Estes Park

Question

Help needed

We are coming to Estes Park the end of June. Is it really crowded? Will parking downtown be a mess for dinners and breakfast times? I saw there is a trolley but last year it started in July so I think we will miss that.

Can’t decide where to stay - two couples for a few nights only. One plan is to go the RMNP. Another day to explore the town- maybe fish.

Want something with nice views

Would the condos at Mary’s Lake be a good area? Also found a house around the shore of lake Estes. Or would downtown be better for that time of year (but any views)

Looking for a rental instead of a hotel - unless you know of a hotel or cabin complex that would be a great fit.

We have never been to the area so really confused and all over with our thinking.

Thanks for any advice.

Answer

Visiting Estes Park at the end of June does mean you’ll be entering peak summer season. It is generally busy, especially on weekends and around midday, as both tourists and locals head into Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP). However, mornings and evenings tend to be calmer, which is ideal for breakfast or dinner outings.

Parking downtown can be challenging, particularly near popular restaurants and shops. Early mornings or later evenings are usually better for finding convenient spots. Since the trolley service starts in July, you’ll miss that, so plan to either walk downtown or use your car carefully, factoring in extra time for parking.

Regarding accommodations, it depends on your priorities—views, proximity to downtown, or quiet surroundings:

Mary’s Lake condos: This area offers tranquility and lovely lake and mountain views. It’s slightly farther from downtown (about 10-15 minutes), which means quieter mornings and evenings, but you’ll need to drive for restaurants or shopping.
Lake Estes rentals: Staying near the shore provides excellent lake and mountain views and easy access to the bike path around the lake. It’s a short drive or a reasonable walk to downtown, making it convenient while still scenic.
Downtown Estes Park: Offers maximum convenience for dining, shops, and attractions, but views are often limited unless you find a property on a hillside or with a balcony overlooking the town or nearby mountains. Expect more crowds and some noise.

Other considerations:

For RMNP visits, starting early in the morning helps avoid traffic and crowds, especially for trailheads like Bear Lake or Alberta Falls.
If fishing is a priority, Mary’s Lake and Lake Estes are both excellent choices. RMNP also offers great fishing spots if you venture a bit farther.
Since you prefer a rental, both Mary’s Lake and Lake Estes offer condos or houses with full kitchens, which is great for family or group meals and relaxing evenings after a busy day.

In summary, if your priority is scenic views and a peaceful stay, Mary’s Lake or Lake Estes are excellent. If you want to be in the heart of town with walking access to restaurants and shops, downtown makes sense, but views may be limited. For a balanced experience—scenery, convenience, and calm—I would lean toward a Lake Estes rental for your group.