The Perfect Fall Weekend in Estes Park

There is no shortage of reasons to visit Estes Park in the fall. Golden aspens begin lighting up the mountainsides, elk bugles echo through the valley, cooler temperatures make for beautiful days outside, and September brings some of Estes Park’s favorite annual events.

If you have 48 hours to spend in the mountains, we have a few ideas for making the most of them.

Here is our guide to the perfect fall weekend in Estes Park.

Friday: Arrive and settle into mountain time

The best way to begin a weekend in Estes Park? Slow down.

Check into Taharaa Mountain Lodge, get settled into your room, and take some time to enjoy the property before heading anywhere else.

Taharaa sits just minutes from downtown Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park, but its mountain setting feels wonderfully removed from the activity of town.

Step onto the deck, take in the panoramic views, and officially switch into weekend mode.

Dinner at Twin Owls Steakhouse

You don’t have to go far for your first Estes Park dinner.

Twin Owls Steakhouse is located right here at Taharaa Mountain Lodge, making your first evening wonderfully simple.

Start with a handcrafted cocktail or a bottle from the wine list before settling in for dinner. The menu features steaks, wild game, seafood, and seasonal specialties from Chef Cole Tucker.

After dinner, your room is only steps away.

Not a bad way to start a mountain weekend.

Saturday morning: Head into Rocky Mountain National Park

Wake up to a gourmet breakfast at Taharaa before heading out for a day in the mountains.

Rocky Mountain National Park is especially beautiful during the transition from summer to fall. Depending on when you visit, you may find brilliant pockets of yellow aspens, cool mornings, active wildlife, and some of the best scenery of the year.

Spend the morning hiking, take a scenic drive, or find a quiet place to simply enjoy the landscape.

September is also elk rut season, so there is a good chance you will hear the unmistakable bugle of a bull elk during your visit.

Always give wildlife plenty of room and observe from a safe distance.

Saturday afternoon: Explore Estes Park

After your morning adventure, spend some time exploring town.

Walk along the Riverwalk, browse locally owned shops and galleries, stop for lunch, or check the Estes Park events calendar to see what is happening during your visit.

September weekends are especially lively, with annual celebrations ranging from arts and crafts festivals to the Longs Peak Scottish Irish Highland Festival and Autumn Gold Festival.

Or skip the schedule entirely.

Sometimes the best fall afternoon consists of a scenic drive, a little shopping, and nowhere you absolutely need to be.

Saturday evening: Take the long way back

Before returning to Taharaa, give yourself time to enjoy the evening light.

Fall sunsets in Estes Park are worth slowing down for. Take a scenic drive, look for wildlife from a safe distance, or simply return to the lodge early enough to enjoy the view.

Then head downstairs for another evening at Twin Owls Steakhouse or enjoy a cocktail before settling in for a quiet night at the lodge.

Sunday morning: One more slow mountain morning

One of the best things about a weekend away is not having to rush home.

Enjoy breakfast at Taharaa, take one more look at the mountains, and squeeze in a final Estes Park experience before heading out.

Maybe that means an easy morning walk. Maybe it means one last drive through Rocky Mountain National Park. Maybe it means wandering downtown and picking up something to remember your trip.

Whatever you choose, leave a little room in the schedule to simply enjoy being here

End the Day at Twin Owls Steakhouse

After a full day outdoors, few things compare to a relaxing dinner with spectacular mountain views.

Twin Owls Steakhouse has become a favorite dining destination for both visitors and locals, offering hand-cut steaks, fresh seafood, seasonal features, handcrafted cocktails, and an award-winning wine list.

To make your evening even more memorable, join us for live classical and Spanish guitar by James Davis every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 6:00–9:00 PM. It’s the perfect soundtrack for an evening of exceptional dining and mountain scenery.

Your fall weekend starts at Taharaa

A great Estes Park getaway does not need an overflowing itinerary.

Give yourself a comfortable place to stay, incredible food, a few mountain adventures, and enough unscheduled time to enjoy where you are.

At Taharaa Mountain Lodge and Twin Owls Steakhouse, you can stay and dine in one beautiful mountain setting while keeping Rocky Mountain National Park and downtown Estes Park just minutes away.

The aspens won’t stay golden forever.

Plan your fall stay at Taharaa Mountain Lodge, reserve your table at Twin Owls Steakhouse, and make a weekend of it in Estes Park.

Book your September getaway today and experience the best of Estes Park from Taharaa Mountain Lodge.