Things to do in Estes Park in January

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Overview

January is a less popular time to visit Estes Park. The weather is usually freezing cold and slightly windy, with temperatures ranging from 13—31°F (-10—-1°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Estes Park during this time. Some of our top recommendations: go stargazing in Rocky Mountain National Park, go snowmobiling in the backcountry, go wildlife watching in the winter, and more!

Estes Park has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your January trip to Estes Park. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to January. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in Estes Park in January. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout January, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

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Best events and things to do in Estes Park in January

Top experiences in January
Go stargazing in Rocky Mountain National Park
January is an ideal time for stargazing in Rocky Mountain National Park, as the clear winter skies offer unparalleled views of the night sky. Whether you're a seasoned astronomer or simply appreciate the beauty of the cosmos, the park's high elevation and lack of light pollution make for a stunning stargazing experience. Bundle up and head to a designated stargazing spot for a magical evening under the stars.
Go snowmobiling in the backcountry
For an adrenaline-pumping adventure, January is the perfect time to go snowmobiling in the backcountry around Estes Park. With miles of groomed trails and untouched powder, the area offers an exhilarating experience for snowmobilers of all levels. Whether you're seeking speed and excitement or simply want to explore the winter wilderness, snowmobiling is a thrilling way to embrace the snowy season.
Go wildlife watching in the winter
January is a great time to spot wildlife in Estes Park, as many animals are more active during the winter months. From elk and deer to bighorn sheep and birds of prey, the area is teeming with wildlife waiting to be discovered. Whether you're exploring the national park or simply taking a stroll through town, keep your eyes peeled for these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
Try cross-country skiing in Estes Park
With its scenic trails and snowy landscapes, Estes Park is a paradise for cross-country skiing enthusiasts in January. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced skier, there are plenty of trails to explore, offering a peaceful and invigorating way to experience the winter scenery. It's a great way to stay active and enjoy the beauty of the area in a unique and memorable way.
Go ice climbing in the Rocky Mountains
For thrill-seekers, January is the perfect time to try ice climbing in the Rocky Mountains. With frozen waterfalls and challenging ice formations, the area offers a unique and exhilarating experience for climbers of all skill levels. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced climber, the stunning landscapes and adrenaline-pumping climbs make for an unforgettable adventure.
Take a scenic drive along Trail Ridge Road
In January, Trail Ridge Road offers a breathtaking winter wonderland experience. The scenic drive takes you through the heart of Rocky Mountain National Park, where you can marvel at snow-covered peaks, frozen lakes, and wildlife against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains. It's a peaceful and awe-inspiring journey that showcases the natural beauty of the area in the winter.
Visit the Estes Park Museum
In January, the Estes Park Museum offers a unique opportunity to learn about the history and culture of the area. With exhibits showcasing the town's heritage, art, and artifacts, the museum provides a fascinating glimpse into the past. It's a great way to gain insight into the local community and appreciate the rich traditions that have shaped Estes Park over the years.
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Holidays in Estes Park in January
January
  • New Year's Day (January 1)
  • Martin Luther King Jr. Day (January 19)
Other notable holidays
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Weather in Estes Park in January

Temperatures on an average day in Estes Park in January

The average temperature in Estes Park in January for a typical day ranges from a high of 31°F (-1°C) to a low of 13°F (-10°C). Some would describe the temperature to be freezing cold. The general area may also feel slightly windy.

For comparison, the hottest month in Estes Park, July, has days with highs of 80°F (27°C) and lows of 50°F (10°C). The coldest month, February has days with highs of 31°F (-1°C) and lows of 13°F (-11°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Estes Park in January based on historical data.

Visiting Estes Park? See our Estes Park Trip Planner.

Historical temperature average in January
31°F
highs
13°F
lows

General weather summary

Freezing cold, slightly windy
Feels like
10%
Chance of rain
0.046 in
Amount
19.6 mph
Wind speed
89%
Humidity
9.6 hrs
Daylight length
7:21 AM
Sunrise
5:00 PM
Sunset
50%
Cloud cover
Thick winter coat with gloves
What to wear
What to wear in January
With an average high of 31°F (-1°C) and a low of 13°F (-10°C), it generally feels freezing cold and slightly windy. With that in mind, most people would dress in something toasty like a thick winter coat with gloves
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Best attractions for Estes Park in January

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Estes Park has to offer for travelers in January, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Estes Park that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in Estes Park for January.
Peak to Peak Hwy
1. Peak to Peak Hwy
Sights & Landmarks
Scenic Drives
Hiking, biking, snowshoeing & other outdoor activities around a 55-mi. scenic highway.
