Why Is Estes Park SO Popular? 10 Reasons To Visit In 2024

What Makes Estes Park So Popular?

Estes Park is so popular because of its amazing outdoor activities and small town charm. The city is filled with delicious food and fun activities for everyone in the family. Just a short drive away from Denver, it’s the perfect day trip from the city. 

You can spot wild elk, drink microbrews, shop for antiques, and take a scenic hike in only a few hours. 

For me, Estes Park is the gateway to the Rocky Mountains with plenty to see and do. It’s relaxing enough to get away from the busy city without leaving civilization altogether. 

1. Estes Park Is Close To Denver

Compared to other popular Mountain Towns, Estes Park is only about 70 miles from Denver, an hour and a half drive away. This year alone, my wife and I made twelve day trips to Estes Park and loved every single second.

The best way to get to Estes Park from Denver is to drive from I-25 N and hit Highway 36 through Boulder and Lyons. It’s a perfect getaway from the city to visit the Rocky Mountains. 

2. Spot Active Wildlife

From my fourteen years living in Colorado, I’ve personally spotted elk, chipmunks, moose, deer, big horns, and even wild turkeys in Estes Park. Elk are usually the most common wild animals spotted in the city with huge herds frequently moving through. 

A huge herd of elk decided to lie down during the evening and enjoy the soft grass at Bond Park in front of the Town Hall. These instances are common, and I usually see elk every time I visit. 

During a hike around Lily Lake, a short drive from downtown Estes, my wife and I saw a moose hanging out along the tree line. 

These instances are common and something always look forward to.

3. Easy Access To Rocky Mountain National Park

The town of Estes Park sits at the entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park, making it the perfect place to stock up before jumping to their favorite outdoor activities. 

With grocery stores, camping supplies, and clothing shops, Estes provides everything you need for your mountain adventures. 

I’ve forgotten many supplies before going up into the mountains and it was nice finding the right items at a reasonable price.

One time, I even forgot sleeping bags for a car camping trip! So my wife and I bought a big blanket to last us for the night and it worked great to keep us warm during the summer night. 

4. Outdoor Adventures Are Easy To Find Close To Town

Within thirty minutes of Estes Park, you can find some of the country’s best hiking, camping, fishing, horseback riding, rafting, and off-roading. 

Camping is probably one of the most popular activities and every type of camping is available for every type of person. 

You don’t even need to be in the national park to experience all the outdoor fun! Within the city limits, you can learn to fly fish or ride horses and still make it a nice dinner in downtown Estes Park. 

If you come in the winter, you can try snowshoeing, sledding, and ice skating. The Estes Park experience can be enjoyed year-round. 

5. Famous Historical Landmarks

Estes Park was founded in 1859 and has since grown into an iconic mountain town with plenty of cultural landmarks still existing today. 

The most famous historical building is the Stanley Hotel which was the inspiration for Stephen King’s The Shining and was featured in the 1994 comedy, Dumb and Dumber. 

If you want something more rustic, the MacGregor Ranch Museum sits in a picturesque location perfect for photos while learning about the agricultural history of Estes Valley.  

6. Estes Park Has AMAZING Food

I am a food blogger so of course, food is one of the most important factors for me. Estes Park has almost every type of restaurant available for almost every type of eater. If you want an elk steak you can find it at about a half dozen different restaurants. 

If you are craving authentic Thai cuisine, you can eat pad Thai and pineapple fried rice to your heart’s content. 

If you want handmade chocolates and ice cream, you will be over the moon with the choices available. Downtown Estes Park is filled to the brim with delicious options. And if you want to find more, a two minute drive will double your options with amazing food you never knew was in the city. 

7. Activities For Everyone In The Family 

Everyone visiting will find something they love to create wonderful memories. Estes Park has a charming downtown area filled with shopping and a riverwalk perfect for an easy stroll. 

Want something more challenging? Take off backcountry camping, rock climbing, or white water rafting on the Big Thompson River. 

Adults can hit the golf course in the morning and enjoy mini golf with the kids in the evening. 

I love exploring Estes Park’s shops which showcase everything from real dinosaur fossils to local Colorado artists. 

You can find arcades, movie theaters, chocolate shops, art galleries, and even ride an aerial tramway. 

8. Laid Back Mountain Town Vibes

You won’t find Louis Vuitton, Gucci, or Prada stores or expensive fine dining options. Estes is a laid back mountain town that avoids the pretentiousness that plagues other cities in Colorado. 

I’ve done my fair share of traveling to the other mountain areas and I often feel uncomfortable in some restaurants because I’m not wearing the nicest watch or shoes. 

The laid back atmosphere stretches to the people as everyone working and living in Estes always feels extra friendly and courteous. I feel at home.

9. Fantastic Breweries 

If you are a beer fan, then Estes Park has a few places perfect for you. In general, Colorado holds some of the highest rated and recognized breweries in the nation and Estes carries on the tradition. 

Places like Avant Garde Aleworks and Rock Cut Brewing are my personal favorites. If you want more variety, The Barrel is a beer garden that serves plenty of great brews from around the country. 

10. Dog Friendly 

Of the top reasons why I love Estes Park comes from their love of dogs. Estes Park is a very dog-friendly city with plenty of stores allowing dogs to enter and lots of patio space for dogs at restaurants to wait with their owners while they eat. 

The love for dogs stretches to activities like the Estes Park Dog Park and trails around the town that openly welcomes leashed pets.