Top Things to Do in Estes Park, Colorado

Estes Park is best known for Rocky Mountain National Park, scenic hiking trails, the historic Stanley Hotel, downtown shopping, and a wide range of outdoor adventures. In addition to hiking and sightseeing, visitors can experience Estes Park through off-road activities like ATV tours, Jeep rentals, guided wildlife drives, fishing, and scenic mountain rides that showcase the area beyond the park’s busiest trails.

For a more comprehensive list, check out our ultimate guide to things to do in Estes Park.

Rocky Mountain National Park & Scenic Hiking

Rocky Mountain National Park is the centerpiece of Estes Park, offering alpine lakes, wildlife viewing, and hundreds of miles of hiking trails. Many visitors spend their mornings exploring Trail Ridge Road, Bear Lake, or short scenic hikes before moving on to other activities in town.

Explore Estes Park Beyond Hiking

While hiking is popular, not every visitor wants long trails, elevation gain, or crowds. Estes Park offers several ways to experience the outdoors without spending hours on foot. This makes it ideal for families, short stays, or mixed-ability groups. If you’re looking for things to do in Estes Park besides hiking, consider an ATV tour near Estes Park with Backbone Adventures.

ATV Tours & Off-Road Adventures Near Estes Park

ATV tours near Estes Park offer a hands-on outdoor experience that allows visitors to explore rugged terrain and scenic backcountry areas. For travelers looking for things to do in Estes Park besides hiking, ATV adventures provide a way to cover more ground in less time while still enjoying the area’s natural beauty. Many visitors choose ATV rentals or guided tours as a complementary activity after visiting Rocky Mountain National Park.

These off-road experiences are especially popular with visitors on short trips, families with mixed ability levels, and travelers who want something more adventurous than sightseeing alone. After your ride, you might consider an evening activity. Discover family-friendly nightlife in Estes Park.

• Great for half-day adventures
• Popular with families and groups
• Ideal when hiking trails are crowded

Scenic Drives, Jeep Rentals & Wildlife Viewing

For visitors who prefer comfort and flexibility, scenic drives and Jeep rentals offer access to mountain roads and wildlife corridors around Estes Park. These experiences pair well with RMNP visits and are often combined with short hikes or sightseeing stops.

Historic & Downtown Experiences

The Stanley Hotel, downtown Estes Park shopping, dining, and riverwalks add cultural and relaxing options to balance outdoor adventure. Many visitors structure their day with a mix of sightseeing, dining, and one standout outdoor activity.

How to Plan the Perfect Estes Park Itinerary

Many travelers start their day in Rocky Mountain National Park, then choose an afternoon adventure such as an ATV tour or scenic drive before ending the evening downtown. This combination allows visitors to experience Estes Park’s iconic landmarks while also exploring areas beyond the park’s busiest locations.

Things to do in Estes Park Colorado

When searching for things to do in Estes Park Colorado, there are so many options to consider. Downtown shopping, the Stanley Hotel, and Rocky Mountain National Park are great, but busy. Avoid the crowds and consider some outside the norm possibilities like an ATV tour in Estes Park or a horseback ride. If you’re considering a Jeep or ATV tour, read this article to see which adventure is right for you.