Violet’s Guidebook for Estes Park
Food and Drink
Hi! Here is a list of my favorite places for food and drink in Estes Park.
Best BBQ in Estes Park. The National Barbecue News has even named Smokin' Daves BBQ & Brew as one of the "Best of the Best Barbecue Restaurants in America."
40 moradores locais recomendam
Smokin' Dave's BBQ & Tap House
820 Moraine AveBest BBQ in Estes Park. The National Barbecue News has even named Smokin' Daves BBQ & Brew as one of the "Best of the Best Barbecue Restaurants in America."
Best pizza in Estes Park. It was started by 5 guys who moved here from New York.
28 moradores locais recomendam
Antonio's Real New York Pizza
1560 Big Thompson AveBest pizza in Estes Park. It was started by 5 guys who moved here from New York.
Best local beer in Estes Park. You can sample 4 different beers for free on the first floor in the tasting area.
16 moradores locais recomendam
Estes Park Brewery
470 Prospect Village DrBest local beer in Estes Park. You can sample 4 different beers for free on the first floor in the tasting area.
Best steakhouse / fine dining in Estes Park. The Twin Owls Steakhouse offers a world-class dining experience among the splendor of the Rocky Mountains. They offer an extensive selection of steaks, wild game, seafood, seasonal specialties and much more. Reservations are highly recommended.
25 moradores locais recomendam
Twin Owls Steakhouse
3110 South Saint Vrain AvenueBest steakhouse / fine dining in Estes Park. The Twin Owls Steakhouse offers a world-class dining experience among the splendor of the Rocky Mountains. They offer an extensive selection of steaks, wild game, seafood, seasonal specialties and much more. Reservations are highly recommended.
Best winery in Estes Park. Snowy Peaks Winery offers a taste of Colorado. The winery tasting room offers samples of their own award-winning, handcrafted wines along with wines from some of Colorado's best boutique wineries.
Snowy Peaks also carries gourmet foods made by Colorado artisans to complement your wine selection. A sample of their products includes handmade cheeses and chocolates, unique jams and jellies and small batch sodas and fruit ciders for the non-wine drinkers. They also have a selection of wine related gift items made by local artisans.
22 moradores locais recomendam
Vinícola Snowy Peaks
292 Moraine AveBest winery in Estes Park. Snowy Peaks Winery offers a taste of Colorado. The winery tasting room offers samples of their own award-winning, handcrafted wines along with wines from some of Colorado's best boutique wineries.
Snowy Peaks also carries gourmet foods made by Colorado artisans to complement your wine selection. A sample of their products includes handmade cheeses and chocolates, unique jams and jellies and small batch sodas and fruit ciders for the non-wine drinkers. They also have a selection of wine related gift items made by local artisans.
Best "Colorado Cuisine" in Estes Park. A great place for modern mountain dining from an ingredient-driven kitchen. It's a favorite of locals and visitors alike.
67 moradores locais recomendam
Bird & Jim
915 Moraine AveBest "Colorado Cuisine" in Estes Park. A great place for modern mountain dining from an ingredient-driven kitchen. It's a favorite of locals and visitors alike.
Estes Thai Restaurant
401 East Elkhorn AvenueBest Thai Restaurant in Estes Park.
Sweet Basilico Cafe
430 Prospect Village DrBest Italian Restaurant in Estes Park
The Egg of Estes
393 E Elkhorn AveBest breakfast place in Estes Park.
You Need Pie Diner & Bakery
509 Big Thompson AveBest pie place in Estes Park.
Best donut place in Estes Park. Made Yelp's list of top 100 donut places in the United States.
23 moradores locais recomendam
Donut Haus
860 Moraine AvenueBest donut place in Estes Park. Made Yelp's list of top 100 donut places in the United States.
Raven's Roast Coffee Lounge
164 W Elkhorn AveBest coffee shop in Estes Park. Great vibe and location.
Hiking Trails Less Than 5 Miles From The House
Hi! Here is my list of a few of my favorite hiking trails that are close to the house.
Trail Difficulty Rating - Easy. Roundtrip Length - 0.8 miles.
The Lily Lake Loop in Rocky Mountain National Park is an excellent hike for the entire family. This level, fully accessible trail, circles around the lake and nearby wetlands for just over three-quarters of a mile.
25 moradores locais recomendam
Lago Lily
Trail Difficulty Rating - Easy. Roundtrip Length - 0.8 miles.
