Estes Park Guide | What to Know Before Visiting Estes Park

Planning a Rocky Mountain getaway? Our Estes Park guide will help determine what to know before visiting, whether you’re dreaming of shimmering alpine lakes, incredible wildlife sightings, or simply a peaceful mountain escape. With a little preparation and a few tricks, you can plan a trip that feels both effortless and unforgettable.

Planning Your Estes Park Itinerary

Before you dive into the mountain scenery, it helps to build a loose itinerary. Estes Park trip planning guide essentials usually start with balancing time in town and time in the Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP). 

Hikers should plan early mornings in RMNP, especially for popular hiking trails like Bear Lake and Emerald Lake. Parking fills up early in summer and fall, so sunrise hikes are your best strategy.

If you prefer a slower pace, the area offers plenty of low-key activities — picnic spots, scenic drives & overlooks, visitor centers, and quieter corners like the Wild Basin area. It’s a great option for travelers who want beautiful scenery without the heavy crowds.

Additionally, Trail Ridge Road — one of the highest continuous paved roads in the U.S. — is a must when open!

Another very important part of what to know before visiting Estes Park is the timed-entry system. From late May through October, RMNP requires reservations for certain areas, so secure those in advance if your travel dates fall during peak season. You’ll also need a park pass or entrance fee. The fee for a Standard entrance pass is $15.00–$35.00, and the park does not accept cash. So, plan accordingly. 

Also, remember to leave room to acclimate. Estes Park sits above 7,500 feet, and altitude can slow you down. Hydrate, take breaks, and give yourself space to enjoy the views without rushing.

Top Things to Do in Estes Park

Even with all the outdoor beauty, the town itself offers plenty to explore!

Stroll downtown Estes Park:

Our downtown has a relaxed, classic mountain-town feel with shops, galleries, and riverfront patios. The Riverwalk is perfect for an easy afternoon wander. And don’t miss participating in the Estes Park Retail Rally if you’re visiting in the Summer. You can’t leave Estes Park without some souvenirs!

Visit the Stanley Hotel:

An iconic landmark with mountain views and historical charm, it’s worth a visit even if you’re not staying overnight.

Enjoy Wildlife Viewing:

Elk roam freely through town and open meadows. Mule deer, bighorn sheep, and moose also make appearances. Please keep a respectful distance and bring a zoom lens for photos.

Outdoor Adventures:

Rocky Mountain National Park has something for every level of hiker. Here are some hiking suggestions for various skill levels and interests. Horseback riding, rock climbing, fly fishing, off-roading tours, and a scenic aerial tramway offer fun alternatives to hiking. And if you have kids, they will love all the places to explore and play in this part of Colorado. It doesn’t matter where you go, the view will always be stunning!

Spend a Few Hours on the Green:

Golfers love Estes Park’s golf courses. We offer two public courses surrounded by sweeping valley views, and it’s not uncommon to spot elk wandering across the fairways! It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for a leisurely round on a classic 18-hole layout or a quick session on a shorter course, golfing in Estes Park is all about enjoying crisp mountain air, wide-open horizons, and that unforgettable Rocky Mountain backdrop.

Lodging and Dining

You’ll find a wide range of lodging options in Estes Park, from cozy cabins to boutique lodges and family-friendly hotels. For quick access to RMNP, look near Moraine Avenue or Fall River Road. For walkability, staying downtown is incredibly convenient.

Dining around here ranges from casual cafés to steakhouses, breweries & distilleries, and sweet shops. Summer and fall weekends are busy, so reservations help during peak times.

Transportation and Parking

Transportation is simple. Most visitors drive, but the town’s free seasonal shuttles — Estes Transit — make getting around stress-free. They connect downtown, hotels, and RMNP shuttle hubs. You can always book a Rideshare as well! 

Estes Park also offers several free parking options, as well as many lots in the heart of downtown where you can park for a fee. 

Free Parking 

There are two large lots for free parking which still get you an arm’s reach to downtown. 

