Friday, 10/11
Permits:
- Rocky Mountain National Park – None required for this day
Agenda:
- The Taffy Shop
- Claire’s Restuarant and Bar
- Estes Park Sugar Shack
- Estes Park River Walk
- Kind Coffee
- River Walk Cafe
- Sheep Lake
- Antonio’s Real NY Pizza
A Change of Plans
Day 7 was supposed to start with a sunrise hike at Sprague Lake, supported by our Timed Entry + Bear Lake pass for the 5–7 a.m. window. However, the week’s adventures finally caught up with us, and we missed our window. If you ever face a similar situation, it’s good to know that 40% of timed entry passes are held for purchase the night before, starting at 7 p.m. We used this option to secure a new 5–7 a.m. slot for Saturday morning, but not without some anxiety. Refreshing the app over dinner paid off, and we successfully reserved a pass.
With our new plan in place for Day 8, we shifted gears and decided to spend Day 7 exploring downtown Estes Park and enjoying a more relaxed itinerary.
Downtown Estes Park: Taffy and Treats
We began the day at The Taffy Shop, the only store in Estes Park that still produces taffy on-site. Watching the taffy being mixed and individually wrapped by machines was a fascinating experience. The taffy itself was delicious, and we bought several boxes to ship home. This is a must-visit spot for anyone who enjoys taffy or wants to bring home a unique gift.
Next, we wandered downtown, browsing shops for T-shirts and magnets—our tradition for every trip. Estes Park offers plenty of stores for souvenirs. After shopping, we headed to Claire’s Restaurant and Bar for lunch. We had heard great things about it, and it didn’t disappoint. Arriving early worked in our favor, as a line formed shortly after we were seated. The food and service were excellent, and we’d highly recommend it.
Ice Cream and Buddy at the Sugar Shack
Post-lunch, we indulged in some ice cream at the Estes Park Sugar Shack to make up for our earlier, less satisfying ice cream experience. The ice cream was tasty, but the real highlight was meeting their world-famous customer service dog, Buddy, a friendly yellow lab who greeted guests warmly. The Sugar Shack also supports dogs in need, which made the visit even more special for us as dog parents.
Estes Park River Walk
To work off lunch, we strolled along the Estes Park River Walk, which winds alongside the Big Thompson River and Fall River. This serene path takes you past many shops and galleries, some of which are tucked away behind the main strip. Walking along the river offered a fresh perspective on downtown Estes Park, and we stopped in several galleries to admire the work of local photographers and artists.
The river itself was calm during our October visit, but we’ve heard its flow changes with the seasons. In a few spots, we paused to watch trout swim beneath the surface—a peaceful and beautiful sight. If you’re looking for a change of pace from the park, let the river guide your exploration through town.
Coffee Stops: Kind Coffee and River Walk Cafe
We made two coffee stops during our walk. Our first stop was Kind Coffee, known for its focus on sustainability and organic coffee. I enjoyed my black coffee, but my wife’s latte wasn’t her favorite—organic coffee isn’t for everyone.
Later, we revisited the River Walk Cafe, a cozy spot we had tried earlier in the week. My wife’s latte here was a hit, and the cafe’s outdoor bistro seating overlooking the river provided a charming setting to relax. The cafe is near the Historic Park Theatre, a historic gem that stands out as the oldest single-house motion picture theater in the United tates.
Sheep Lake and Elk Traffic Jams
In the evening, we headed into the park to visit Sheep Lake, a popular spot for wildlife sightings. Early morning and evening are the best times to visit, but we weren’t lucky this time. Although we didn’t see any wildlife at Sheep Lake, I captured a stunning sunset as the sun dipped behind the mountains. With the right clouds, the colors can be breathtaking.
On our way out of the park, we encountered an elk traffic jam at the Beaver Meadows entrance. A herd had crowded the area, and park rangers worked patiently to manage the chaos. Despite the hectic scene, it was exciting to watch the elk up close. The park rangers were courteous and did an excellent job ensuring safety for both visitors and wildlife—a reflection of the great service we experienced throughout our trip.
Dinner at Antonio’s Real NY Pizza
We wrapped up the day with dinner at Antonio’s Real NY Pizza, making it our second visit of the week. If two trips to the same restaurant in one week doesn’t say it all, let us assure you: the pizza is fantastic. This time, we spent dinner reflecting on our trip, sharing our favorite and least favorite moments. It was bittersweet knowing this was our last night in Estes Park, but we felt content with everything we had experienced.
Looking Ahead to Day 8
Although our time in Estes Park was winding down, we had one more adventure planned: a sunrise trip to Sprague Lake before heading to the airport for our evening flight back to Pennsylvania. Stay tuned for the final blog post about our trip!
