The Estes Park Aerial Tramway is a great, affordable adventure offering an outstanding view of Rocky Mountain National Park as well as Estes Park. The views can all be seen from the summit of Prospect Mountain. Located in Estes Park, Colorado, the tram is open from the end of May to the beginning of September (check for changes in the dates and times due to the coronavirus). The short three-and-a-half-minute tram ride is very-smooth as it climbs up 1,100 vertical feet. If you want to avoid the large crowds, early morning or late afternoon visits are advised.
History of the Estes Park Aerial Tramway
Engineer Robert Heron designed the tram, which opened in 1955, and is still operated by the Heron family. Since its creation, it has taken more than three million people to the top of the summit. Mr. Heron was a leading pioneer in the area of chair lift builders for the U.S. ski industry. He designed and built the first double chair lift in this country, and you get the opportunity to see this at the Estes Park tramway.
When you reach the top, aside from the stunning views, there is also a gift shop where visitors often buy peanuts to share with the chipmunks. There is a small cafe which offers fantastic cinnamon rolls and coffee to enjoy with family or friends. You can also meander out on the observation deck and see everything there is to be seen with one of the 25 cent binocular viewers.
The Estes Park Aerial Tramway offers a variety of activities for you and your family to enjoy. Want to get married at the top of the summit? You can do that! You actually wouldn’t be the first couple to do so, being such a scenic and beautiful spot. The great thing about visiting this area is that you can spend as much time as you wish looking at the magnificent panoramic view. The area is a photographer’s dream come true.
Wanting some exercise as well? You can also enjoy the family-friendly hiking trails.
Estes Park has many great restaurants and accommodations, where you can enjoy your time if you plan to spend a few days in the area. Aside from hotels and motels, you can also choose a cozy cabin, lodge, vacation home, a condominium, or several campgrounds to stay.
A Small Town Offering a Large Variety of Activities
Estes Park is a small town with fewer than 7,000 residents. It sits along the Big Thompson River. It is the headquarters for Rocky Mountain National Park. This is a 265,000-acres area which offers 359 trails, 150 lakes, and almost 100 tall mountain peaks. It can be a busy area with several million visitors each year.
Once you have enjoyed Estes Park Aerial Tramway, you might want to visit some other attractions in the area.
One of the unique attractions is the Open-Air Adventure Park. Here you can make your own adventure by participating in up to 32 different challenges with different hurdles and various levels of difficulties ranging from easy to nearly impossible. Tightrope walking, rope bridges, and moving platforms are just a few challenges visitors can enjoy. If you are looking for a more relaxing venue, the Stanley Steam car Museum might meet your needs. You will be able to see historic Stanley steam cars.
If you are interested in horseback riding, you can visit the Jackson Stables. The trail rides last from one hour to an all-day excursion. If you are ready for a true adventure, you can find it at the Rocky Mountain Rush. Known for its high-adrenaline tours, the company takes visitors through rivers, over hills, and down trails located in the backcountry, all in custom-built vehicles. You can experience many other adventures from rafting to cycling, movies to an observatory, along with visiting many historical sites. This area offers something for everyone.
Estes Park is an easy drive from Denver, Colorado. If you are flying into the Denver International Airport, you can rent a car, and you have less than an hour’s drive to your destination. There are also two other airports, Laramie Regional Airport and Cheyenne Regional Airport, both of which are about an hour’s drive to Estes Park.
This is an excellent area in Colorado to spend your vacation or a weekend. It has something to offer every age group. There is no time for anyone to get bored or unhappy as there are too many exciting things to do and to see. Be sure to start at the Estes Park Aerial Tramway to get the best experience of this amazing area!