Estes Park is a hiker’s paradise, with a variety of different trails to choose from. Each trail offers something unique, with varying degrees of difficulty and lengths! However, if you’re heading to Estes Park with your dog, you may be wondering whether there are suitable hiking trails available. The answer to this question is yes – there definitely are! In this article, we will delve into the various dog-friendly trails you can find in Estes Park and highlight the differences between them so you can make the best choices on your trip. In this article, we will cover: The Best Dog Friendly Trails in Estes Park, including: Hermit Park Open Space Kruger Rock Trail Crosier Mountain Trail Round Mountain Trail Devils Backbone Nature Trail Horsetooth Mountain Open Space Bobcat Ridge Natural Area Sleepy Lion Trail Panorama Peak and The Notch Additional tips for hiking safely with your dog. Read on if you want to find out the best trails in Estes Park for you and your dog! Best Dog-Friendly Trails In and Around Estes Park As all trails within the Rocky Mountains are off-limits to canines , it may seem like visiting Estes Park with your dog might be a difficult feat. However, there are plenty of other trails available in Estes Park where your four-legged friend is more than welcome! Let’s take a look at the best dog-friendly trails, and what each has to offer. 1. Hermit Park Open Space Distance: Ranges, up to 5 miles Difficulty: Ranges, Easy to Difficult Elevation gain: Ranges, up to 900 ft Estimated hiking time: Ranges Highlights: Wildlife, Camping Hermit Park Open Space is located two miles southeast of Estes Park and offers a large range of hiking trails that are canine-friendly. This is a very popular hiking area, so try to get here outside of peak midday hours. The trails here are full of wildlife and there are cabins onsite, as well as camping facilities. Hermit Park Open Space also has horse riding and mountain biking trails. The park is open from March to December, with a permit required for entry. 2. Kruger Rock Trail Distance: 4 miles Difficulty: Moderate Elevation gain: 900 ft Estimated hiking time: 1 hour 15 minutes Highlights: Mountain Views Kruger Rock Trail can be found in Hermit Park Open Space and is open from March to December. Entrance to the hike is $10 for a day. This trail brings gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains, including Longs Peak, Twin Sisters, Flattop Mountain, and Hallett Peak. 3. Crosier Mountain Trail Distance: 10 miles Difficulty: Difficult Elevation gain: 3,250 ft Estimated hiking time: 4 hours Highlights: Cross-country skiing Crosier Mountain Trail is a more difficult track, located in Roosevelt National Park. Cross-country skiing is also possible on this trail, and dogs are allowed off-leash in some areas. Crosier Mountain Trail is open from March to September. 4. Round Mountain Trail Distance: 2 miles Difficulty: Moderate Elevation gain: 423 ft Estimated hiking time: 1 hour Highlights: Family Friendly Round Mountain Trail is a great trail for those looking for something not too challenging. The trail shouldn’t take more than an hour, and the incline isn’t too steep! The trail is popular and tends to be busy, so dogs must stay on a leash. The ideal time of the year to complete this trail is April to October. 5. Devils Backbone Nature Trail Distance: 4.3 miles Difficulty: Easy Elevation gain: 560 ft Estimated hiking time: 1 hour 50 minutes Highlights: Open all year round This is an easy, family-friendly trail that is also very popular and busy! Dogs must stay on a leash if taken on the trail. Horseback riding and mountain biking are also common on this trail, and one of the biggest draw cards is that it is open all year round. 6. Horsetooth Mountain Open Space Distance: Ranges, up to 3.25 miles Difficulty: Ranges, Easy to Difficult Elevation gain: Ranges, up to 1,600 ft Estimated hiking time: Ranges, up to 1 hour Highlights: Horsetooth falls Horsetooth Mountain Open Space is open all year round and contains a large range of diverse trails. This area is known for the spectacular horsetooth falls, and the front range views. Horseback riding and mountain biking are also possible. Entrance requires a permit. 7. Bobcat Ridge Natural Area Distance: Ranges, up to 10 miles Difficulty: Ranges, Easy to Difficult Elevation gain: Ranges, up to 1,500 ft Estimated hiking time: Ranges, up to 4 hours 45 minutes Highlights: Wildlife, red rock cliffs Bobcat Ridge Natural Area has something for everyone with quick easy hikes alongside trails for the more daring and experienced. Highlights of the trail are the abundance of wildlife, including elk, turkey, and mountain lions. There is also no entrance fee to visit! 8. Sleepy Lion Trail Distance: 2 miles Difficulty: Moderate Elevation gain: 650 ft Estimated hiking time: 1 hour Highlights: Plentiful Wildflowers Sleepy Lion Trail is a short hike with moderate difficulty. The trails boast plenty of forest, as well as a variety of wildflowers. 