r/EstesPark

Hello! My fiancé (26) and I (25) are going to a wedding in estes park next week, and will be staying in the area for 5 days. Besides the rehearsal dinner and wedding day, I have nothing planned yet. I am unfamiliar with what to do in that area and I could use recommendations.

We are foodies for sure, and like hiking but not anything too strenuous. I love a good picturesque spot too.

We are also staying at the stanley hotel for one night as I am a fan of the shining. I was debating on whether or not to do the Overlook Project 3 hr paranormal investigation as I am interested in all things supernatural. If anyone has done it or knows anyone who has I could use your thoughts on whether or not it is worth our time.

We will be visiting Estes Park in about a week. My teen enjoys thrift shopping / second hand stores. She likes shopping for clothes and other fun accessories. What would you recommend for a good store for a teen?

We get to town July 11th for 8 nights - no doubt it’ll be busy but is it as least quieter than during the Holiday? How bad is it? Does Trail Ridge Road get backed up?

My wife and I are visiting Estes Park from July 13–20 and would love local input.
Looking for:
• Best moderate-to-strenuous hikes with good payoff views (RMNP or otherwise)
• Photography spots — sunrise/sunset, wildlife, reflections
• Stargazing/astrophotography locations (dark sky spots, best nights, any gear tips)
• Non-hiking activities — town stuff, scenic drives, hidden gems
• Anything to book/reserve before we arrive (timed entry permits, popular trailhead parking, restaurant reservations)
Any advice — trail conditions in July, elk activity, weather quirks — much appreciated. Thanks!

Coming from Monument to visit the park. How’s the wildfire smoke in the area? It’s really smoky down here because of the Aspen Acres fire so we are looking to escape.

We're scheduled to visit Estes Park for several days coming up, but the wildfire/air quality maps seem to suggest that Estes Park is affected by the smoke from the Colorado wildfires. Our little one has moderately bad asthma. Can any locals or folks on the ground share their experience? Is the smoke palpable?

We will be there 7/8-7/15

My 16yo is trying to play basically every day to stay competitive for upcoming school season, tryouts, etc.

Anyone know of any private coach (I’ll pay) or a decently quality player looking for a hitting partner for 60-90 minutes for most of those days?

I understand the folly of looking for a deal on dining out in a tourist town during tourist season, but I’m curious where the natives like to have lunch and dinner. Thanks!

Where did you get your passport photo taken? Did you drive to a Staples or CVS?

Hey everyone. We travel to Estes every 4th for vacation. Typically we spend most of our time hiking in the park, 99% of that being on the East side since we typically stay right down the road (Boulder Brook).

This year we want to do things a little different and explore the West side of the park but I don't know anything about that side. Last year we met up with friends that live near Grand Lake and honestly I hated it. It was super crowded etc. Not our scene at all.

So I'd love to hear some recommendations for hikes, etc. on the west side of the park.

Also, I'd love to hear of decent spots in eat around Estes (just the wife and I). We love Notchtop and Cinnamon's Bakery. Dinner is typically just whatever we see when we come back from the park.

Thanks again!

Hey everyone! My family is driving up to Estes Park this weekend. We love soccer and will absolutely want to catch the US match on Wednesday 7/1. What would be the best place to catch the game that night?

we're traveling 2-6 july and see interval showers n thunderstorms on the 3-4th. Any idea how cold it can feel for someone who's never been to such altitudes and coming from westcoast beach weather? i have only a day to acclimatize before we begin day long hikes. Ik the hike itself will build warmth but not sure if we can dress light or better fully covered w heavy jacket? how have yall felt when there?

Appreciate any insights, TIA! im just uneccessarily stressed

I’m going on a family trip to the rockys soon and am looking to fish on my own while they probably sleep in lol, I’m down to catch anything! Any recommendations on any local spots ?

Out on vacation this week with my 2018 Jeep Wrangler Sahara. Having some mechanical difficulties and hoping someone has a recommendation for a mechanic that can look at it before Saturday. Any ideas?

Did you lose something at the Murphy Resort near rooms 354-356 this weekend, June 20-22? I have it and it’s safe! Please describe it to me, and I will happily reunite you!

I will find myself in Estes Park during the World Cup Final on Sunday, July 19th. Any insight on the best spot in town to catch the match? May end up needing an all ages venue. Thanks!