Romantic getaway in Estes Park

We started our second day in Estes Park with brunch at The Post Chicken and Beer, and it did not disappoint. The food was absolutely delicious—just what we needed to fuel our day of adventures.

Our first stop was the iconic Stanley Hotel, a must-see for anyone visiting Estes Park. We spent time exploring the historic property, taking in its beautiful architecture, and soaking in the spooky stories that make it so famous.

In the afternoon, we got creative at Inspired Artisan Market & Studio, where we joined a craft class to make snow globes. It was such a fun and unique activity, and now we have a handmade souvenir to remind us of the trip.

For dinner, we treated ourselves to a meal at Twin Owls Steakhouse. The atmosphere was cozy and the food was fantastic—definitely a highlight of the day. After dinner, we headed back to our lodge to relax and reflect on another memorable day in Estes Park.

We started our final day in Estes Park with breakfast at The Bird’s Nest, a cozy little spot that also offered a unique option: picnic backpacks! We borrowed one for the day and picked up a delicious picnic lunch featuring a charcuterie assortment—perfect for our outdoor adventure.

From there, we headed to Rocky Mountain National Park for a hike. It’s important to note that you need to reserve a timed entry spot online to enter the park, so make sure to plan ahead if you’re visiting.

Our chosen trail was the Emerald Lake Trail, a stunning 3.2-mile out-and-back route starting from the Bear Lake Trailhead. The hike is moderately challenging and typically takes around 1 hour and 39 minutes to complete. This popular trail takes you through pine forests and past sparkling alpine lakes like Nymph Lake and Dream Lake, with breathtaking views of Flattop Mountain, Hallett Peak, Glacier Gorge, and Tyndall Glacier along the way.

It’s an absolute dream for photographers, with incredible scenery at every turn. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can extend the hike to Lake Haiyaha by taking a turn just before Dream Lake.

After enjoying our hike and savoring our picnic lunch amidst the stunning surroundings, we headed back to the car, feeling accomplished and in awe of the beauty we had experienced. It was the perfect way to close out our Estes Park getaway before heading home.