If you’re coming to Estes this summer, plan your activities ahead of time!
Other than a visit to Rocky Mountain National Park, there are many fun activities to do in and around Estes Park. Consider booking them ahead of time to get the dates you want. Here are some great things to do:
Ideas to help you plan your activities ahead of time:
Trail Adventures
On Horseback
Visitors to Estes Park love seeing the area on horseback! Whether you are interested in a 1-hour or an all-day ride, National Park Gateway Stables can help you fulfill your wildest cowboy dreams.
All of their rides go into Rocky Mountain National Park, so you’ll see some incredible views along the way.
Off-road exploration on an ATV
Explore the National Forest trails near Estes Park on an exhilarating ATV! Backbone Adventures is the highest rated ATV rental company in Colorado. Their unguided, adrenaline pumping trail rides are a blast. They will help you pick a trail best suited for your skill and comfort level, and you’ll be off and running!
Hiking and Backpacking
There are countless hikes you can take on your own in RMNP. Check out our hiking page for some suggestions.
If you want to have an experienced guide to show you the best routes, share ecological and wildlife facts, or offer their expertise, you must check out Kirks Mountain Adventures. In addition to their guided hikes, they can help you with a multi-day backpacking trip inside RMNP, or even experience an overnight Llama Trek in the backcountry!
Fishing Adventures
Fly-fishing is a popular activity in Estes Park. You will find yourself connecting with nature in a meditative and creative way. Plus, it’s pretty thrilling to catch a fish!
Kirks Flyshop has been delighting curious visitors to Estes Park since 2002. Their store on Elkhorn Avenue has high quality fishing gear, and a great selection of outdoor clothing and hats.
They also offer a range of guided fly-fishing trips for the whole family. If you want to drive right to a fishing hot spot, they can help. And if you want to hike into the backcountry to experience a secret honey hole, their professional guides can help with that too!
Fish out your back door
Castle Mountain Lodge on Fall River is offering free fishing classes to their summer guests! If you book a stay with them between June 19th – August 14th, 2025 you can sign up for a free fly fishing class with a wonderful guide just steps from your room.
Whitewater Adventures
Summer is the perfect time to go whitewater rafting in Colorado! Check out our whitewater rafting page for a complete list of rafting companies.
Rapid Transit Rafting is Estes Park’s only hometown rafting company. They have been providing family rafting trips to Estes Park visitors for over 40 years. Offering half-day or full-day adventures, you meet your guide in Estes Park and you’ll be transported right to the river – spend less time driving and more time enjoying a fun and exciting day!
Colorado River Expeditions will pick you up in Estes Park and starts their adventure with a drive through Rocky Mountain National Park over Trail Ridge Road (weather depending), the highest continuous highway in the US. Their rafting expedition also includes a unique gold panning experience!
Activity in Estes – An Adventure Park
Aerial Adventure
Navigate through 32 different aerial challenges at the Open Air Adventure Park! Challenges include working your way across a series of hanging chairs, riding an airboard, and zooming down horse saddle ziplines. You will feel the adrenaline rush as you conquer each obstacle, testing your agility and strength.
With views of the Rocky Mountains as your inspiring backdrop, they offer an unforgettable experience for thrill-seekers of all ages looking for an amazing Estes Park vacation!
In addition to the aerial adventure course, you can try your hand at ax throwing, or schedule a guided hike or kayak tour with them.