9. Panorama Peak and The Notch Distance: 7.3 miles Difficulty: Moderate Elevation gain: 1,400 ft Estimated hiking time: 3 hours 30 minutes Highlights: Stunning Natural Beauty For those wanting a longer hike, the Panorama Peak trail is a great option. This trail is located in Roosevelt National Park and is known for its stunning natural beauty. Dogs must remain on a leash, but the trail is open all year round. Tips for Hiking With Your Dog If you’re heading out on a trail with your furry friend, there are some must-dos before you go. Let’s take a look at some great tips to ensure a hassle-free day hike! Check trail regulations beforehand: Before heading out on the trail, you’ll want to ensure you look up the specific requirements for your trail. Some trails require dogs on leashes, while some trails have certain areas of the trail where dogs are allowed off-leash. Many trails also require permits or entry fees. Making sure you are aware of these requirements will keep you free of any unexpected surprises when you get there! Keep your dog on a leash or under voice control: It’s important that when you’re out on a trail you have your dog on a leash as there are likely other people around who you will encounter. If the trail allows you to have your dog off its leash, it’s essential that your dog still obey your commands! Bring enough water and snacks for the both of you: While some trails have water and facilities available, it’s best practice to bring all the supplies you will need so that you don’t get caught out. This goes for your dog as well as yourself! Pack waste bags and clean up after your dog : When you’re hiking these stunning trails make sure you respect the areas. This includes cleaning up any messes that your dog leaves behind. Bring plenty of waste bags to be prepared! Monitor your dog for signs of overheating or fatigue: It’s important that you keep yourself and your dog well-hydrated while hiking. Stay vigilant of any signs of dehydration or fatigue in your dog! Some of these signs include panting, dry nose, drooling, warm skin, and rapid heart rate. If the dehydration is more severe , your dog may start vomiting or even lay down and become unresponsive. Protect your dog’s paws from rough terrains with booties : A great way you can protect your dog is by investing in some dog booties ! These protect dogs’ paws from the hot and cold, as well as from rough terrain. Ensure your dog’s vaccinations and tick preventatives are up to date: Before you embark on your hike, you’ll also need to make sure all of your dog’s vaccinations are up to date. It may be worth visiting the vet to ensure your dog is up-to-date and prepared for the trail! Respect wildlife and other hikers: It goes without saying that it’s vital to ensure your dog does not disrupt the enjoyment of other hikers or cause any problems for the local wildlife. Train your dog on trail etiquette and commands : To ensure you can make sure your dog behaves itself, you’ll want to make sure your dog will obey your commands and knows how to behave on trails where they will encounter other hikers (and likely other dogs). Happy hiking!
For the discerning meat-lover, it’s important to compare all of your options when it comes to selecting the perfect steakhouse! Nestled amidst the majestic Rocky Mountains, Estes Park offers not only breathtaking views but a worthwhile journey for culinary carnivores. Amidst the stunning backdrop, you’ll find a select pool of top-tier steakhouses to choose between. Whether you’re dining solo, wooing a date, or taking the kids, each will require different dish options, atmospheres, and price ranges to cater to your fine-dining preferences. Whether you lean toward well-done or blue-rare, dim-lit indoors or mountainous outdoors, sustainable wine, or local beer, we’ve compiled a list of places that offer delicious steaks cooked to perfection! For those who appreciate quality, ambiance, and premium personalized service, read on to compare the best steakhouses in Estes Park!
We have to be is one of the most beautiful places in Colorado to take a trip and clear your head! And nothing quite complements the scenery, hiking, biking, and other natural adventures of Estes Park better than a relaxing, indulgent spa experience. Luckily for us, there are several amazing spa centers in Estes Park with a variety of themes, locations, services, and price ranges. In this article, I take you through four of my favorites, along with their locations, specialties, unique charm, websites, and price ranges. Read on to find out which spa is the best for you to try next time you’re in Estes Park! Spa 1: The Qi Lounge Wellness Spa Source: The Qi Lounge Wellness Spa At a glance: Location: Estes Park Resort, 1700 Colorado Peaks Drive Ambiance: traditional Chinese, resort Signature Treatments: massage therapy, facials, acupuncture, couples massage Reservation: click here Best For: couples, honeymoons Price Range: $15 – $660 Website: https://www.theqilounge.com The Qi Lounge Wellness Spa offers a huge range of services at the Estes Park Resort! It is open every day during the summer, and all days but Wednesday during the winter. You can book an appointment online or over the phone. The Qi lounge offers: The Qi signature massage The shiatsu deep pressure massage Facials and hydrafacials Acupuncture Brow and lash tints Lash lifts Waxing. The Qi lounge has a traditional Chinese atmosphere and theme and specializes in romantic occasions, with many package deals catering to couples. However, they have something to offer everyone – and even have deals aimed at groups! You don’t have to be staying at the resort to access the wellness spa, but resort guests have access to additional services and deals. When it comes to cost, a 15-minute nostril wax costs $15, while the most comprehensive and private two-and-a-half-hour couples deal costs $660. There are many deals and services with prices ranging between these. In addition to spa treatments and massages, the Qi Lounge boasts a tapas bar that serves prosecco, mimosas, wine, and food. Spa 2: Elements of Touch Wellness