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The Insider’s Guide to Rocky Mountain National Park for Families

Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park is a part of me.  Growing up in Colorado, we went to Estes Park every summer, savoring the slow winding drive up the mountain.  We would stop to buy a cherry pie, or Indian fry bread from one of the shops that dot the canyon road.  I have a few of those funny western photos that we purchased when family visited and wanted the Estes Park experience.

My dad loved to hunt, and loved to drive into Rocky Mountain National Park to see the elk come down into the valley.  They would bugle-call to find mates at dusk and we would be one of the cars lined up, with windows rolled down to watch.

When we decided to leave Colorado, we spent one final weekend in Estes Park.  We stayed right on the lake, in rain that fell all weekend.  Parker and Chase were just little boys back then and they loved eating waffles in front of the big windows that looked onto the lake.

Whenever I go home to Colorado, I try to schedule a trip to this picturesque mountain town.  Most of the time I grab my sisters and their kids and head to Estes Park just for the day.  On those days we just get some ice cream, sit on the benches by the river and let the kids get wet.  Other times, we book a room or a cabin for a couple of nights so that we could roast some marshmallows, or listen to a western band play in one of the hotel bars.

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When I try to remove my personal history from Estes Park to decide why it’s special for everyone, I believe it’s because Estes Park is made for families.  It’s exactly what you picture when you think of Colorado.  A winding drive along a roaring river, colorful trees, cool summer temperatures, and small-town hospitality.  Estes Park is also the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, so you can check another national park off your bucket list by visiting Estes Park.

Road to Estes Park

When planning any family trip, it’s fundamentally important to plan activities that require spending ample time together.  I get so sick of summer days that slip away in a fog of children sequestered in their rooms playing video games or watching endless hours of Netflix, while the adults tackle a long list of cleaning and organizing projects.  Like it or not, successful family vacations must have built-in family time.

Located in Northern Colorado, Estes Park is a mountain town that offers that built-in family time every time I visit, because they haven’t tried to turn it into a theme park.  The town provides access to nature, small shops and restaurants, and lodging that’s budget friendly.  It has a great history, and it plain makes you want to slow down.

Here’s some insider information on how to have a great visit to Estes Park.

Where to Stay in Rocky Mountain National Park

For the truly budget vacation, you should stay at the YMCA of the Rockies.  With dorm-style rooms, on-site cafeteria eating plans, and free amenities this is a great option for families.  Meet other families and find out what they’ve enjoyed while on vacation.  https://ymcarockies.org/ for more info.

Tiny Town Cabins on the River: is where we opted to stay for this trip.  We rented a tiny cabin right on the river.  The kids got plenty wet in the river and we enjoyed sitting in our camp chairs to watch.  http://trouthavenresorts.com/index.php?id=15 for more info.

Silver Moon Inn: gives you mountain-style luxury and easy access to Main Street in Estes Park.  It puts everything in walking distance including restaurants, shopping and the stop for the Rocky Mountain National Park bus. http://silvermooninn.com/ for more info.

What to Do in Estes Park & Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park, of course!  This is one of the most beautiful parks.  We love to join other Elk fans in the fall to hear them bugle at twilight.  Talk about getting close to nature!  You can drive through the park or use the bus system.  Dress in layers to prepare for the changes in weather.  If you live in Colorado you know that if you don’t like the weather, just wait a minute and it will change!  https://www.nps.gov/romo/index.htm for more park info.

Main Street Shops: Shopping in Estes Park can take you right back to Mulberry.  The shops are quaint and the shopkeepers are friendly.  You can shop for local treats like the famous Salt Water Taffy, Souveniers and T-shirts, or one-of-a-kind pieces from local artists.  The restaurants feature mountain grub like big cheesesteak sandwiches and deep-dish pizza.

Glassworks Studio & Gallery: Located along Main Street, this cool studio offers free glass blowing demonstrations throughout the day.  Our kids are mesmerized watching the glass blowers create balls and vases, and the craftsmen always answer the hundreds of questions they’re peppered with.  For adults, the gallery is just as magical and everything is ready to take home.

Stanley Hotel Tours:  This is the famous hotel from the movie, “The Shining,” but that’s not the reason why you should take a tour.  The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park is over 100 years old and has been known for its resident ghosts.  Take the Night Spirit Tour to learn how to interact with the spirits that reside at the hotel.  This is serious stuff, and not spooky.  If ghosts aren’t your thing, then the historic hotel tour will introduce you to the history of the area and let you look back a hundred years to see why people sought their fortune in the Colorado mountains.  http://www.stanleyhotel.com/historic-hotel-tour.html for more info.

Estes Park Arial Tramway:  For about the cost of a movie ticket, you can see the Thompson Canyon via a gondola.  I love how it makes you feel small in the face of nature to ride up a mountain on a cable.  http://www.estestram.com/ for more info.

There are just some places that are special because they’re part of your personal history.  Estes Park is that for me.  I hope that you discover some of the magic I feel each time I visit.

I’d love to hear where you travel to feel the magic, and if you have any questions about Estes Park, please let me know.