The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern

About

For the quintessential Estes Park dining experience, have dinner at The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern.

Since 1937, this rustic lodge-style restaurant has served hearty American fare. It started as a simple sandwich shop but grew into something much more when it added a dance hall in 1943.

During the Big Band Era, it became a lively spot for the community to gather, eat, and enjoy music. Today, it continues to delight diners with cuisine ranging from grain bowls, steaks, elk, bison, trout, salads, and more! And the nightly live music adds to one's dining experience.

Since it's at the entrance to the Rocky Mountain National Park, it's easy to combine sightseeing with an authentic Colorado dining experience. If this sounds enticing, be sure to call ahead to be placed on its waiting list. They don't take reservations, and because it's a hotspot, it fills quickly!

The cuisine showcases locally sourced ingredients crafted into hearty, health-conscious comfort food. From Gold Canyon Angus Beef to cage-free chicken and eggs to organic teas and coffees, every detail is carefully chosen to make your meal memorable.

Open year-round, you'll be nice and cozy in winter with its two wood-burning stoves. During summertime, enjoy the outdoor patio with stunning mountain views.

No matter when you vacation, be sure to include a visit to The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern.

Vibe

Its log cabin-style design and wooden exterior are a natural fit in this rustic setting. Unlike contemporary buildings designed to look old, The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern is the Real McCoy!

The vintage vibe continues indoors, where wooden beams, soft lighting, and a stone fireplace create a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Local art dots the walls, while old photos tell the tavern's story. Set apart from the main dining area is a small stage where musicians perform. Most sing and play acoustic guitar, while occasionally a trio is on stage. From toe-tapping mountain classics to ballads and light jazz, the music adds to the dining experience.

When the weather is warm, the outdoor patio offers fresh air and incredible mountain views. The bar area is perfect for grabbing a drink beforehand or for a laid-back meal after shopping at Red Rose Rock Shop.

The ambiance is everything you'd want on an Estes Park vacation—relaxing, fun, and uniquely Colorado.

The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern: Menu & Drinks

The appetizers are plentiful and diverse, and could serve as tapas for your meal. Case in point: the Devils on Horseback, featuring garlic-stuffed, bacon-wrapped dates with aioli sauce. Add the Smoked Elk Sausage, Spicy Corn Dip, and Loaded Potato Soup, and you have the makings of a banquet!

Next up are the salads, which offer a variety of choices. The Caesar is a standout, featuring a traditional, homemade dressing made with raw eggs and anchovies. Also noteworthy is the Gem Lake, with mixed greens, olive tapenade, pepperoncini, roasted red peppers, feta, and herb vinaigrette. Add chicken, tenderloin tips, salmon, elk sausage, and other add-ons for an additional cost.

The sandwich choices range from a ½ pound Angus burger to flatbread chicken and vegetarian pita. The 10", thin-crust pizzas are another hit, offering plenty of toppings to create your masterpiece.

After burning calories at the Colorado Mountain School, satisfy your hunger with an entree. The char-grilled 7-oz filet mignon is a winner, showcasing a hand-cut Gold Canyon Natural Gourmet Angus steak. It comes with vegetables and a side.

Equally satisfying are the pasta and grain bowls. From bison marinara and spicy Southwest pasta to Stroganoff and salmon bowl, there's something for every taste and diet.

Toast your mountain-top experience at Forest Canyon Overlook with any of the craft cocktails, beers, or wines. The Alpine Old Fashioned is a crowd favorite, made with Breckenridge Bourbon, pine syrup, muddled orange, black walnut bitters, and a cherry.

Hopefully, by now, we have whetted your appetite and piqued your interest to dine at The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern. The combination of made-from-scratch cuisine, craft drinks, and vintage lodge atmosphere makes it a must-visit.

Local Tips

They don't take reservations, so call ahead to be put on the waiting list.
Check the live music schedule online.
The artwork is available for purchase.
The kids' menu makes The Rock Inn family-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Estes Park?

Estes Park is located about 1½ hours northwest of Denver International Airport (DIA) and close to neighboring Front Range communities such as Loveland and Fort Collins. When driving to Estes Park from cities east of the Rockies, or if renting a car after flying into Denver, there are no major mountain passes to cross.

Where is Estes Park in relation to Rocky Mountain National Park?

Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) surrounds Estes Park on three sides. The main entrances to the park are approximately 10 minutes west of town.

What are the hours and costs for entering Rocky Mountain National Park?

As one of the most visited national parks in the country, RMNP has implemented various strategies to welcome over 4 million yearly visitors.

RMNP is open 24/7, year-round. A valid park entrance fee or park pass is required. Standard passes can range from $15 (individual/no vehicle) to $30 per vehicle for a day pass or $35 for a 7 day vehicle pass (covering up to 6 people)
Timed-Entry permit reservation system: In effect from mid to late May thru mid-October – requires timed entry permit plus a park pass or entry fee. More info on Timed Entry permits here: Timed Entry Rocky Mountain National Park

What are the most popular hiking trails around Estes Park?

When in Estes Park itself, be sure to visit the Lake Estes Trail to experience the town’s charm. This nearly 4 mile paved trail is accessible for all in your crew and offers stunning views of the surrounding Rocky Mountain National Park, including the Lumpy Ridge rock formations to the north. The Estes Park Visitors Center is also located along the Lake Estes Trail.

Within the Rocky Mountain National Park, there are over 300 hiking trails so you really can’t go wrong when heading out over the majestic landscape. There are hikes for all skill levels, so be sure to plan ahead. For example, some popular moderate hikes include Kruger Rock Trail, Emerald Lake Trail, Lake Haiyaha, Nymph Lake Trail, and Gem Lake Trail. Among harder hikes at RMNP: Sky Pond via the Glacier Gorge Trail, offering some of the best views in RMNP, Lion Gulch Trail (aka Homestead Meadows Trail), and Donner Pass & Lookout Mountain trail.

When is the busiest time in Estes Park?

Summer is definitely the busiest time in Estes Park and visitors will need reserved entry-times for visiting Rocky Mountain National Park. This tourist destination has plenty of outdoor activities for adventurers of all ages. The busy season in Estes Park continues into fall, through the leaves changing and wildlife emerging.

The slowest time in Estes Park is from about December through April, though this is a great time to visit the Rockies for a winter escape. Plus, the Rocky Mountain National Park is open all year!

What else makes Estes Park unique?

Don’t blink, you may just see elk roaming through your Estes Park vacation plans. That’s pretty unique! Also, in addition to serving as gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park is home to the iconic Stanley Hotel that served as inspiration for Steven King’s “The Shining.” Curiously, the Stanley Hotel is now host to the annual “Frozen Dead Guy Days” festival.

For a unique shopping experience in Estes Park, head to Elkhorn Avenue. With over 200 shops, and lined with Victorian-era buildings, shopping along Elkhorn Avenue provides for a perfect full day of exploration. Don’t miss the rock shops, photo galleries, and a surprising amount of ice-cream, candy (including taffy) and chocolate shops. This pedestrian-friendly shopping area includes some intersections where people can cross every which way at a red light.