Spa & River Retreat Source: Elements of Touch Wellness Spa River Retreat At a glance: Location: 477 Pine River Lane Ambiance: remote, natural retreat Signature Treatments: massage, beauty treatment, alternative medicine Reservation: click here Best For: a weekend away, a hiking trip Price Range: $50 – $450 Website: https://www.elementsoftouchestespark.com If you’re looking for something more remote, the Elements of Touch Wellness Spa is located next to the Estes River Retreat – a luxury vacation home backing onto a forest. It’s just a two-minute drive from Estes Park’s main attraction, Rocky Mountain National Park. Elements of Touch offers many of the common spa, massage, and beauty services that the Qi lounge and other options offer, but through a different thematic and cultural lens that blends Indian and European elements with a hint of Chinese culture. One service that you won’t find at the Qi lounge is the Abhyanga Hot Oil Ayurvedic Massage. Another much more unique service offered here is the Ananda Wrap, a sauna blanket that uses infrared waves and obsidian stones to detoxify the body. A 30-minute massage of any kind for an individual comes to $75, while a 120-minute massage costs $205. 30 minutes with the Ananda Wrap comes to $50, but you can get five sessions for $200. For couples who want to splurge on a romantic and educational experience, $450 will get you a 2+ hour massage class taught by a licensed massage therapist plus an additional one hour of wind and mountain treatment. I think it’s well worth the price considering the skills you get to take home afterwards! Spa 3: Estes Park Massage Source: Estes Park Massage At a glance: Location: 517 Big Thompson Ave #104 Ambiance: calming, serene, low commitment Signature Treatments: massage, hydrotherapy, elixirs Reservation: click here Best For: brief massage session, a day off Price Range: $25 – $205 Website: https://www.estesparkmassagetherapy.com Located right in the heart of Estes Park near many of the shops, restaurants, and attractions, Estes Park Massage is a less culturally thematic but nonetheless highly atmospheric massage and spa service. While the Qi lounge and Elements of Touch are especially suitable for those wanting to get away for a whole weekend, this is an particularly great option for somebody just passing through for a few hours. The spa center has a soothing color scheme, soft lighting, and tranquil music. Despite its central location, you can feel the stress melt away as soon as you enter the spa center. Both traditional Swedish and Thai massages are offered, along with: Prenatal massage Reflexology Hot stone massage Hand and foot massage Aromatherapy Energy work Beauty treatments Various soaks Elixirs. Another service that may not be offered at many other places is the $25 red light therapy, which uses infrared rays to relieve pain and promote healing. Like both previous options, Estes Park Massage caters to individuals, couples, and groups! Much like Elements of Wellness, a 30-minute massage of any kind comes to $75 and a 120-minute massage costs $205. There are also smaller treatments like elixirs and soaks available, which range from $10 – $80. Spa 4: Affinity Massage and Wellness Center Source: Affinity Massage and Wellness Center At a glance: Location: 312 E Elkhorn Ave Ambiance: professional, straight to the point Signature Treatments: massage, reflexology, cupping, aromatherapy, hot stones Reservation: 970-586-3401 or 586-3401 Best For: athletes, chronic muscle pain sufferers Price Range: $75 – $190 Website: https://affinitymassageandwellness.com Don’t let the modest website and lack of fancy online bookings fool you: Affinity doesn’t need those things to shine! It’s the most trusted massage business in Estes Park, run by an experienced team that includes highly educated professionals. Affinity offers many of the common services found at the other listed spa centers. However, it has a more therapeutic atmosphere, which translates to a slightly smaller variety of services than some of the other spa centers on this list. This makes it especially suitable for people with sore muscles courtesy of athletic activities, illness, or other reasons. With that said, Affinity is an aesthetically pleasant spa center that caters to couples as well as individuals. All massage types have the same pricing, with a 45-minute massage costing $100 and a 105-minute massage priced at $175. Other services have different prices, with reflexology being significantly cheaper and cupping, hot stone treatment, and aromatherapy being slightly more expensive. Choose the spa center that Suits You Best We're a wonderful destination for anyone who wants to enjoy nature and relax. There are many spa centers in Estes Park that offer different services, themes, and prices. It’s important to find the spa center that suits you best depending on your needs, preferences, and budget! If you are looking for a cheap and effective massage, you might want to go to Affinity Massage and Wellness Center. Those who want a convenient yet serene spa experience should definitely try Estes Park Massage, while a luxurious and romantic spa getaway awaits at the Qi Lounge Wellness Spa. Finally, if you are looking for a remote and healing spa retreat, you might want to visit the Elements of Touch Wellness Spa – it’s almost like a pilgrimage in itself! Whatever you choose, you certainly won’t regret spending some time and money on yourself; after all, you deserve to feel relaxed and rejuvenated on your next trip to majestic Estes Park.
