9 Things to Do in Estes Park (Other than RMNP)

Estes Park is consistently ranked among Colorado’s top destinations. As the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, this charming mountain town offers breathtaking scenery in every direction and more elk than locals on some days.

While many travelers pass through on their way to Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park itself is full of memorable experiences waiting to be explored.

Here are nine excellent things to do in Estes Park that will make your visit truly unforgettable.

Steeped in history and mystique, the Stanley Hotel is one of Colorado’s most famous, and haunted landmarks. The hotel, built in 1909, is the inspiration behind Stephen King’s The Shining. Even skeptics find themselves enchanted by the architecture, stories, and the hotel’s mountain views.

The hotel offers a 60-minute night tour, offering you the chance to experience some of the ghostly hauntings of the property. For those more interested in the unique history of the hotel, you can take a 60-minute walking day tour instead.

Whether you come for the chills or the charm, it’s an unforgettable way to experience Estes Park’s spookier side.

The Aerial Tramway offers a breathtaking, effortless journey up Prospect Mountain, where sweeping views of Estes Valley and the Rocky Mountains unfold below. As you glide above treetops, it’s easy to appreciate why so many love the beauty of Estes Park.

At the top, visitors can snap panoramic photos, enjoy a snack, and even feed chipmunks near the overlook. It’s a simple adventure with a huge payoff, perfect for families, couples, and first-time visitors.

The River Walk through downtown Estes Park combines small-town charm with mountain tranquility. Visitors can browse unique boutiques, art galleries, and local eateries while following the gentle flow of the Big Thompson River. The sound of water and the scent of pine make shopping here feel like part of the vacation, not just a pastime.

Your walk will take you past several of our favorite stops, including:

• Bird & Jim: Farm to Table dining
• Trendz at the Park: Homegoods Store
• Mountain Blown Glass: Glass Blowing store with demonstrations
• Pines & Cones Ice Cream: Ice Cream shop
• Wild Spirits Ltd. Gallery Gifts

Although technically outside of Rocky Mountain National Park, you should treat the trailhead parking lot as if park staff will check you have the proper vehicle pass or timed-entry permit. To avoid any issues, bring/display your entry permit or pass and adhere to any posted signage when you arrive..

The hike to Gem Lake is a local favorite for its stunning rock formations, forested switchbacks, and sweeping mountain views. The moderate 3.5-mile trail winds through the dramatic Lumpy Ridge area before arriving at the peaceful alpine lake.

Along the way, you’ll pass towering granite cliffs and maybe spot mule deer or eagles overhead. It’s a quintessential Estes Park adventure: challenging enough to be rewarding, but accessible to most visitors.

Established in 1873, MacGregor Ranch Museum offers a glimpse into Estes Park’s pioneer roots, preserving the spirit of a working 1880s cattle ranch. Visitors can tour the original homestead, barns, and blacksmith shop while learning about ranch life in the rugged Colorado high country.

The museum is still a working ranch, with grazing cattle and open pastures, so dress accordingly.

It’s a peaceful, authentic experience that connects you to the heritage and hard work that shaped this mountain town.

Opened in 1959, this amusement park is a staple in Estes Park. Offering go karts, bumper boats, mini golf and more, it’s the perfect place for a family outing.

There’s also a munch kart and beer/wine stand so the entire family can stay well-fed and hydrated.

Although open year-round, a lot of the activities are only open for the summer so be sure to check in to see what’s open during your visit.

Estes Park is more than just a stop on the way to Rocky Mountain National Park. Take your time exploring this charming mountain town, rich with history and brimming with adventure. No matter the season, Estes Park offers its own kind of magic.

Lake Estes provides a peaceful outdoor escape just minutes from downtown Estes Park, offering open views of surrounding peaks and a relaxed pace that feels far removed from the town’s busier areas. Visitors can enjoy kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing, or spreading out a picnic along the shoreline. The Lakeside Picnic Area and Fisherman’s Nook are quiet spots that locals often favor for a low-key afternoon by the water.

A fully paved Lake Estes Trail loops around the lake for just over three miles, making it ideal for walking, jogging, or biking at any time of day. Along the route, scenic pull-offs like Sunset Point and benches near the dam provide natural places to pause and take in the views. Wildlife sightings are common, with waterfowl along the shoreline and occasional elk grazing nearby, particularly in the early morning or evening.

With its easy access, gentle trail, and open scenery, Lake Estes is one of the most relaxing places to slow down in Estes Park. It’s especially well suited for travelers looking to balance nearby Rocky Mountain adventures with a quieter, more reflective outdoor experience.

The Estes Park Museum offers a concise yet engaging look at the town’s past, tracing its story from early Native American presence and pioneer settlement to its evolution as a gateway mountain destination. Exhibits highlight Ute and Arapaho history, homesteading life, and the role tourism played in shaping Estes Park, with artifacts, photographs, and interpretive panels that make the history easy to absorb.

One of the quiet standouts is the historic homestead cabin on the museum grounds, which gives visitors a tangible sense of 19th-century mountain life. Inside, rotating displays often feature local artists, seasonal history themes, or archival photography, adding variety for repeat visitors. The museum’s research library and archive also provide deeper insight into Estes Park’s cultural roots for those who want to linger a bit longer.

It’s a comfortable indoor stop on cooler or rainy days and pairs well with a walk through downtown afterward. For travelers looking to better understand the stories behind the landscapes they’re exploring, the Estes Park Museum adds meaningful context without requiring a large time commitment.

Wildlife viewing is one of the most unique things to do in Estes Park, and you don’t need to leave town to experience it. Elk are frequently spotted grazing in open spaces, near roads, and even in residential neighborhoods, especially during fall when large herds move through the area. Seeing these animals up close in a mountain setting is a memorable part of visiting Estes Park and often surprises first-time visitors.

Some of the best local spots for elk viewing include Moraine Park, Horseshoe Park, and the Beaver Meadows area near the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. Within town, elk are commonly seen around Lake Estes, along the Riverwalk, and in open meadows near golf courses. Early morning and evening are the most active times, when elk feed and move in cooler temperatures, making these hours ideal for quiet observation and photography.

Visitors should always keep a safe distance and follow posted wildlife guidelines, especially during the fall rut when elk can be more aggressive. Staying on sidewalks or designated pull-offs, using zoom lenses instead of approaching animals, and remaining patient often lead to the best sightings. With a bit of timing and awareness, wildlife viewing in Estes Park feels effortless and rewarding.