local beta
GET TO KNOW ESTES + TRAVEL WITH CONFIDENCE
Approximately 90 miles northwest of Denver and nestled at the base of the Rocky Mountains, Estes Park's majestic views span in every direction embodying a true Colorado mountain town with gold-medal fishing rivers, iconic peaks and fertile valleys dotted with wildlife. Estes Park borders it's true gem, Rocky Mountain National Park, home to over 350 miles of hiking trails within 415 square miles of protected wild space.
​
Rich in history and hospitality, Estes Park has been welcoming guest to our spectacularly scenic mountain town since the late 1860s when Griff Evans established a dude ranch here. Many notable gentlemen and women along the way have established a legacy of offering guests an experience like no other - a legacy that continues today.
​
As you might imagine, exploration in the mountains continues to be a mainstay with adventures ranging from hiking to snowshoeing to rock climbing and riding the scenic road that comprise the national park.
​
Among the town, guest can indulge in merchants, restaurants and accommodations that have embraced their wild and Colorado nature. Find locally made product, regional fare and decor that embodies the Western and lodge styles. Affordable, accessible and open year-round, the downtown exudes a casual feel in which jeans and cowboy boots are as common as sundresses and flip-flops, and shops and galleries range from one-of-a-kind items to whimsical trinkets.
​
With abundant wildlife, take a walk on the wild side with our resident elk, deer and occasional black bear. You'll soon discover that sometimes it may seem the area's furry creatures outnumber the humans!
With all its adventures and amenities, Estes is a dream getaway to Rocky Mountain paradise.
Estes Park Visitor Center
Get familiar with all there is to do in Estes Park at the local visitor centers. You will enjoy the friendly service, ample information and self-help resources. The Visitor Center has ample parking and acts as a hub for the free summer shuttle buses and downtown trolley, allowing you hassle-free transportation to and from local hotspots and Rocky Mountain National Park. Trails lead from the Visitor Center east to the Lake Estes Trail and west through the downtown riverwalk.
​
HOURS
Open Mon-Sat, 9 am to 5 pm; Sun. 10 am - 4 pm
Summer Hours (Starting Memorial Day Weekend):
Mon-Sat, 8 am to 8 pm; Sun. 8 am to 6 pm
​
LOCATION
500 Big Thompson Avenue, near the intersection of Highways 34 and 36.
​
Additional Services at the Estes Park Visitor Center:​
1. Books about Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park to peruse and purchase
2. Brochures and information about Estes Park lodging, activities, dining, shopping and services
3. Guest computers with internet to access online information and maps
4. Free wireless internet
5. Clean, indoor public restrooms and drinking fountains
6. Beautiful picnic areas and benches
FREE SHUTTLE BUSES
One of the easiest and most stress-free ways to navigate through Estes Park is the free shuttle system. The downtown trolley and shuttle bus routes allow you to park the car, bus or RV at one of the major hubs and hop on the public transportation to your final destination. The five town shuttle routes and the Rocky Mountain National Park hiker shuttle are easy to navigate and will get you just about anywhere you want to go.
estes park free shuttle map and schedule
Parking
There are a variety of parking options in and around Estes Park making it convenient and easy for you to leave your vehicle for a few hours or the entire day. Parking lots can accommodate all kinds of vehicles-from RVs and buses to personal cars and motorcycles, and free shuttle stops (like the one by Estes Park Mountain Shop) provide access to most of the Estes Valley and Rocky Mountain National Park.
estes park parking map
Weather basics
Weather in Estes Park varies a lot by season, and typically is fairly dry with warm days and cool nights. Summer highs average in the 70s, with night temperatures around 40. Winters are surprisingly mild with little lasting snow in the valley (town) and snow enough for sledding, snowshoeing and skiing in the national park. Winter temperatures are often in the 40s during the day, with nighttime lows in the 20s. We suggest you pack a variety of clothes, with layering options, to be prepared for the varying temperatures.
​
SPRING
Highs average 53 degrees Fahrenheit,
Lows generally reach 30 degrees Fahrenheit.
Plan on wearing long sleeves, long pants, light jacket, hat, possibly gloves and boots
​
SUMMER
Highs average 76 degrees Fahrenheit,
Lows generally reach 52 degrees Fahrenheit.
Plan on wearing short sleeves, shorts, long pants, light jacket at night, hat
​
FALL
Highs average 58 degrees Fahrenheit,
Lows generally reach 35 degrees Fahrenheit.
Plan on wearing long sleeves, long pants, jacket, hat
​
WINTER
Highs average 40 degrees Fahrenheit,
Lows generally reach 19 degrees Fahrenheit.
Plan on wearing long sleeves, long pants, heavy coat, hat, gloves, boots
​