Why Estes Park?
Colorado's Original Playground
In Estes Park, you can enjoy guided adventures such as fly fishing, horseback riding, or white water rafting. You can also explore on your own by taking a scenic drive over the Continental Divide on Trail Ridge Road to Grand Lake or down the Peak to the Peak Scenic Byway.
There are plenty of lodging options available. These options range from a mountain cabin resort or a modern condo on the river.
TRAILS
My favorite hiking trails in Estes Park
Emerald Lake Trail
This scenic hiking trail through the Tyndall Gorge to Emerald Lake is an extremely popular route in Rocky Mountain National Park. Starting from the Bear Lake Trailhead, hikers will walk through pine forests, past pristine alpine lakes including Nymph Lake and Dream Lakes, and be treated to beautiful vistas of rocky peaks. Throughout your trip you’ll come across incredible views of Flattop Mountain, Hallett Peak, Glacier Gorge, and Tyndall Glacier.
Length: 3.2 mi
Gem Lake Trail
The beautiful trail leading up to Gem Lake features amazing views of Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. Although located in the park, this great hike begins before the park’s main entrance. You can find the Lumpy Ridge Trailhead just off Devils Gulch Road in Estes Park.
Length: 3.1 mi
The Loch via Glacier Gorge Trail
This scenic hiking trail through the Tyndall Gorge to Emerald Lake is an extremely popular route in Rocky Mountain National Park. Starting from the Bear Lake Trailhead, hikers will walk through pine forests, past pristine alpine lakes including Nymph Lake and Dream Lakes, and be treated to beautiful vistas of rocky peaks. Throughout your trip you’ll come across incredible views of Flattop Mountain, Hallett Peak, Glacier Gorge, and Tyndall Glacier.