Elkhorn Avenue Guide | Downtown Estes Park, Colorado

Mountain Town Main Street

Elkhorn Avenue is the soul of Estes Park. This walkable main drag runs through downtown with shops, restaurants, taffy stores, and galleries spilling onto wide sidewalks. The Big Thompson River flows alongside, elk sometimes wander through town, and the mountains rise in every direction.

Unlike the grand Victorian architecture of Breckenridge or the European-designed Vail Village, Elkhorn Avenue feels organic—a genuine mountain town that grew up serving visitors to Rocky Mountain National Park since 1915. It's charming without trying too hard.

Whether you're grabbing breakfast before a hike, killing time on a rainy afternoon, or celebrating with dinner after a big trail, Elkhorn Avenue delivers. The mix of touristy shops and local favorites means something for everyone—even locals shop here.

What to Do

Essential Elkhorn experiences

Taffy Shops

Sweet Tradition

Multiple shops pull and sell saltwater taffy, an Estes Park tradition. Watch the taffy-pulling machines, sample flavors, and bring home a bag. Laura's Fudge and Taffy is a longtime favorite.

Riverwalk

Creekside Path

The Big Thompson River runs through downtown with paved paths along its banks. Benches, art installations, and restaurant patios overlook the water. Perfect for a pre-dinner stroll.

Art Galleries

Mountain Art

Wildlife art, Western landscapes, and nature photography fill numerous galleries. Michael Garman, Images of RMNP, and Wild Spirits Gallery showcase local and regional artists.

Unique Shops

Local Character

Mix of souvenir shops and genuine finds. The Christmas Shoppe, Rustic Mountain Charm, and outdoor gear stores. Not just tourist trinkets—real treasures if you look.

Elk Watching

Wildlife in Town

Elk sometimes wander right down Elkhorn Avenue, especially during fall rutting season. Keep your distance (25 yards minimum), don't feed them, and enjoy the uniquely Estes Park experience.

People Watching

Mountain Life

Grab a coffee and a bench. Watch the parade of hikers, families, and day-trippers. The mix of international tourists and Colorado regulars makes for great entertainment.

Where to Eat

Bird & Jim: Local favorite for elevated comfort food with wild game options. Try the elk meatloaf or bison burger. Reservations recommended. See our restaurant guide.

Ed's Cantina: Huge portions of Mexican food, famous for the "Ed's Burrito." Cash only, no reservations. Expect a wait on summer weekends—it's worth it.

Coffee on the Rocks: Locally-roasted coffee in a log cabin setting. Good breakfast burritos and baked goods. Grab fuel before your hike. More coffee options.

Nepal's Cafe: Nepalese and Indian cuisine—an unexpected gem in a mountain town. Momos (dumplings) and curry served with mountain views.

Poppy's Pizza: Wood-fired pizzas with creative toppings. Good beer selection. Casual, family-friendly, and reliably good.

Practical Tips

Parking: Town lots and parking garages available. Street parking fills quickly in summer. The free shuttle from the Estes Park Visitor Center reduces parking stress during peak season.

Best Time: Morning is peaceful before crowds arrive. Late afternoon brings post-hike shoppers. Evening is magical with mountain shadows and dinner crowds.

Crowds: Summer weekends are packed. Fall weekdays offer the best balance of open businesses and breathing room. Winter is quiet with some seasonal closures.

Weather Plan: Elkhorn Avenue is perfect for rainy days when hiking is out. