Lake Estes — Attraction in Estes Park

This lake is gorgeous and you get a great 360 view of the mountains. I highly recommend staying at one of the resorts right there in town. Plenty of food shopping and activities nearby. Also, The Stanley Hotel where “The Shining” was filmed is also not far!

The drive down 34 offers the BEST scenic views! so Be sure to use that as you way in and out. If you decide to drive through the mountains - be sure your tank is full and you go potty!! ;) Men of course are always fine - women - you’ll be screwed if you are sippin a big gulp and realize there isn’t a toilet in site!

Look up the Millsite Inn! You can head there and enjoy a beer, some lunch and even go potty! The couple that own this place are super friendly and have everything you need to continue on your journey! You have to check them out! It’s such a cool little place!

We can’t wait to go back to the Rocky Mountains!

We already miss the hospitality, the AIR (compared to Chicago lol) and the sheer Beauty of Colorful Colorado!

Also!! - go check out Devils Backbone for an awesome hike before getting into the mountains!!!! It’s worth it! I promise!

Be sure to visit the Ark Antique Store! The lady there is so nice and she has some really great antiques and gifts to bring back home! Plus she has puzzles which you can enjoy with the family at night!!!! The Ark itself is adorable and you have to go...

Gorgeous lake right at the entrance to Estes Park. Great photo ops. Pretty quiet in the winter but more active in the summer. Boating and fishing allowed on the water. Biking and hiking trails around the lake with spectacular views. And you might see some wildlife, because you’re in the wild.

Hilariously this surprised some tourists we saw who were most definitely on a Colorado pot smoking adventure. They wanted to know where the elk lived and who let them out...

So in addition to seeing wildlife you may see stoners in the wild. I cannot guarantee it, but...

Lake Estes is an absolute treasure! I have been to Estes Park before but hadn’t taken advantage of the lake, what a mistake! It’s great for a walk, bike ride, long boarding, Kayaking, fishing, picnicking or stand up paddle boarding! There is something for everyone to do here and you are surrounded by nature and stunning views from all sides! My husband and I rode our long boards around the lake and even stopped for drinks at the hotel. We could’ve spent the whole day there just enjoying the beautiful weather and scenery. I can’t say enough great things...