Things to Do in Estes Park for Memorial Day Weekend

Memorial Day weekend is one of the most popular times to visit Estes Park—and for good reason. The weather is warming up, trails are opening, and visitors are ready to kick off summer in the mountains. However, with the crowds comes one big challenge: figuring out what to do without spending your entire weekend waiting in lines or sitting in traffic.

The best things to do in Estes Park for Memorial Day weekend include ATV trail riding, eBike rides around Lake Estes, scenic Slingshot drives, visiting Rocky Mountain National Park early in the day, and enjoying outdoor dining. Flexible adventure activities help visitors avoid crowds and make the most of the weekend

Why Memorial Day Weekend in Estes Park Is So Popular

Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer in Colorado.

Visitors come for:

• Warmer weather
• Snow-capped mountain views
• Wildlife activity
• Outdoor adventures
• Festivals and events

But popularity also means:

• Traffic into town
• Crowds at Rocky Mountain National Park
• Limited parking
• Busy restaurants

Start Here: How to Plan Your Weekend

If you want to make the most of Memorial Day weekend:

• Go early for RMNP
• Plan one anchor activity per day
• Avoid peak mid-day crowds
• Book activities in advance

How to Get to Estes Park (And Which Route to Take)

Most visitors traveling to Estes Park—especially from Denver or the Front Range—will take one of two main routes: Highway 36 or Highway 34. Both offer completely different experiences and can actually become part of your Memorial Day weekend adventure.

Take Highway 36 (via Lyons) for Scenic Views and a Unique Stop

Highway 36 comes up from the south through the small town of Lyons—a laid-back mountain town known for its artsy vibe, local shops, and great places to grab a quick bite or coffee.

As you approach Estes Park, you’ll pass one of the best scenic pull-offs in the area, offering a stunning overlook of the town and surrounding mountains. It’s a great place to stop, stretch your legs, and take photos before heading into town.

👉 This is one of the most popular and visually rewarding ways to enter Estes Park.

Take Highway 34 (via Loveland) for a Canyon Drive Experience

Highway 34 approaches Estes Park from the north through the famous Big Thompson Canyon.

This route offers:

• A dramatic river canyon drive
• Towering rock walls
• Flowing river views
• Wildlife sightings (including bighorn sheep)

It’s a completely different experience compared to Highway 36 and feels more like a classic Colorado canyon drive.

👉 If you want a more dynamic canyon style drive Estes Park, this is a great option.

Which Route Should You Choose?

• Coming from Denver? Highway 36 is usually more direct
• Want the best overlook views? Choose Highway 36
• Prefer a canyon drive? Choose Highway 34
• Have time? Take one route in and the other out

Take an ATV Ride and Choose Your Own Trail (Top Recommendation)

One of the best ways to avoid crowds and still experience the mountains is with an ATV ride.

Our Ride the Seasons ATV experience is perfect for Memorial Day weekend because it allows guests to:

• Choose their trail
• Ride at their own pace
• Avoid crowded areas
• Match the ride to their skill level

With morning and afternoon ride times, it fits perfectly into a flexible weekend itinerary. If you want flexibility and adventure, our ATV rentals in Estes Park offer one of the best ways to explore without the crowds.

Explore Estes Park on an eBike

If you’re looking for something relaxed and scenic, eBikes are a great option.

They’re perfect for:

• Riding around Lake Estes
• Exploring paved trails
• Family-friendly outings
• Easy sightseeing

eBike rentals are a great way to enjoy the area at a slower pace—especially for families or first-time visitors.

Take a Scenic Slingshot Drive

For something totally different, Slingshot rentals offer a unique open-air driving experience.

They’re great for:

• Couples
• Scenic drives
• Exploring mountain roads
• Feeling the mountain air

Drive routes like:

• Peak to Peak Highway
• Estes Park backroads
• Scenic canyon drives

Our Slingshot rentals in Estes Park are perfect for couples looking for a unique and scenic driving experience.

