Once you arrive at Hotel Estes, you'll probably want to find something to do. Here are a few of the major attractions nearby!
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Rocky Mountain National Park
A visit to Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the highlights of any trip to Estes Park. With over 350 miles of hiking trails, scenic alpine lakes, abundant wildlife, waterfalls, and breathtaking mountain vistas, the park offers unforgettable experiences for visitors of all ages. Whether you're planning a leisurely scenic drive along Trail Ridge Road, a family hike to Bear Lake, or a challenging backcountry adventure, Rocky Mountain National Park has something for everyone.
From May 22, 2026, through October 12, 2026, a timed entry reservation is required during certain hours to enter much of the park. There are two reservation options: Timed Entry and Timed Entry + Bear Lake Corridor. Reservations are released monthly through Recreation.gov, with an additional 40% of permits becoming available at 7:00 p.m. MDT the evening before your planned visit.
To help you plan your visit, we've created a complete guide with the latest timed entry information, reservation tips, important dates, and everything you need to know before heading into the park.
Estes Park is one of Colorado's premier hiking destinations, offering everything from easy lakeside walks to challenging alpine adventures. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly trail, a scenic waterfall, or a breathtaking summit, you'll find hundreds of miles of trails both inside Rocky Mountain National Park and throughout the surrounding Roosevelt National Forest.
Popular hikes include Bear Lake, Dream Lake, Emerald Lake, Alberta Falls, Gem Lake, and Lily Lake, each offering spectacular mountain scenery and opportunities to see wildlife like elk, moose, and bighorn sheep. No matter your experience level, there's a trail that's perfect for your adventure.
Looking for recommendations? Check out AllTrails featuring easy, moderate, and challenging hikes, along with seasonal tips, trail information, and local advice to help you choose the perfect adventure.
One of Colorado's most scenic drives, the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway is a must-see for anyone visiting Estes Park. Stretching through the heart of the Rocky Mountains, this historic route takes you past towering peaks, dense pine forests, charming mountain towns, sparkling lakes, and breathtaking overlooks. Whether you're arriving in Estes Park or looking for a memorable day trip, the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway offers some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in Colorado.
The drive is especially beautiful during the fall, when brilliant golden aspens blanket the mountainsides with vibrant color, making it one of the state's premier destinations for fall foliage. Wildlife sightings are also common throughout the year, and there are plenty of opportunities to stop for photos, explore local shops, or enjoy a leisurely picnic along the way.
Best of all, driving the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway adds only about 15 minutes compared to the fastest route into Estes Park from Lyons, making it a worthwhile detour for visitors who want to experience even more of Colorado's natural beauty.
Planning to explore this incredible scenic drive? We've created a complete guide featuring our favorite stops, scenic overlooks, charming mountain towns, seasonal highlights, and travel tips. Sometimes you just need to take a drive. The Peak to Peak Scenic Byway offers an exceptional view of the mountains, canyons, and valleys that hide throughout the Rocky Mountains.
