If you visit Estes Park in summer, you'll almost certainly see an afternoon thunderstorm or two. They usually blow through fast, but sometimes the rain settles in. Don't let it spoil your trip. Some of my favorite Estes Park memories happened on gray, drizzly days. Here's my list of ways to enjoy a wet day in the mountains.
1. Bowling and burgers at The Bull Pin
When the rain sets in, I love heading to The Bull Pin, Estes Park's bowling alley, at 555 S. Saint Vrain Ave. It's great fun for the whole family, with bowling lanes, an arcade and pool tables. And here's my local secret: it has great burgers, so if you want a good meal, you don't need to go anywhere else. The kitchen makes everything from scratch, and they have local Estes Park beers on tap too. Check their website for current hours, and call ahead if you have a big group.
2. Take one of the fun Stanley Hotel tours
The historic Stanley Hotel, famous for inspiring Stephen King's The Shining, is one of my favorite rainy-day stops, and its tours are so much fun. Pick the one that fits your crew:
- Historic Day Tour: an hour of stories about F.O. and Flora Stanley, Stephen King and other famous guests since 1909.
- Ghost Tour: an after-dark walk through the hotel's most "active" spots. Spooky and a blast.
- The Shining Tour: all about the book, the movie and the miniseries.
- Vault Whiskey Tour (adults) and the quirky Frozen Dead Guy Tour.
Most tours are about 60 minutes and are for ages 8 and up. Reservations are recommended, especially on rainy days when everyone has the same idea. From May through October, non-hotel guests pay a parking fee.
Play Bluebell I Spy!: "Spot a ghost at the Stanley" is on our Bluebell I Spy! Estes Park & RMNP card, which guests get at the house. Get the heebie-jeebies; it's part of the fun.
3. Stanley Chocolate Factory
New in downtown Estes Park, the Stanley Chocolate Factory at 157 W. Elkhorn Ave. is a sweet spot to duck out of the rain. You can browse beautiful handmade chocolates and gifts, or book a hands-on experience like making your own chocolate bar (ages 5+), a chocolate and wine tasting, or paint and sip. Shop visits don't need a reservation, but book the experiences ahead. They even have a brand-new carousel for the kids (riders must be 42 inches or taller; check carousel hours before you go).
4. Estes Park Museum (free)
A great little museum about the valley's history, from homesteaders to tourism. Admission is free. Hours are seasonal, so check the Town of Estes Park website before you go.
5. Stanley Home Museum
Learn about F.O. Stanley, the man behind the hotel and much of early Estes Park, at his former home. It's open limited days, so check the schedule.
6. Ride the Aerial Tram (between storms)
The Estes Park Aerial Tram runs in light rain but pauses for lightning and high winds. If there's a break in the clouds, the views of storms moving over the peaks can be dramatic.
7. Go wildlife spotting by car
Here's something a lot of visitors don't realize: you can still spot wildlife on a rainy day just by driving around. Rain doesn't stop the animals. Elk and deer are often out grazing in the meadows on gray, drizzly days. Cruise through Moraine Park or Horseshoe Park in Rocky Mountain National Park (remember timed entry hours in season), or just drive slowly around town. Stay in your car, use pullouts, and enjoy the show through the windshield with the heater on.
8. Linger downtown
Elkhorn Avenue has covered walkways, galleries, candy shops and cafes. Grab a coffee and browse, or settle in for a long lunch.
★★ Jeff & René's top pick: for an evening when the weather turns, Aiden Sinclair's Underground is our #1 evening recommendation, and we love it. It's a magic and mentalism show in a hidden theater beneath The Post at the Stanley Hotel, behind a secret bookcase door. It's recommended for ages 12 and up, and it often sells out, so check the schedule for availability and book ahead.
9. Brewery or tasting room afternoon
Estes Park has several local breweries with cozy indoor seating, including Rock Cut Brewing, Lumpy Ridge Brewing and Avant Garde Aleworks.
10. Netflix and chill (with a puzzle!)
Some of the best rainy afternoons happen right at home. My favorite tradition: stop by Colorado Games Company, a family-owned game and puzzle shop at 440 E. Elkhorn Ave., and pick up a wildlife or Rocky Mountain National Park puzzle. Then head back to Bluebell, put on a movie, and put it together as a family while the rain falls outside and you're comfy and cozy inside. Add board games, a good book by the window, and watching the clouds roll across the mountains, and that's a perfect day.
A note on lightning
In the Rockies, lightning is a real danger above treeline. If you hear thunder, head down from exposed areas and wait it out in your car or indoors.
Before you go, read my guide on how to safely enjoy wildlife: Estes Park Wildlife Safety Guide
FAQ
What can you do in Estes Park when it rains? Go bowling at The Bull Pin, take a Stanley Hotel tour, make chocolate at the Stanley Chocolate Factory, visit the free Estes Park Museum, take a wildlife drive, or stay in with a puzzle and a movie.
Is there a bowling alley in Estes Park? Yes. The Bull Pin, at 555 S. Saint Vrain Ave., has bowling, an arcade, pool tables and a scratch kitchen known for its burgers.
What tours does the Stanley Hotel offer? Historic day tours, ghost tours, a Shining tour, a whiskey tour and a Frozen Dead Guy tour. Most last about an hour and are for ages 8 and up, and reservations are recommended.
Can you see wildlife in Estes Park when it rains? Yes. Elk and deer often keep grazing in the rain. Drive slowly through the meadows and watch from your car.
Does the Aerial Tram run in the rain? It runs in rain but pauses for lightning or extreme winds.
Are thunderstorms common in Estes Park? Yes, especially on summer afternoons. Plan hikes for the morning.
Related guides: Planning a Stanley day? My Stanley Hotel guide covers every tour, the Underground magic show and dining.
A rainy afternoon is the perfect excuse to curl up at Bluebell Mountain House and watch the mountains. It's in a prime location very close to the Rocky Mountain National Park entrance, and it's pet-friendly. I'd love to host you, rain or shine.