Exploring Estes Park

Exploring Estes Park, Colorado was the perfect final destination for our Ultimate Family Road Trip through Mount Rushmore, Yellowstone, and Rocky Mountain National Park. We intentionally left the day unplanned so we could just play and explore. But, you know there is always a plan with me!

I’ve been to Estes Park before, for a long girls’ weekend after a stressful work project was completed. But, Estes is also a great destination for a couple, even honeymoons. And, with the incredible cabins and houses, its a good longer destination for families because you can explore the outdoors, shop like you are on vacation, and chill and do nothing, all at the same time!

I encourage you to do all your research. Read all the blogs and take notes from those who have actually been there. Then, just show up and park and walk around and intentionally leave flexibility in your day so you can just stroll and add new things to your agenda.

Highlights and Tour Spots for Estes Park, Colorado - walking route, resting recommendations, driving tours and must see stops while you enjoy this perfect mountain town at the base of Rocky Moountain National Park - and yes, I'm ready to retire there! #coloradotrip #elk #familytrip #coloradofamilytrip

Things I love about Estes Park, CO:

Egg and I breakfast has a menu where you just can’t ever decide. I recommend finding a buddy that will split half and half (whole wheat pancakes and breakfast burrito or scramble are my choices)
Sitting in the downtown park – this is where we took our breakfast for a picnic, but it’s also a great spot to just sit and let your kids run or take your cooler for a picnic. Its also a good place to let a dog run, so watch your step!
Strolling and shopping – stopping at all the places, stores may look alike but step inside there are new treasures to be found
Enjoying artwork and local artisan designs
Strolling along the river or walking the trail
Spend some time at Rocky Mountain National Park
Driving around Mary’s Lake – make the full loop and see all sides
Look for the elk. Ask around where they have been showing and gathering lately. Look on Facebook- Estes Park News or Estes Park Visitor Center.
Finding jewelry or something to take home with you – let me suggest some wild game jerky! I’m not really one to just have a ton of souvenirs, but I like to buy something and then remember we got it on vacation.
Eating outside because you can!
The air smells cleaner and filtered
an evening stroll on the trails by the golf course. You can see all the wildlife, lake, and mountains. Just pay attention to people biking and actually exercising and get out of their way if you are playing or taking pictures.

Must Include spots in Estes Park, Colorado

Jackson Stables – Little Man overcame a big fear and rode a pony. We called ahead and they looked at appointments and told us to come in the afternoon. And, we had the kids course to ourselves. It was the perfect ending cap for our vacation. As a mom I will not soon forget this magical moment for my little guy, getting on the back of a horse and returning a big smile. Also, for families, check out the options and features at the YMCA of the Rockies – so many great family-friendly experiences
a day at Rocky Mountain National Park
Stay on the golf course – our hosts at Bugling Bull were awesome and this home set up is perfect for combined vacation.
drive around and find some elk – this town is known for them and if you are a city girl like me… wildlife is fantastic
park, and walk, and shop – go in all the stores. look at all the things
buy a piece of art to remember your time – surround yourself with art and pictures from the places you love and want to visit. Then, your real life begins to feel like a vacation.
stop and freaking relax! I’m so ready to retire to this town and I’ve never said that about any place. So, enjoy your stay and take it all in.

Experience more from our Ultimate Family Road Trip to Mount Rushmore, Yellowstone and Rocky Mountain National Park