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Sea Shell Cottage Attractions

RAPID TRANSIT RAFTING

We have been offering family whitewater raft trips with transportation from Estes Park for 30 years. We are the ONLY company that will let you sit back and relax while WE DRIVE you to the river.We have morning and afternoon half day rapids trips on the Cache La Poudre, and full day more relaxed trips on the Colorado River.Bring the whole family! We can take kids as young as 7 if they also weigh at least 50 pounds. You've never been rafting? You are our specialty. Give us a chance to get you wet! Join the others who say our trip was the highlight of their Estes Park vacation.Call us now

PEAK TO PEAK SCENIC BYWAY

iking, biking, snowshoeing and other outdoor pursuits in the adjacent Rocky Mountain National Park are at the top of the list of things to do along the Peak to Peak Highway. But Estes Park is also home to a number of retail stores and a restaurant scene that rivals any mountain town in the state. In fact, since there are no commercial enterprises within the national park, many visitors flock to Estes Park to satisfy their appetite. With its scenic riverwalk and pedestrian-friendly sidewalks, the town may entice you to linger for as long they like.

The soaring crags that surround the town are on the A-list for rock and ice climbers. Lake Estes offers tranquil boating, and mountain biking and horseback trails forge into the adjacent forests and meadows. For unencumbered views when driving this route in the summer, consider renting a convertible. While summer is certainly prime season, Estes Park is also a wonderful winter respite — soak in a hot tub and watch the snowflakes gently fall as you watch elk in the snowy fields. In fall, aspens glow golden, while the whole town celebrates the Longs Peak Scottish-Irish Highland Festival.

MACGREGOR RANCH MUSEUM

This is a beautiful, working ranch that was one of the finest and earliest in the Estes Park area. The MacGregor's built a lovely ranch house and outbuildings, which to this day remains a working ranch under a trust that Muriel MacGregor set up to make sure the ranch would remain for educational/historical purposes upon her death in 1970. There are not as many acres left as the original ranch had, but it is still impressive. The original home is filled with artifacts from the MacGregor family and gives you a good feel for what life would have been like for them in the 1870's. The tour is well worth it, with access to the home, milk house, smoke house, the blacksmith's and part of the property. Murial and her parents have a small mausoleum on the property, Alexander and Clara died in 1950, Muriel died in 1970 at the age of 66. The views are outstanding, the ranch beautiful. The docents there are very knowledgable and can answer just about any question you might throw at them! It certainly makes you ponder what things might have been like in the early days of Estes Park. This is something you don't want to miss, especially if history is your thing. Be sure to check if the tours are operating, they have closed this year for the season (Aug 25th, 2018)

ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK

Within the boundaries of Rocky Mountain National Park, more than 100 peaks rise above 11,000 feet in altitude, including Longs Peak at 14,259 feet. These amazing mountains cradle the Estes Valley, providing residents and guests with incredible beauty and inspiration. Many of the taller peaks make up the Continental Divide, where snowmelt runs either west to the Pacific Ocean or east to the Atlantic. The park's vistas are accessible by horseback, on foot, or by car - the most notable vehicle route being Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuously paved highway in North America. No matter your level of interest, adventure awaits you while viewing, exploring and appreciating this breathtaking collection of mountains.

Real Wildlife

While it is possible to travel through Rocky Mountain National Park and not catch sight of any wildlife, we venture to say that is an unlikely experience. From everyday sightings of chipmunks and mule deer to the moving experience of viewing elk in rut (the mating season), the animals in the park let you know that you are part of something truly wild. Some of these critters are harder to spot than others - they might camouflage themselves in the trees or hide in the underbrush - but look closely and you may have an encounter unlike any other.

LAKE ESTES MARINA

Visit the Lake Estes Marina for your one-stop resource for everything to do on and around Lake Estes. The marina store rents kayaks, paddle boards, paddle boats, canoes, pontoon boats, bikes, pedal carts, and rods and reels. The store also sells fishing supplies, snacks, souvenirs, and State of Colorado fishing licenses. Stay a little while after your boat or bike ride and play a game of horseshoes or volleyball. Marina store staff can provide you with the ball or horseshoes. Open from May to early October. Visit us and make a day of it!

HERMIT PARK

Located minutes from Estes Park, this 1,362-acre open space offers tent camping, RV sites, cabins, an equestrian campground, and large group pavilion nestled among scenic wetland meadows, and forests of ponderosa, pine, and aspen. Escape the crowds with 8-miles of trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding, including a trail to the top of Kruger Rock, one of the best views in the Estes Valley! Hermit Park Open Space is managed by Larimer County Department of Natural Resources.

Hiking Near SeaShell Cottage

Hiking Near SeaShell Cottage

Olympus Knob is a 4.3 mile lightly trafficked loop trail located near Drake, Colorado that features a river and is rated as difficult. The trail is primarily used for hiking, nature trips, and birding.

