Estes Park itinerary scene

Weekend itinerary

Three days from Bear Lake to downtown Estes

Arrive via Lyons Friday, hike from Bear Lake toward Emerald Lake Saturday morning, then save Lake Estes, Elkhorn Avenue, and an elk-viewing drive for Sunday.

By Cal Mercer — a Second Star Guide itinerary

One clear park morning leaves time for Lake Estes, downtown meals, and an evening wildlife drive.

Best length

2 nights

Arrive Friday, give Saturday morning to Bear Lake or Trail Ridge Road, and use Sunday for Lake Estes, downtown, and the drive out.

Stay

Discovery Lodge

An east-side value choice near Lake Estes and the golf course, with straightforward rooms and parking for travelers spending most daylight hours in RMNP.

Main activity

Rocky Mountain National Park

Bear Lake and Trail Ridge Road reward separate mornings; Estes Park fills the lower-elevation hours with meals, lake walks, and wildlife viewing.

Pace

One high-country day

Best for first-time visitors who want a major RMNP outing plus enough time to enjoy Estes Park below the trailheads.

Rocky Mountain National Park overlook near Estes Park
Choose Bear Lake or Trail Ridge Road for the main park morning.
Alpine wildlife and mountain scenery near Estes Park
Use dawn or dusk for wildlife and keep a safe viewing distance.
Estes Park restaurant after a Rocky Mountain day
Return to town for a casual post-hike meal or a reserved dinner.

Friday

Friday: drive through Lyons and walk Lake Estes.

Reach town with daylight, check in, stretch your legs beside Lake Estes or on the Riverwalk, and confirm the next morning’s permit and road status before dinner.

4:00 PM

Saturday

Saturday: Bear Lake to Emerald Lake.

Enter the Bear Lake corridor in the cool morning, walk the shore first, then continue past Nymph and Dream Lakes toward Emerald Lake as altitude, trail conditions, and the group’s energy allow.

8:30 AM

Breakfast

Start with Notchtop Bakery & Cafe.

A substantial sit-down breakfast and bakery choice on the east side, with pancakes, eggs, and coffee for hikers who do not need the earliest possible gate arrival.

Breakfast / coffee

Notchtop Bakery & Cafe

A substantial sit-down breakfast and bakery choice on the east side, with pancakes, eggs, and coffee for hikers who do not need the earliest possible gate arrival.

Open restaurant

Compare Estes Park restaurants

See the full restaurant guide for additional options.

4:30 PM

Afternoon

Return for the Riverwalk and dinner.

After the park, follow Fall River or the Big Thompson through downtown, then eat within walking distance rather than adding another scenic drive.

7:00 PM

Dinner

Reserve dinner at Bird & Jim.

A polished Colorado dinner near the Beaver Meadows side, known for seasonal Rocky Mountain ingredients, cocktails, and a room that merits a reservation on busy weekends.

Special dinner

Bird & Jim

A polished Colorado dinner near the Beaver Meadows side, known for seasonal Rocky Mountain ingredients, cocktails, and a room that merits a reservation on busy weekends.

Open restaurant

Compare Estes Park restaurants

See the full restaurant guide for additional options.

Highlight
The trip’s main event
Viator

RMNP AM Retractable Glass Top Guided Rocky Mountain Experience

A morning Rocky Mountain National Park tour in a retractable-glass-top vehicle, giving visitors big scenery and wildlife-spotting chances without a full-day commitment.

Check availability

Sunday

Sunday: elk meadows, Elkhorn Avenue, and departure.

Look for wildlife from a legal pullout, eat breakfast in town, and browse downtown before returning through Big Thompson Canyon or Lyons.