Welcome to Estes Park, the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park! This area beckons all outdoor lovers to visit, with its unspoiled natural beauty, thrilling outdoor adventures, and the kind of cozy accommodations that make a vacation truly unforgettable.
Estes Park offers a peek into the best of nature, where elk roam freely, and the stunning views just speak to your soul. So, if you’re seeking solitude among the aspens, a family adventure in the great outdoors, or a romantic getaway in a stunning locale, Estes Park is a place for you. But don’t just stop there. Explore the following Top Ten Reasons why Estes Park should be the choice for your next vacation!
1. Take in Breathtaking Natural Beauty During Your Estes Park Vacation
You knew it had to be first. The natural world surrounding Estes Park is remarkable. Estes Park can be considered the crown jewel of Colorado’s natural wonders, serving as the eastern entrance to the majestic Rocky Mountain National Park. More than that, Estes Park is home to Rocky Mountain National Park – a sanctuary where the majesty of the mountains meets the sky.
The park boasts over 300 miles of hiking trails that weave through dense forests, alpine meadows and lakes, and rugged peaks that touch the clouds. Scenic drives like the Trail Ridge Road offer panoramic views that stretch for miles, giving you many opportunities for photography, wildlife viewing, and soaking up those awe-inspiring sights.
Elk, deer, and other wildlife sightings are common, making every visit a unique encounter with nature. The serene beauty of Estes Park’s natural landscape, from the quiet of the lakes at dawn to the alpenglow at dusk, is a constant reminder of the splendor of the natural world.
2. A Hiker’s Paradise
If you love lacing up your hiking boots and hitting the trails, then Estes Park is the place for you. The area is home to trails that cater to every level of experience, from the easy, family-friendly paths around Bear Lake to the more challenging treks up Hallett Peak.
Noteworthy trails like the Emerald Lake Trail and the Sky Pond Trail offer a journey along the alpine lakes, with twists and turns that lead to one postcard-worthy view after another. These hikes not only challenge and invigorate you but also provide moments of profound tranquility and connection with nature. As you hike along the way, you’ll be treated to cascading waterfalls, crystal-clear mountain lakes, and sweeping vistas that stretch as far as the eye can see. It doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned hiker looking for your next challenge or someone who just enjoys a leisurely walk in the great outdoors, hiking around in Estes Park is an experience you must have.
3. The Thrill of Outdoor Adventures
Immerse yourself in the heart of Colorado’s wilderness! Adventure your way with a smorgasbord of outdoor activities. This mountain town caters to thrill-seekers and nature lovers of all ages. Imagine horseback riding through aspen groves, where the only sounds you hear are the gentle clip-clop of hooves and the whisper of the wind. Or consider the peaceful joy of casting a fishing line in the rippling mountain streams, waiting for the tug of trout at the bait. If you’re more of an aquatic adventurer, get in a kayak to traverse the glassy surface of Estes Park’s lakes. You’ll be in awe of the mountains as you take in their reflection mirrored in the lake.
These activities, among others, are not just available; they’re accessible. Outfitters and guides in Estes Park specialize in creating experiences that suit all skill levels, ensuring that everyone from can find an adventure that feels special and unique to them. This accessibility is part of what makes Estes Park an ideal destination for families, groups, and solo adventurers.
4. A Rich History and Cultural Heritage
Beyond its natural wonders, Estes Park is home to a rich variety of history and culture. The Stanley Hotel, with its grand white facade and stately architecture, stands as a testament to the town’s early 20th-century beginnings that inspired Stephen King’s “The Shining.” Learn more by taking a guided tour of this hotel to dive into its history and what made this book and movie a cult classic.
Additionally, local museums and cultural centers add depth to the Estes Park experience. From the Estes Park Museum, which highlights the area’s early settlers and natural history, to the historic MacGregor Ranch, where visitors can learn about Colorado’s ranching heritage. These sites provide a glimpse into the lives of those who shaped Estes Park, offering stories of resilience, innovation, and the enduring spirit of the West.
5. Premier Local Dining Experience: The Twin Owls Steakhouse
Among Estes Park’s culinary gems, The Twin Owls Steakhouse shines particularly bright. Known for its rustic elegance and mouthwatering menu, dining at this restaurant gives you an experience that captures the pure essence of Colorado.
Specializing in hand-cut steaks and local delicacies, every dish is a celebration of quality and flavor. Feel warm and cozy in a restaurant whose ambiance, equipped with log cabin architecture and cozy fireplaces, complements the hearty cuisine. Each meal shared here is a truly memorable one.
