The Ultimate Guide to Estes Park Rooftop Rodeo Weekend

Planning a trip to Estes Park for the Rooftop Rodeo? Make the most of your weekend by combining rodeo events with Rocky Mountain National Park, wildlife viewing, downtown Estes Park, scenic drives, local restaurants, and outdoor adventures. This local guide covers what to do before the rodeo, where to eat, where to stay, and how to experience one of Estes Park’s most popular summer traditions.

What Is the Rooftop Rodeo?

The Rooftop Rodeo is one of Colorado’s premier rodeo events and a long-standing Estes Park tradition. Each summer, professional cowboys and cowgirls compete in events such as:

• Bareback Riding
• Saddle Bronc Riding
• Bull Riding
• Team Roping
• Barrel Racing
• Steer Wrestling
• Tie-Down Roping

Set against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, the rodeo combines western heritage with the natural beauty that makes Estes Park one of Colorado’s most popular destinations.

For many visitors, the rodeo becomes the centerpiece of an unforgettable summer vacation.

Why Rodeo Weekend Is One of the Best Times to Visit Estes Park

The rodeo is only part of the experience.

Many visitors come for the rodeo and quickly discover that Estes Park offers enough attractions, restaurants, wildlife viewing opportunities, outdoor adventures, and scenic drives to fill several days.

This is one of the few destinations where you can:

• Watch a professional rodeo
• Explore Rocky Mountain National Park
• See elk and other wildlife
• Ride ATVs through the mountains
• Explore downtown shops and breweries
• Enjoy scenic drives
• Dine at top-rated restaurants

all during the same trip.

What to Do Before the Rodeo Starts

Visit Rocky Mountain National Park

No trip to Estes Park is complete without experiencing Rocky Mountain National Park.

Popular stops include:

• Bear Lake
• Moraine Park
• Trail Ridge Road
• Alpine Visitor Center
• Many Parks Curve

Looking for more ideas? Check out Things to Do Near Rocky Mountain National Park

Go Wildlife Viewing

Wildlife viewing is one of the biggest reasons visitors choose Estes Park.

Some of the best locations include:

• Lake Estes Trail
• Fall River Corridor
• Old Fall River Road
• Highway 7 near Mary’s Lake
• Moraine Park

Visitors frequently see:

• Elk
• Mule Deer
• Moose
• Bighorn Sheep

July is an excellent time to spot wildlife throughout the Estes Valley. Check out our Wildlife Viewing Guide to Estes Park

Experience an ATV Adventure

Looking for something uniquely Colorado?

Many rodeo visitors spend part of their day exploring mountain trails on an ATV.

Backbone Adventures offers beginner-friendly experiences with mountain views, forest roads, and opportunities to spot wildlife along the way.

The most common questions visitors ask before their ride are:

• Will we see wildlife?
• Will we see views?
• Is the trail easy?

Fortunately, many local trail systems offer all three. Book an ATV rental in Estes Park today.

Explore with a Jeep Rental

A Jeep rental allows you to experience mountain roads and incredible views at your own pace.

Popular routes include:

• Pole Hill
• Johnny Park
• Switzerland Trail
• Storm Mountain
• Old Fall River Road

Book a Jeep rental in Estes Park

Explore Downtown Estes Park Before the Rodeo

Many visitors underestimate how much there is to do downtown.

What was once known primarily for souvenir shops has evolved into one of the most enjoyable attractions in town.

Today you’ll find:

• Breweries
• Whiskey tasting rooms
• Wine tasting
• Boutique shopping
• Outdoor apparel stores
• Sweet shops
• Art galleries
• Live music
• Riverwalk access

Bond Park frequently hosts community events, and it’s not uncommon to spot elk nearby.

One of the best parts is how easy downtown is to explore. Unlike many mountain towns, the shopping, dining, and entertainment are concentrated in one walkable area.

Many hotels are also within walking distance.

Where to Eat Before the Rodeo

Dinner reservations are strongly recommended during rodeo week.

Popular restaurants often fill a day or more in advance.

Recommended options include:

• Bird & Jim
• Embers
• Hunter’s Chophouse
• Twin Owls Steakhouse
• Smokin’ Dave’s BBQ

If you’re planning an evening rodeo performance, consider making reservations several days ahead. Check out our detailed blog about where to eat and drink in Estes Park

Where to Stay During Rodeo Weekend

Estes Park offers one of the largest selections of lodging in Colorado’s mountain communities.

Visitors can choose from:

• Hotels
• Lodges
• Cabins
• Vacation rentals
• Resorts
• Campgrounds

Because rodeo week is one of the busiest periods of summer, booking early is recommended. Check out our detailed where to stay in Estes Park blog.

Planning a Rooftop Rodeo Weekend?

Planning a rodeo weekend can be overwhelming with so many attractions, restaurants, wildlife viewing locations, and activities spread throughout Estes Park.

Use our Rooftop Rodeo Weekend Adventure Map below to build your itinerary and discover local favorites before you arrive.

Rooftop Rodeo Weekend Adventure Map

Use this interactive map to plan your Rooftop Rodeo weekend in Estes Park. We’ve included rodeo grounds, Rocky Mountain National Park highlights, wildlife viewing locations, popular restaurants, downtown attractions, family-friendly activities, scenic drives, and Backbone Adventures experiences to help you make the most of your trip.

Family-Friendly Activities During Rodeo Weekend

• Walk or ebike around the Lake Estes Trail
• Aerial Tramway
• Mustang Mountain Coaster
• Mini Golf
• Go-Karts
• Horseback Riding
• Wildlife Viewing
• Downtown Sweet Shops

These attractions pair perfectly with an evening rodeo performance.

Local Tips for Rodeo Weekend

Arrive Early

Parking and traffic increase significantly during rodeo week.

Make Restaurant Reservations

Don’t assume you’ll find a table at popular restaurants.

Stay More Than One Day

Many visitors plan a quick rodeo trip and discover too late that there isn’t enough time to experience everything Estes Park offers.

If possible, plan a two- or three-day stay.

Don’t Miss Wildlife Viewing

Some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities happen outside Rocky Mountain National Park.

Planning More Adventures in Estes Park?

Whether you’re visiting for rodeo week or a summer vacation, Estes Park offers enough attractions and activities to fill several days.

Explore our guides:

• Things to Do in Estes Park
• Wildlife Viewing Guide
• Best ATV Trails Near Estes Park
• Where to Eat in Estes Park
• Where to Stay in Estes Park
• Things to Do Near Rocky Mountain National Park

Frequently Asked Questions About the Rooftop Rodeo