The Lily Lake Loop in Rocky Mountain National Park is an excellent hike for the entire family. This level, fully accessible trail, circles around the lake and nearby wetlands for just over three-quarters of a mile.
Trail Difficulty Rating - Moderate. Roundtrip Length - 3.5 Miles. Gem Lake is a hidden gem tucked away in the vast field of granite domes that comprise the Lumpy Ridge area. Without an inlet or outlet stream, Gem Lake is a shallow pond filled in strictly by trapped snowmelt and rainfall. The Gem Lake trail is accessed via the Lumpy Ridge Trailhead. The relatively low elevation and southern exposure of the Gem Lake Trail make this a great year-round hike.
Gem Lake Trail
Gem Lake TrailTrail Difficulty Rating - Moderate. Roundtrip Length - 3.5 Miles. Gem Lake is a hidden gem tucked away in the vast field of granite domes that comprise the Lumpy Ridge area. Without an inlet or outlet stream, Gem Lake is a shallow pond filled in strictly by trapped snowmelt and rainfall. The Gem Lake trail is accessed via the Lumpy Ridge Trailhead. The relatively low elevation and southern exposure of the Gem Lake Trail make this a great year-round hike.
Trail Difficulty Rating - Moderate. Roundtrip Length - 1.4 miles. (Closest hiking trail to the house.) Prospect Mountain is the mountain located in the middle of Estes Park. The trailhead is on the south side of the mountain at the small parking area on Peak View Road, just west of Curry Drive. It's a little over a mile to the top and the elevation gain is 1,027 ft. There are beautiful views of the town and surrounding mountains.
Prospect Mountain
Trail Difficulty Rating - Moderate. Roundtrip Length - 1.4 miles. (Closest hiking trail to the house.) Prospect Mountain is the mountain located in the middle of Estes Park. The trailhead is on the south side of the mountain at the small parking area on Peak View Road, just west of Curry Drive. It's a little over a mile to the top and the elevation gain is 1,027 ft. There are beautiful views of the town and surrounding mountains.
Fun Winter Activities
Here's a list of my favorite winter activities. If you need any supplies (sleds, skis, snowshoes, etc.) or are interested in guided tours, you can stop by the Estes Park Mountain Shop at 2050 Big Thompson Ave.
Go horseback riding or sleigh ride at Sombrero Stables. Forbes Magazine named them "One of the 5 Great Places to Ride Horses In America".
11 moradores locais recomendam
Sombrero Stables
1895 Big Thompson AveGo horseback riding or sleigh ride at Sombrero Stables. Forbes Magazine named them "One of the 5 Great Places to Ride Horses In America".
Go sledding at Hidden Valley. Hidden Valley at Rocky Mountain National Park is the only area inside the park where sledding is allowed. The sledding hill is open from 10am to 4 pm every day, but you have to bring your own sleds. You can rent sleds and tubes at several locations in Estes Park including the Estes Park Mountain Shop and The Warming House. Sleds with metal runners are not allowed.
There are heated bathrooms to help keep you warm, but the warming hut, staffed with volunteers, is only open on weekends and holidays.
To get to Hidden Valley, enter at the Beaver Meadows Entrance from Estes Park and pay the entrance fee. Drive Trail Ridge Road to the Hidden Valley parking lot. (Trailridge Road closes in winter from Hidden Valley onward to the West)
7 moradores locais recomendam
Hidden Valley
Go sledding at Hidden Valley. Hidden Valley at Rocky Mountain National Park is the only area inside the park where sledding is allowed. The sledding hill is open from 10am to 4 pm every day, but you have to bring your own sleds. You can rent sleds and tubes at several locations in Estes Park including the Estes Park Mountain Shop and The Warming House. Sleds with metal runners are not allowed.
There are heated bathrooms to help keep you warm, but the warming hut, staffed with volunteers, is only open on weekends and holidays.
To get to Hidden Valley, enter at the Beaver Meadows Entrance from Estes Park and pay the entrance fee. Drive Trail Ridge Road to the Hidden Valley parking lot. (Trailridge Road closes in winter from Hidden Valley onward to the West)
Go snowshoeing on the Deer Mountain Trail. If you're interested in a somewhat strenous half day trip, the Deer Mountain Hike is one of my favorites. It takes you to the top of Deer Mountain at 10,013 ft and has breathtaking views of the continental divide. The Deer Mountain Trailhead is where US 36 and US 34 meet inside the park.
