Weekend Getaway: Estes Park

Estes Park is one of my favorite places in Colorado! It’s only an hour and a half from Denver (which is a gorgeous drive) and it has so many options for a weekend away. Obviously the big focus of our trip was hiking:

Hikes:

Mill’s Lake (4.9 Miles/886 ft. Elevation Gain) We did this as a guided hike with Pat
Kruger Rock (4 Miles/977 ft. Elevation Gain) – We wanted a dog friendly option so this was perfect!

My other favorites in Rocky Mountain National Park:

Gem Lake (3.4 Miles/990 ft. Elevation Gain)
Sky Pond (9.2 Miles/1,837 ft. Elevation Gain)

Where We Stayed:

We stayed at a cabin at YMCA of the Rockies which is so close to RMNP you can actually hike in! This was my first time staying at a YMCA and it had incredible views and a fun “camp” vibe. One huge point for us was that it’s super dog friendly. Dogs aren’t allowed in RMNP so sometimes it’s a struggle to find a place that welcomes the pups, but not only were they welcome there are trails onsite to include the pups! One huge benefit of staying here is that you can bypass the reservation system into the park by taking a guided hike!

Where We Ate:

Ed’s Cantina – This came HIGHLY recomended and now I know why, it was absolutely delicous, had a beautiful balcony and the service was really quick. You must order the Avocado Margarita and thank me later!

Bird & Jims – We asked a couple of locals where they recomended and this one came up by almost everyone so we decided to check it out. Every dish we ordered was incredible, the drinks were expensive but very delicous and the service was great!

Whiskey Bar – This bar in the Stanley Hotel is a must! Not just for the killer Old Fashioned, but the chance to check out the Stanley Hotel. We didn’t have a reservation but they let us bring our drinks onto the Front Patio and honestly that was even better, we took in the views while enjoying our whiskey.

Inkwell & Brew – I’m so obsessed with this coffee shop I once drove from Denver just to spend the day reading and writing here.

Rock Cut Brewing – Absolutely delicous beer named after local hikes & mountains with a patio right on the river

Other highly recomended spots: The Rock Inn, Claires, Seasoned, Snowy Peak Winery & Lumpy Ridge Brewing

For Next Time:

I can’t wait to go back and explore more, so let me know what else I should try and experience next time I’m in Estes Park!

I definitely want to try a few off roading trails and of course find a couple new hikes 🙂

Kylie Bearse

Kylie Bearse

When I’m not exploring the trails, I’m a Meteorologist! You can see me every weekday morning on Fox31 KDVR from 4:30-10am! Have a weather question? Don’t hesitate to ask!

Kylie Bearse

Kylie Bearse

When I’m not exploring the trails, I’m a Meteorologist! You can see me every weekday morning on Fox31 KDVR from 4:30-10am! Have a weather question? Don’t hesitate to ask!

Join Kylie On YouTube!

Click HERE to get subscribed and join our YouTube community!

Kylie Bearse

Kylie Bearse

When I’m not exploring the trails, I’m a Meteorologist! You can see me every weekday morning on Fox31 KDVR from 4:30-10am! Have a weather question? Don’t hesitate to ask!

More From Kylie

Best Road Trips from Denver

Best Road Trips from Denver

1. Southwestern ColoradoFrom Crested Butte to the Black Canyon then rounding off the trip with a stay in Ouray and Telluride, southwestern Colorado is an absolute must visit! Must hike: Black Canyon of GunnisonOuray Perimeter Trail We did a mix of camping and Air...

Weekend in Colorado Springs

Weekend in Colorado Springs

I haven't spent any substantial time in Colorado Springs in years, so I was so delighted to take a weekend and totally relax in this very beautiful part of our state. I hadn't explored Garden of the Gods since college but it's as beauitful as ever. However, my very...

Wine & Wildflower Hike

Wine & Wildflower Hike

This was my first year at the Vail Wine Classic and it was an absolute blast. As expected, the wine was exceptional and getting to meet the people behind the wine made it all the more special. But maybe the best part was the Wine & Wildflower hike! I'm going to...

Weekend Hiking Trip in Vail

Weekend Hiking Trip in Vail

This summer I've been trying to get out of the city and into the mountains just about every weekend. When I was dealing with higher anxiety this spring I took note of what was important & what helps - and no surprise that has me prioritizing time in nature. I...

Denver on a Budget

Denver on a Budget

Denver can be an expensive city to live in and visit, but there are also a ton of ways to enjoy the Mile High City and the mountains on a budget. It can take a little creativity and lots of time outside, but here are my favorite ways to save money & still enjoy...

2022 Moab Road Trip

2022 Moab Road Trip

Moab is one of my favorite road trips from Denver - the drive is only 5 hours and the hiking, biking & off-roading trails are seemingly endless. This was my fifth trip to Moab and I was still amazed at the beauty and found new trails to explore. I knew it would...