The Stanley Fairgrounds/Event Center Park-and-Ride lot, located at 1125 Rooftop Way, is only a mile from the center of downtown. This lot offers access to two different shuttle routes with several convenient drop-off locations. It also provides access to public restrooms.  

Another great spot for free parking is at the Riverwalk Parking Structure. Here you’ll find 415 parking spots as well as public restrooms. Just around the corner, at 500 Big Thompson Avenue, you’ll find the Estes Park Visitors Center which provides you with free wi-fi and information. 

From there, you’ll have access to the town’s seasonal shuttle routes, as well as the downtown trolley.

There are also a few lots located right downtown offering free parking, some all day, others with time-limits. You can find a list of those lots here, but remember they tend to fill up fast so you may want to set aside some extra time. 

Paid Parking 

When visiting Estes Park during peak season, remember that many of the parking options will require you to pay. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. between May 28th and Oct. 17th, most of the lots located downtown will cost you $2 per hour. You can easily pay using one of the many kiosks located throughout town or, right from your phone on the mobile app. The Estes Park Events Complex also offers overnight parking for a fee of $10. 

You can also find up-to-date parking availability and pay for your parking using the Estes Park Parking App. 

Hiker Shuttle from Estes Park to RMNP

Need a ride from town to RMNP? The Hiker Shuttle can pick you up at the Estes Park Visitor Center and take you right to the Bear Lake Park & Ride where you will be able to pick up another shuttle, and access many of the park’s gorgeous trails. Keep in mind that you will still need a reservation fee and a valid park entrance pass to ride the Hiker Shuttle. 

Find more information about prices, reservations, and pick-up and drop-off times.

RMNP Free Shuttle Services

RMNP offers two shuttle routes from the Park & Ride. The Bear Lake Shuttle route makes stops at the Bierstadt Lake Trailhead, the Glacier Gorge Trailhead, and Bear Lake. The Moraine Park Shuttle Route makes stops at Sprague Lake/Glacier Creek Stables, Hollowell Park, Tuxedo Park, Moraine Park Campground, Cub Lake Trailhead, and the Fern Lake Bus Stop.

Get more information on RMNP’s shuttle services and schedule.

Local Essentials

Traveling takes a lot of planning, and we know how easy it is to forget a few things along the way. Luckily, Estes Park has plenty of convenient spots around town where you can pick up those last-minute essentials and get back to enjoying your trip.

Just off Highway 7, you’ll find Dollar General — a quick and easy stop for toiletries, snacks and everyday basics (plus, their parking lot happens to come with a pretty great view).

Planning a picnic or stocking up for your stay? Just outside the Beaver Meadows Entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park, The Country Market of Estes Park is a family-owned favorite for fresh sandwiches, produce, snacks and grocery staples.

Still missing something? Safeway in Upper Stanley Village, adjacent to The Stanley Hotel, is a reliable option for groceries and travel necessities. And if you realize you forgot hiking socks, boots, poles or other gear, the Estes Park Mountain Shop has you covered with outdoor essentials.

For clothing and travel-friendly basics, you’ll also find locally loved boutiques like Shining Moon Boutique and Lazy Moose, perfect for picking up those easy-to-forget items and a few cozy extras for your mountain getaway.

Seasonal Advice and Travel Considerations

Mountain weather changes quickly, so pack layers, regardless of the season.

Summer: Warm days, afternoon thunderstorms, and the highest visitor numbers.

Fall: Brilliant color, elk bugling, and crisp air — one of the most magical times to visit.

Winter: Quiet, snowy, and peaceful. Snowshoeing is especially beautiful.

Spring: Less crowded, though higher trails remain snowy or icy.

Again, altitude should be a consideration. Give yourself time to adjust, take it easy on day one, and drink plenty of water.

Whether you’re traveling for adventure or relaxation, use these best practice tips for Estes Park travelers, and you’ll be more than ready for a smooth and memorable trip. It will be spectacular!