Guests appreciate the attentive service and the unparalleled mountain views that set the stage for a perfect evening. So be sure to add the Twin Owls Steakhouse to your Estes Park itinerary so you too can say “Dining at The Twin Owls Steakhouse was the highlight of our trip.” Join the many other visitors to Estes Park who have enjoyed its warm, welcoming atmosphere and exquisite food.
6. Unique Shopping Experiences
Taking a stroll through downtown Estes Park is like walking into a treasure chest of unique finds and local craftsmanship. The town’s quaint streets are lined with shops and galleries that invite leisurely browsing. Much of what’s offered is inspired by the surrounding beauty of the Rockies. As you indulge in some retail therapy, you’ll discover everything from handcrafted jewelry and artisan soaps to custom leather goods and fine art!
Local artisans take pride in their work, offering goods that you won’t find anywhere else. Bring home a one-of-a-kind gift, a piece of local art to remember your trip, or some homemade fudge to satisfy a sweet tooth! Estes Park’s shopping scene is diversely delightful. Each purchase is a story of your time in Estes Park that you’ll be able to share with loved ones for years to come.
7. Voyago’s Amazing Cabin/Vacation Rentals
When you begin planning your trip to this amazing destination, you’re going to need the perfect place to stay. That’s where the team at Voyago comes in! Voyago offers an exquisite selection of high-end cabin and vacation homes that promise a unique experience that far exceeds any hotel stay. With Voyago, you can have a home-away-from-home experience with a touch of luxury!
Each property is carefully curated to ensure you can enjoy the pinnacle of comfort and style amidst the breathtaking backdrop of the Rocky Mountains. From rustic, cozy cabins ideal for romantic getaways to spacious vacation homes designed for family reunions or group retreats, Voyago has a variety of options to suit your unique needs.
These vacation homes come equipped with a range of amenities designed to make your stay as comfortable and convenient as possible. Rise each morning to stunning mountain views best seen through large floor-to-ceiling windows. Take that first sip of your morning coffee on your private deck as you inhale that fresh mountain air. In the cooler evenings, you can relax with loved ones by a crackling fireplace after a day of exploration. Unique features like hot tubs, gourmet kitchens, and outdoor fire pits enhance the experience, ensuring your Estes Park vacation is utterly unforgettable. To be central to the adventure and excitement of Estes Park, be sure to secure your accommodations with Voyago!
8. Wildlife Encounters
Estes Park is a great place to observe wildlife in their natural habitat. The area’s diverse ecosystems are home to a variety of animals, including elk, deer, bighorn sheep, an assortment of birds and small mammals. One of the most thrilling aspects of a visit to Estes Park is the chance to witness these creatures up close, whether its elk grazing in meadows or eagles soaring against the backdrop of the Rockies.
For a safe and respectful wildlife watching experience, be sure you keep a safe distance, use binoculars or zoom lenses for up-close views, and respect the animals’ space by staying quiet and never feeding them.
Early mornings and late afternoons are often the best times for wildlife sightings, especially in less crowded areas of Rocky Mountain National Park. These encounters are an exciting reminder of the majestic creatures we share this planet with. Watching them brings a unique sense of peace and wonder, making wildlife watching a must-do activity in Estes Park.
9. Year-Round Events and Festivals
Feel the vibrant community spirit of Estes Park that’s seen through its year-round calendar of events and festivals. Each event caters to a wide variety of interests and attracts visitors from all corners. The Estes Park Elk Fest celebrates the annual elk rut with educational events, live music, and local food, offering a unique way to engage with the area’s celebrity animal – the elk! The Stanley Film Festival, held at the iconic Stanley Hotel, is an absolute must for film lovers. It features independent horror films in a setting famous for its spooky inspiration.
Summer brings the Estes Park Music Festival and the Rooftop Rodeo, known as the “Rodeo with Altitude,” which has been thrilling audiences with professional rodeo performances for over 90 years! The winter months are brightened by the Estes Park Winter Festival, showcasing ice sculptures, local brews, and live music.
Not only are these events entertaining but they are also a give you a glimpse into the cultural makeup of Estes Park. So, if you’re looking to immerse yourself in local traditions and community celebrations while on vacation, Estes Park is where it’s at!
10. Easy Accessibility and Welcoming Community
Something else that makes Estes Park so alluring is its easy accessibility and welcoming vibes. In just a short drive from major cities like Denver, Estes Park serves as a convenient escape to the serenity of the mountains. It’s a great option for weekend getaways and extended vacations. Smooth travel is the name of the game in Estes Park. The journey to this paradise will be as pleasant as your stay.
