Estes Park is a pretty magical place where the mule deer and elk roam free and you are likely to come across them randomly while making your way through town, especially early in the morning. One day we saw a small heard eating their way through a neighborhood’s bushes. There was a man walking his small dog and when he saw them he just turned and walked the other way as if nothing happened.
Outside of the increased chance of wild animal sightings, Estes Park is a great place to explore and enjoy some downtime after a long adventurous day at Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP). It is open year round and caters to snow centered activities in the winter. It is a very popular jumping off point for RMNP and can be a bit expensive. I will review affordable (and splurge) accommodation options as well as some free to inexpensive things to do here. And as always, a cold beer from a local brewery is never a bad idea.
Table of Contents
LODGING
Lodging poses the biggest challenge to visiting on a budget. Estes Park stays open year round and time of year you visit with depend entirely on what activities you plan to do. Keep in mind snow falls earlier in the year in mountain regions and this area can have snow from late September through late May.
Hotels and Motels
The average hotel here is around $200/N but there are a few options in the $150/N range. They are older with worn furnishings and strictly no frills but worth the savings if your accommodations only need to be clean and serviceable. Just be sure to check the reviews before booking. We stayed at the Peak to Peak Lodge which came with a spacious room and a desk with coffee pot, microwave, and mini fridge. It was definitely dated but clean with a comfortable bed and a never ending supply of hot water. It is currently under renovations and will reopen with its original name, Kinnikinnik Motor Lodge.
Vacation Rentals
There are plenty of cabins and short term rentals to choose from but VRBO seems to have more properties listed than airbnb. Starting prices are comparable to hotels but by the time you pay booking and cleaning fees, you will be spending a bit more. I find my stay to be much more comfortable in a vacation rental over a hotel but generally only feel the cost is worth it for longer US based trips.
Hostels
If you don’t mind sharing a bathroom, the Dao House offers private Queen hostel rooms for around $100/n. Unfortunately its not very centrally located and you run the risk of using some of your savings on fuel. Its about 10 miles from the center of town. Estes Park Adventure Lodge is a more traditional hostel with co-ed bunk rooms. It is centrally located and within walking distance of bars and restaurants. It has historical significance as well as it was the first National Park Service headquarters for RMNP. Rates start at $45/n per person.
Camping
Thanks to the altitude, summers are not particularly hot with highs in the 70s and temperatures dropping in the evening. This can make tent camping an extremely attractive budget friendly option if you already own the appropriate gear.
There are multiple campgrounds to choose from, most on the outskirts of town. Prices start at $45/n for a tent site without hookups. Though a bit more expensive, there is a KOA located in town with tent sites in peak season going for around $65/n. The next closest options are Mary’s Lake Campground and Elk Meadow Lodge and RV Resort. If you’re looking for a more unique camping experience, Elk Meadow Lodge also offers tee pee sites complete with tee pee and carpeted floor for up to 4 people starting at $79/n.
Splurge Accommodations
If money is no object, consider staying at the Stanley Hotel. Built in 1909, this hotel has its fair share of history and plenty of ghost stories to boot but it is most widely known as the inspiration for Stephen King’s Shining. Room rates vary but expect to spend about $350/n.