Deer Mountain Trailhead
Go snowshoeing on the Deer Mountain Trail. If you're interested in a somewhat strenous half day trip, the Deer Mountain Hike is one of my favorites. It takes you to the top of Deer Mountain at 10,013 ft and has breathtaking views of the continental divide. The Deer Mountain Trailhead is where US 36 and US 34 meet inside the park.
Go cross country skiing on the Sprague Lake - Glacier Basin Campground Loop. This loop is 3.3 miles, great for beginners, and has very little elevation gain. The Glacier Basin campground is an 10.4 mile drive (approximately 21 minutes) from the house.
Sprague Lake
Go cross country skiing on the Sprague Lake - Glacier Basin Campground Loop. This loop is 3.3 miles, great for beginners, and has very little elevation gain. The Glacier Basin campground is an 10.4 mile drive (approximately 21 minutes) from the house.
Go ice Skating at YMCA of the Rockies. They have ice skate rentals available.
14 moradores locais recomendam
YMCA of the Rockies
2515 Tunnel RdGo ice Skating at YMCA of the Rockies. They have ice skate rentals available.
Go cross country skiing on Trail Ridge Road. Since the road is closed to traffic in the winter, it provides a nice wide path with great views. The drive to Many Parks Curve, which is where Trail Ridge Road is closed to traffic for the winter, is 12.1 miles (approximately 24 minutes) from the house.
Trail Ridge Rd, Colorado, EUA
Go cross country skiing on Trail Ridge Road. Since the road is closed to traffic in the winter, it provides a nice wide path with great views. The drive to Many Parks Curve, which is where Trail Ridge Road is closed to traffic for the winter, is 12.1 miles (approximately 24 minutes) from the house.
The mountain coaster is open year round, though they may be closed during inclement weather. Please call ahead for days and hours of operation. Zip through the forest at nearly 30 mph or take it slow and enjoy the scenery down 3,000 ft of track. You can ride the coaster alone or with a passenger. The coaster is located at 1180 Dry Gulch Rd in Estes Park.
12 moradores locais recomendam
Mustang Mountain Coaster
1180 Dry Gulch RdThe mountain coaster is open year round, though they may be closed during inclement weather. Please call ahead for days and hours of operation. Zip through the forest at nearly 30 mph or take it slow and enjoy the scenery down 3,000 ft of track. You can ride the coaster alone or with a passenger. The coaster is located at 1180 Dry Gulch Rd in Estes Park.
Favorite Hiking Trails in RMNP
Trail Difficulty Rating: 13.50 (Strenuous). Length: 8.5 Miles Roundtrip. One of the best lake hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Outstanding panoramic views and an up-close view of the famous "Diamond" - the east-facing wall of Longs Peak which rises more than 2,400 feet above the alpine lake.
8 moradores locais recomendam
Chasm Lake
Trail Difficulty Rating: 13.50 (Strenuous). Length: 8.5 Miles Roundtrip. One of the best lake hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Outstanding panoramic views and an up-close view of the famous "Diamond" - the east-facing wall of Longs Peak which rises more than 2,400 feet above the alpine lake.
Trail Difficulty Rating: 12.60 (Strenuous). Roundtrip length: 9 Miles. This is my most favorite hike in RMNP. Sky Pond offers hikers amazing alpine scenery. You'll see two waterfalls and two other stunning lakes along the way. The hike alongside Timberline Falls to reach the basin might be challenging for those with a fear of heights.
Sky Pond
Trail Difficulty Rating: 12.60 (Strenuous). Roundtrip length: 9 Miles. This is my most favorite hike in RMNP. Sky Pond offers hikers amazing alpine scenery. You'll see two waterfalls and two other stunning lakes along the way. The hike alongside Timberline Falls to reach the basin might be challenging for those with a fear of heights.
Trail Difficulty Rating: 4.84 (Easy). Roundtrip Length: 3.5 Miles. You will visit four beautiful lakes along this hike.
Emerald Lake, Colorado 80517, EUA
Trail Difficulty Rating: 4.84 (Easy). Roundtrip Length: 3.5 Miles. You will visit four beautiful lakes along this hike.
Other Fun Activities
The National Park Gateway Stables is located at the edge of Rocky Mountain National Park at the Fall River Entrance or North Entrance and just next to the Fall River's Visitors Center and Gateway Store. All rides go into Rocky Mountain National Park.
