Posts author - Cass Tooke

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...

Planning an Estes Park getaway? Timber Creek Chalets offers the kind of mountain stay that feels peaceful, practical, and close to everything travelers love about Colorado. Located at 2115 Fall River Road in Estes Park, this charming cabin-style property gives guests a quiet setting near the river, easy access to town, and a convenient location just a short drive from Rocky Mountain National Park. Stay Close to Rocky Mountain National...

Running in Estes Park feels different in the best way. One minute you are cruising beside a quiet lake, and the next you are looking up at rugged peaks, watching elk graze, or following a trail into pine forest. Whether you want an easy shakeout run or a lung-burning mountain climb, there are plenty of memorable places to run in Estes Park CO.   Lake Estes Trail Start with Lake...

For generations, the Estes Park Aerial Tramway has been one of the town’s most recognizable attractions. Rising high above Estes Park to the summit of Prospect Mountain, the tramway combines Colorado history, engineering, and unforgettable mountain views into one classic experience. And in 2026, it continues to be one of the best ways to see Estes Park from above. A Colorado Attraction Since 1955 The Estes Park Aerial Tramway first...

Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park occupy some of Colorado’s most pristine landscape and prime fly-fishing territory. With over 265,000 acres to explore, Rocky Mountain National Park offers plenty of fishing opportunities from seasoned anglers to beginners.

Estes Park is famous for its breathtaking mountains and stunning landscapes. But did you know it’s also a great spot for a swim day? Whether you crave the thrill of natural lakes or the comfort of heated pools, Estes Park offers a variety of swimming spots to cool off and enjoy the water. Here’s your ultimate guide to Estes Park swimming. Can You Swim in Lake Estes? While Lake Estes...