Is Estes Park Free? Costs and Prices For A Cheap Visit In 2024

Estes Park is free to enter, and there are no fees or passes needed to visit this Colorado town. Rocky Mountain National Park, however, does cost money starting at $30 for a 1-Day Vehicle Entrance Pass. 

Most travelers coming to Estes Park usually want to visit the national park, but the town itself is a wonderful place to stop for a few days. 

Estes Park is affordable and costs significantly less than other notable mountain towns in Colorado. 

From my 14 years living in Colorado and over eighty trips to the city, I learned a few things about saving money and cutting costs to get the most out of my time in Estes. 

In this guide, I review commonly asked questions about costs and free things to do in Estes Park to help you save as much money as possible for an amazing trip. 

Is Estes Park Expensive To Visit?

Estes Park can be relatively expensive for visitors, especially during the busy summer months, but the prices for food and accommodations are cheaper than those of Denver and other notable mountain towns in Colorado. 

During the peak travel times from Memorial Day to Labor Day, the prices in Estes Park increase dramatically for accommodations, activities, and campsites. 

If you want to save the most money, try visiting outside the busy season, and enjoy Estes Park in the fall or late spring. 

How Much Money For Estes Park Per Person?

For most travelers, expect to pay roughly $30-$60 per person per day in Estes Park, Colorado which covers food, parking, and activities. 

There are plenty of great places to eat in Estes, but prices tend to lean higher, depending on the restaurant. Most meals for an adult in Estes Park will cost about $10- $20 on average.

You can find free things to do in Estes Park, like hiking, or browsing shops, but all the other attractions will cost money.

How Much Is Rocky Mountain National Park?

The entrance fees for Rocky Mountain National Park, as of the latest information available, are as follows:

Private Vehicle: $30 for a 1-Day Pass, $35 for a 7-Day Pass.
Per Person (Walk-ins, Bicycles): $15 for a 1-Day Pass, $20 for a 7-Day Pass.
Motorcycle: $25 for a 1-Day Pass, $30 for a 7-Day Pass.

These fees cover entry into the park, including popular areas like Lumpy Ridge, Lily Lake, Longs Peak, Wild Basin, East Inlet, and North Inlet. The park offers various entrance fees and pass options, which can be purchased at staffed park entrance stations or online.

Is There A Free Shuttle Or Transportation? 

There is a free shuttle service that runs through Estes Park, connecting major lodging areas, downtown Estes Park, and parking areas. It even extends to Rocky Mountain National Park and nearby trailheads.

Each route has specific stops and a set schedule, designed to maximize convenience and ease of travel for both sightseeing and accessing various parts of the town.

For the most up-to-date information on the shuttle service routes, schedules, and any seasonal changes, please refer to the Estes Park website or local visitor information centers.

Is There Free Parking In Estes Park?

There is free parking available at the Estes Park Visitor Center and at the Estes Park Fair Grounds all year. Parking downtown becomes free after 5 pm, and free parking is also available from mid-October to Memorial Day in all public parking areas including downtown. 

You must pay for parking in downtown Estes Park from Memorial Day to mid-October in the downtown public parking areas, the rate is $2 an hour from 10 am-5 pm.

If you have an RV, or camper and want to park overnight, I suggest you check out the details on the official site.

Are Hikes Free In Estes Park?

Hikes in and around Estes Park are completely free and do not require a pass or registration, but the hikes that start or go through any portion of Rocky Mountain National Park require an entry fee. 

I still recommend researching ahead of time for changes in policy or trailhead closings. If you are hiking with your dog, you need to double check to see if the trail allows for pets.  

Here are a few hikes to get you started:

Lily Lake: An easy, 0.8-mile loop around the lake, offering views of Longs Peak and Twin Sisters, ideal for families.
Lake Estes Trail: A 4-mile trail around Lake Estes, mostly flat and great for families and dog walkers.
Lily Mountain Trail: A 4-mile moderate hike leading to excellent views, with some scrambling near the top.
Kruger Rock Trail: A moderate 4-mile hike in Hermit Park Open Space, offering panoramic mountain views.

Is There Free Camping In Estes Park?

There is no free camping in or around Estes Park. Campgrounds, campsites, and even overnight parking have fees if you are looking to stay the night. 

The good news is that there are great low cost camping options available within five miles. 

East Portal Campground: Located close to RMNP, this campground offers sites for tents and RVs (up to 22 feet in length) and features amenities like drinking water, flush toilets, showers, and a playground.
Hermit’s Hollow Campground: This open space offers tent camping, cabins, and RV sites, with amenities like drinking water and vault toilets. The campsites are well-spaced for privacy.
Elk Meadow Lodge & RV Resort: This resort offers full hookup RV sites, cabins, and amenities like a heated swimming pool, mini-golf, and Wi-Fi.
Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park: A family-friendly campground with tent sites, cabins, and RV sites. It features amenities like a pool, playground, and Wi-Fi, and is just a short drive to Estes Park.
Estes Park KOA Holiday: Suitable for smaller RVs and trailers, this KOA offers various types of campsites with amenities like Wi-Fi, cable TV, and a shuttle to the town and national park.