Estes Park Aerial Tramway
2. Estes Park Aerial Tramway
4.6
(2438)
Temporarily Closed
Mountain cable car
Transportation
Aerial tram to Prospect Mountain's summit, where there are panoramic views, trails & a cafe.
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The tram was hands down a highlight of our trip. Yes, pricey, but such a wonderful experience. We visited on a Friday at 9am and there was only one other group in line. We waited no longer than 15 minutes to go on the tram. Also, if you go early in the morning or late evening, you can take advantage of the discounted adult tickets. All of the staff members we encountered were very nice. One of the tram operators was especially kind to our kids after noticing they were a bit frightened. He made sure to make them feel safe, and we were very thankful for that. At the top, the view was incredible. There were a few trails, but we just decided to climb up the rocks and sit there to take in the view. The gift shop and cafe were right where the tram leaves you. There are not many options, but it's good for a quick snack.
I feel this is a Must Go! And if you're smart about it you can get cheap tickets to ride instead of paying full price. It's a short ride to the top where you'll find a small cafe and gift shop. I recommend having lunch then taking the hike to the summit! The 360 views are Spectacular, who knew Estes is actually so BIG. All the staff was Super Friendly too. Great way to spend an afternoon!
The tram was a lot of fun and the operators were super friendly and very pleasant to chat with. At the top it's worth trying to hike up to the summit for some amazing views of the valley. The cafe was well maintained and had a decent menu. We weren't hungry but did pick up a coffee and hot cocoa. They also have alcoholic beverages but it was morning so had to pass. Prices are reasonable and online with what you'd expect. Tram was a lot of fun and gorgeous views!
The ride was 5 minutes in a small compartment with no seats. View was nice going up. Cafe was closed, but the small souvenir shop was open (with bathrooms). The views were nice but I was expecting more snow-capped mountains. Nice, but not really worth the price.
Absolutely Incredible Experience! The Estes Park Aerial Tramway is hands down one of the best experiences you can have in the Rockies. The views are nothing short of breathtaking—you get a panoramic look at Estes Park, the valley, and the mountains that feels like stepping right into a postcard. What really made the trip unforgettable, though, was the staff. They were just as amazing as the view itself—friendly, welcoming, and genuinely passionate about making sure every guest had a great time. From start to finish, you feel well taken care of. If you’re in Estes Park, this is a must-do. Whether you’re here for the scenery, the adventure, or simply to soak in the beauty of Colorado, the tramway delivers on all fronts. I’d go back in a heartbeat!
Hello Everyone, Now going up to the Tramway was amazing. I have been going to Estes Park for such a long time. I did not realize that this was in that location. Such beautiful site to see make sure you take a backpack, snacks, sunscreen, water, and enjoy the view. They have picnic tables and a gift shop and serve sandwich, snacks, and sweets. now you do have to pay for parking, which is $6.50 for four hours. But you can stay at this location and ride the last cart down. 3.25 time ride going up T 3h
This was our favorite activity in Estes Park. Highly recommend going in early morning. The crowds were coming in as we were finishing up. The hike at the top was the best of our trip with beautiful 360 views.
If you are in Estes this is an absolute must do! We booked tickets online in the car park when we arrived and were in a cable car 10 minutes later. The cars are 70 years old but the cables and gear are very modern. The ride up top is spectacular and the cafe and gift shop at the top give panoramic views of the city and the Rocky Mountains.
Estes Park
3. Estes Park
Sights & Landmarks
Neighborhoods
Estes Park is a town in northern Colorado. It’s known as a base for the Rocky Mountain National Park, home to wildlife including elk and bears, plus miles of trails. The park’s Trail Ridge Road winds past craggy peaks, forests and tundra. Nearby are the wilderness areas of Roosevelt National Forest. The Estes Park Aerial Tramway connects the town to the summit of Prospect Mountain for views over the valley.
Estes Park Visitor Center
4. Estes Park Visitor Center
4.7
(2917)
Visitor center
Sights & Landmarks
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Absolutely loved our stop at the Estes Park Visitor Center! The staff were super friendly and helpful, with great tips on trails, weather, and wildlife. The center itself was clean, well-organized, and full of useful maps and brochures. But the real highlight? We saw a whole family of elk just outside the building! It was such a magical and unexpected experience. A perfect introduction to the beauty and wonder of the Rockies. Definitely make this your first stop when visiting Estes Park!
Excellent visitor center. Well staffed and enthusiastic to answer questions. Lots of interactive things in a small gift shop, as well. Definitely worth the visit. They have a large parking garage across the river with a bridge to get there. They also have a smaller parking lot. Both are free. They have a place to fill up water and decent enough bathrooms. Five stars!
