Romantic getaway in Estes Park

After wrapping up work a little early, John and I packed up and drove from Denver to Estes Park, ready to kick off our anniversary getaway. Once we arrived, we headed straight into town to stroll along the river and explore the charming shops and boutiques. Estes Park’s quaint downtown always has a way of drawing you in, and it was the perfect way to unwind after the drive.

For dinner, we chose the Dunraven at the Estes Park Resort. Though it sadly no longer exists, we’re so glad we got to experience it—dining with a stunning view of the lake was unforgettable. If you’re looking to splurge on a hotel, the Estes Park Resort is definitely a spot to consider. Its location and views make it truly special!

After dinner, we settled in at the Peak to Peak Lodge, where we stayed for two nights. While it was budget-friendly, it wasn’t the nicest place to stay and probably wouldn’t be our first choice if we return. That said, it gave us a place to rest our heads as we prepared for the adventures ahead!

We started our second day in Estes Park with brunch at The Post Chicken and Beer, and it did not disappoint. The food was absolutely delicious—just what we needed to fuel our day of adventures.

Our first stop was the iconic Stanley Hotel, a must-see for anyone visiting Estes Park. We spent time exploring the historic property, taking in its beautiful architecture, and soaking in the spooky stories that make it so famous.

In the afternoon, we got creative at Inspired Artisan Market & Studio, where we joined a craft class to make snow globes. It was such a fun and unique activity, and now we have a handmade souvenir to remind us of the trip.

For dinner, we treated ourselves to a meal at Twin Owls Steakhouse. The atmosphere was cozy and the food was fantastic—definitely a highlight of the day. After dinner, we headed back to our lodge to relax and reflect on another memorable day in Estes Park.

We started our final day in Estes Park with breakfast at The Bird’s Nest, a cozy little spot that also offered a unique option: picnic backpacks! We borrowed one for the day and picked up a delicious picnic lunch featuring a charcuterie assortment—perfect for our outdoor adventure.

From there, we headed to Rocky Mountain National Park for a hike. It’s important to note that you need to reserve a timed entry spot online to enter the park, so make sure to plan ahead if you’re visiting.

Our chosen trail was the Emerald Lake Trail, a stunning 3.2-mile out-and-back route starting from the Bear Lake Trailhead. The hike is moderately challenging and typically takes around 1 hour and 39 minutes to complete. This popular trail takes you through pine forests and past sparkling alpine lakes like Nymph Lake and Dream Lake, with breathtaking views of Flattop Mountain, Hallett Peak, Glacier Gorge, and Tyndall Glacier along the way.

It’s an absolute dream for photographers, with incredible scenery at every turn. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can extend the hike to Lake Haiyaha by taking a turn just before Dream Lake.

After enjoying our hike and savoring our picnic lunch amidst the stunning surroundings, we headed back to the car, feeling accomplished and in awe of the beauty we had experienced. It was the perfect way to close out our Estes Park getaway before heading home.