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We are heading to Estes Park next week for a family vacation (Me, Wife, Kids 4 and 2). Any recommendations on hikes or activities that would be good/open this time of year. I realize this is a weird season to be there, but its what we got.
TIA
Just returned last night from Estes Park (visited uncle who lives in Estes Park). We were there from Sept 23-28. Beware: text a little long since I was just there.
Leaves changing color are at their peak right now (especially the Aspen Trees in RMNP). Temperature is perfect right now with snow in the higher elevations combined with the fall colors but not so cold that it is uncomfortable even if you are moving (hiking).
It was beautiful on the hikes in RMNP. My wife and I (along with our 10.5 month old daughter) drove to Bear lake trailhead and took photos at bear lake and we hiked the trail to Nymph lake, then to Dream Lake, where it finally ended at Emerald lake. It was a relatively easy hike for us "sea-levelers" (Houston). I carried our daughter in an Osprey hiking baby carrier that we rented from Hiking Hut in town (very friendly place and only $10/day) and I had no trouble with it (a little icy on the steps near emerald lake though). Be sure to do it early. We got into RMNP early and we had to park at shuttle lot since Bear Lake Trailhead parking lot was full. If shuttle lot fills up they will turn you around.
We also did Sprague Lake Hike which is also off of bear lake road between the bearlake shuttle lot and the bearlake trailhead on the left. 3/4mile loop around with some scenic views... very easy with stroller and very quick.
Trail Ridge Road was closed past Rainbow Curve the first two days we were there due to a cold front that brought a lot of snow on the mountain. Trail Ridge Road later opened all the way on day 3 but we didn't have time to go to the top. Plus due to the peak of leaves changing color there is traffic along the road due to people slowing down to photograph a tree instead of pulling off to the side of the road. That cold front closed Fall River Road and it will remain closed for the rest of the season.
Elk are rutting so expect to see a lot of them in the town area and the lower elevations of RMNP. When you see people slowing down on the road or a lot of people gathering with cameras out you can expect to see a lot of Elk.
I also recommend going to the YMCA. They have horseback rides from an hr long to all day. Rides 2 hrs or longer go into the RMNP. Wife and I did a 1 hr horseback ride ($40/person) while uncle watched baby. There are also pony rides for young ones. We saw elk wondering the property there as well.
For breakfast I recommend Cinnamon's bakery. Only really sell cinnamon rolls (plus coffee, hot coco, and gluten sensitive blueberry muffins) but they are the best Cinnamon rolls I have ever had. They open at 7 or 8am and they close at 10 or when they sell out but even at 8am there is a line out the door (small shop). They always sell out before 10am so get there early
Elk fest is Oct 1-2 and according to my uncle so the town center will have lots of activities for kids to do.