Beautiful park and center. There are elk all over the park. They obviously feel very safe there! Do not approach them. They are still wild animals even though they are eating the grass at the golf course! The river is beautiful too!
This is the best underutilized spot. Great parking to walk to shops and see the sights. I also found the view of the Stanley Hotel here to be a great photo op. Go park on the top of the garage. Its beautiful ans no one is ever up there. You can get the mountains and the stanley in a beautiful photo with a little zoom on the lens of you phone.
It is pretty cool visit center, and there is benches inside the shop, very comfortable, and in the left side(or right side from river entrance) , there hiker shuttle bus directly to Rocky mountain national Park park and ride stop, most of the time, every 30 minutes there is one shuttle bus, some timeslots you need wait up to 1.5 hrs, overall, pretty good spot.
The staff at the visitor center is awesome and super friendly and helpful. She was able yo help us with planning the visit for today and provided with tons of information which was very useful and worth. The maps and visit information provided was great and the free shuttle around the river walk was really nice too!
Awesome park. Great for hiking. Definitely hike to the lake. We saw mule deer, moose, horses and chipmunks.
Friendly, knowledgeable Staff on hand to answer questions. Clean bathrooms, free covered parking. Hiking nearby. What more can you ask for. Oh yeah free shuttles out front to take you just about anywhere, including the entrance to Rocky Mountains National Park and The Stanley Hotel. Love this town!!!
Estes Park Visitor Center
5. Estes Park Visitor Center
4.7
(2917)
Visitor center
Sights & Landmarks
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Absolutely loved our stop at the Estes Park Visitor Center! The staff were super friendly and helpful, with great tips on trails, weather, and wildlife. The center itself was clean, well-organized, and full of useful maps and brochures. But the real highlight? We saw a whole family of elk just outside the building! It was such a magical and unexpected experience. A perfect introduction to the beauty and wonder of the Rockies. Definitely make this your first stop when visiting Estes Park!
Excellent visitor center. Well staffed and enthusiastic to answer questions. Lots of interactive things in a small gift shop, as well. Definitely worth the visit. They have a large parking garage across the river with a bridge to get there. They also have a smaller parking lot. Both are free. They have a place to fill up water and decent enough bathrooms. Five stars!
Beautiful park and center. There are elk all over the park. They obviously feel very safe there! Do not approach them. They are still wild animals even though they are eating the grass at the golf course! The river is beautiful too!
This is the best underutilized spot. Great parking to walk to shops and see the sights. I also found the view of the Stanley Hotel here to be a great photo op. Go park on the top of the garage. Its beautiful ans no one is ever up there. You can get the mountains and the stanley in a beautiful photo with a little zoom on the lens of you phone.
It is pretty cool visit center, and there is benches inside the shop, very comfortable, and in the left side(or right side from river entrance) , there hiker shuttle bus directly to Rocky mountain national Park park and ride stop, most of the time, every 30 minutes there is one shuttle bus, some timeslots you need wait up to 1.5 hrs, overall, pretty good spot.
The staff at the visitor center is awesome and super friendly and helpful. She was able yo help us with planning the visit for today and provided with tons of information which was very useful and worth. The maps and visit information provided was great and the free shuttle around the river walk was really nice too!
Awesome park. Great for hiking. Definitely hike to the lake. We saw mule deer, moose, horses and chipmunks.
Friendly, knowledgeable Staff on hand to answer questions. Clean bathrooms, free covered parking. Hiking nearby. What more can you ask for. Oh yeah free shuttles out front to take you just about anywhere, including the entrance to Rocky Mountains National Park and The Stanley Hotel. Love this town!!!
Lake Estes Marina
6. Lake Estes Marina
4.5
(756)
Temporarily Closed
Marina
Nature & Parks
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We spent our honeymoon in Estes Park and made reservations online for a fishing boat and Surrey bike rental. We loved our time on the boat. It can get crowded with other crafts and you can’t go fast for that reason, but the view is spectacular and it is perfect for a leisurely go around the lake. We were able to circle the lake about three times before having to return it. The Surrey bike was fun for a leisurely activity as well since it only goes about 5mph. We misunderstood the instructions to turn around at the visitor center as we thought the restaurant and associated buildings were the visitor center. This ended up cutting our ride short! I didn’t find it difficult to peddle, but I also am native to Colorado and spent several years living around 6,000ft. It probably could be a challenge for those visiting from sea level as the route is not completely flat and there are a few small inclines. Overall a very enjoyable experience! I highly recommend reserving online ahead of time. The only issue we had was that our original waivers got lost and we had to sign them again, so it would be good to star those emails in the reservation process should something like that happen when you get there.
