Tag: Estes Park

Time entry reservations are required to enter RMNP from May to October between 9am and 2pm. Reservations are released on the 1st of every month for the following month. We visited in June so we had to make our reservations on May 1st. Set multiple alarms for 8am mountain time, these reservations go QUICK! Not able to make a reservation? Not all hope is lost! You can still enter the park either before 9am or after 2pm. But beware, the lines to enter can be long and time consuming. In addition to your timed entry, you will also need to purchase a park pass. There are several options ranging from $15 for a daily pass, $35 for a 7 day pass, and $70 for an annual pass. Military and seniors get some pretty great discounts!

The most popular is the Beaver Meadows and Fall River entrance, located closest to Estes Park. This entrance gives you access to many of the must see attractions including Trail Ridge Road, Alluvial Falls, Hidden Valley (Junior Ranger Headquarters and only clean flushing toilets in the park) Alpine visitors center, and much more! The Junior Ranger Program is a great way to get kids excited about exploring the park. Pick up a Junior Ranger activity book, join in on the daily activities, and earn an official Junior Ranger badge—a memorable and meaningful souvenir of your visit!

On the opposite side of Estes Park lies the Bear Lake Road Corridor, which provides access to Bear Lake, Glacier Gorge, and a variety of scenic lakes and waterfalls. Parking lots fill up quickly, so I highly recommend using the free Park & Ride shuttle service, which operates daily from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Bear Lake offers an easy, paved, and flat loop—perfect for strollers and toddlers. From there, we hiked up to Nymph Lake and Dream Lake (about 2.2 miles round trip). While this trail was a bit more strenuous, our kiddos powered through—and it ended up being our favorite hike of the entire trip!

The weather in Rocky Mountain National Park can be highly unpredictable, so it’s best to plan ahead. During the summer months, mornings are often cold and crisp, with temperatures in the 50s. By midday, the sun usually warms things up quickly, with highs reaching the mid to upper 80s. I recommend dressing in light layers and always packing a rain jacket—storms can roll in quickly and without warning.

One day, we started our hike under sunny skies and 80-degree temps. Suddenly, a storm moved in, bringing heavy rain and even hail! Within minutes, the temperature dropped back down into the 50s. It was a wild change!

Also keep in mind: the higher you go, the cooler it gets. While it might be sunny and warm at the park entrance, temperatures can be significantly colder as you climb Trail Ridge Road toward the Alpine Visitor Center

Comfortable, water-resistant shoes, a breathable backpack, plenty of water, and snacks are absolute must-haves for a day in the park!

To stay ahead of altitude sickness, be sure to stay well hydrated, avoid alcohol on day one, and allow time to acclimate before heading to higher elevations.

We found it helpful to work our way up the mountains gradually, starting with lower elevation hikes and scenic stops before tackling the higher viewpoints.

We also had great success with motion sickness bands—the kind you might use for long car or boat rides. I discovered these tiny miracle bands when I was pregnant and desperate for a remedy for my morning sickness. Surprisingly, they worked well for managing altitude-related symptoms, especially for our kids during winding drives up the mountain. Now, we never go on a trip without them!

We opted for a private group tour with Green Jeep Tours, and it was the perfect choice for our group of 8 adults and 3 kids—all with different fitness levels and mobility needs. This option allowed us to explore the park together comfortably, and it made it possible for those with limited hiking ability to still experience the park’s incredible sights and scenery.

Our guide, Fritz, was incredibly knowledgeable, friendly, and attentive to all of our needs. He came fully prepared—with bathroom stop plans, snacks, blankets, a portable heater, and even insights on spotting wildlife. Fritz handled the unpredictable mountain weather with ease and answered all of our questions with detail and enthusiasm. He truly made our experience unforgettable. This excursion was absolutely worth every penny!

Explore your options at https://www.greenjeeptour.com/

The Estes Park Aerial Tramway offers a peaceful 5-minute ride from Estes Park up to Prospect Mountain (8,900 ft). At the summit, enjoy spectacular 360° views of Estes Park, the Rockies, and the Continental Divide. You’ll also find a short hike, café, gift shop, clean restrooms, and picnic tables with stunning views.

This ride is wheelchair and stroller accessible, making it great for families and all mobility levels.

Tips:

• Visit on a weekday to avoid crowds. Book reservations ahead of time.
• Arrive at 8 a.m. or later in the afternoon for shorter lines.
• Dress in layers and bring sunscreen and a rain jacket—weather can change fast!

Tickets range from $20–$38 per person, with kids under 5 free! There are many discounts available. Be sure to check out their website for more info at https://estestram.com/

The Junior Ranger Program is a fantastic way for young explorers to get excited about learning while exploring Rocky Mountain National Park. Stop by any visitor center to pick up a free Junior Ranger activity booklet, then complete activities, earn badges, and get officially sworn in as a Junior Ranger. Our kids LOVED earning their badges!

