cheerful carousel!
Discover the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway
The Peak to Peak Scenic Byway is a 55-mile stretch of road offering views of the Front Range (a mountain range that is a part of the Southern Rocky Mountains) and the Continental Divide, while also providing peeks into the lives of the wildlife that inhabits the area. This byway is Colorado’s oldest scenic byway, having been established in 1918, and is beautiful year-round, making a summer drive a wonderful one, but if you truly want to see it at its most colorful, we suggest a return trip in the fall! Or, as this article will be “hitting the stands” sometime in August, it is quite possible your visit will fall during prime leaf viewing season, late September through early October, and if that is case, you have timed it perfectly!
All Roads Lead Home to Voyago Vacation Rentals
Whether you decide to take short Estes Park day trips to any of the parks in the area or decide you really want to take a road trip and hit the road for a two-hour drive to Sulphur Hot Springs (that’s an experience you will never forget!) realizing that all roads lead back home to our Voyago Vacation Rentals Colorado sanctuaries will bring you joy! Soothe your aching muscles by soaking in hot tubs, wind down by sitting near the fireplace and quietly watching the flames flicker, even in the summer months. And when sleep wins and you crawl into the most comfortable beds in the state, you will feel at ease, at home, and ready for happy dreams. Reserve your favorite Estes Park cabin rental today!
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 in Estes Park in August
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!