A Breathtaking 4-Day Itinerary in Estes Park

  • Day 1: Rocky Mountain National Park
    1 hour (40 miles) from Estes Park

    Start your day early in Rocky Mountain National Park, known for its majestic peaks and stunning wildlife. Enjoy a scenic drive to Bear Lake and hike one of the several trails to experience the breathtaking beauty and wilderness this park has to offer.

  • Day 2: Estes Park Aerial Tramway
    10 minutes (0.6 miles) from Estes Park

    Enjoy the bird's eye view of Estes Park and the Rocky Mountains with a ride on the Estes Park Aerial Tramway. The ride takes you to the top of Prospect Mountain for stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.

  • Day 3: The Stanley Hotel
    5 minutes (0.6 miles) from Estes Park

    Visit the iconic and historical Stanley Hotel, which inspired Stephen King's "The Shining." Take a ghost tour, have a drink at their whiskey bar, or enjoy a meal at one of their restaurants for a truly unique experience.

  • Day 4: Lake Estes Marina
    5 minutes (1.5 miles) from Estes Park

    End your trip with a relaxing morning at the Lake Estes Marina. Rent a pontoon boat or kayak to explore the lake or just sit back with your fishing rod and catch some trout. You can also stroll around the walkway or have a picnic in the park.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Rocky Mountain National Park (2-3 hours, $25 per vehicle)
  • Estes Park Aerial Tramway (1-2 hours, $16 per adult)
  • The Stanley Hotel (2-3 hours, prices vary)
  • Lake Estes Marina (2-3 hours, prices vary)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $66 per adult

Transportation

Estes Park is a small town with limited public transport. It’s recommended to rent a car or bring your own to explore and fully enjoy this destination. A rental car can be hired for about $60 a day. The drive from Denver International Airport to Estes Park is about 1.5 hours (70 miles).

Useful Tips

If you have extra time, consider a visit to the nearby town of Boulder, known for its lively atmosphere and outdoor activities. If you have less time, prioritize visiting Rocky Mountain National Park and the Estes Park Aerial Tramway for breathtaking views of the area.

Airports

Estes Park is serviced by Denver International Airport (DEN) which is about 70 miles away. Ground transportation options include shuttles, taxis, and rental cars to reach Estes Park from the airport.

0