24 Hours in Estes Park, Must See
We were in Estes Park, Colorado for 24 hours July 2021…one of my favorite weekend trips this year. Jeep camping, live music at The Slab, running in the rain to try yak, wine and fireside chats, favorite Colorado hike, and delicious BBQ all in less than 24 hours in Estes Park. Now this is what I call a weekend adventure!
I had this adventure itch and wanted to go Jeep camping so I could use my birthday gift, which was a Luno air mattress. No more hard ground when camping!
My original plan was to do some real camping, aka disbursed camping, which means camping outside the traditional campground like backpacking, pitching a tent, or parking on a flat spot. I am still learning all the camping terms and rules, there are a few things so it could take me some time. BUT I was nervous just parking somewhere and sleeping, we decided to camp at the Estes Park KOA.
We got to Estes early afternoon. Walked around downtown, then stopped at The Slab Outdoor Pub and had a drink and listened to live music…then it started pouring rain. We darted for cover. Tried to wait it out but decided it wasn’t stopping so we ran to Grubsteak for dinner and had a YAK burger! Yes, Yak. Don’t know what that is? Me either, don’t worry. But it was delicious. It had more of a rich red meet flavor to it than normal hamburger. If you like meat, you MUST TRY!
After we explored downtown Estes Park, we went to the Estes Park KOA. This was our first time camping in a KOA campground. It is $60 per night which is more expensive than most campgrounds. There are events like s’mores, karaoke, free shuttle to downtown Estes, and a pancake breakfast for an extra $6.50/person.
We checked in to our campsite then set up our Jeep Luno mattress, started a fire, then opened a bottle of wine and sat and chatted!
Perfect afternoon in Estes.
For Jeep camping we had the Luno mattress, mini fan, and window covers which were all very nice for comfortable Jeep camping!
Saturday morning was full of pancakes at the KOA campground, which were delicious, and hiking adventures to my favorite hike in Colorado to date!
We hiked to Lake Haiyaha, which is in Rocky National Mountain Park. To enter Rocky Mountain National Park you have to register for a timed entry the night before. Time entry registration opens at 5 pm MDT, they only let in 130-190 cars every two hours 5 am to 6 pm. They will sell out quickly, so register at or around 5 pm. It costs $2 to get an entry pass. Register here! You will also need a national park pass. You can do a day pass for $35 or a year pass for all national parks for $80.
Lake Haiyaha was 4.4 mile round trip, 879 ft. elevation gain, and it took us around one hour and forty five minutes to hike. You go past a couple other lakes and the trail was heavily trafficked until it split off from Dream Lake to go to Lake Haiyaha. The hike is rated moderate, but it was a really nice hike with a little elevation gain, but not too much. Right before the lake you have to climb some rocks. It is the perfect amount of fun!
The lake is beautiful and blue! Loved the hike, the length of hike, and the elevation gain.
Post hike we needed some protein before the drive home. We went to Smokin’ Daves BBQ. The best BBQ I have had in Colorado. I had the roasted half chicken, beans, and coleslaw. Put me in a food coma, because I slept the hour and fifteen minutes home!
24 hours in Estes Park, Colorado recap!
Live music and drinks at The Slab
Grubsteak for a Yak burger
Jeep camping at Estes Park KOA
Lake Haiyaha hike for amazing lake views
Smokin’ Daves BBQ post hike for protein
Estes Park, Colorado is one of my favorite places!
Cheers friends,
Britni Jo