There’s never a bad season to visit Estes Park but autumn is especially fun with its cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and incredible fall foliage. For older active adults and retirees, fall is a great time to visit with a plethora of activities to enjoy during your little getaway. We’ve compiled a list of some of our top picks for active adults:
- Scenic drives – A scenic drive is a great way to start your adventure in Estes Park and get yourself oriented. Old Fall River Road and Trail Ridge Road are the two most popular drives within Rocky Mountain National Park, but are subject to closing due to the weather. Check the current conditions of the road and trails prior to driving into the park. Another great option is the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway — what a perfect fall drive to catch those stunning colors.
- Easy hikes – Hiking is easily the most popular activity in Rocky Mountain National Park and there’s no doubts as to why. With amazing views and a variety of trail types, you’re sure to find the perfect hike for your visit to the Park. Some common easy trails include the Bear Lake Loop, Lily Lake Loop, Gem Lake, or Mills Lake.
- Snowshoeing – Depending on when the first snow hits the ground in Estes Park, you could be in for a snowshoeing trek if you visit in the late fall. Find the perfect trail to explore with our top 9 snowshoeing trails in Estes Park blog!
- Bicycling – Bring your own bikes or rent them from outfitters in town to explore the challenging roads in Rocky Mountain National Park, the serene trails in Hermit Park, or take an easy ride through town around Lake Estes.
- Horseback riding – Experience the beauty of the Park from atop your trusty steed with a horseback riding adventure in Estes Park. Local stables welcome all ability levels and most tours start with an easy two-hour ride.
- Tours – Take a break from getting around yourself and let an expert guide take you on a tour! The Rocky Mountain Conservancy also has an excellent lineup of educational tours if you want to learn more about the Park and protection projects.
- Museums – Perfect for a blustery day when an indoor activity is more your speed, explore Estes Park’s rich history by visiting one of our museums!
- Golf – You’ll be surrounding by golden hues as you play on the green. Though our 18-hole course closes at the end of October, our 9-hole Lake Estes Executive Golf Course is open for winter play.
- Ranger programs – Learn about Rocky Mountain National Park from the rangers with a ranger-led program, or at least catch the 23-minute Spirit of the Mountains film that’s shown at the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center and Kawuneeche Visitors Center each day.
- Shopping and art galleries – An easy and fun way to spend an afternoon in Estes Park includes strolling along Elkhorn Avenue to pop into the shops, peruse the art galleries, or find a sweet treat.
- Wine and dine – Finally, stop and savor the amazing flavors of the Rockies with a visit to one of our wineries, breweries, the new distillery, or a local restaurant.
Of course all visitors to Estes Park can be susceptible to altitude sickness, it’s especially important to watch out for it in young and elderly travelers. Take time to adjust to the altitude change, get plenty of rest, and drink a lot of water – more than you usually take in. If you start feeling a bit off during your time in the Park, make your way back down to lower elevations. If you have any chronic health issues, it never hurts to check with your doctor before planning an extended trip to higher elevations.
For our active adults that are over 60, don’t forget to book our Senior’s Special that’s valid year-round for some additional savings on your Estes Park cabin.