When you arrive in Estes Park, you’ll be at the receiving end of that quintessential mountain hospitality. The local community takes pride in welcoming guests from around the globe, offering a level of warmth and friendliness that has earned Estes Park lots of praise for its service and hospitality. This welcoming atmosphere, combined with the town’s commitment to preserving its natural and cultural legacy, makes Estes Park a truly unique place.
Book Your Estes Park Accommodations with Voyago Today!
There you have it! The ten reasons to choose Estes Park as your next vacation destination. This remarkable city stands as a beacon for travelers seeking to blend adventure, tranquility, and natural beauty on their vacation.
From the majestic landscapes of the Rocky Mountain National Park and the wildlife that call this area home, the engaging cultural events and the unparalleled hospitality of its community –Estes Park offers you an enriching and unforgettable vacation experience. The town’s unique blend of outdoor activities, historical landmarks, and local culinary delights ensures that you’ll find something to enjoy in this mountain retreat.
As you consider your next vacation destination, let Estes Park be at the top of your list. With Voyago, booking your ideal getaway is just a few clicks away. Explore our selection of cabin and vacation rentals in Estes Park, and prepare to experience the comfort, convenience, and connection to nature that makes for an unforgettable escape. Reach out to Voyago today and allow us to help you make your Estes Park dreams a reality.
If are an amateur photographer or someone who loves to post pics of their vacation to their social media you will want to know where you can find the most photographable places you visit. This includes Estes Park where you will find gorgeous scenery all around you. Pinpointing the most photographable spots can be a little difficult unless you know where to look. That is where we come in with this handy guide. Here are the most photographable spots located exclusively in Estes Park:
Rocky Mountain National Park
Perhaps the largest attraction near Estes Park is the Rocky Mountain National Park. This local park is a top draw to the area and is one of the most photographed parks in the country. No matter what time of year you visit Rocky Mountain National Park you are sure to find some truly inspirational scenery to photograph. With the park being so big you can easily drive around and simply take pics of what you enjoy seeing. Some more specific ideas in the park also include Bear Lake. This local attraction in the park is a favorite as the lake reflection offers a mirror reflection of the local mountains and trees on a calm day. Another favorite is Dream Lake which is a top draw in the summer or winter. The alpine surrounding helps offer beautiful scenery and the frozen water of winter lets you ice skate on top. The Alberta Falls are the cascading falls located in the park. You may be able to see packs of elk in the wild when you venture down into Moraine Park. Gem Lake is a more remote part of the park that takes a longer hike to get to. But once you reach it you will see a beautiful lake created by trapped snowmelt that offers a beautiful and distinct look.
Lake Estes
You will notice that Estes Park is surrounded by many beautiful lakes in the area. None is more prominent to Estes Park than Lake Estes itself. This center area of Estes Park offers many activities during the year including fishing, kayaking, boating, and much more. For those who wish to see the more photographable side of Lake Estes make sure to hike the near four-mile loop around the lake. This trail is known to many locals and visitors to check out the beautiful lake scenery. Herds of elk are also known to frequent the lake in the cooler seasons such as fall and winter. There is nothing more beautiful than nature in Estes Park.
Mary’s Lake
For those who prefer to avoid the busier crowds of Lake Estes you can always venture off to Mary’s Lake. This scenic lake is just as beautiful and is worth the extra travel to get to. Mary’s Lake is primarily used for boating and fishing during the summer season. The lake marina offers all of the boat and bike rentals you need so you can easily get around by land or water. Locals know that Mary’s Lake offers one of the top spots for sunsets as the reflection of the water offers a truly spectacular sight. Sunrises are also great if you can get to Mary’s Lake just before the sun rises overhead.
Prospect Mountain
You cannot get a better view than being high up in elevation and the same can be said for Estes Park. Visitors are able to take the Estes Park Aerial Tramway to the top of Prospect Mountain. Here you are able to enjoy panoramic views of the area from the viewing deck. The ride to the top is memorable with the increase of elevation offering more and more things to see. There is plenty of land up top to navigate around and offers easy enough hiking for little ones too.
MacGregor Ranch
If you want to photographic the more historical side of Estes Park make sure to visit MacGregor Ranch. This historic ranch was initially built in the 1870s and has been preserved since then. You will find plenty of horses and cattle that call the ranch home as they graze on the meadow. Guided tours will take you around the property with stops along the smokehouse, milk house, blacksmith shops, and more. The main building offers a museum like tour where you can see original belongings from the MacGregor family who built the ranch. Your photography tour of Estes Park does not have to only include pictures of local mountains.
