2026 November Weekend Itinerary | November 20–22, 2026 A weekend away with good food, mountain views, a little holiday shopping, and absolutely no reason to rush home? You in? November 20–22 is shaping up to be a particularly good weekend in Estes Park. It's the final weekend of the inaugural…
Continue Reading
Long before Rocky Mountain National Park became a popular destination for hiking, camping, and exploring nature, Indigenous peoples lived, traveled, and maintained deep connections to these mountains and valleys. The Estes Valley is part of the traditional homelands of the Ute, Arapaho, and Cheyenne…
Continue Reading
Fall here is beautiful, but it isn’t necessarily sweater weather all day. You can leave under blue skies, hit much colder conditions at elevation, encounter an early snow, hear elk bugling on the way back and realize you still needed sunscreen. That unpredictability is part of what makes fall in…
Continue Reading
Since the elk clearly run this town, it’s the perfect moment to talk about how to safely admire them. Keep Your Distance (75 Feet Is a Must) When elk are around, think two school buses away—that’s about 75 feet (23 meters). If an elk lifts its head and stares, you’re too close — take a step back…
Continue Reading
Looking for an Estes Park trip with more speed, challenge and “we actually did that” energy? Play in Estes is your guide to higher adventure, with via ferrata, rock climbing, off road rides, whitewater rafting, big hikes, mountain biking and full-body mountain days. This is for travelers who want to…
Continue Reading
Looking for a mountain getaway that feels refreshing, not rushed? Press Pause in Estes Park is your guide to softer adventure, with easy trails, scenic drives, lake views, local art, spa time and plenty of fresh mountain air. This is for travelers who want to be outside without turning every day…
Continue Reading
Planning a visit to Rocky Mountain National Park? A little preparation goes a long way, especially during the busy summer and fall seasons. As one of the most visited national parks in the country, Rocky Mountain National Park rewards travelers who plan ahead. Timed-entry reservations are required…
Continue Reading
Some getaways start with a free weekend. Others start with a date on the calendar. In Estes Park, certain annual events are more than something fun to stumble into during a mountain vacation. They are the reason to book the trip in the first place. Whether you are drawn to winter festivals, quirky…
Continue Reading
Summer in Estes Park can look a lot of different ways. Maybe you’re traveling with kids and want an easy mix of scenery and activities. Maybe you’re here for summit views, patio rewards, and one more adventure before sunset. Or maybe you’re after a slower pace with riverwalks, fly fishing, and a…
Continue Reading
Estes Park is the base camp to Rocky Mountain National Park, where alpine lakes, wildlife encounters, and unforgettable mountain trails begin just minutes from town. Visitors come here to hike, explore, and reconnect with nature. With that opportunity comes a shared responsibility. Taking care of…
Continue Reading
