Estes Park Is A Great Day Trip From Denver, Colorado. However, This Hidden Gem Offers Much More Adventure Than Meets The Eye!
The town of Estes Park sits in a mountain valley on the eastern side of the Continental Divide next door to Rocky Mountain National Park, but there are great outdoor adventures within the town itself.
Here are a couple things to do in Estes Park, Colorado.
To experience nature as well as the shops, restaurants, and bars of the town, stroll the Riverwalk in Downtown Estes Park along the Big Thompson River and Fall Rivers that converge at George Hix Riverside Plaza. There are benches along the way, a garden, and even a play area for the kids. At the Estes Park Visitors Center, play an outdoor instrument and add your own harmony to the sounds of running water and bird call.
Take a countryside guided horseback trail ride with one of the stables located nearby or visit Estes Park Outfitters a little farther south of town. Not your typical nose-to-tail trail ride, here a guide accompanies you through rugged, unspoiled alpine scenery to the remote historic homestead meadows site. Explore the area where some of the first non-native settlers claimed their own little piece of heaven in the 1800s.
Adventures In Estes Park
Estes Park Aerial Tramway
One of the coolest things to do in Estes Park is take a ride on the Estes Park Tram. The tram is usually open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.
It opened to the public in July, 1955 so if you like old, rickety trams and rides than this is a must do. The views are are amazing to say the least, however get there early because in the season the waiting line wraps around the parking lot.
Hotels In Estes Park
Murphy’s River Lodge
Next time you visit the Estes Park area, stay at Murphy’s River Lodge. There are a number of rooms and condos to choose from, and each of them includes their own unique options and amenities. Some rooms have fireplaces, while other rooms have decks with a view of the Fall River, but every room has all the modern comforts and conveniences. Whether it’s just for the weekend, or if you plan to take the whole week, you can find the accommodations that suit your needs.
Murphy’s River Lodge is also a great place to host a party or conference, with a separate community room that includes a wet bar and plenty of seating for your gathering.
When you decide to leave the comforts of your room, you’ll be treated to a continental breakfast every day of your stay. You can also enjoy the heated indoor pool and spa, so even when the weather is keeping you indoors, you won’t run out of things to do.
Murphy’s River Lodge is also a great location from which to explore Estes Park and the surrounding area. Fishing is just a step out the door on the river, but the town of Estes Park has plenty of other activities to offer, including tours, hiking, museums, rafting, and a variety of options so you can be sure to find something that will please everyone in your group.
Being close to the mountains has its advantages, and Murphy’s River Lodge is a great place to explore many of the things that the Colorado mountains have to offer.
Fawn Valley Inn
Many who are planning Colorado vacations to the Rocky Mountain National Park area find Estes Park to be the ideal place to stay. Situated at the entrances to one of the best places to visit in Colorado, Estes Park offers all of the amenities you need for a comfortable mountain vacation, including many excellent lodging options. When you are researching where to stay in Estes Park, Colorado, consider the Fawn Valley Inn, where you can have a full kitchen at your disposal throughout your vacation.
If your stay in Estes Park is going to be long-term, or you simply wish to have more comforts while you are there, then consider staying in one of the condos at the Fawn Valley Inn. Located just a mile from the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park, yet just five minutes from downtown Estes Park, the Fawn Valley Inn offers condos ranging in size from one to three bedrooms sleeping two to 10 people.
All of the units have kitchens or kitchenettes, so you can cook your own meals and avoid the expense and hassle of eating out repeatedly. Some units also have wood-burning or gas fireplaces and personal hot tubs. After a long day on the slopes or hiking through the mountains, a Sealy pillow-top mattress awaits you in your own mountain condo.
While staying at this facility, you can enjoy a year-round six-person community hot tub. In the warmer months, the heated outdoor swimming pool awaits. Most rooms have views of either the mountains or the 1,200-foot riverfront on the property, so relaxing in your room is always pleasant experience. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, as fox, bighorn sheep and elk frequently stroll across the 8-½ acre property.
The Fawn Valley Inn is focused on making your stay comfortable and convenient. Each room is equipped with cable TV and a DVD player, and you can rent DVDs from the resort at no extra charge. Gas grills throughout the property make an outdoor picnic simple, and the mountain décor in each of the condos helps your stay feel authentic. Staying at the Fawn Valley Inn will make your Colorado travel experience something you will not soon forget.
Food & Drink In Estes Park
When you are enjoying Colorado travel in a popular locale like Estes Park, you will find numerous chain restaurants around you. Yet, often the most authentic and memorable dining experience is found in a local eatery. By choosing the best places to dine and opting for those the locals love, your dining experience can be an extension of the adventure and ambiance of your entire vacation.
When you are looking for a place to eat in Estes Park, one consideration to make is choosing a restaurant with a view. After all, the mountains surrounding this community are one of its biggest draws. While most restaurants do have some mountain views, some capitalize on this by offering large windows and outdoor seating, so almost every guest has a good view.
Claire’s Restaurant
Claire’s on the Park offers diners a breathtaking view of the mountain scenery that makes Estes Park such a popular vacation destination. If the weather allows, consider dining out of doors on the patio, where the mountains serve as the backdrop to your meal. The food here ranges from American to Tex-Mex, with a bit of barbecue thrown in, so you are sure to find something that matches your tastes.
Claire’s on the Park is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. One thing you will notice when you dine here is the freshness of the ingredients. The restaurant strives to use the freshest possible ingredients, locally obtained if possible, so the menu does change seasonally. Expect plenty of fresh fruit in the summer and meals like red beans and rice when the winter brings snow to the region.
Claire’s is particularly popular for its barbecue dishes. You can enjoy prime rib, baby back ribs, and beef ribs when you dine here. Claire herself will ensure that everything looks and tastes great. The staff is warm and friendly, making your dining experience pleasant from beginning to end.
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