Hike First,
Wander Later

Choose your trail adventure

For a classic Estes Park morning, choose a hike that gives you mountain scenery without using up the whole day. Pick something close to town if you want to maximize your afternoon downtown, or head into Rocky Mountain National Park if your itinerary allows for a little more planning.

• Lake Estes Trail: 3.75-mile loop, easy, mostly flat, paved and accessible. Minimal elevation gain; about 200 feet or less depending on route. Recommended water: at least 1 liter per person.
• Gem Lake: About 3.4 miles round trip, moderate. About 990–1,000 feet of elevation gain. Recommended water: at least 1.5–2 liters per person.
• Mills Lake: About 5 miles round trip, moderate to more challenging. About 700–835 feet of elevation gain. Recommended water: at least 2 liters per person.

Refuel after the trail

After your hike, make your way back toward town and choose your post-trail food stop based on the kind of morning you just had.

• Lake Estes Trail: Keep the morning easygoing with a cozy breakfast or brunch stop. Check out Notchtop Bakery & Café, Mountain Home Café or The Egg of Estes.
• Gem Lake: After a moderate hike, settle into one of Estes Park’s patio options for a sit-down meal. Try Solé, Ed’s Cantina & Grill or Claire’s Restaurant and Bar.
• Mills Lake: If you tackled a longer RMNP hike, lean into the outdoor brewery scene with food trucks at spots like The Barrel, Avant Garde Aleworks, Lumpy Ridge Brewing Co. or Rock Cut Brewing Company.

These are just a few ideas to get you started. Feel free to mix and match based on your route, appetite and timing — or check out our full list of dining options to find the right post-hike stop.

Hours, menus and food truck schedules can vary, so check before you go.

Local shops and river time

Once you’ve refueled, give yourself permission to wander. Browse outdoor gear shops, stop into a gallery, pick up something sweet for later or stroll along the Downtown Riverwalk.

• Riverwalk + local shopping: Take a slow stroll by the water, then pop into shops along Elkhorn Avenue.
• Coffee + gallery browsing: A good option for visitors who want to keep the afternoon flexible and low-key.
• Chocolate + wine experience: Treat yourself to a chocolate-making experience paired with wine at the Stanley Chocolate Factory, or enjoy wine tastings at Snowy Peaks Winery or at the Stanley Hotel’s Wine or 217 Wine Bar.

Easy dinner with mountain-town energy

End the day with a relaxed dinner, local beer or a sunset stroll. Choose a casual dinner stop, a brewery or a sit-down meal with views. After a trail-to-town day, the best evening plan is usually the one that gives you room to linger.

If there’s live music, an event or a patio calling your name, follow it. If not, a slow walk through downtown with something sweet in hand is a perfectly good Estes Park finale.