Ultimate One Day Itinerary for Exploring Estes Park
- Morgan Wilde
- May 21
- 4 min read
Updated: May 27
If you only have one day in Estes Park, you want to make every moment count. Nestled at the edge of Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park offers a perfect blend of nature, adventure, and small-town charm. Whether you’re a hiker, a nature lover, or just looking for a scenic escape, I hope my guide helps you make the most of your trip.
Morning: Start with Scenic Views and a Hearty Breakfast
The famous Estes Park sign: Driving into town on HWY 36 from Denver, don't miss the famous Estes Park sign! This is an TRULY iconic photo for your trip to Estes Park. There is ample parking on the shoulder in front of the sign, so make sure to stop by!
For breakfast: Begin your day early with a breakfast at a local cafe! My favorites are Village Bagel and Kind Coffee. Both offer fresh, hearty options to fuel your day. Have your breakfast at the restaurant, and take your coffee to-go!
Enjoy the View: Bring your coffee and straight to Lily Lake for a peaceful morning walk. Lily Lake is less than a mile, and takes about 30 minutes to complete. Lily Lake is known for its stunning mirror-like mountain reflections and the illusive family of moose that live there. The loop around the lake is easy and takes about 30 minutes, perfect for warming up.
Starting this Friday, you will need a timed entry pass to enter RMNP CHECK OUT THIS ARTICLE to find everything you need to know about the timed entry system
Midday: Explore Rocky Mountain National Park
You can't visit Estes Park without stepping into Rocky Mountain National Park (even if you're only here for the day!). The park entrance is just a few minutes from town. For a quick but rewarding hike, try the Bear Lake Trailhead. The Bear Lake Loop is a flat, 0.6-mile trail that offers incredible views of alpine lakes and peaks. If you have more energy, continue past bear lake and hike to Nymph Lake or Dream Lake. This adds a bit more distance, but you'll have many photo opportunities and a closer view at Hallet Peak!
If hiking isn’t your thing, drive the Trail Ridge Road (seasonal) for panoramic views. This road climbs over 12,000 feet and offers multiple pullouts to admire the vast mountain ranges. Keep your camera ready for wildlife sightings like elk or marmots.
Starting this Friday, you will need a timed entry pass to enter RMNP CHECK OUT THIS ARTICLE to find everything you need to know about the timed entry system
Afternoon: Discover Estes Park’s Local Charm
Lunch: After your outdoor adventure, return to town for lunch. My favorite place for lunch is Bird & Jim. Thier buffalo burger is one of the best things you'll ever eat! As a fun extra, they also give you a free post card to take home. If you're coming from RMNP, it will be along your way back into town!
The River Walk: After you're finished with lunch, continue your drive back into downtown Estes Park to walk along the Big Thompson River and visit the local shops. The best place to start your walk is from the Estes Park Visitor's Center Parking Garage.(it's free!) This is one of the have to do in Estes Park activities
My Favorite Shops along the river walk are 30 Below Leather, Trendz at The Park, Estes Village, and Mary Jane's. If you're lucky, you may see some of the local elk out on the town as well!
Late Afternoon: take a tram ride or visit the Stanley hotel
If you still have time, drive to the Estes Park Aerial Tramway for a quick ride up Prospect Mountain. At the top, you will have a 365-degree panoramic view of not only Estes Park, but the continental divide, Long's Peak, and Rocky Mountain National Park.
Alternatively, visit the famous Stanley Hotel for one of the various 60-minute tours throughout the day! You can learn about the local Estes Park history, details about the heritage of the Stanley, and even the inspiration behind Stephen King's "The Shining"
You can book tickets HERE
Evening: Relax and Enjoy a Mountain Sunset
Have Dinner: Finish your day with an early dinner at another one of my favorites, The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern, They are allergy friendly, and on the weekends often have local artists playing live music! If you go, make sure to try their Devils on Horseback appetizer. This is one of the have to do in Estes Park activities
Grand Finale: If the weather is clear, head to Lake Estes for a sunset walk or just sit by the water and watch the sky change colors. You can park again at the Estes Park Visitor's Center Garage and hop right onto the Lake Estes paved walk way.
ConclusioN: estes park in one day
It's easy to see the charm of Estes Park, even if you only have one day to do it! If this is your first visit, I hope you feel welcomed and fall in love with our little mountain town. If you try any suggested activities, share your experience in the comments. Have questions? Feel free to ask below. Enjoy your visit!
Are the elk back in town?