Visiting Estes in the peak season is a thrilling experience. But, with millions of others doing the same thing, finding a place to park and getting around can be challenging – unless you know what you’re doing! The Town of Estes has done a phenomenal job providing free and paid parking options, along with a free shuttle service to help you maneuver around and enjoy your vacation.
During the off season (Late Oct – Late May) daytime street and lot parking is free. During peak season downtown parking is a combination of free and paid, with varying durations available depending on the location. The following are a few tips to help you understand all the options…
Get a Map: If you haven’t already, download the town’s parking map showing the parking lots/structures, street parking, shuttle stops, and paid vs free locations. It will help!
Free Parking: Much of the street and lot parking remains free during peak-season, but pay attention to the allowable duration which spans from all day to only 30 minutes. Additionally, all parking is free before 10am and after 5pm.
Paid Parking: All paid parking works through kiosks or the ParkMobile app. Kiosks accept cash, credit/debit or contactless payments. If you download and use the ParkMobile app you can add more time (when permissible) remotely – which can come in really handy!
ADA Options: Vehicles displaying a valid ADA, Purple Heart or Disabled Veteran placard or license plate are exempt from parking fees in any space.
EV Charging: Charging stations and available at the Visitor Center Lot, Visitor Center Parking Structure and the Town Hall/Library Lot.
Large Vehicles: Parking spaces for large (RV, trailer, bus) vehicles are available at the Visitor Center Lot, Town Hall/Library Lot and the Events Complex Park-n-Ride. There is also a lounge available at the Visitor Center for all commercially operated tour bus drivers.
Overnight Parking: Parking overnight is only allowed with valid permit or at the Events Complex paid overnight lot.
With approximately 2,000 parking spaces, a real-time-availability tool, and free seasonal shuttle service, Estes Park makes it easy for you to park your vehicle and move around town. So find a spot on the street or at one of the smaller lots if you can, or keep things simple and park at the largest lot – the Events Complex Lost – or use the main Parking Structure across from the Visitor Center. With 415 spaces and easy access to downtown and the Visitor Center shuttle hub, it provides a great option for most visitors.
Parking in Rocky Mountain National Park
Vehicles are welcome in the park, but finding parking during busy times can be challenging. If you prefer you can leave your car behind in Estes Park or at the Bear Lake Park n Ride, and use the free shuttle service to access trailheads and other areas in the park. But, if you’re staying in your vehicle here is a list of the parking areas within the park…
- Visitor Center parking lots at Beaver Meadows and Fall River Visitor Centers
- Bear Lake/Glacier Basin Park and Ride Lot. Hiker’s Shuttle Buses stop here and take you to your trailhead.
- Bear Lake parking lot at the end of Bear Lake Road. This is a large lot, but it often fills up in the summer.
- Trailhead parking lots – smaller lots at popular hiking trailheads. If you’re hiking, go early to snag a spot.