In Estes Park, you can discover trails by the water and a range of cultural offerings. The Lake Estes Trail circles the lake, while the Riverwalk follows the Big Thompson River and Fall River through downtown. A loop around the lake and a walk through downtown offer different perspectives on the town.
Lakeside Trails, Rivers and Views
The Lake Estes Trail is 3.75 miles long and circles the lake. Several more miles of trails in town branch off from it and lead to downtown, Stanley Park and beyond. Along the Riverwalk, you can follow the two rivers to shops and dining options. The routes differ: one focuses on the lake, while the other follows the river through downtown.
A visitor guide published for 2025 lists kayak, pontoon boat and paddleboard rentals at Lake Estes Marina. It also lists pedal carts and cruise bikes for rides along the Lake Estes Trail. Check in advance which of these options are currently available for your travel dates.
There are also two excursion options into the mountain landscape. Trail Ridge Road begins in Estes Park and runs through mountain meadows, forested areas and alpine tundra in Rocky Mountain National Park. Access is seasonal and weather-dependent, so check conditions for your travel dates. The Estes Park Aerial Tramway takes visitors to the summit of Prospect Mountain and is one of the few European-style aerial tramways in the United States. It operates seasonally, so it is advisable to check opening dates before visiting.
Culture, History and Events
The Historic Park Theatre is the oldest continuously operating single-screen movie theater in the United States that was originally built as a movie theater. It operates year-round as a movie theater and venue for live events. The Stanley Home Museum offers ticketed tours of the Stanley family’s 1904 home every day; no more than eight guests are allowed per tour.
For an evening out, consider the open-house evenings at the Estes Park Memorial Observatory: they are free, and no reservation is required. Performance Park, an outdoor amphitheater on Fall River near downtown, hosts free summer concerts and live performances. The program is seasonal and may change. The park also has accessible climbing routes.
A visitor guide published for 2025 describes the Historic Fall River Hydroplant as a public interpretive center. It features the original equipment installed by F. O. Stanley. Archaeological finds show that people have lived in the Estes Park area for at least 12,000 years. Estes Park also offers educational programs and tours on birdwatching, geology, photography, gardening and painting; topics and dates may vary.
More Places and Recreation
At the confluence of the Big Thompson River and Fall River is George Hix Riverside Plaza, with statues, bridges, fountains and seating. Mrs. Walsh's Garden has a winding footpath that leads to a quiet pond. The Knoll is a viewpoint overlooking downtown, located by the ruins of a stone cabin built in 1907. These places offer different highlights: waterways and landscaped features at the plaza, a path to the pond in the garden, and a view of downtown from The Knoll.
The Estes Valley Recreation and Park District operates an 18-hole golf course as well as a 9-hole course or a disc golf course; panoramic views and abundant wildlife are part of these offerings. The Estes Valley Community Center has swimming and leisure pools, a gymnasium, cardio and strength-training areas, and fitness classes. So, in addition to outdoor trails, there are other recreational and fitness options to fit into your stay according to your interests.
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