Mount Olympia from Big Thrompson Road is a 2.1 mile lightly trafficked loop trail located near Drake, Colorado that features a river and is only recommended for very experienced adventurers. The trail is primarily used for hiking, nature trips, and birding.

Please Visit Estes Park Visitor Center

Stop at the Estes Park Visitor Center as you come into town!

Visitor Center staff and volunteers will welcome you and answer any questions you have about the Estes Park area.

Pick up free information and business brochures to help you enjoy your stay.The Visitor Center is conveniently located near the intersection of Hwys 34 and 36 at 500 Big Thompson Avenue. There is a large visitor parking structure nearby. You can reach the Visitor Center at 970-577-9900 or 800-44-ESTES (800-443-7837). The Visitor Center is the transportation hub for all of the free shuttle buses which operate during the peak summer season, with additional service during special events throughout the year. You can take the free town shuttles to the Visitor Center, then transfer there to the free RMNP shuttles. Avoid parking and traffic issues during the busiest times of the year.

Things to Do And Places to Eat

PLACES TO EAT and THINGS TO DO
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We would like to provide you with some of our favorite places to eat, and some ideas of things to do. Please keep in mind, Estes Park is not known for it's exceptional cuisine but these are our families favorites.

Casual Dining
1. The Other Side, upstairs dining/coffee shop - 970-586-2171
2. Nicky's, The Garden Room - 970-596-5376
3. The Sundeck - 970-586-9832
4. Mary's Lake Lodge, Tavern - 970-586-5958

"Better" Dining

Mary's Lake Lodge, The Chalet - 970-586-5958
Nicky's - The Steakhouse - 970-596-5376
The Other Side - Lakeside dining
The Fawn Brook Inn(5 star) in Allenspark - 303-747-2556 (Nationally Acclaimed, 30 minutes away)

Things to do:

Hike - Do not miss Bear Lake and the hikes up to the three higher lakes. 3.5 hours.
Wild Basin, located halfway between Estes Park and Allenspark, has a nice hike by waterfalls
Rock Climbing - Colorado Mountain School - 970-586-5758
Whitewater Rafting - Mountain Whitewater Descents - 970-419-0917 Fort Collins
Rapid Transit Rafting - 970-586-8852
Boating on Lake Estes
Lake Estes Marina - 970-586-2011
Bicycle Rentals
Colorado Bicycling Adventures - 970-586-4241
Estes Park Mountain Shop - 970-586-6548
Horseback Riding Tours(see phone book in Cottage for long list)
National Park Gateway Stable - 970-586-5269
Allenspark - Nice visit 30 minutes South of Estes Park. Historic all log town, even the postoffice.
Don't miss the Nationally award winning restaurant "The Fawn Brook Inn".
Amusement Parks - Estes Park Ride-a-Kart - 970-586-6495
Tiny Town Miniature Golf - 970-586-6333
Fun City - 970-586-2828
Fishing - There is great Fly Fishing in rivers all around Estes Park
Aerial Tramway, Gondola ride with great mountain views! - 970-586-3675
Shop in Town - Fun tourist town with lots of ice cream, fudge and good hiking shoes for sale!

Rocky Mountain National Park Hiking

In Rocky Mountain National Park, hiking is the number-one activity. Whether you are walking around a peaceful lake trail or climbing a 14er, this park has something for you! We have compiles a short list of hikes at a variety of skill levels, so you can find the perfect trail adventure for you.

Easy: Hike Without the Incline

For those with restriction of time, mobility or skills a simple trek around a lake or meadow will suffice quite nicely. The ambiance and wildlife are just as spectacular if you aren't huffing and puffing up a steep mountainside, after all. We suggest trying these trails out

Lily Lake: The Lily Lake Trail encircles the pristine Lily Lake for 0.8 miles with very little grade, or incline. Located south of Estes Park in Rocky Mountain National Park, this trail is easy to access directly along Highway 7. The lake and trail are surrounded by beautiful forests of aspen and pine. Fishing is also allowed in the lake and both the pier and trail are wheelchair accessible. Option: For a bit more of a challenge take the Lily Ridge Loop that splits off the Lily Lake trail on the north edge, offering the same 0.8-mile distance, but with a 180-foot rise. Perfect for groups with people at different skill levels.
Sprague Lake: A second wheelchair accessible, looped trail to explore is the Sprague Lake Nature Trail. Located inside Rocky Mountain National Park off of Bear Lake Road, this favorite spot offers an easy, but scenic stroll around the lake. Birds abound along this 0.5-mile path that features many benches for resting or just taking in the amazing views of the Continental Divide.
Copeland Falls: Enjoy an easy hike with a great payoff! These gloriously cascading falls are at the end of a 0.3-mile hike with little to no incline. This trail starts at the Wild Basin Trailhead in the Wild Basin area of the national park, south on Highway 7 from Estes Park. Option: Slightly more advanced hikers can continue on to Calypso Cascades along the Thunder Lake Trail for about another 1.1 miles. This journey involves a slight, 780-foot incline.