We rented a pontoon boat for 2 hours. It was awesome. Not a bad price. It is a small lake but it's not too busy. You can still get around the entire lake. Have some fun and catch a fish
We had a great experience renting a canoe for an hour at Lake Estes Marina. Paddling around the lake was so much fun, and the staff was friendly and helpful with getting us in and out of the canoe. Parking is paid, but it was easy to take care of when reserving online. We’ll definitely be returning!
Rented a tandem kayak for $30 for 1 hour. It was okay. Definitely would be good for beginners or people who just want to sit on the water. We go kayaking a lot and thought it was boring. The view is okay but it’s kinda like you just paddle in circles trying to kill the time and there’s not many places to explore. Service was friendly. I didn’t like that the reservation was very strict on arriving 30 minutes early, but then when you arrive 30 minutes early they just have you sign a waiver and then you have to continue to wait until your time and they were not busy. Wouldn’t go again, and would only recommend if you just want to chill on the water or how 0 kayaking experience
Beautiful marina with boat, kayak and SUP rentals. For busy summer weekends book ahead of time, esp for large parties.
Beautiful scenery, friendly staff, stocked with fishing essentials, bike and kayak rentals available. The kids loved the playground and we all enjoyed walking around. There were lots of people picnicking and it was a very great vibe all around.
Very beautiful place to visit. We came fishing and caught quite a few rainbows and browns. Both fly fishing and regular bait. Can get a bit crowded but other than that, it’s a great experience.
It is located on the shore of Lake Estes, created by the Olympus Dam. You can rent watercraft and find a shop with fishing equipment. There are also picnic areas and lakeside activities. Along the roughly four-mile shoreline, you can enjoy your time and observe the local wildlife.
Red Rose Rock Shop
7. Red Rose Rock Shop
4.7
(701)
Rock shop
Museums
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Visited this shop a few years ago. Came home with many beautiful rough rocks that I added to my collection. Been wanting to get back , but hasn't been in the cards. Found them on Facebook and found out they sell rough rock on line too. Well have put in a couple of orders ..and plan on many more! They have a great variety and they ship fast. Love my Rocks! They talk and tell you the story of time.😊
I visited their shop in Estes Park and was blown away by all of the pieces they have. I bought 8 beautiful rocks and minerals and had them shipped to my home in Indiana. I found them on the internet and was thrilled to see they have so many pieces to buy in line and ship for free. I bought 8 more. I will be coming back to this special place as seeing them in person is a treat. Love this place
Such a rad place, so so many rocks every where you look, and honestly not too bad of prices. Obviously the amethyst and things are going to be crazy, not for us average Joe’s, but the neat rocks on the shelves are plentiful. The buckets of rocks outside is absolutely fabulous, with lots to chose from, and the option to have them shipped to your house is awesome. The staff is also very friendly, the girl who works the register is so sweet, asking where everyone is from getting to know folks. Really nice place.
This is my favorite rock shop ever and a place I visit every single time I'm in Estes. Huge variety of cool rocks spanning all price ranges and types. I also love the little duck pond and coffee shop next door which is owned by the same people. Beautiful little place to hang out.
I am an incurable Rock Hound which is not a bad thing! I have been coming to Red Rose every trip to CO since 1989 and it never disappoints. The staff is always incredibly knowledgable and helpful. I can't tell you how many amazing pieces I have bought at Red Rose and I intend to keep filling my home with their gorgeous and amazing pieces forever. I am so excited, I am headed there again at the end of September. And yes, I will be coming home with an extra heavy carry on bag on my way home... again.
A fun place to stop if you are into rocks and crystals. They have a huge selection, and it’s easy to lose track of time just looking at everything. Whether you’re into shiny polished stones or rough crystals, they’ve got it all  The best part, though? If you have kids take them out back and you can feed the ducks with food the owner provides. Definitely worth a visit.
Nice Collection. Very friendly staff. Prices are reasonable. Quite a nice collection outside also. Need a relaxing break mid way through your rock shopping? No problem, nice trails around a pond right outside along with the coffee shop next door. Be sure to get some food (for a $1) to feed the duckies around the pond. All in all, a perfect place to be if rocks are your thing.
Nice variety of large rocks outside and smaller rocks and fossils inside. It’s located right next to coffee on the rocks which has great coffee! You can buy corn to feed the ducks at the pond.
Estes Park Ride-A-Kart
8. Estes Park Ride-A-Kart
4.6
(766)
Temporarily Closed
Amusement center
Water & Amusement Parks
Long-standing family entertainment center with go-karts, bumper boats, bungee trampolines & more.
