Family-Friendly Estes Park & Rocky Mountain National Park

Land in Denver, pick up your rental car, and make the scenic drive to Estes Park.

If your flight arrives early, consider stopping in Boulder for lunch, or simply enjoy the drive as the Front Range comes into view and your mountain getaway begins.

If time allows, book a ride on the Estes Park Aerial Tramway. Adult admission is discounted later in the afternoon (and for early birds). The short ride up the mountain is a memorable first activity that offers aerial views of Estes Park, an easy trail and—one of our kids’ favorite memories—the chance to feed the curious chipmunks scampering around at the top.

Enjoy a relaxed morning settling in, acclimating to the altitude, and exploring downtown Estes Park.

Park at the Estes Park Visitor Center and follow the Riverwalk along the Big Thompson River. The peaceful, paved path winds through downtown, passing playgrounds, shops, and plenty of opportunities to pause for coffee at local favorites like Kind Coffee, Inkwell & Brew, or Raven’s Roast.

If little legs need a break, hop aboard the free seasonal Estes Park Trolley. The Red Route visits more than a dozen stops, including the historic Stanley Hotel, where Stephen King once famously stayed and got inspired to write The Shining.

Hop off at Mrs. Walsh’s Garden, a charming little oasis filled with native plants. Then, cross the street to Tregent Park, where steps lead down to the river and provide the perfect place for little ones to splash, skip rocks, or dip their toes in the cool mountain water.

Today’s the day to experience Rocky Mountain National Park.

We chose to spend our first day driving the iconic Trail Ridge Road. Climbing above 12,000 feet, the drive showcases dramatic scenery as you cross the treeline and enter the alpine tundra. Stop often for incredible views at overlooks like Rainbow Curve, Forest Canyon, and Rock Cut, many offering short, scenic trails.

Continue to the Alpine Visitor Center before making your way to Milner Pass to stand on the Continental Divide. Pack an extra layer as temperatures can change dramatically with elevation, and don’t miss the visitor centers for current conditions, trail recommendations, and Junior Ranger activities for little explorers.

Keep an eye out for wildlife like pikas, marmots, and moose in the park and throughout town. We even spotted a pair of elk resting in the yard next to our vacation rental!

Return to Rocky Mountain National Park for a memorable day of hiking and wildlife within the beautiful Bear Lake Corridor.

Our timed entry reservation with Bear Lake Corridor access was later in the day, so we began at Sprague Lake. The accessible, stroller-friendly loop trail is one of the easiest walks in the park and a lovely place to immerse ourselves in the beauty of the park while letting the kids splash along the shoreline.

After lingering for a while, we continued to Bear Lake for sunset. Surrounded by evergreens and mountains, it provided a beautiful contrast to the open views at Sprague Lake and was the perfect way to end our time in Rocky Mountain National Park.

If you’re visiting earlier in the day, continue beyond Bear Lake to Nymph, Dream, and Emerald Lakes for some of the park’s most beloved hikes.