Moderate: Short or Sweet

Looking to challenge yourself a bit more and spend a good part of the day hiking along beautiful trails? These moderate day hikes provide big views for a relatively short time on the trail. Be sure to start early in the morning during summer months to avoid afternoon thunderstorms, pack a lunch or snack and wear layers!

Gem Lake: One of the most popular hikes in the Estes Valley, the Gem Lake Trail starts at the Lumpy Ridge Trailhead in Rocky Mountain National Park north of Estes Park off of Devil's Gulch Road. While there is a slight incline of 968 feet, there are some rather steep spots. Up and back, this trail involves 3.4 miles in all and boasts some of the most spectacular views of the Estes Valley along the way. Tip: Look for a unique rock formation along the way, known as Paul Bunyan's Boot; it looks like a boot with a hole in the sole.Option: If you want to make a day of it, the Lumpy Ridge loop continues past Gem Lake, looping around the Cow Creek and the Black Canyon Trails. This option is 10.7 miles in all, so be prepared.

Finch Lake: One of the less traveled trails, the Finch Lake Trail is an excellent journey for birders and naturalists. At almost 10,000 feet, the swampy shoreline of Finch Lake provides the perfect habitat for local and migrating feathered friends to find respite. Starting at the Finch Lake Trailhead, follow the trail 4.5 miles, up 1,442 feet to the lake. The trailhead is located off of Highway 7 (south of Estes Park) in the Wild Basin area of Rocky Mountain National Park. Option: Continue along the Finch Lake Trail an additional two miles to reach Pear Lake, once a man-made reservoir, where you can explore the ‘bathtub rings' of the shoreline. The great views and peaceful setting make this a great place for a midday lunch break.
Fern Lake: This stellar lake is the former home of the Fern Lake Lodge - a hotspot for winter adventure from 1916 to 1934. One of the more challenging ‘moderate' day hikes, it covers a 3.8-mile section of trail with a 1,275-foot rise. terrain ending with spectacular views of Notchtop and Little Matterhorn. The Fern lake Trailhead is located centrally in the park, near the west end of Moraine Park, inside Rocky Mountain National Park. Tip: The Fern Lake area was the location of the Fern Lake Fire in late 2012. Look for new growth and wildflowers along the way. Option: Another mile up the trail is Odessa Lake, offering an additional target for those with more time and energy.

Difficult: Challenge Yourself

Please note that the hikes listed below are technical hikes for experienced hikers only. Please do your research on the official Rocky Mountain National Park website and take all precautions necessary for your safety.

Longs Peak: The ultimate mountain challenge, this famous 14-er will test your skills. Getting an early start and carefully planning your route are important to making it off the peak before the afternoon showers (and lightening) tend to strike. The trailhead is located south of Estes Park, off of Highway 7.
Andrews Tarn & Andrews Glacier: This frigid, glacier-fed lake resides at over 11,000 feet. The journey will take you 4.6 miles and over 2,000 feet in elevation. For the technical climber, continue past the lake to the south to find the bulging Andrews Glacier. Depending on conditions, technical equipment is typically recommended for safe climbing. Access both points of interest from the Glacier Gorge Trailhead off of Bear Lake Road in Rocky Mountain National Park, following the Loch Vale Trail to the Andrews Creek Trail.

For information on additional hiking in the Estes Park area, including outfitters, guided options and pet-friendly excursions (as pets are only allowed along roadsides, in parking areas, picnic areas and campgrounds in RMNP) please visit our Hiking section.
Winter hiking in Rocky can be quite different. Find details in the winter hiking section.
For current trail conditions and more information on trails and hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park, please visit NPS.gov/ROMO.

Things to Do in Estes Park

https://www.visitestespark.com/things-to-do/

No one questions that our natural playground comes first when planning activities. But even in Eden, there are times when we want diversions especially suited to children and the young-at-heart.

A wide array of commercial activities expands the outdoor enjoyment of the area. Rent a bike. Take a fly-fishing lesson. Ride the aerial tram to the top of a small peak for a breathtaking view of the valley and downtown below. Play miniature golf or slide down a giant slide. Take a spin on a go-cart track.

These are but a few of the activities offered in Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. No matter what type of activity you enjoy, it is sure to be better here!