The Junior Ranger Headquarters, located at Hidden Valley, is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., offering hands-on programs and discovery stations. We loved the Junior Angler fishing experience and activities where our kids learned about local plants, trees, and wildflowers.

📅 Program schedule available here:

👉 https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/ranger-led-programs.htm

We were amazed by how many wild animals we saw—both near and far! Elk and deer were the most common; we spotted them every day, even wandering through town! One morning, we watched in awe as an elk grazed through the river just outside our cabin. Its antlers were absolutely majestic—a moment we’ll never forget! We also had the thrill of seeing a moose, a curious marmot, and even a bat! Wildlife sightings were truly one of the highlights of our trip. Always keep a safe distance from wild animals. Park rangers recommend staying at least 25 yards away.

The iconic Stanley Hotel is where history meets luxury. Best known as the inspiration for Stephen King’s The Shining, the hotel offers more than just elegant accommodations—it also features guided tours, live shows, and world-class dining. I highly recommend stopping by to admire the stunning architecture and enjoy a delicious meal in a truly unforgettable setting.

Estes Village is a charming mountain town at the heart of Estes Park. You’ll find cozy cafés, local restaurants, wine bars, and craft breweries—plenty to satisfy any palate. It’s also the best place to shop for souvenirs, with many stores offering handmade, locally crafted goods you won’t find anywhere else. The atmosphere is casual, inviting, and family-friendly—making it a perfect spot to unwind after a full day of adventure in RMNP.

These cozy cabins were in a fantastic location—just 10 minutes from the Beaver Meadows entrance to RMNP and 6 minutes from Estes Village. Nestled along the peaceful Fall River, they provided the perfect setting for sipping coffee in the morning or enjoying a glass of wine in the evening.

Because this trip was a family reunion, we had several families staying at the resort. The cabins offered the best of both worlds: close proximity to our loved ones, with just enough privacy to enjoy some quiet time alone.

We were warmly greeted by the owners—a friendly couple who went out of their way to make us feel welcome. They even provided fishing poles, which led to an unforgettable memory: our son catching his first trout!

Each cabin came with a full kitchen, perfect for quick breakfasts and trail-ready lunches. Our unit had a master suite, kitchen, and living room downstairs, plus a loft and full bathroom upstairs—an ideal setup for our family of four.

We truly loved our stay here and would definitely come back again!

Book Your Stay Here: https://riverstoneresorts.com/

The Egg of Estes https://eggofestes.com/

Anytime you see a line, you know the food is exceptional. Our breakfast here was nothing short of outstanding and most definitely worth the wait! Hubby and eye especially enjoyed the fresh juice bar with our meal.

Coffee On the Rocks https://www.coffeeontherocks.org/

We LOVED the setting of this coffee shop. It was nestled right along the rocks where you can enjoy an alfresco breakfast while watching the ducks swim and play. Our kids enjoyed the playful atmosphere while we enjoyed the delicious coffee!

Other restaurants that come highly recommended by local friends:

Notch Top Bakery & Cafe https://thenotchtop.com/

Brunch & Co The Stanley Hotel https://www.stanleyhotel.com/dining/brunch-co

Cinnamon’s Bakery https://cinnamonsestespark.com/

The Post Chicken and Beer at The Stanley Hotel https://www.thepostcolorado.com/location/estes-park/

This was hands-down everyone’s favorite meal of the trip. Featured on Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives, this restaurant lives up to the hype. The food is absolutely outstanding—combining classic favorites with creative, unexpected twists to deliver a true culinary masterpiece. I highly recommend grabbing a seat outside to take in the spectacular mountain views while you dine. It’s open for lunch and dinner M-F, and brunch on Sat & Sun.

Rocky Mountain Deli https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g60945-d14543497-Reviews-Rocky_Mountain_Deli-Estes_Park_Colorado.html

We arrived in Estes Park just in time for lunch and needed a quick, satisfying bite before checking into our cabin. Rocky Mountain Deli was the perfect stop. They use high-quality ingredients, and our sandwiches were absolutely delicious—fresh, flavorful, and exactly what we needed to kick off our trip

Sweet Basilico https://www.sweetbasilico.com/

We enjoyed a delicious family meal here. The staff was friendly, flexible, and accommodating to our party of 11, which made the experience even better. I highly recommend making a reservation, as it does get busy—especially during peak times. If the weather allows, the patio is the perfect spot to enjoy the views and a cool mountain breeze. The indoor dining area can get a bit hot and noisy, so outdoor seating is definitely worth requesting

Twin Owls Steak House https://taharaa.com/twin-owls-steakhouse/

If you’re looking for a fine dining experience, look no further! Twin Oaks was another crowd favorite! This restaurant boasts breathtaking views, exceptional service and exquisite food. The dining room has beautiful rustic decor and live music that blends beautifully into the background, providing a warm upscale atmosphere. Our party sampled several dishes, including the filet mignon, rack of lamb, the fresh catch fish, and the prime rib. They were all phenomenal! Even the kids enjoyed their entrees! I’d easily give this spot a 10/10!
Reservations are highly recommended.