spring
biking
Hit the road or nearby trails on two wheels. Whether you are looking for a challenge or a scenic tour of town, our full-service bike shop and rentals are ready to help you explore the area. Have a riding partner or want to go with the family? We have tandem bikes available along with tag-a-longs and bike trailers for the little ones in your life. Affordable fun for all, next to the Lake Estes bike path. Have your own bike, but not sure where to ride? Visit our suggested trails and local favorite rides.
fishing
We offer a fully stocked fishing department for all of your fly, spin casting or bait fishing needs. We offer the latest flies, lures and baits and can make recommendations to accommodate your fishing wishes. We also have a wide assortment of rods and reels to choose from, including Redington rods and reels. Our staff is knowledgeable and willing to answer any questions you may have, as well as offer insight into locations that suit your fishing style or wishes.
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Be sure to check out our new Staff Fishing Report, written by our own Estes Park Mountain Shop fishing guides.
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Camping
There is nothing like waking up in the outdoors, and we believe it is an experience everyone should be lucky to have at one point in their lives. The Estes Valley offers many areas for camping, and Rocky Mountain National Park has many camp sites within it's boundaries.
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To camp in the Park during the summer consult the backcountry office for more information on permits and regulations. Outside of the Park there are hundreds of other camp sites, with most in the Roosevelt National Forest. Our staff is ready to help you enjoy the great outdoors. For more information, gear or rentals, stop by the store today.
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Climbing
With few places in the United States able to surpass Estes Park in rock climbing, it is no wonder the area attracts world-class climbers and thrill seekers alike. We are extremely lucky to live and work in an area famous for top-notch rock climbing, and can give you tips on the best areas to climb for all skill levels. Cracks, crags, edges, slabs and boulders galore - we've got you covered with a collection of our favorite routes and problems all of which are varying in difficulty.
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hiking
There are over 350 miles of trails within the Rocky Mountain National Park. Enough to keep you busy for several summers. RMNP offers hikes for beginners to experts; from a half mile hike to 100 mile hike, there are plenty of challenges that await you. Folks are always asking us for some our our favorite or recommended hikes, so we thought we'd put together a bunch of them for you HERE.
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We also HIGHLY recommend consulting Lisa Fosters’ “Hiking Guide to Rocky Mountain National Park” for more information (can be found in our guide book section at Estes Park Mountain Shop).
no winter lasts forever, no spring skips its turn
Snowshoeing
What a great way to explore Rocky Mountain National Park in the winter! Snowshoeing is fun for the whole family due to the easy learning curve. Rent a set of snowshoes from the Estes Park Mountain Shop for only $5 a day and hit the snowy trails!
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Where to go: Check out our staff picks for some great suggestions or just stop by the shop and we can find just the snowshoe hike for you.
Cross Country Skiing
Want to give cross-country skiing a try? It's a great way to spend time in
the backcountry, enjoy the snow and scenery of Rocky Mountain National Park, and get a great workout. You don't need to be an expert ski racer to enjoy this fun winter sport! Rent a set-up for just $20 a day and get gliding!
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Where to go: A good beginner trail is the 3.3 mile Sprague Lake - Glacier Basin Campground Loop or just cruise around the lake itself. This trail has very little elevation gain and is a great place to get started. Another good option is Trail Ridge Road. Since the road is closed to traffic in the winter, it provides a nice wide path without any obstacles. Check in at the Estes Park Mountain Shop for current conditions. Eldora Ski Resort also offers over 25 miles of XC ski trails.
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Downhill Skiing
Tired of paying way too much for ski and snowboard rentals? Tired of waiting in line all morning to get your equipment while everyone tracks up the fresh powder? No Problem! Whether you're hitting Eldora Ski Resort or making your way to the resorts on I-70, stop in at the Estes Park Mountain Shop the night before your next adventure, and we will get you ready to hit the slopes first thing in the morning with the latest downhill gear.
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Backcountry Skiing
RMNP is a backcountry skier's paradise. Acres of untracked terrain full of fluffy powder to drop into! Some of our staff head out daily before work to get in as many ski days as they can. Come by and ask about the best places to ski and pick up the necessary equipment. But don't forget, avalanches are a very real danger. Know what you are getting into, and check current snow conditions prior to hitting the slopes.
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Sledding
Throughout the winter and early spring months (as snow permits), sledding is a popular form of entertainment in lower Hidden Valley, a former ski hill located off Trail Ridge Road just below Many Parks Curve. This is one of the best locations for sledding in the Estes area, and the only place within Rocky Mountain National Park where sledding is allowed. A warming hut is open on the weekends; heated restrooms are open the rest of the season. Sledders must bring their own sleds or tubes, and the slope's gentle grade is perfect for young kiddos and families. Get your sleds at the Estes Park Mountain Shop!