Plan Your Trip to Estes Park

Download our Park Brochure (PDF 15M) and Park Newspaper.

https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/index.htm

Plan ahead for a more enjoyable visit:

Popularity and high visitation during the summer and fall, particularly during 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. can mean full parking lots, congested roads, busy trails, and long lines and wait times at entrance stations. Weekends throughout the year are busy!
Hike early or hike late prior to 9 a.m. or after 3 p.m. Trailhead parking lots fill early in the day!
When parking areas fill and heavy congestion warrants park staff restrict vehicle access in three specific areas, the Bear Lake Road corridor, the Wild Basin area, and Alpine Visitor Center. In 2017, these restrictions occurred most days in July and August beginning at 10 a.m. in addition to weekends in June and September.
Check the weather forecast before you arrive at the park to better plan your day and destinations. If you plan to hike later in the day, it is critical that you know the weather forecast for the elevation of your destination.
Take advantage of the park shuttle that runs Memorial Day through early October: https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/shuttle_bus_route.htm
If you want to hike in the Bear Lake Road corridor and plan to arrive after 10, your best option, and on some days your only option, will be to take the Hiker Shuttle from the Estes Park Visitor Center. This shuttle runs every 30 minutes from the Estes Park Visitor Center to the Park & Ride on Bear Lake Road. Expect wait times to board the shuttles. An entrance pass is required to use The Hiker Shuttle. Purchase a pass online at go.nps.gov/rockyfees
The Alpine Visitor Center parking lot is busy between 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
More than eighty percent of park visitors arrive through the east entrances of the park
Purchase a daily or weekly entrance pass online at go.nps.gov/rockyfees your email confirmation will serve as your pass and should save transaction time once you reach the park entrance station kiosk.
No lodging is available in the park, but there are hundreds of lodging choices in nearby communities.
Camping reservations inside the park and lodging reservations in gateway communities are highly recommended.
This is a high elevation park. Trail Ridge Road crests over 12,000 feet. Visitors from lower altitudes may feel the effects of thinner air. Take time to acclimate before doing strenuous activities.
When you arrive, stop by a park visitor center for up-to-date information on everything from road conditions to hiking trails and ranger-led programs.

Estes Park Nightlife and Events

For Those with Nocturnal Tendencies

When the sun sets on Estes Park, the fun and activities continue. Live music dominates, with venues hosting local and regional musicians and entertainers. The available mix depends on the night, but a rustic lodge restaurant/bar might present bluegrass while a "club" in the village welcomes rock & blues bands. Acoustic sets fill hotel bars and village taverns energize patrons with karaoke. Irish music spills onto the streets, often played by Colorado bands that embrace a Celtic sound. A few places even attract talented guests and locals, anxious to show off their vocal and musical skills, with open mic nights.

For people who love to dance, places throughout town crank hits from the '80s through today to get people moving. Some evenings might highlight a specific style, such as salsa or swing-sometimes offering short lessons-but weekends usually feature variety. On the dancing sidelines and at more traditional bar spots, folks shoot pool, play poker or gather with friends to gab about the day's adventures.

It's true that most of Estes Park's nightlife caters to the over 21 set, but not all. Families find year-round, nightly action at the local bowling alley, evening restaurant entertainment, live theater or the movie theaters - and perhaps staying up past bedtime.

A complete list of live music and events can be found on our Events Calendar page.

GEM Lake Trail

Trail Description:

The hike to Gem Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park begins from the Lumpy Ridge Trailhead, located just north of Estes Park. To reach the trailhead from the intersection of Wonderview Avenue (34 Bypass Road) and MacGregor Avenue in Estes Park, turn to travel northbound on MacGregor Avenue. The Lumpy Ridge Trailhead will be on your left after driving 1.2 miles. You may want to note that MacGregor Avenue makes a sharp right turn, at which point it turns into Devils Gulch Road, just before reaching the trailhead access road.At the trailhead are two trails leading from the parking area. The Gem Lake Trail leads to the right, and begins ascending the southeastern portions of Lumpy Ridge, a massive granite rock outcropping that's been sculpted by wind and erosion over the last 1.8 billion years. This segment of the trail, all the way up to Gem Lake, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2008.
The first half-mile of the Gem Lake Trail travels through a narrow, boulder-strewn canyon. This stretch also passes through the northeastern corner of the historic MacGregor Ranch. Alexander and Clara MacGregor originally established their 160-acre homestead here in 1873. Through the years it would grow to become a 1240-acre ranch. However, when one of their descendants died in 1970, Rocky Mountain National Park officials became concerned that the land might be sold for subdivisions or condominiums. In 1983 the park purchased a conservation easement covering 1221 acres of the ranch, which permanently maintains the undeveloped attributes of the property. While much of the ranch is located within the authorized boundary of the park, it still remains private property. Today the property is operated as a working ranch, youth education center, historic site and a public museum.
At roughly one-half mile from the trailhead hikers will reach the Black Canyon Trail junction, which branches off towards the left. To continue on towards Gem Lake hikers should veer to the right here.
There are many aspens along this section of the trail, making this a great option for a fall hike.