6 moradores locais recomendam
Estábulos da entrada do Parque Nacional
4600 Fall River RdThe National Park Gateway Stables is located at the edge of Rocky Mountain National Park at the Fall River Entrance or North Entrance and just next to the Fall River's Visitors Center and Gateway Store. All rides go into Rocky Mountain National Park.
Lake Estes Marina
1770 Big Thompson AveGreat place to rent a boat and go out on the lake.
Golf course with beautiful views. Elk frequently visit the golf course.
11 moradores locais recomendam
Estes Park 18-Hole Golf Course
1480 Golf Course RdGolf course with beautiful views. Elk frequently visit the golf course.
Zip through the forest at nearly 30 mph or take it slow and enjoy the scenery down 3,000 ft of track. You can ride the coaster alone or with a passenger. The coaster is located at 1180 Dry Gulch Rd in Estes Park.
12 moradores locais recomendam
Mustang Mountain Coaster
1180 Dry Gulch RdZip through the forest at nearly 30 mph or take it slow and enjoy the scenery down 3,000 ft of track. You can ride the coaster alone or with a passenger. The coaster is located at 1180 Dry Gulch Rd in Estes Park.
From the company: "The Trout Haven Fishing Pond is great place to spend a day with the family. This is a perfect opportunity to teach the kids to fish, but it’s also fun for the whole family. Our pond is regularly stocked with rainbow trout throughout the season, and the best part is, you don’t need a license to fish here! We have recently added the “Stump Jump,” a fun-filled obstacle course for kids. We offer fishing gear rentals, ensuring that your day here is completely hassle-free. Practice your swing at our Meadow Mini Golf Course just steps away from the fishing pond. In the winter, we have ice-fishing and skating to keep you entertained all year long. Come spend a day outdoors at the Trout Haven Fishing Pond."
Trout Haven Fishing Pond
810 Moraine AveFrom the company: "The Trout Haven Fishing Pond is great place to spend a day with the family. This is a perfect opportunity to teach the kids to fish, but it’s also fun for the whole family. Our pond is regularly stocked with rainbow trout throughout the season, and the best part is, you don’t need a license to fish here! We have recently added the “Stump Jump,” a fun-filled obstacle course for kids. We offer fishing gear rentals, ensuring that your day here is completely hassle-free. Practice your swing at our Meadow Mini Golf Course just steps away from the fishing pond. In the winter, we have ice-fishing and skating to keep you entertained all year long. Come spend a day outdoors at the Trout Haven Fishing Pond."
Great place for families. They have go karts, bumper boats, bumper cars, an "Xtreme Trampoline" and arcade games.
19 moradores locais recomendam
Estes Park Ride-A-Kart
2250 Big Thompson AveGreat place for families. They have go karts, bumper boats, bumper cars, an "Xtreme Trampoline" and arcade games.
Fun City was recently voted the best entertainment place for kids in the Estes Park Trail Gazette. Activites include the giant rainbow slide, bungee trampoline, mini golf, bumper boats, go-karts, bumper cars, gemstone panning, and water walking balls.
18 moradores locais recomendam
Fun City
455 Prospect Village DrFun City was recently voted the best entertainment place for kids in the Estes Park Trail Gazette. Activites include the giant rainbow slide, bungee trampoline, mini golf, bumper boats, go-karts, bumper cars, gemstone panning, and water walking balls.
This place is a lot of fun for both kids and adults. They have 32 unique challenges at 11 and 21 feet in the air.
14 moradores locais recomendam
Open Air Adventure Park
490 Prospect Village DrThis place is a lot of fun for both kids and adults. They have 32 unique challenges at 11 and 21 feet in the air.
This company gets great reviews and will drive you from Estes Park to the Cache La Poudre river for a rafting adventure.
6 moradores locais recomendam
Rapid Transit Rafting
161 Virginia DrThis company gets great reviews and will drive you from Estes Park to the Cache La Poudre river for a rafting adventure.
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Fastest Way to Rocky Mountain National Park From The House
Downtown Estes Park is a fun place to get out and walk around but if you would like to go directly to Rocky Mountain National Park, the quickest way from the house is to take the "Mary's Lake Road Shortcut". Go west on Peak View Dr, turn north on Mary's Lake Road, and turn west on Moraine Ave. The Beaver Meadows entrance is just up the road.
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Attend a performance at the Stanley Hotel
Stanley Live is the best place in Estes Park to see concerts, comedians, speakers, and entertainers year around.