If you’re looking for a great day trip that’s about 1.5 hours outside of Denver, look no further than Estes Park! A beautiful mountain town that boasts a wide variety of activities, from breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains to fun attractions like the Stanley Hotel, and so many elks! A drive from Denver to Estes Park is a must!
Keep reading on to learn how to have an epic Estes Park Day Trip!
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Where is Estes Park Located?
Estes Park is located about 70 miles outside of Denver. The fastest and most direct route is via I-25 to U.S. 36 E. Expect this drive to take you just under 1 hour and 30 minutes.
However, if you have more time to spare (or are a fan of scenic drives), you could take the “Peak-to-Peak Scenic Byway” which would add an additional hour to your drive.
Estes Park is surrounded by the protected lands of Rocky Mountain National Park and Roosevelt National Forest — so there’s definitely no limit on how much beautiful nature you can explore while you’re here!
When is the best time to visit Estes Park?
Estes Park is quickly becoming an all-year destination for natives and tourists alike! But July, August, and September tend to be the most popular months because of the mild and dry climate.
I visited in late February, and while there was still some snow on the ground, the weather hovered around the mid-60s and was sunny, which made for a perfect day trip experience!
One Day Itinerary in Estes Park Quick Itinerary
If you are short on time, here’s a quick overview of how to spend a day in Estes Park. All the details for each stop are below!
- Sunrise: Drive Trail Ridge Road
- 10:00-1:00: Visit Rocky Mountain National Park
- 1:30-2:00: Take a Ride on the Mustang Coaster
- 2:00-4:00: Visit the Stanley Hotel
- 4:00-8:00: Explore the Local Shops and Restaurants
Things to do in Estes Park
Here are the best things to do in Estes Park to help plan your perfect one-day itinerary! Feel free to mix and match stops to make it fit your needs!
Drive Trail Ridge Road
Trail Ridge Road is 48 miles between Grand Lake and Estes Park. This stretch serves up some of the most breathtaking views you’ll find in Rocky Mountain National Park.
From your car, you’ll be able to see towering peaks, vibrant wildflowers, and wildlife roaming around. The best part? There are plenty of spots along the way where you can pull over and soak in all of the amazing views!
Top Tip: Remember, this route is usually open from late May through October, so plan your trip accordingly! Also, keep in mind this route will take around 2-4 hours to drive depending on traffic and if there is any wildlife blocking the roads!
Explore Rocky Mountain National Park
While there’s so much to see and do at Rocky Mountain National Park, it’s hard to fit it all in during one day trip (seriously, there are over 350 miles of foot trails!).
It’s important to note that the main entrances to the park are about 10 minutes west of Estes Park on Highway 34/Fall River Road or Highway 36/Moraine Avenue.
If you’re looking for an easy hike during your day trip, look no further than Lily Lake Loop. This trail is ideal for children and those who are looking for something a little on the moderate side. This trail offers views of Meeker Mountain, Longs Peak, and Twin Sisters Mountain! If you want to learn more about the Estes Park area, wildlife, and outdoor activities don’t hesitate to check out the Estes Park Visitor Center!
If you are looking for a bit of a longer hike (and the most breathtaking views), then head to Emerald Lake! It’s a moderately difficult hike that’s just over 3 miles. Along the way, you’ll pass Nymph Lake, Dream Lake, and the star of the show…Emerald Lake.
Top Tip: Bring a lunch along with you that you can enjoy at one of the several picnic tables in the Lake Lily area!
Take a Ride on the Mustang Mountain Coaster
If you’re planning a trip with little ones, or you’re a thrill seeker yourself, you can’t miss the Mustang Mountain Coaster experience! This coaster has a pretty long track that actually gets up to pretty fast speeds! It’s definitely an adrenaline rush with the cold air brushing across your face as you go down the coaster.
We ended up going on the coaster for three rides and it took around 10-15 minutes. It’s a short and sweet excursion, but well worth the experience!
Ticket prices are $20 for one ride and $35 for three rides.
Visit the Stanley Hotel
This is the perfect spot for movie lovers and historians alike! The Stanley Hotel is such a fun destination because it has so much to offer! While there is a day tour that you can purchase, you’re also more than welcome to explore the hotel on your own!
There’s a nice restaurant inside that offers a menu that is themed after The Shining, plus a gift shop that has a couple of neat souvenirs as well.
There’s also an expansive whiskey bar located in the downstairs area of the hotel, which is home to Colorado’s largest selection of whiskeys and single malt selections. Before you leave, you can also walk around the miniature hedge maze located in the front of the hotel!
Explore the Shops and Restaurants
After your full day of outdoor adventuring, take some time at the end of your day to explore some of the local gift shops and restaurants sprinkled around town. Some of the best places to stop in are Trendz at the Park, The Grey House, and Hyk!
If you’re looking for a place to stop in for some good food and vibes, head on over to Lonigans Pub and Grill! If you’re looking for a sweet treat to end your day, you can’t go wrong with a stop in The Old Fashioned Candy Store located on E. Elkhorn Ave.!
One Day in Estes Park Recap
It’s almost impossible to see everything in Estes Park in just one day. But hopefully, you’re able to enjoy a majority of things on this itinerary, (and don’t forget to check out the Estes Park event calendar for even more fun ideas!) We hope you found this one day in Estes Park itinerary helpful for your future travel planning needs!
More Colorado Adventures
If you’re looking for even more Colorado fun, check out more travel guides listed below! Happy planning!
- Dog-friendly Colorado Road Trip
- One Weekend in Colorado Springs
- Denver Date Nights
- 24 hours in Denver
- Best Boulder Hikes
- Where to Stay near Rocky Mountain National Park
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