Planning a road trip from Colorado Springs to Estes Park this summer?
Estes Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Colorado, making it a great destination for a road trip.
Estes Park is a charming mountain village, nestled in the heart of the Colorado Rocky Mountains.
Known as the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, this picturesque town is home to a spectacular array of wildlife, including elk, deer, and big horn sheep.
With its quaint downtown area dotted with unique shops, art galleries, and eateries, Estes Park offers visitors a chance to unwind and enjoy the serene beauty of nature.
From hiking and horseback riding in the summer to snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the winter, outdoor enthusiasts will find a plethora of activities year-round.
Here is an ultimate guide to planning a Colorado Springs to Estes Park road trip.
Also Read: Colorado Springs to Mesa Verde National Park road trip
Colorado Springs to Estes Park: Driving time and distance
The drive time from Colorado Springs to Estes Park is approximately 2 hours and 35 minutes.
The total driving distance of Estes Park from Colorado Springs is just over 140 miles.
In fact, Estes Park is one of the most popular day trips from Colorado Springs – however, we recommend planning a longer trip to see all the attractions.
Best Routes for the Colorado Springs to Estes Park drive
There are several routes that you can take to get from Colorado Springs to Estes Park.
The most popular route is via Denver.
Take the I-25 N past the Mile High City and then turn on CO-66 W towards Longmont.
Then US-36 to Estes Park.
This scenic route provides stunning views of the Rockies and offers plenty of opportunities for stops along the way.
Colorado Springs to Estes Park Road Trip: Essential Stops
There are some must-visit stops along the way!
Here are our picks for the best stops on the Colorado Springs to Estes Park Road Trip:
Colorado Springs
If you are flying in into Colorado Springs, take some time to explore this city.
Colorado Springs, nestled at the foot of the majestic Pikes Peak, is a destination filled with natural beauty and history.
A haven for outdoor enthusiasts, the city is teeming with trails, parks, and adventure activities.
The Garden of the Gods, a registered National Natural Landmark, is a must-visit with its towering red rock formations set against the backdrop of snow-capped Pikes Peak.
Take a challenging hike or simply enjoy a leisurely stroll through the park – either way, you’ll be immersed in breathtaking scenery.
The Pikes Peak Cog Railway, the world’s highest cog railroad, offers a unique and scenic way to reach the summit of Pikes Peak.
Don’t miss the chance to visit the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center, where you can witness the training of future Olympians.
The city’s rich history can be explored at the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum that houses artifacts and exhibits chronicling the area’s past.
Downtown Colorado Springs is filled with charming boutiques, eclectic art galleries, and diverse restaurants offering a taste of local cuisine.
All these reasons make Colorado Springs a perfect place to start your road trip to Estes Park.
Castle Rock
Next stop along 1-25 N is Castle Rock.
Castle Rock, named after the prominent castle tower-shaped butte near the center of town, is another must-visit stopover.
This family-oriented city provides a blend of big-city amenities and small-town charm.
Here, you can visit the Outlets at Castle Rock for a delightful shopping experience, featuring over 100 brand name stores.
For outdoor lovers, the Castlewood Canyon State Park offers plenty of trails for hiking and rock climbing, with beautiful panoramic views of the city from the top.
For a more relaxed outdoor activity, Philip S. Miller Park also offers a network of trails, a large field for sports, and a zipline for adventure seekers.
This stop wouldn’t be complete without a climb to the base of the “Castle Rock” itself, which can be reached by a short, 1.4-mile trail originating in Rock Park.
From the top, you get a beautiful view of the city and the surrounding landscape.
All these attractions make Castle Rock worth the stop on your way to Estes Park.
Denver
Just up the I-25 N is the vibrant city of Denver.
Denver, the capital of Colorado, is a dynamic city known for its rich cultural scene and outdoor recreation.
The thriving arts scene, diverse culinary offerings, and plethora of outdoor activities make Denver a must-stop destination on your way to Estes Park.
A visit to Denver wouldn’t be complete without exploring its many museums and cultural institutions.
The Denver Art Museum houses an impressive collection of American Indian Art and other pieces from around the world.
For history buffs, the History Colorado Center provides an in-depth look at Colorado’s past.
For families, the Denver Zoo and Denver Museum of Nature & Science offer fun and educational experiences for all ages.
Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the city’s extensive park system, including the popular Washington Park and City Park.
Sports fans will appreciate a trip to Coors Field, home of the Colorado Rockies, or Mile High Stadium, home of the Denver Broncos.
