Estes Park

Things to Do in Estes Park

Collection of wooden cutting boards, ceramic bowls, and dishes arranged on a shelf with a decorative framed art piece and woven basket.
Person playing an acoustic guitar outdoors, close-up view.
Wooden box labeled 'Farmer's Market' filled with fresh vegetables and herbs including tomatoes, peppers, basil, and a variety of berries, with blueberries and a sunflower nearby on a wooden surface.

Events in Estes Park

There seems to always be something happening in Estes Park!! Check out:

Visit Estes Park Calendar: Click on link for an up-to-date calendar of events, including live music, festivals, and special activities. 

visitestespark.com

Estes Park Events Calendar: This platform offers a detailed list of upcoming events, such as festivals, markets, and conferences, along with dates and descriptions. 

Estes Park

Estes Park Mountain Shop Events: For outdoor enthusiasts, the Estes Park Mountain Shop occasionally organizes events like bouldering competitions and workshops. 

estesparkmountainshop.com

 Estes Park Festivals, Markets & Shows

Throughout the year, Estes Park hosts various festivals, craft shows and other events.

https://www.estesartsdistrict.org/festivals---markets---shows.html

 Estes Farmer’s Market

Estes Farmer’s market seems to have something to offer to everyone.  Sellers come in from a wide area to offer their goods.  I think it’s great fun and usually visitors come home with something scrumptious! 

Farmers Market is open every Thursday from 8am till 1 pm.

https://www.facebook.com/EstesValleyFarmersMarket

 

 

Glassblowing process with glowing molten glass being shaped by a blowtorch flame in a workshop.
Ceramic bowl with decorative patterns on a stand
Close-up of a cinnamon roll with icing on a decorative plate.

SHOPS IN ESTES

Downtown Estes Park boasts over 300 unique shops, offering outdoor gear, art, gifts, and treats. Here are a few:

Artistic Shops:

  • Mountain Blown Glass (101-A W Elkhorn Ave) – Family-owned glassblowing shop where visitors can watch live demonstrations.

  • Patterson Glassworks Studio & Gallery (323 W Elkhorn Ave) – Handcrafted glass art with live glassblowing.

  • Aspen and Evergreen (356 E Elkhorn Ave) – Showcasing over 50 Colorado artists with pottery, jewelry, photography, and more.

Gift Shops:

  • Trendz at the Park (100 E Elkhorn Ave) – High-end gifts, artistic decor, and dog-friendly.

  • My Favorite Things (170 W Elkhorn Ave) – A hidden gem boutique with a helpful owner.

Sweet Shops:

  • Cinnamon’s Bakery (920 W Elkhorn Ave) – Famous for delicious cinnamon buns, often with a morning line.

  • The Taffy Shop (121 W Elkhorn Ave) – Established in 1935, known for its award-winning saltwater taffy.

Enjoy shopping in Estes Park!

Historic white building with red roof, American flags along the entrance, and cloudy sky in the background.
Person wearing sneakers relaxing by a river with mossy rocks and trees
A red cable car traveling over a forested mountain landscape under a blue sky with clouds.
Three elk, two with locked antlers, in a forest setting.

OTHER SITES IN ESTES

 Riverwalk

A clear path for the Riverwalk begins at the Visitor Center and goes beside the Big Thompson & Fall Rivers behind the shops and restaurants on Elkhorn Avenue. You may also walk the opposite way from the visitor center over the bridge, along the golf course and up along the lake. Restrooms are available near end of lake. .

The Stanley Hotel
Built in 1909, this historic hotel is renowned for its architecture and as the inspiration for Stephen King's "The Shining." Guests can participate in history tours during the day and ghost tours in the evening to learn about its storied past. 

Estes Park Aerial Tramway
Operating since 1955, the tramway transports passengers from Estes Park to the summit of Prospect Mountain, providing panoramic views of the surrounding area. 

Wildlife Viewing
Estes Park is known for its abundant wildlife, especially elk. During the fall, visitors can witness the elk rut, where large herds gather in areas like Moraine Park. 

Mustang Mountain Coaster

The Mustang Mountain Coaster is a four minute exhilarating thrill! ride down 2000 linear feet of one of Estes Park's historic horse ranches.

Mountain landscape with pine trees, a distant town, a lake, and a rail track leading downhill.
Man sitting in a red Jeep Rubicon off-road vehicle in forested area.

Rentals

The house has micro spikes and snowshoes for our guests.  For other rentals check out:

Estes Park Mountain Shop. Rockclimbing and Snowshoeing guided trips. Rent out winter chains, ski equipment, bicycles. Also offer an all-terrain wheel chair for no charge.970 586-6548

 

Backbone Adventures. ATV, Jeep and Slingshot vehicle rentals. Also rent out Ebikes and sleds. 970 235-5045.

 

Apex Ex Colorado- Rockclimbing and Snowshoeing Adventure Trips. 303 731-6160

Lake Estes Marina:  Rents a variety of boats, kayaks, canoes, paddleboards https://evrpd.com/marina/

 

 

Gourmet restaurant table setting with plated food and wine glass

Best Restaurants near our Estes Park Rental

For dining in Estes Park, we recommend checking out Tripadvisor, where you’ll find reviews, hours, and details on local restaurants. Reservations are highly recommended during the busy summer and fall seasons. A couple of our personal favorites are Bird & Jim, which offers a diverse menu, and the simple Nepal Café, known for its delicious Himalayan cuisine.

Our mountain house surrounded by pine trees with rocky cliffs and clear blue sky

Stay near Estes Park Downtown

House just two miles from town!