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5 Ways to Enjoy Your Colorado Summer Vacation in Estes Park

Colorado Summer Vacation: An aerial view of Fall River Village in Estes Park, CO.

Between the crisp alpine air and beautiful scenery, it’s no surprise that Estes Park is a premier destination for those hoping to soak up the sun amid the great outdoors. And when it comes to planning your getaway, it’s always best to look ahead. If you’re putting together an itinerary for your Colorado summer vacation, you may wonder what activities to prioritize. That’s why the Fall River Village Resort concierge team wants to give you a leg up by sharing five ways to enjoy your summer retreat in Estes Park.

Take a Scenic Drive Along Trail Ridge Road

We’ve talked about it before, but Trail Ridge Road is worth revisiting as the highest continuous paved road in the nation. At over 12,000 feet above sea level and boasting jaw-dropping panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains, this iconic corridor demands your attention. At the top, the Alpine Visitor Center is an excellent place to get out, stretch, and get a closer look at the surrounding landscape, thanks to a modest hiking trail—a great way to start your Colorado summer vacation.

Pay a Visit to Lake Estes

Although Estes Park is known for its idyllic mountain vistas, we also have the legendary Lake Estes. The nearby marina has various rental options, including kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, canoes, and even pontoons. If you don’t feel like getting on the water, you can rent a bike or a pedal cart for reasonable prices.

Experience Colorado Rocky Mountain Fishing

You don’t have to be an avid angler to put Colorado Rocky Mountain fishing on your summer vacation bucket list. Between the Big Thompson River and Lake Estes, you’ll have plenty of options. And if you’re not familiar with the nuances of fishing, a few outfitters and guide services are available, like Kirks Flyshop and Estes Angler, to show you the ropes.

Hangout in Downtown Estes Park

As anyone who’s stayed at Fall River Village knows, our proximity to Downtown Estes Park is a significant draw. With shopping, food, and fun wrapped up in one package, Estes Park’s epicenter has something for everyone. The best part is we’re so close you can walk!

Tour the Stanley Hotel

If classic Colorado outdoor adventure is not your primary concern this summer, consider taking a tour of the Stanley Hotel. Sometimes spooky and always insightful, the fabled Stanley Hotel offers a treasure trove of historical exploration opportunities and intrigue. Afterward, stop by The Whiskey Bar for cocktails, laughs, and a few bites. They’re also known for their live entertainment events.

Vacation Condo Rentals in Estes Park, CO

Planning a Colorado summer vacation is never daunting when you stay in Estes Park. There are so many ways to enjoy everything our alpine community offers that your itinerary nearly writes itself. Still, it never hurts to consider outside ideas to activate your creativity. And with the best lodging options around, Fall River Village promises to provide the perfect home base for endless exploration. To make your reservations, visit our accommodations page and find your favorite option!

Horseback Riding Estes Park: An Out West Experience

Horseback Riding Estes Park: Two youngsters and their mother prepare for a horseback riding adventure in Estes Park.

Many travelers consider Colorado the gateway to the “Old West.” While that may be debatable, there’s no denying that “The Centennial State” has excellent opportunities for horseback riding, and Estes Park is no exception. Several outfitters across the valley offer guided rides ranging from quick one-hour treks to all-day adventures.  Still, you may want to research your options before settling in at Fall River Village Resort. So, to help you out, we put together an easy list of the five best horseback riding guides and horse stables in the area and a quick summary of each.

Exploring Estes Park on Horseback

Immersing yourself on horseback in an alpine setting like the Rocky Mountains is a bucket list item for many equine enthusiasts. Thankfully, Estes Park has some reputable stables that will show you the ropes. So not only will you have a unique horseback riding experience, but you’ll probably learn a few things along the way.

National Park Gateway Stables

Located on the outskirts of Rocky Mountain National Park, National Park Gateway Stables is a fan favorite among families visiting Estes Park. They have a wide range of guided rides from two to nine hours, giving visitors many options. Their two-hour dinner ride and the “Ponies for the Li’l Cowpokes” ride are extremely popular.

Elkhorn Stables

Elkhorn Stables offers three primary rides for up to two hours. Guided group trail rides will take you through the Rockies at a comfortable pace, ensuring novice riders feel safe. On the other end of the spectrum, the guide advanced trail rides require more skill as there is much trotting and galloping along the trails. In other words, you must have control over your horse.