If you’re a beer lover, you can’t miss the Denver Beer Trail, which showcases some of the city’s award-winning microbreweries.
LoDo (Lower Downtown), with its historical buildings and bustling nightlife, is a great place to wind down after a day of sightseeing.
Here you’ll find a wide selection of restaurants, boutiques, art galleries, and rooftop bars.
Denver Botanic Gardens and Pearl Street Mall are also great to visit.
Denver’s unique blend of modern city life and its close proximity to the beauty of the Rockies make it a destination not to be missed on your Colorado Springs to Estes Park road trip.
Longmont
Longmont, nestled at the base of the Rocky Mountains, is another stop you won’t want to miss.
Known for its vibrant downtown and thriving agricultural scene, Longmont offers something for everyone.
Stroll through downtown to explore the city’s historic buildings and unique local boutiques.
If you’re looking for a taste of local culture, visit the Longmont Museum for an in-depth look at the city’s history.
Agriculture is important to Longmont, and visitors can experience it firsthand through visits to local farms and wineries.
The town also offers challenging hikes in the nearby St. Vrain State Park, with breathtaking views of the Rockies from atop its peaks.
With its farmers markets, microbreweries, and outdoor recreation opportunities, Longmont is the perfect stop on your Colorado Springs to Estes Park road trip.
Lyons
The next stop before you reach Estes Park is the charming town of Lyons.
Lyons is a small but vibrant town that offers an enriching detour on your road trip.
The town is renowned for its thriving music scene, with the annual RockyGrass and Folks Festivals attracting visitors from all over the country.
Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the myriad of activities that Lyons offers.
For a fun-filled water adventure, try tubing down the North St. Vrain Creek during the summer or fishing in its clear waters.
The Hall Ranch and Heil Valley Ranch offer excellent hiking trails, with the chance to spot local wildlife and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Lyons also boasts several parks, including the LaVern M. Johnson Park, perfect for a family picnic or a leisurely walk.
And don’t miss the opportunity to explore the town’s main street, teeming with unique shops, art galleries, and delightful eateries serving up local cuisine.
The Lyons Redstone Museum, housed in the town’s 1881 schoolhouse, offers a glimpse into the area’s history and is definitely worth a visit.
Lyons’ rich cultural scene, ample outdoor recreation, and friendly, small-town ambiance is worth exploring.
Also Read: 21 Best Things to do in North Colorado
Estes Park
Welcome to your final destination, Estes Park.
Nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Estes Park is an idyllic mountain town that is often regarded as the gateway to the Rocky Mountain National Park.
Here, you’ll find yourself surrounded by stunning mountain vistas, crystal-clear lakes, and an abundance of wildlife.
One of the main reasons to visit Estes Park is its exceptional natural beauty.
Outdoor enthusiasts will be in heaven, with a wealth of hiking trails, rock climbing routes, and opportunities for fishing and wildlife viewing.
The Rocky Mountain National Park, with its 415 square miles of breathtaking mountain landscapes, is a must-visit.
Here, you can drive along the scenic Trail Ridge Road, hike to Alberta Falls or Emerald Lake, or explore the wilderness on horseback.
Estes Park is also home to a bustling downtown area, where you can browse through local boutiques, savor delicious cuisine at various restaurants, or sample locally-brewed beers at the Estes Park Brewery.
For those interested in local culture and history, the Estes Park Museum offers fascinating exhibits detailing the area’s past.
Estes Park also hosts a number of annual events, such as the Estes Park Jazz Fest and the Longs Peak Scottish-Irish Highland Festival, attracting visitors from all corners of the world.
The hauntingly beautiful Stanley Hotel is worth a tour.
For the adventurous, try white water rafting down the Colorado River or take a thrilling ride on the Estes Park Aerial Tramway.
If you’re looking for a more relaxed activity, you can take a leisurely stroll along the beautiful Lake Estes or enjoy a picnic in one of the many parks.
In summary, with its enchanting natural beauty, myriad of outdoor activities, and charming downtown, Estes Park is the perfect way to conclude your Colorado Springs to Estes Park road trip.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Most visitors plan a trip to Estes Park to visit RMNP.
Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most beautiful national parks in America.
Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) is an absolute must for any traveler.
The park is brimming with jaw-dropping vistas, diverse wildlife, and a plethora of recreational activities.
The park is renowned for its stunning alpine landscapes, from rugged peaks and verdant forests to rushing rivers and serene lakes.
Outdoor enthusiasts will be spoiled for choice with a multitude of things to do.