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Been coming to Ride a Kart since I was a little girl, but the improvements that the ownership has made to it have been awesome! My own family loves it, but we just had a youth event there and all of our teenagers love it too!! The Mario kart like race car experiences, the putt putt golf, and of course the ice cream and the arcade! Would definitely recommend it for a corporate youth or family event!
Great experience here! The new go karts are electric and gamified to work like Mario kart. There are several activities and the staff was super helpful. My kids loved the bumper boats. We were able to do several activities for a reasonable value. Only ever had to wait in line for go carts and line was never that long. Definitely recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ride-a-kart is a blast—pure, nostalgic fun in the heart of estes park! we had the best time racing go-karts, playing mini golf, and just soaking up that good old-fashioned summer magic. it’s the kind of place that brings out your inner kid (and a little friendly competition). the staff is kind, the vibe is light, and it’s such a gem for locals and visitors alike. highly recommend for a fun night out or a spontaneous afternoon adventure.
I’ve been visiting Estes Park since I was young and Ride a Kart has always been one of my favorite memories growing up and I was lucky enough to bring my own kids here this summer. That absolutely loved ever minute of their visits to this fantastic amusement park. The new race karts are amazing and not the loud karts you would see anywhere else, which also makes them perfect for children with any sensory issues. The track has a Mario Kart type feel with coins and power ups you can ears as you drive. The bumper boats and bumper cars are easy to maneuver for even young kids and were a hit with mine. We played the mountain course of the putt-putt (you get to choose from two 18 hole options. We also had to take the classic train ride that has always been here. If you or anyone you know of coming to Estes, this is definitely worth visiting!
Stopped by after visiting RMNP. Got my grandson a go kart ticket then I thought, why let him have all the fun, so I got myself a ticket and joined him. I’m 58 years old and I had a blast on the go karts!!! It is a lot like Mario kart! He then went on the bumper boats but I didn’t join him on those, lol. Place was a lot of fun and all the staff we encountered were very friendly! Had a great time, highly recommended!!!
My 3 boys loved the golf simulator! They loved it so much that we did it 2 days in a row! We also did the mini golf And new go karts. I thought $12 for one go kart ride is steep, but I remember we are on vacation and need to pay the high prices for fun.
This was a great place to stop with my son & friend. It doesnt look like much but it is 100% worth the stop. We did the mini golf & they were super chill about our service dog, just asked that she not be on the greens. Took my son back a 2nd day for the batting cages. Nice little set up with 3 speeds, they let us bring our own gear!
Our kids love coming to this place every time we’re in Estes Park. The staff is friendly and they have great attractions.
Mountain Blown Glass, Inc
9. Mountain Blown Glass, Inc
4.8
(159)
Glass blower
Shopping
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We contacted MBG about 3 weeks before our big day and I crossed my fingers they would be available to help us with our unity ceremony glass. I got an email less than 12 hours later cheerfully saying that they would love to help. Cory and I scheduled a phone call to get some colors and planning figured out and less than a week later we had our beads. After the wedding we mailed them back, easy as can be, and got to have another amazing conversation with Cory about our glass visions. We ordered many amazing products and Cory worked with me each step of the way to talk about colors and different products. We even asked him to make a little pumpkin (family tradition) out of our wedding glass and it’s my absolute favorite piece. I got an email with pictures showing our final products and a week later we had our glass pieces in hand. They are beyond stunning and I can’t wait to order more from Cory and the Mountain Blown Glass team. Of all our wedding vendors, these guys are in the top 3 people we’ve had the joy of working with. Thank you so much. You’ll never know just how special these pieces are to my husband and I and I know our family will love them too.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Incredible Craftsmanship and One-of-a-Kind Art Mountain Blown Glass is a must-visit in Estes Park! The workmanship is absolutely top notch—every piece is handcrafted with skill, passion, and creativity. You can truly see the dedication and talent that goes into each one-of-a-kind glass creation. Whether you’re looking for a unique gift or a special piece for your home, this shop is full of stunning, original glass art. Highly recommend stopping in and watching the artist work—it’s mesmerizing!
Purchased 1 piece from MBG. Worked with Cory on creating a set. Cory was professional, responsive, fair, friendly, and very easy to work with. Highly recommend checking out MBG in Estes Park. Watch them make the pieces they sell during your visit.
Cory was amazing!!! He showed our family, from start to finish, how to make a globe. It was such an awesome experience, and we plan to come back to make globes to include our father's ashes. Cory is fantastic with his skills and I have no doubt whatever you want made, it will be perfect! Thank you for the demo today, we are excited to come back!