Hi Country Stables at Glacier Creek

As the only stable inside Rocky Mountain National Park, Hi Country Stables at Glacier Creek boasts many exploration opportunities. Whether you prefer a gentle walk or an intense gallop, their customized rides offer something for everyone. And since they’re inside the park, you’ll get free park access and timed entry when purchasing any ride.

Sombrero Stables

Sombrero Stables is proud to be the largest guided ride service in Colorado, and you’ll know it by their high-level expertise. If you’re only looking for a sample of the old west, Sombrero Stables is one of the only places that offers 30-minute horseback riding for adults. Otherwise, their “Cowboy Experience” package fully would-be wranglers into the lifestyle with a crash course in horsemanship, including line dancing!

Jackson Stables

In partnership with the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, Jackson Stables has all their trail rides authorized by the National Park Service and over 120 horses at any given time. Their all-day rides are a favorite among avid horseback riders, allowing patrons to reach the highest altitude possible. They also have popular hayrides lasting an hour and a half.

Estes Park Lodging for Any Adventure

An exterior view of an rustic yet elegant vacation rental in Estes Park, CO.

Whether you’re a seasoned wrangler or a budding beginner, horseback riding in Estes Park is a worthwhile endeavor. Even if you’ve never ridden a horse, there’s nothing like saddling up in the majestic Rocky Mountains. If you’re looking for a convenient place to stay with top-tier amenities and ideal proximity to downtown Estes Park, Fall River Village Resort is your place to call home. 
Find out more by reaching out online or calling 970-325-6864 today!

Finding the Best Pizza in Estes Park

Best Pizza in Estes Park: A pizza-lover pulls a slice from a supreme pizza in Estes Park.

Enjoying local cuisine is a crucial aspect of the vacation experience. And no matter what corner of the United States you’re in, a pizza place is likely around the corner. Still, when it comes to finding the best pizza in Estes Park, there are a lot of considerations. The good news is that whether you like chewy New York-style, crispy thin crust, or a classic Roman, the best pizza in Estes Park isn’t too far away from Fall River Village Resort!

So Many Pizza Places in Estes Park

Finding pizza in Estes Park is a breeze thanks to our ideal location. Many pizza places are downtown, giving you several options. What’s more, you can also get delivery sent to your suite or condo for added convenience. No matter how you slice it, it is an excellent choice for friends and family. Here are our top Estes Park pizza places and some advice for determining your favorite.

  1. For a nearby place, Estes Park Distilling Company offers Bob and Tony’s Pizza, which is only a 10-minute walk or a three-minute drive away.
  2. If you’re looking for an authentic New York pizza place in Estes Park, Antonio’s Real New NY Pizza is the place to go. Not only is their pizza made by real New Yorkers, but the Washington Post recently named it the best New York-style pizza place in Colorado.
  3. Poppy’s Pizza and Grill is for anyone interested in creating a customized flavor with five distinct sauces, four sizes, two kinds of crust, and seemingly endless toppings.
  4. The Mangia Mangia Pizzeria offers classic Neapolitan wood-fired pizzas on the go from their truck, perfect for anyone moving from spot to spot.
  5. If you need to grab a bite while charging your Tesla, Sweet Basilico has three Tesla connectors along with delicious thick-crust Roma-style pizza pies.
  6. For you “pizzanistas” who desire a laid-back tavern-like atmosphere with live music, Cousin Pat’s Pub & Grill has you covered.
  7. If you want something sweet with your pizza, The Birds Nest Bakery offers scones, muffins, cinnamon rolls, and more alongside thick-crust Italian-style pizza.
  8. As their name suggests, The Sandwich Mafia specializes in sandwiches but has received rave reviews for their rising crust pizzas.
  9. Rock Inn Mountain Tavern is another place offering live music, but their 10-inch personal pizzas are an excellent way to ensure you don’t go hungry while you rock out.
  10. If you want to catch a game or play a few frames, The Bull Pin Bowling & Sports Bar will ensure you don’t go hungry while you root for your favorite team or knock down some pins.

Estes Park Vacation Rentals and Condos near Downtown

If you ask us about finding the best pizza in Estes Park, we believe in the old saying, “To each their own.” So, depending on what you crave, where you’re going, or who you’re with, you’ll always have an option for one of America’s favorite foods. And just like the many pizza places, Fall River Village Resort has an impressive selection. 

Visit us online to learn more!

The Best Colorado Cross-Country Skiing Spots near Estes Park

Cross-Country Skiing Colorado: A woman cross-country skiing amid the backcountry near Estes Park, Colorado.

