Memorial Day weekend (May 25-27) is known as the unofficial beginning of summer all over the country. And Estes Park is no exception! The whole town is gearing up for our most popular season. Flowers are blooming downtown, breweries and coffee shops are opening their sunny patios, and the event line-up is stacked. Here's how to get the most out of this fun-filled three-day weekend.
Rocky Mountain National Park Timed-Entry Reservations
In Rocky Mountain National Park, the timed entry reservation season has started. If you planned ahead, you probably already have your reservation and are ready to take on those trails and be amazed by the views. If you didn't know that you need a reservation to enter Rocky Mountain National Park, no need to panic, there's still time. They release a handful (and we mean a handful) of reservations the night before your desired date at 7 p.m. If you don't get lucky there, there are still ways for you to explore our favorite National Park and surrounding areas. Check out how to get outside and into RMNP without a reservation.
Trail Ridge Road Open
The opening of Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park is the unofficial “season opener.” Trail Ridge Road usually opens around Memorial Day weekend, depending on weather conditions. In the mountains, at high elevations, it can snow at any time of year. This year, it opened on Friday, May 27, 2024, weather permitting! Learn more about how you can roll up Trail Ridge Road.
Annual Art Market
The Annual Art Market is another way to celebrate this three-day weekend. Held at Bond Park, right in the heart of town, it features a wide variety of fine arts and crafts made by artists from Colorado and surrounding states. We hope you can come check it out. You never know what treasures you might find that will bring back memories of your trip or someone special.
Kick Back on a Patio
It's the time we've all been waiting for! Patio season has arrived, and it's time to even out your well-earned goggle tan. What’s better than enjoying a crisp, citrusy beer or a salt-lined margarita on a charming patio after a long day of hiking? If al fresco dining and drinking sound like something you need to be a part of (which it should, especially right now), here are some of the places we find ourselves.
The Estes Park Aerial Tram
The famous Estes Park Aerial Tram is set to reopen on May 25, 2024, under new ownership!
The Estes Park Aerial Tramway, conceived and crafted by Robert Heron, stands as a testament to his lifelong fascination with tramway engineering. Initially drawn into the world of tramways during World War II, Heron's expertise was honed through designing portable tramways for the 10th Mountain Division. His post-war travels to Europe further fueled his passion, where he marveled at the innovative designs, particularly the free-span configuration common in Europe.
Embracing this concept, the Estes Park Aerial Tramway was born in 1955, offering a smooth ascent up Prospect Mountain without the need for support towers. Heron's legacy endured through decades, with the tramway safely ferrying over 3 million passengers until his passing in 1999. After a brief hiatus, the tramway regained its place in the Estes Park skyline in 2024, following the Heron family's decision to sell a controlling interest to Gondola Ventures, ensuring the continuation of Heron's vision for generations to come. Today, you can take a breathtaking ride to the top of Prospect Mountain, where you will meet some adorable furry friends and revel in the gorgeous view of the Estes Valley. Learn more about the Estes Park Aerial Tram and get your tickets here!
Summer is busy, and for good reason! But that means a little extra planning is required. Check out our Do Estes Right video series for tips and tricks on how to navigate Estes Park.