If you’re looking for a fall getaway that combines beautiful hiking, cozy accommodations, and time to explore a charming mountain town, Estes Park is worth adding to your list. One of my favorite ways to experience the area was through an inn-to-inn hiking trip. I booked my trip through Footpaths of the World, which provided detailed trail maps and transported our luggage from one inn to the next each day. We still hiked the trails on our own, so it felt like an independent adventure with just enough support to make the experience relaxing and stress-free.

The trails around Estes Park offer something for almost everyone. There are pre-set routes that have been specifically designed by a lifelong and local hiker, ranging from about 4 to 12 miles, with options ranging from gentle, mostly flat paths to steep climbs that reward you with incredible views of the mountains, valleys, and the town below. No matter which trail you choose, you’re surrounded by some of Colorado’s most beautiful scenery, especially when the fall colors begin to appear. Fall temperatures are perfect for hiking, and the changing leaves make the mountain scenery even more memorable. Good news for all the horse lovers out there: the YMCA offers horse riding on the trails! 

The best part is that the adventure doesn’t end when the hiking does. After a day on the trail, there’s plenty of time to wander through downtown Estes Park. The Riverwalk is one of my favorite places to explore, with local shops, restaurants, and peaceful spots to sit by the water. Every evening felt a little different as we tried a new restaurant and enjoyed the relaxed mountain-town atmosphere.

If you’re a coffee or tea lover, I definitely recommend stopping by Kind Coffee or The Bird’s Nest. Both are great places to recharge before heading out for another day of exploring. They both have great food ranging from pastries to meals that will definitely fill you up. The Bird’s Nest has pizza that is a delicious treat after a long day’s hike. Kind Coffee has some of the best avocado toast in town with a mound of avocado enough for two people! Both places are organic and locally sourced and have gluten, dairy, and vegan free options for everyone!

Whether you’re planning a long weekend or a week in the mountains, Estes Park offers a wonderful mix of outdoor adventure and small-town charm. If you’ve been searching for a fall trip that lets you stay active while still enjoying good food, local shops, and cozy places to stay, this might be exactly the kind of getaway you’ve been looking for. I left with great memories, tired legs, and a new appreciation for exploring Colorado one trail at a time.

-Stroll Lake Windcrest Junior Writer, Drew S.

———————————————————————

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strolllakewindcrest/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553738226330

———————————————————————