How to Visit Estes Park Without a Car
One of my favorite mountain towns to visit in Colorado is Estes Park. In fact, I think that it’s one of the most welcoming and enjoyable Colorado mountain towns for every type of visitor. Whether you’re heading up there from Denver to enjoy the cooler weather at altitude, attending the massive Highland Festival, participating in Frozen Dead Guy Days or attending one of the many cool events at the Stanley Hotel-Estes Park has a lot to offer for in-state and out of state visitors. If you’re wondering how to visit Estes Park without a car, it’s possible, read on.
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Planning to Visit Denver for 3 Days
Spending time in the mountains when able to is part of the Denver lifestyle. We enjoy exploring the cute mountain towns throughout the region, enjoying cool festivals and events. Or, going for a day of hiking. No visit to Denver would be complete without some time exploring one of the many mountain towns that are close to Denver. In this post, I’m sharing a recent visit to Estes Park-a town that I enjoy visiting over and over again. If you’re in Denver for 3 days-if possible add a day in Estes Park to your list of things to do.
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Is Estes Park Welcoming to Black Visitors (and other POC)
Yes. I wrote a post were I shared that Breckenridge is my current favorite mountain town for Black visitors. But Estes Park is a close second on my list. It’s very welcoming, low-key and accessible. There are plenty of activities, the people in town are pretty chill and people mind their business. In fact, GrlTrk hosts its Stress Protest event at the YMCA of the Rockies-located just outside of Estes Park.
I’ve visited Estes Park for more years than I can count and I consistently am treated well and see other Black visitors and locals whenever I’m in town including the trip that I’m describing in this post. There were several Black and mixed couples/friends and solo travels that I noticed while I was there.
Visiting Estes Park From Denver Without a Car
If you live in Denver and don’t own a car or are visiting from out of town and are wondering how to visit Estes Park without a car-you’re in luck. I’ve written about Bustang in other posts on this website and I’m so excited to share that in 2023 Bustang extended its service to Estes Park.
In previous years Bustang only served Estes Park during September. I totally understood why because that’s the time of year when people are heading up to check out “The Rut” when elks are mating and making a loud bugling noise. DON’T GET ANYWHERE NEAR THE ELK! Anywho, this summer I was amazed to find out that Bustang had quietly expanded its service to include most of the summer months.
This expanded service is much needed and a game changer for locals and visitors alike. It was $15 round trip per person which I think is a fantastic price. Please note: the service ends for the season on October 1st, 2023 (will update when I get the 2024 info)
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How to Use Bustang to Visit Estes Park
You will board Bustang from the RTD Transit Station located below/next to Union Station. Unlike many of the other Bustang routes, it’s strongly recommended that you reserve your seat online or via the app so that your seat is guaranteed. If your phone is broken (like mine was at the time) do be aware that the driver will need to scan the QR code associated with your reservation.
Make sure to also have a digital or physical copy of your receipt in the event that there is an issue. There were two departure times in the morning and then two departing times in the afternoon. I’m not sharing those times in this post just in case the times change and you’re reading this in 2024 or beyond.
Bustang buses are very comfortable and there were quite a few people on the bus when my mom and I took it. The buses have wifi that can be hit or miss and outlets just in case you need to recharge your devices. The trip took just under two hours and it was so relaxing not having to drive to town.
Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park Without a Car
For many people, they are visiting Estes Park in order to go to Rocky Mountain National Park-one of the busiest parks in the United States. One of the cool things about taking Bustang is that you can choose to be dropped off directly in the park or to hang out in Estes Park and then take a shuttle into the park.
Some things to consider regarding the logistics of visiting Rocky Mountain National Park without a car.
- You still need to pay to access the park. An individual without a car will pay $15 (note: RMNP doesn’t take cash payments)
- Transit within the park is free
- You will need to reserve your spot to use the Hiker Shuttle. While the ticket is free, there is a $2.00 processing fee.
Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park via Bustang
Being dropped off directly into the park via Bustang may be the easiest way to do this when visiting car free. You can then take the park shuttle to various hiking trails within the park. You will have access to a limited part of Rocky Mountain National Park.