The park boasts over 300 miles of hiking trails, ranging from leisurely strolls to challenging treks, each offering a unique perspective of the park’s scenic beauty.
The Bear Lake trail and the Flattop Mountain trail are particularly popular among visitors.
For those seeking a more adrenaline-fueled adventure, the park offers excellent opportunities for rock climbing and mountain biking.
And during the winter months, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails abound.
Wildlife viewing is another major draw to RMNP.
Home to a diverse array of wildlife, including elk, black bears, marmots and over 270 species of birds, the park is a paradise for nature lovers.
Among the park’s popular attractions is the Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved road in the U.S., which offers breathtaking panoramic views and access to numerous trailheads.
The park’s historic structures, like the Holzwarth Historic Site and the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center, designed by the renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s firm, are also worth a visit.
Estes Park to Colorado Springs Road Trip Guide
You can also use this guide to plan a Estes Park to Colorado Springs return trip.
On the return trip, you can take CO Highway 7 or the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway.
The highway is 55 miles long and ends at Black Hawk and Central City.
Here is some information about this scenic route.
Peak to Peak Scenic Byway
The Peak to Peak Scenic Byway is the oldest scenic byway in Colorado.
It connects Estes Park and Central City and offers an unmissable opportunity to immerse in the state’s natural beauty.
This scenic 55-mile drive, which winds through the Rocky Mountains, has unrivaled vistas of the Continental Divide and takes you past numerous recreational areas, hiking trails, and historic sites.
Firstly, Nederland, an eclectic mountain town, is worth a pit-stop.
Renowned for its rich mining history and vibrant music scene, Nederland hosts the unique Frozen Dead Guy Days festival annually.
The town also serves as a gateway to the Indian Peaks Wilderness, offering exceptional hiking and camping opportunities.
Further along the byway, you’ll find the picturesque Brainard Lake Recreation Area.
This area is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with trails for hiking and cross-country skiing, and plentiful spots for picnicking and wildlife viewing.
The next notable site is the historic mining town of Central City.
Once a thriving gold-mining locale, Central City now attracts visitors with its charming Victorian buildings, the famous Central City Opera, and multiple casinos.
Lastly, the Golden Gate Canyon State Park offers over 12,000 acres of dense forest, rugged peaks, and wildflower-dotted meadows.
The park has a network of 36 miles of hiking trails, several campgrounds, and fishing spots.
Remember to take your time as you traverse along the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway, appreciating the raw beauty of Colorado and the enchanting attractions that are scattered along the route.
After the byway, you can visit the city of Golden.
Golden, Colorado
Golden is the perfect place to relax and experience Colorado’s culture.
The city is home to numerous attractions, including three national historic districts.
Visitors can explore the past at the Astor House museum or visit modern-day breweries like Golden City Brewery and Mountain Toad Brewing.
These two establishments are renowned for their craft beer selection.
For outdoorsy types, Golden offers plenty of recreational opportunities.
The Clear Creek trail is a popular spot for biking and walking, while the nearby Table Mountain offers challenging climbs for mountaineering enthusiasts.
The city also has hot springs nearby.
Golden also hosts multiple cultural events throughout the year, such as the Buffalo Bill Days Festival and Colorado Dragon Boat Festival.
After a stop in Golden, continue driving towards Colorado Springs for your return trip.
Also Read: Ultimate Colorado Springs to Breckenridge Road Trip Guide
Best time for Colorado Springs to Estes Park Road trip
The best time to visit Colorado Springs and Estes Park is from May to October.
During this period, the weather is usually sunny and pleasant, making it ideal for outdoor activities.
September and October are particularly great months for a road trip as they provide perfect opportunities for wildlife viewing in Rocky Mountain National Park.
In the winter months, the roads may be closed due to snow and ice, so it’s best to plan your trip for spring or early winter.
Summer is often crowded in Colorado Springs and Estes Park as they are popular tourist destinations.
However the waterfalls are flowing full and the alpine meadows are colorful with wildflowers in summer.
If you’re looking for a more peaceful experience, consider visiting during the shoulder season (April-May and October-November).
With breathtaking views and countless activities, these two destinations make for a perfect road trip!
Colorado Springs to Estes Park by flight
If you don’t want to drive, you can also fly from Colorado Springs to Denver, then take a shuttle from the Denver International Airport to Estes Park.
United Airlines, Frontier and American Airlines are the main carriers offering direct flights between these two cities.
The average flight time is 1 hour 15 minutes, but it may vary depending on the airline and route taken.
However, you need a car to explore RMNP, which you can rent at the Denver airport.
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