Estes Park Aerial Tramway
Although I haven’t been able to experience it, I’ve heard so many good things about the Estes Park Aerial Tramway! Beautiful views of the town and the mountains surrounding it. The Tram is located on the north side of Prospect mountain and it takes about five minutes to get to the top! Once there, there is a small cafe and plenty of hiking trails to check out. The experience costs 14$ per person and slightly less for children.
Open from Memorial day to Labor day!
Rock Cut Brewing
My brother, sister and I at Rock Cut Brewing. Clearly the beer was good!
If you’re looking for a beer in Estes Park, Rock Cut Brewing is the place to find it! They have a wonderful taproom and beautiful patio. Inside they have a cool wall where you can pay a beer forward. You can choose to purchase and leave a beer for a friend, a veteran, someone who adopted a pet, anyone! They have a wide variety of their own brews and if you’re interested in something to eat, they have food trucks available on weekends. Check out their instagram page at @rockcutbrewing and/or their website for a current tap list.
The Barrel Craft Beer Garden and Hall
Once we had a few drinks at Rock Cut Brewing we headed to The Barrel. Although they don’t brew their own beer, they have plenty of options from local and Coloradan breweries. They have a large tap room and patio each with a full bar. The patio has a wonderful ambiance with beautiful lights and a stage where they frequently host entertainment. Similar to Rock Cut Brewing, they also have a rotation of food trucks. Check out their website or instagram @thebarrel.estespark for news and a tap list.
Estes Park Brewery
Although we didn’t hit this one during our trip, I have heard many good things about Estes Park Brewery. The walk between Rock Cut Brewing and Estes Park Brewing Company is only about 5 minutes, so it would be easy to hit two in one!
Scratch Deli and Bakery
The view from Scratch Deli and Bakery.
Like the name states, everything is made from scratch! We ate here twice in the 48 hours we were in Estes- it was delicious both times! The breakfast is incredible (and so reasonably priced. Burritos for $6? Sign me up!) I can also suggest the BLT, on light homemade focaccia bread with thick cut bacon it was the perfect lunch. Check out their instagram @scratch_deli_and_bakery, or follow this link for their menu; Warning: it will make you hungry!
Bird and Jim
If you’re looking to grab lunch or supper this is a great spot! They have a variety of great beer, wine and cocktails (including spicy caesars- the way to my heart!) Our group ordered a variety of appetizers to share including the calamari, edamame, crab cakes, and sliders (the sliders were to die for). The decor is cute and rustic, and pretty much anywhere you sit you can get a great view of the mountains! Check out their instagram @birdandjim or their website for the current menu and other information.
Nepal’s Cafe
Our second day in Estes Park we stopped at Nepal’s Cafe for dinner. The dinning room and ha homey feel and the food was excellent. We tried the garlic naan bread, and I had the chicken coconut curry.- both were delicious. If you’re interested, you can find the menu here.
The Stanley Hotel
We checked out the Stanley Hotel as it’s a must-see in Estes Park. I’m sure you’ve heard about how it inspired Steven King’s novel “It”. The hotel and grounds are beautiful and they have a lovely restaurant inside. We opted out of eating here due to the price, but had to stop to look around! Check out their instagram @thestanleyhotel.
Hiking in RMNP (duh!)
You can’t go all the way to Estes Park without checking out Rocky Mountain National Park. Check out my post: Hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park for details and trail suggestions!
XOXO Kat ♥
