Three Days in Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park
- Benjamin Moxley
- Sep 14
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 17
Estes Park is the kind of mountain town that feels pulled from a postcard — elk wandering through the river walk downtown, the hotel from "The Shining" looming overhead, and peaks from Rocky Mountain National Park towering in the background. We spent three days here, and in that short time we had some unforgettable encounters: grilling by a the Fall River, catching brown trout on a fly gifted by a stranger, stumbling across a moose and it's calf, and even dodging a charging elk. If you’re looking for a trip that blends small-town charm with wild, rugged adventure, Estes Park delivers.
Day 1: Dinner in Estes Park
We rolled into Estes Park on Tuesday evening and headed straight for Penelope’s Famous Burgers & Fries. We were looking for somehting quick so we could check into our condo. The spot feels half-diner, half-Coca-Cola museum, with vintage memorabilia on every wall. I went with the elk burger and sweet potato fries, which turned out to be the right call — flavorful, filling, and exactly what you want after a travel day.
Day 2: Fishing the Big Thompson River
Morning in Rocky Mountain National Park
We started Wednesday morning by driving into Rocky Mountain National Park, winding our way up to the Rainbow Curve Overlook. From that vantage point, you get sweeping views of the valley and snow-dusted peaks — the kind of photo stop that makes you pause before you even start exploring deeper into the park.
Fishing the Big Thompson Canyon
After the overlook, we headed back down to the Big Thompson River, a classic Colorado trout stream that cuts through steep canyon walls. I fished for a few hours and spotted plenty of browns, but couldn’t get a bite.
That’s when I met a local fly fisherman — an older gentleman who shared some advice about the water and even handed me a few flies he recommended for this time of year. For someone still learning the sport, it was the kind of interaction that makes fly fishing special: the mix of solitude, patience, and generosity from strangers who love the river as much as you do.
Orvis Clearwater Waders →
Orvis Clearwater Wading Boots →
Evening by the Fall River
Back at our condo (Estes Park Condos on the Fall River), we grilled sausages and veggies while the river rushed a few steps away. Sitting by the fire with the sound of the water in the background was the perfect way to end the day.
Day 3: Bear Lake, Lake Haiyaha, and Close Encounters with Wildlife
Bear Lake Trailhead
Thursday morning, we were back in the park, starting at the Bear Lake trailhead. From there we hiked up to Lake Haiyaha, a glacial lake surrounded by jagged peaks. The water is so clear it almost looks unreal, and rainbow trout darted through the shallows as we rested at the edge. The hike is steep in stretches but worth it for the views and the workout.
An Unexpected Elk Encounter
On the way back down, we came across a family of elk grazing just off the trail. At first we waited, giving them space, but things changed quickly when the bull charged — sending the younger elk scrambling toward their mother. We scrambled too, scaling the rocks along the side of the trail to get out of his path. It was an awesome, humbling reminder that wild animals are to be respected for both their beauty and their danger. Encounters like that are unforgettable, and a big part of what makes the Rockies feel truly wild.
Fishing at Sprague Lake
After catching our breath from the elk encounter, we swung by Sprague Lake for an afternoon of fishing. Just as I waded in, we spotted a moose with its calf on the opposite bank, feeding in the shallows. Sharing the lake with that kind of wildlife felt surreal.
I fished for hours, and the patience paid off. Using one of the flies gifted by the fisherman I’d met the day before, I landed a beautiful brown trout. Pulling in that fish — with the moose still in the middle of the lake — was the perfect ending to our Estes Park adventure.
Patagonia Wading Socks →
Final Thoughts
In just three days, we ate an elk burger in town, fished scenic trout streams, grilled by the river, hiked to glacial lakes, and came face-to-face with elk and moose. Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park aren’t just places to check off a travel list — they’re places that remind you how alive the mountains really are. If you’re looking for a trip that mixes small-town charm with wildlife encounters and outdoor adventure, put Estes Park at the top of your list.
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