What a great place. Awesome to watch you do your thing and how quick you can make amazing pieces. Love our pumpkin and snake!
This place is awesome! We used their coloring in our wedding for a sand ceremony. Afterwards, we lost the sand until ten years later in a random storage box. They made 2 great pieces for us. My wife, kids and I all loved it.
Can't say enough about the experience at Mountain Blown Glass. Cory, and his daughter Aly, were wonderful to work with. The artistry, ability to personalize and understanding of the significance of these pieces cannot be overstated. It was a beautiful moment during a difficult time. Thank you!
We loved this local shop! I try to buy local art from each location I travel to and this shop was perfect. They had several items in the store to choose from, but also take custom orders if you live in the area. The man running the shop actually made the piece I purchased and was able to tell me the history behind it. I would love to return here.
Rock Cut Brewing Company
10. Rock Cut Brewing Company
4.8
(793)
Brewery
Food & Drink
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Top notch brewery! The staff and owners are kind, caring, and knowledgeable. The space is phenomenal. They have great indoor and outside seating. The beer selection is good. The beer is great. From the lager to IPA to sour beer to red ale to stouts they are all solid. Definitely worth the stop.
Sat at the bar and enjoyed a beer with a couple of tacos from the food truck outside. Relaxed vibe and a good mix of food and drinks
Great beer (love their unique brews!), cool staff. Definitely a favorite haunt any time in Estes Park.
I really liked Rockcut Brewing. They had a Pils, amber, brown American IPA, Hazy IPA, a lager, a fir forager, citron, double IPA, a gin-barrel-aged IPA, a whiskey barrel aged brown, and a sour. All their beers were spot on and the barrel aged were great. This place is totally chill and unassuming. Music is great, they bring in awesome food trucks, their merch is fun, the service is friendly and helpful. You should put this on your list.
After visiting them all, this is hands-down, far-and-away, the best brewery in Estes Park. Very confused by the ratings of other breweries. If you only have one stop for craft beer, this 100% needs to be it. Atmosphere/taste of beer/service trumps all other locations. Plenty of options of beer and plenty of indoor/outdoor seating. Located right next to the heart of Estes park and adjacent to a cute river, and has a nice view of the mountains in the background. Ordered the Galactic Portal hazy IPA and the River Sluice sour, and both were really good. Don’t miss Rock Cut on your Estes Park trip!
Delicious beer and friendly staff! Dog friendly plus a food truck on site! Highly recommend! Every beer I tried was incredible!!
Delicious and clever beers on the river, what's not to like. The service is always kind and knowledgeable. You can't go wrong with a pint here!
We ran the Rock Cut 5K race and discovered Rock Cut for the first time. Great beer selections and high quality! The brewery room is fun and thoughtful - you can tell this is run by people who care about others and their craft. We're fans!
Aspen and Evergreen Gallery
11. Aspen and Evergreen Gallery
4.9
(78)
Art gallery
Shopping
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If you’re actually looking some for something from the Estes Park area that is made by a real local artist, go no other place than this beautiful shop! Prices are reasonable, and the artwork is beautiful and original. Bought a beautiful print for our baby’s nursery and it will be a beautiful memory of our trip to CO before their birth.
This is a beautiful store where you’re greeted with a warm welcome. There is a huge variety of amazing art and merchandise with price points for everyone. I was thrilled to find two super cool, quality pieces of jewelry to take home from my visit to Colorado! One of the artists was right there to tell me about the earrings she had made that I was purchasing. Make sure you make this a destination in Estes Park, you won’t be disappointed!
Beautiful Store, the owner was so helpful and friendly. Purchased the most gorgeous hand painted (with glass and re-fired!) Wine glass that Remind me of the beautiful aspen trees of Colorado. Truly, my most prized & special souvenir from our trip, the owner took a lot of time to explain to me how the glass was made and about the artist. Very special!
I purchased an original oil painting here. They have great pieces. Their prices are fair also. I like to support local whenever I travel.
Lovely shop in Estes Park with beautiful pieces by some very talented artists. I bought several pottery pieces, and the day before we left went back to buy one more by Scott and Leah (and was bummed that one I really wanted sold). I can’t wait to see what they have next time we’re in Estes!
We were very pleasantly surprised by the variety and quality of art in this store. The offer flexible options for prints, prints on canvas, and even gave good advice for framing options. Everything can be shipped, too. Definitely recommend stopping in.
