If you love enjoying all that the outdoors has to offer, then you’ll love Estes Park. A natural paradise, Estes Park provides unique and adventurous activities year-round for people of all ages. Though any of the available local experiences will create lasting memories, if you only have a limited time in Estes Park, there are certain things that you just can’t miss. To help you know where to start, here are five awesome outdoor adventures you must try in Estes Park.
ATV Tours
If you enjoy taking things at your own pace and exploring areas that are hard to reach, then an ATV tour may be just what you’ll enjoy. ATVs provide one of the favorite things to do in Estes Park because they provide options for both guided and unguided tours, meaning you can customize your experience to your tastes and skill level.
ATVs allow you to explore a large area quite quickly, allowing you to truly get out on your own in the untouched wilderness. Several different companies provide ATV rentals, including Backbone Adventures and Estes Park ATV Rentals. If an ATV isn’t your thing, these companies also offer four-wheel-drive vehicles and other modes of transportation for rent.
White Water Rafting
Aside from the gorgeous mountain landscapes, one of the things that Estes Park is known for is its beautiful lakes and waterways. These waterways provide plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures in the form of white water rafting. You can set out on a trek down local rivers, including the Cache La Poudre and Upper Colorado, as well as Clear Creek.
The best part about rafting in the Estes Park area, at least according to the locals at Estes Park Team Realty, is that there are rapids that cater to all skill levels. Therefore, even if you’ve never been white water rafting before, you can have an enjoyable time when you sign up for a trip with companies including Rocky Mountain Adventures, A1 Wildwater, Mountain Whitewater, and A Wanderlust Adventure.
Horseback Riding
If speed isn’t your thing, then Estes Park has the perfect alternative in horseback riding. There’s nothing like experiencing the beauty of the trails in the area on the back of a horse, in the same way, that the founders of Estes Park would have seen it almost 150 years ago. Another nice aspect of a horseback tour is that you can choose the length of your ride. Companies such as Sombrero Ranches, Moraine Park Stables, and Estes Park Outfitters offer options including 30-minute, 1-hour, and 2-hour excursions.
At Estes Park Team Realty, we recommend starting with a shorter excursion if you’ve never ridden a horse before. This will allow your body to get used to the unique movements and jolts of riding a horse. Then, once you’re more comfortable on a horse, you can opt for a longer excursion to allow you to take in more of the natural beauty of the Estes Park area.
Rock Climbing
Why climb the majestic mountains surrounding Estes Park? Because they’re there. Rock climbing allows you to get up close and personal with the natural wonders that make Estes Park what it is. The Kent Mountain Adventure Center is just one company that offers rock climbing adventures on various climbing hotspots and less-known destinations.
The nice thing about utilizing a climbing company is that these companies also offer other activities that you can add to your rock climbing excursion. Therefore, if you want to add backpacking or other exploration activities, you can essentially make your trek as long as you’d like, experiencing something new every step of the way.
Another advantage of rock climbing with professionals is that it greatly lowers the risk involved. Even experienced climbers can sometimes be caught off-guard by the challenges that come with scaling the peaks around Estes Park. With professional assistance, though, you can enjoy the stunning beauty around you while being absolutely certain of your safety.
Winter Sports
Through the years, as word has gotten out, people have realized that things to do in Estes Park don’t end when the summer’s over. There are a variety of outdoor adventures you can take part in when there’s snow on the ground. These include backcountry skiing with the Kent Mountain Adventure Center, Snowcat tours with Estes Park Outfitters, and ice climbing with the Colorado Mountain School.
Since crowds are lower in Estes Park during the winter, it provides a great way to really feel like you’re alone with nature. If you have some downtime and want a more relaxing activity, you can arrange for a National Park Ranger to take you on a winter ecology walk to learn more about the diverse plants and animals that call Estes Park home. Then you can head back out into the wilderness for your next great adventure.
Homes for sale in Estes Park
Are you looking to live this adventurous lifestyle throughout the year? Take a look at the homes for sale in Estes Park and feel free to give us a call at 970-586-3838 or email us at [email protected].