Visit Rocky Mountain National Park (Go Early)

RMNP is a must-do—but tiiming is critical because it can get pretty busy. If you need help picking a great hiking trail, stop by Backbone Adventures and we can help you select the trail best for you. Otherwise, a nice drive in the park is always awesome in itself.

• Enter before 8am
• Expect heavy mid-day traffic
• Plan short stops
• Bring food and water

If you’re looking for other activities, check out our ultimate guide to things to do in Estes Park.

Grab a Great Meal in Estes Park

Memorial Day weekend is busy, so plan meals ahead.

Top options:

Bird & Jim

Upscale, modern mountain dining with great views—perfect for dinner.

Embers Steakhouse

Casual outdoor space with drinks, food trucks, and the best food in town.

Hunter’s Chophouse

Casual dining with a great wild game selection. Plus, the best burger in Colorado

Ed’s Cantina & Grill

Great for laid-back meals, margaritas, and a fun atmosphere.

Walk Around Lake Estes

A great low-stress activity for:

• Families
• Couples
• Evening walks
• Bike rides

Have kids? Check out the best things to do in Estes Park with Kids.

Go Camping in Estes Park (Easy Option Near Town)

Camping is one of the most popular ways to spend Memorial Day weekend in Estes Park. However, many campgrounds inside Rocky Mountain National Park fill up quickly or require advance reservations.

For a simple and convenient option, Estes Park KOA is a great choice located just a few hundred yards from Backbone Adventures.

It’s ideal for:

• RV travelers
• Tent campers
• Families
• Visitors who want easy access to activities

Guests love it because:

• Close to town
• Easy access to ATV rides
• Cabins, RV sites, and tent camping options
• Family-friendly atmosphere with playground

👉 Staying nearby makes it easy to ride in the morning or afternoon without having to plan a long drive.

Stay Near Everything: The East Estes Park Adventure Hub

One of the easiest ways to enjoy Memorial Day weekend in Estes Park is to stay on the east side of town—where multiple activities, dining, and outdoor experiences are all within walking distance.

Backbone Adventures is located in a unique area where visitors can park once and access several popular attractions without needing to drive.

Within just a few minutes, you can walk to:

• Estes Park KOA for camping and cabins
• Estes Park Mountain Shop for gear and outdoor essentials
• Estes Park Mountain Coaster for a fun family activity
• Cascade Creek Mini Golf & Go-Karts for casual entertainment
• Lake Estes Trail for walking and eBike rides

You’re also right next to some of the most popular dining options in town:

• Embers Restaurant & Lounge
• Hunter’s Chop House
• Antonio’s Pizza

And if you want to explore more, downtown Estes Park is just a short 3-minute drive away.

👉 Staying in this area makes it easy to combine ATV rides, dining, and outdoor activities without dealing with heavy traffic or parking challenges.

Use the map below to see where these activities are located and plan your Memorial Day weekend with ease. You’ll find ATV trails, scenic routes, dining spots, and walkable attractions all centered around Estes Park and near Rocky Mountain National Park.

Sample 2-Day Itinerary

Day 1

• Morning: RMNP early entry
• Afternoon: ATV ride
• Evening: Dinner at Bird & Jim

Day 2

• Morning: eBike ride around Lake Estes
• Midday: Lunch at Ed’s Cantina
• Afternoon: Relax and shop downtown

3rd Day Option

• Morning: Breakfast at the Big Horn
• Midday: Aeriel Tram ride and a mountain coaster run
• Evening: Dinner at Hunter’s or Embers

Our Honest Recommendation

If you want to avoid crowds and still experience the best of Estes Park, plan one major activity each day and build around it.

For many visitors, an ATV ride becomes the highlight—but adding an eBike ride or scenic drive makes the weekend even better.

Frequently Asked Questions About Memorial Day Weekend in Estes Park