Rocky Mountain Resorts Blog

Trail Ridge Road gets plenty of attention every autumn, but it is far from the only place to find brilliant fall colors near Estes Park. If you would rather trade busy overlooks for quieter roads, lakeside walks, and picnic spots tucked among golden aspens, there are several easy alternatives close to town. Drive Highway 7 Toward Lily Lake Head south from Estes Park on Highway 7, part of the Peak...

The East Portal Trailhead near Estes Park is one of those spots that can feel pleasantly removed from the busier trailheads around Bear Lake. Tucked southwest of town near the end of Highway 66, it gives hikers access to forested routes, quieter trail connections, and several ways to build anything from a short out-and-back to a longer loop. Start With Parking and Access To reach East Portal, follow Highway 66...

September and October bring one of Estes Park’s most memorable wildlife experiences: the fall elk rut. Bull elk bugle across open meadows, gather harems, and challenge rivals while golden grasses and changing aspens create an incredible backdrop. For photographers, elk rut photography Estes Park can produce unforgettable images—but only when wildlife comes first. Go at Sunrise or Sunset Early morning and late afternoon usually offer the best combination of elk...

When the sun drops behind the Rockies, Estes Park reveals an entirely different kind of scenery. Mountain silhouettes fade into darkness, constellations brighten overhead, and on a clear night, thousands of stars can fill the sky. For visitors interested in stargazing Estes Park, a little planning can turn an ordinary evening into one of the most memorable parts of a Colorado getaway.   Find a Dark Place to Watch the...

When your kids have outgrown the easy nature loop but are not quite ready for a full-day summit push, Estes Park has plenty of trails that hit the sweet spot. These family hikes Estes Park visitors love offer real elevation, memorable scenery, and satisfying destinations without turning the day into an endurance test.   Emerald Lake: Best All-Around Adventure Start with the Emerald Lake Trail from Bear Lake. The route...

If you want Rocky Mountain scenery without committing to a long hike, Lily Lake Estes Park is one of the easiest places to spend a few memorable hours. Located south of town along Highway 7, this peaceful area combines an approachable lake loop, fishing, wildlife watching, picnic tables, and mountain views in one compact outing.   Walk the Lily Lake Loop Start with the Lily Lake Trail, an approximately 0.8-mile...

Few Colorado adventures compare to exploring pine forests, mountain meadows, and rocky trails from the saddle. Options for horseback riding in Estes Park range from easy family rides near town to longer journeys inside Rocky Mountain National Park. Here is how the area’s leading guided trail rides compare.   Glacier Creek Stables: Best for National Park Scenery Glacier Creek Stables is the only commercial stable located inside Rocky Mountain National...

Few places make a mountain adventure feel as effortless as Sprague Lake Rocky Mountain National Park. Located along Bear Lake Road in Rocky Mountain National Park, this peaceful destination combines reflective water, Continental Divide views, an accessible loop trail, picnic facilities, fishing, and wildlife watching. Here is how to spend a summer day at Sprague Lake without rushing from one activity to the next.   Arrive Early for Sunrise Views...

The road to the Alpine Visitor Center is part of the adventure. Perched at 11,796 feet on Fall River Pass, this spectacular stop is the highest-elevation visitor center in the National Park System. Here, the forests disappear, the alpine tundra opens in every direction, and the Rocky Mountains seem to stretch forever.   Drive Above the Tree Line Most visitors reach the center by following Trail Ridge Road, the dramatic...

There is something special about eating outside in Estes Park. The air feels fresher, the views are bigger, and even a simple meal feels like part of the trip. After hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park, walking around Lake Estes, or shopping downtown, a patio table is one of the best places to slow down and enjoy where you are.   EMBER on Lake Estes For a meal with lake...