Highlights of Estes Park

Make the most of your stay with the spots our guests and Estes Park locals love most.

Eat

For dinner, Hunters Chophouse serves old-fashioned mountain fare with a standout wild-game menu, attentive service, and a quiet atmosphere. For barbecue, Smokin' Dave's BBQ & Brew on Moraine Avenue is a local favorite for award-winning smoked meats, so go during off-peak hours to skip the wait.

Drink

The Wheel Bar has been the go-to downtown hangout since 1947, with live music, pool tables, sports on the TVs, and famously friendly staff.

Explore the Outdoors

The crown jewel of the area is Rocky Mountain National Park, with hiking trails for every skill level, so stay hydrated and take the altitude slowly. For a different view, ride the seasonal Estes Park Aerial Tramway to the summit of Prospect Mountain and look out over the whole valley.

See & Do

Set aside an afternoon for The Stanley Hotel, the historic 1909 landmark that inspired Stephen King's The Shining, complete with a museum and ghost tours.

Good to Know

Stock up on groceries and firewood at Safeway on Wonderview Avenue, which gets busy in summer. Start your park days at the Estes Park Visitor Center, the hub for the free town shuttle and the Rocky Mountain National Park shuttle, the easy way to avoid parking headaches.