If you ask any winter sports enthusiast, there’s a good chance they’ll tell you cross-country skiing is among the most immersive things to do to enjoy the great outdoors. Although downhill skiing usually takes center stage in the Centennial State, Colorado offers excellent cross-country skiing opportunities, including around Estes Park. The best part is that most of our skiing areas are beginner to intermediate level, so you don’t have to worry about being an expert. To help you find the best spots, the Fall River Village Resort team put together a list of nearby places that won’t disappoint.

Trail Ridge Road

It’s no secret that Trail Ridge Road is closed to automobiles in the winter, but some people may not know that you can still explore it amid a beautiful blanket of snow. And because cars aren’t allowed, you can safely navigate this iconic road from over 10,000 feet. Patrons will enjoy the alpine vantage points along the road, which offer outstanding winter views of Hidden Valley and Horseshoe Park.

Sprague Lake Loop

The Sprague Lake Loop is another excellent Estes Park cross-country skiing trail for beginners. This three-mile loop is the primary route, but you can also go around the lake. With minimal incline, a distinct pathway, and beautiful scenery, it’s no surprise that the Sprague Lake Loop is popular among newbies and families with children.

Bear Lake

Bear Lake is a beloved summer hike that transforms into a winter wonderland for those eager to experience Colorado cross-country skiing. The flat trail circling the lake is an excellent starting point, branching out to other scenic backcountry lakes like Nymph Lake, Emerald Lake, and Dream Lake.

Glacier Gorge

Explore the Glacier Gorge trails accessed through Bear Lake and the Glacier Gorge Trailhead for more rugged cross-country skiing. The journey to Mills Lake via Glacier Gorge is spectacular and moderately easy in terms of elevation gain.

Premier Lodging in Estes Park, Colorado

Now that you have a few places in mind to create a memorable Colorado cross-country skiing experience, we invite you to make yourself at home at Fall River Village Resort. We have a wide selection of vacation rentals offering easy access to all the popular outdoor winter adventure spots and Downtown Estes Park, so you’ll never have to worry about missing out on anything. From condos to vacation homes, we have it all! To find out more or make reservations, please visit us online today!

Winter Photography Tips from Fall River Village Resort

Winter Photography: A photographer looks for the perfect shot near Estes Park.

Well before social media and digital cameras, taking pictures has been a significant part of the vacation experience. As we make our way through fall, many visitors to Fall River Village Resort are gearing up for winter getaways in Estes Park, meaning there will be plenty of winter photography opportunities. It goes without saying that smartphones and advanced point-and-shoot cameras make taking pictures more manageable than ever. Still, winter can present a new set of challenges because of how snow, cold weather, and prominent cloud cover can affect lighting and the overall appearance of imagery. To help ensure your time isn’t wasted on blurry pictures or foggy lenses, we put together five tips for a better winter photography experience.

Winter Photography Opportunities | Estes Park, Colorado

Some perceive winter photography as challenging due to prior unsuccessful attempts. The often-overlooked charm lies in the new perspective created by snow-covered forests, icicles, and frozen lakes. The colder months offer a unique canvas for photography, showcasing a pristine white landscape. While winter poses challenges with its limited color palette and sunlight, amateur and professional photographers can capture enchanting and surreal moments by investing effort and creativity into their shots. Embracing the cold opens up magical photographic opportunities to portray your winter getaway in a captivating light.

5 Winter Photography Tips

Whether at Rocky Mountain National Park or Downtown Estes Park, our idyllic area offers a wealth of winter photography possibilities. Here are a few tips to help you capture beautiful memories.

  • Embrace all weather conditions, including snowstorms and blizzards, for unique photographic opportunities. Just make sure you put safety at the forefront.
  • To capture captivating images, utilize every hour of the day, not just the “golden hours” around sunrise and sunset.
  • Minimize tracks and footprints in your shots to maintain the pristine and surreal quality of a winter setting.
  • Carry spare batteries to counter the cold temperatures that can drain your camera’s power, especially if using electronic screens for framing shots.
  • Adjust the white balance to a cold setting before editing to bring out vibrant snow and pronounced shadows in your photos.

Vacation Rental Condos near Downtown Estes Park

Fall River Village in Winter

It doesn’t take long to realize that the greater Estes Park area has many excellent places for winter photography. From snowcapped mountains to bustling streets, you can let your imagination and creativity run wild. Fall River Village is your go-to lodging option with a sizable collection of accommodations near all the action. To start planning your Estes Park winter getaway, check out our vacation rentals today!