History & Museums

Enos Mills Cabin
This quaint museum showcases the achievements of the man known as the “father of Rocky Mountain National Park.”

Historic Stanley Hotel
The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, registered on the National Register of Historic Places, is a must-see when in the area. Get a ghost tour of the hotel that inspired Stephen King’s book, The Shining.

Kauffman House Museum
This is the last log hotel still surviving in Grand Lake, Colorado. Here you can experience the historic past of the Rockies.

Macgregor Ranch
This original Estes Park homestead is still a working ranch and offers self-guided tours of some of the structures required in early days, such as a blacksmith shop and smokehouse.

Nature & Outdoors

Rocky Mountain Park
Rocky Mountain National Park contains all sorts of exciting adventures for outdoor lovers, from hiking and horseback riding to fishing and wildlife watching.

Arapaho / Roosevelt National Forest
The Arapaho / Roosevelt National Forest stretches around Rocky Mountain National Park and various nearby towns. The trail system allows hiking into the backcountry and the rivers offer whitewater rafting and fishing.

Indian Peaks Wilderness Area
Here there are more than 76,000 acres of forestland, situated within the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forest. View jagged mountain peaks and green valleys.

Longs Peak
Many like the challenge of hiking to the summit of Longs Peak, although it isn’t an easy task. The climb starts at 9,400 feet and reaches the top at an overwhelming 14,255 feet.

Lakes & Rivers

Big Thompson River
This river provides great fishing from May through October and has a healthy population of rainbow and brown trout.

Grand Lake
This year-round recreation destination is surrounded by Rocky Mountain peaks and is easy to reach from Rocky Mountain National Park. Wonderful for fishing and boating!

Lake Estes
Discover a paved trail around Lake Estes for a pleasant hike, as well as picnic areas, horseback riding and places to rent bikes for a ride in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains.

Upper Colorado River
Besides great fly-fishing, there’s some incredible whitewater rafting and quiet floating available on the Upper Colorado.

Scenic Drives

Peak to Peak Byway
The Peak to Peak Byway is likely the most beautiful scenic drive in Colorado. It is certainly the oldest. Enjoy the beauty of its pristine lakes and towering peaks.

Willow Creek Pass
This may be one of the lowest passes over the Continental Divide, but there are gorgeous views and plenty of opportunity to find some wonderful hiking trails.

Trail Ridge Road
This is the highest continuous roadway in the US, and most of it above 11,000 feet.

Attractions

Aerial Tramway
The Estes Park Aerial Tramway gets you to the top of Prospect Mountain in less than five minutes, but you must spend some time marveling at the views from the summit.

Samson Elk Statue
The Samson Elk Statue is a larger-than-life bronze sculpture meant to communicate the importance of sharing Earth with the wild creatures of our planet.