Sadly, you won’t be able to visit the Alpine Visitor’s Center which is at the top of Trail Ridge Road. I’m really hoping that the park will consider adding a limited service to the Alpine Visitor’s Center sometime in the future.
What to Do in Estes Park
Once you’re done hanging out in Rocky Mountain National Park, there’s plenty to do when you head back to Estes Park. I’m going to share some of what my mom and I did during our recent visit there.
- Grabbed a phenomenal late breakfast at the River Walk Café. My mom and I were amazed at how good the food was and my iced lavender latte was phenomenal. For context-my mom is not a huge fan of eating out so I was amazed at how much she liked the River Walk Café. The bread items, in particular, were what wowed us. Absolutely delicious.
- Enjoyed the Riverwalk-One of my favorite activities in Estes Park is exploring the Riverwalk. We walked from the Estes Park Visitor Center where the Bustang bus dropped us off and then made our way slowly up the river. There is a lot of interactive art along the way, great benches to sit and enjoy the river and entryways to the many shops and restaurants in town. It’s a well-thought out space with art, artists, music and more. I enjoy exploring the riverwalk every time I’m in town.
- Visited Mrs. Walsh’s Garden-It’s at the west end of town and a great place to sit and enjoy nature. You can walk to it or get dropped off at the trolley shop that is adjacent to it.
- Took the free Estes Park trolley-I’ve visited Estes Park more times than I can count. For some reason I’d never taken the free trolley. It was great to experience town a different way while leaving the driving to someone else.
- There are free shuttle buses that serve other parts of town, but we didn’t have enough time to do it all. If you’re staying at the YMCA of the Rockies-the free shuttle service serves that venue.
- Popped in the Estes Valley Library-My mom and I both love to visit libraries wherever we’re at (the libraries in Breckenridge and Vail are very nice-they both have fireplaces). The library was quiet and calm after a busy day of exploring. I even found a free book to read on the ride home.
More Things to Do in Estes Park
- We enjoyed a fantastic seasonal coffee at Inkwell and Brew while sitting on the lovely patio as an artist painted us. If you like books, cards and a things writing-this is the place for you.
- My mom and I wandered around town and just relaxed. There was even a quick visit to Sasquatch Donuts where they make made to order donuts for visitors who also are into Sasquatch lore.
A Few Tips for Visiting Estes Park Without a Car
During the warmer months of year, it’s absolutely possible to have a completely car free visit to Estes Park.
- Take the Bustang transit service departing from Union Station
- Prepare for the altitude-Denver is a high altitude location. Any place located in the mountains is much higher in elevation. Pay attention to your body because you can get altitude sickness in Colorado.
- Don’t forget to make the necessary reservations if you’re planning to visit Rocky Mountain National Park.
Things to Do (Book a Tour)
- Consider scheduling an activity for part of your time in town (especially if you’re not heading into Rocky Mountain National Park) Triple-check the timing so that you return on time for your departing Bustang
- 1/2 Day Rocky Mountain National Park Tour “Mountains to Sky Tour” with a professional photographer who will drive you around.
- Estes Park Guided E-bike Tour
- Ladies Hike to Ouzel Falls
- If you’re unfamiliar with high altitude hiking or would like for someone else to be in charge who is familiar with the terrain-this is a great way to explore Rocky Mountain National Park.
- Sombrero Stables Horseback Riding Tours-I used to take adult international students on these tours. They were so much fun!
- Take the Blue Line to the Marina. The stables are a 5 minute walk from that stop.
- Enjoy the lake-There is a beautiful lake as you come into town and you can rent a bike, boat or stand up paddle board (SUP) during the warming time of year. Just head over to the Lake Estes Marina via the Blue route shuttle.
It Is Possible to Visit Estes Park Car Free
I love that Bustang expanded its service. It’s a win-win for everyone. The only thing that was weird to me on my recent visit is that I didn’t see any elk. You’ll almost always see herds of elk. I think that day was just too hot for them to be in town.
Final piece of advice, be careful eating the taffy. I still can’t figure out why salt water taffy is so popular in town. But it is and it’s delicious. Don’t pull out a filling while you’re eating one.
I hope you have a great time visiting Estes Park!
