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.

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

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

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.

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!