Estes Park is Waiting
Do not forget your camera and make sure you visit Estes Park for your next vacation getaway. Our vacation rentals will keep you comfortable in between your photo shoots so find your favorite rental today. Come see why Estes Park is the jewel of the Denver area in Colorado and start your Estes Park sightseeing adventure and contact us today!
Mother’s Day is an annual celebration dedicated to honoring and showing appreciation to the most important women in our lives, our mothers. It is an occasion that calls for a special gesture to express our gratitude and love for everything they have done for us. One way to celebrate this day is by taking your mom on a trip to Estes Park, a picturesque mountain town in Colorado. Estes Park is a perfect destination for Mother’s Day with its breathtaking natural scenery, diverse activities, and unique local culture. Whether your mom loves the outdoors, shopping, or simply relaxing, Estes Park offers something for everyone. In this blog, we will explore the many reasons why taking your mom to Estes Park for Mother’s Day is a wonderful idea, and how you can make this trip an unforgettable experience for both of you.
Discover the Charm of Estes Park
After a day of exploring the park, stroll through town and indulge in a treat from Grandma’s Mountain Cookies or savor a local brew at Estes Park Brewery. From a romantic dinner along the Estes Park Riverwalk to kayaking on the lake with the family, there’s no shortage of things to do. And for those who love to shop, you’ll find various boutique stores in town, including art galleries like Mountain Blown Glass and souvenir shops like Rocky Mountain Gifts and T-Shirts. With plenty of vacation rentals, Estes Park is the perfect destination for a Mother’s Day getaway.
Experience the Wonders of Rocky Mountain National Park
Estes Park, also known as “The Gateway to the Rockies,” is the perfect destination for those seeking a quick mountain getaway. With stunning alpine scenery visible from your vacation rental and throughout town, it’s no wonder that this charming mountain town is a popular choice for visitors. Once you’re inside Rocky Mountain National Park, the famous sites are easily accessible, including the breathtaking Bear Lake, which transforms into an otherworldly winter wonderland during the colder months and glistens under the summer sun. Drive up Trail Ridge Road, the highest byway in America, for panoramic views that will leave you speechless. And for an exhilarating adventure, ride the Estes Park Aerial Tramway to a local peak, where you can soak up the stunning vistas. With limitless choices of activities, Estes Park has something for everyone.
A Foodie’s Delight
Estes Park is a foodie’s paradise, with a variety of restaurants to satisfy any craving. Indulge in a juicy burger, spicy beef tacos, or savory coconut-milk-free Jungle curry. From fine dining experiences to quick bites, Estes Park’s local restaurants offer menus that will tantalize your taste buds. And remember to enjoy a local bottle of wine to fully immerse yourself in the area’s flavors. After a day of adventure and indulgence, relax and recount your experiences while savoring a delicious meal in this charming mountain town.
Visit the Stanley Hotel
If your mom enjoys haunted experiences, taking her to the Stanley Hotel for Mother’s Day is an unforgettable gift. Located in Estes Park, Colorado, the Stanley Hotel is famously known for inspiring Stephen King’s “The Shining” and is considered one of the most haunted places in America. A tour of the hotel’s eerie hallways and ghostly rooms is a must for anyone who loves a good scare. With a variety of tour options available, including the Night Spirit Tour and the Stanley Tour, you and your mom can explore the hotel’s dark past and paranormal activity. For the ultimate spooky experience, consider booking a room in the hotel’s original building, rumored to be the most haunted section of the property. And if your mom is feeling brave, sign up for a ghost hunt with the hotel’s resident paranormal investigation team. The Stanley Hotel offers a unique and chilling experience that your mom will never forget, making it the perfect Mother’s Day gift for the adventurous and fearless mom in your life.
Don’t Miss the Sunset
Watching the sunset in Estes Park with your mom on Mother’s Day is a breathtaking and serene experience that you will cherish forever. The towering Rocky Mountains provide the perfect backdrop for the vibrant hues of the sunset, creating a stunning display of colors that paints the sky. The peacefulness of the moment is amplified by the sound of the wind rustling through the trees and the gentle lapping of the nearby lake. Sitting side by side with your mom, you can reflect on cherished memories and enjoy each other’s company in a peaceful and picturesque setting. As the sun slowly dips below the horizon, you and your mom can witness the beauty of nature’s daily finale, a reminder of the beauty and magic that surrounds us every day. Watching the sunset with your mom in Estes Park is a simple yet meaningful way to show your love and appreciation for her on Mother’s Day.
Book Your Getaway
So, what are you waiting for? Give us a call today to book your Estes Park Mother’s Day rental with us today. Estes Park is waiting for you!