We have been going to all the many wonderful art galleries in Estes Park for years, and Aspen and Evergreen is one of our favorites. They have an amazing selection of paintings, photography, ceramics/pottery, glassware, jewelry, and more. They do a great job of focusing on Colorado artists and giving you a little background on them. They even have a selection of books by Colorado authors. They participate in the first Friday of the month “Art Groove” where you can meet some of the artists in person while you enjoy live music, wine, and snacks. When we were considering buying an original painting and jewelry there, those who have helped us each time were extremely helpful and knowledgeable - without hovering or being pushy. It has always been a delight to browse and shop at this gallery, and we absolutely love what we’ve bought there.
Such a great shop in Estes Park with unique artist created designs. I bought a ceramic tree with various ceramic toppers to change with the seasons. The staff at the shop were so helpful and wrapped it very well so nothing broke. I highly recommend the s shop!
Seven Keys Lodge
12. Seven Keys Lodge
4.3
(274)
Bed & breakfast
Museums
Rustic seasonal inn set in a rural property dating from 1917 offering free hot breakfast & a lounge.
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Stopped for happy hour at Seven Keys Lodge. What a wonderful experience... The place is a little jewel tucked into the side of the mountain... the outside deck offers spectacular views of Estes Park. Perfect spot on a warm and sunny afternoon. Met the owners who were beyond delightful, absolutely loved the stories about the history of the lodge not to mention fascinating stories behind just a few of the 20k plus keys hanging in the bar. Can't wait to come back to town so we can revisit, maybe attend one of their music events
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 7Keys Lodge is pure mountain magic. From the second you step onto the front porch, you feel it—warm, welcoming, totally one-of-a-kind. The staff is incredible: kind, thoughtful, and the kind of people who make you want to linger a little longer. The cocktails? Don’t even get me started. Creative, delicious, and best enjoyed while watching the sun dip behind the peaks. This place is a true gem in Estes Park—beautifully designed, full of heart, and run by some of the most wonderful humans I know. Whether you’re staying the night or just stopping in for a drink, it’s the kind of place that keeps calling you back.
Had a wonderful dinner at the Outlaws and Legends tavern. They accommodated our large group wonderfully and we had an amazing dinner. Everyone liked what they had to eat and we tried most everything on the tavern menu. The keys and memorabilia provided nice ambiance as well as beautiful views.
I have only been here for a cocktail on the porch, but we absolutely love it! The patio is so beautiful with the hummingbirds and the lounge chairs. They make a wonderful old-fashioned and the charcuterie board is lovely. It's in our rotation!
This was my husband's and my first time to Estes Park. We came to celebrate our anniversary and to see Max and Heather Stalling play at the Seven Keys Lodge for their songwriters ' series. We did not stay at t he resort, but had dinner and attended the show both nights. The hotel is so full of history. I have to say that I was served one of the best meals that I have ever had. The staff treated us like family. The entertainment was top notch. You owe it to yourself to attend. I assure you that you will have an amazin time. I also want to thank the Powell family for sharing this beautiful place with the rest of us and thank you for your hospitality.
7 Keys has found the "sweet spot" in location...stunning; customer service is second to none....whatever is needed will be provided; food...new chef and menu is top notch; music ...on the weekends is a pure delight. This is a family owned and operated restaurant and the attention to every detail shows through every time we visit. Well Done!
Have been here a couple of times for cocktails and dinner, have not stayed in the rooms. The staff is amazing, friendly and very good. The ambiance is amazing with so much history and keeping things as original as possible. The chef is creative and his dishes are superb with a great depth of flavor. Absolutely the best food in Estes Park. We love coming here for happy hour and/or dinner. On a clear day the views are great!
You can't beat the rustic charm and stunning views of Seven Keys! The new owners have worked tirelessly to transform this place into an amazing gathering place. The bar is beautiful and their drinks are worth the drive. We love to sit out on the large covered deck and just take in the beauty.
Estes Park Museum
13. Estes Park Museum
4.7
(314)
Local history museum
Museums
History center chronicling lives of early homesteaders with restored buildings, displays & tours.
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It's a small and nice museum with free admission and friendly staff. FIY: A few minutes heading toward the mountains, you'll see around a hundred elk on the right side
I ended up stopping by here spontaneously after my visit to Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park, and I'm glad I did! The museum is small and has a lot of interesting information about the founding of the town and how it grew into what it is today. The staff was very friendly-- I spent a good ten minutes talking to Wendy about my visit and where I was from. A fun little pit stop definitely worth checking out!!
Everything about Estes Park is great everyone needs to go there lots to see lots of great food from hamburgers to great fine dineing great restaurants to home made candy cookies lots of stores you will get to buy things you don't get to see just any place there are great jewelers here they will design you what you like not to mention all the great parks and all of mother nature has to offer we have animals running around. They are so beautiful to see come see all of Estes park summer and winter lots of great places to stay for the night or a week or a season it is a must the holidays are the best come see for you self
Great indepth experience, with helpful guide willing to answer questions.
Greeting volunteer Judy very welcoming. Great historical exhibits and exhibitions. A must-visit stop for tourists who care about important milestones in this beautiful town’s life. Staff provided personal historical perspectives from 2013 flood. Resilience encouraged us who are rebuilding from Hurricane Helene flooding in western NC. Thanks!
It was a fun little experience getting to see the history of Estas Park!
Very nice and small place to visit in Estes park . One should stop by here to get to know the history of the Estes park and als will get the chance to see the elk which are always there resting and give a nice view of them having the time of there life and also to feel them up close . I would recommend every one take a little time to visit the place when you are in Estes park .the view of the lake Estes and the surrounding valley is so mesmerizing
This is a cute little museum with a lot of informative exhibits. This is a great way to learn some of the history of the area.
Estes Park Dog Park
14. Estes Park Dog Park
4.7
(459)
Dog park
Nature & Parks
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Beautiful park! We were visiting the area and read about this dog park. We were so thrilled to see the multiple areas for dogs and also the fresh water and agility course! For one of our dogs, the chattering ground squirrels taunting him from outside the fence were great excitement. For our other dog, learning the agility course was a fun challenge! It was a very clean park and we even saw a few geese with babies on the pond.
We were driving to rocky mountain national park and saw these elk in this park. We stopped to get some photos and videos. The 2 bull elk were pushing each other around and the big guy was not letting the younger bull anywhere near his herd. Super cool experience. The park is really nice too and is full of a lot of things to do. Beautiful and peaceful place to bring your family.
Nice dog park with separate areas for big and little dogs. Water spigots are available for dog water. Dog bags and scoopers are also available. There are shelters and benches for people. There is also a water area that the dogs can cool off in on the warmer days. Free dirt parking lot with limited parking.
Perfect day for a swim yesterday, lots of dog-friendly people. Agility course was a nice touch, but by far the best part is the beach! Highly recommend making a stop here 👏 👌🏼
Amazing dog park. This town loves their dogs. Water bowls, toys, poop bags are just a few of the great things available here. There are 3 sections as well. One for small dogs and 2 for large dogs. Well maintained and most of all, dog approved.
Nice place for your doggo to roam. It wasn't very obvious where it was. It's kinda hidden behind a large building. See photo that will help. Access to the water if you have dogs that like that kinda thing. Agility park was nice. Had bags for poo. Clean place.
This is a great resource for dog owners. Separate fenced areas for large and smaller dogs. An agility course. Even a lake beach area for water-loving dogs. Water and shared bowls. Some dog toys left by volunteers. And FREE. We took our standard poodle there once or twice every day. He loved it.
It’s the best. Well kept. The volunteers leave toys and balld. They can swim and play. We could not have loved it more
Lily Mountain Trail
15. Lily Mountain Trail
5.0
(2)
Nature & Parks
Hiking Trails
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It is beautiful here 😍
Stanley Home Museum and Education Center
16. Stanley Home Museum and Education Center
4.9
(135)
Museum
Specialty Museums
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We had Sherry as a tour guide and she was wonderful! Told us so much about the house and the owners. I was glad we went. I hope they continue to do well and make the improvements they hope to. Very good tour full of information! Go if you can!
The tour of the Stanley home is a must while you’re in Estes Park. We learned so much from our wonderful tour guide. It was well worth it.
Excellent tour and very informative! Our group of six thoroughly enjoyed Dave’s knowledge and enthusiasm for the house and the history of the family and the community of Estes Park. The restoration that has been completed was so well done. Our thanks to all of the volunteers and donors.
Frances was an excellent guide! Very knowledgeable and pleasant. Beautiful historic home and worth the visit !
Very good tour. Our guide was Dave. Lasted about an hour. Learned some interesting facts about F.O. Stanley, Estes Park and RMNP history. House was saved as a museum and opened in 2021. I would recommend taking this tour first, then head over to the Stanley Hotel. Parking on site. A bit of walking for this tour, but nothing bad. There is a staircase to go up and down. Anazing views! Cost was reasonable at $15 a person. Tour must be booked online.
Wanted to find out about the “Shining“ setting, take a tour and perhaps eat in the Cascades Restaurant. Lots of posters and historical photos. Worth a visit.
What a wonderful tour. Our tour guide Dave was great. Beautiful home with so much history. Highly recommend this museum. Thank you for a nice Sunday afternoon.
We enjoyed visiting the museum today and our guide, Lynn, was delightful and informative! She is fully committed to helping the house as it moves towards further renovations. It’s like watching a museum being created!

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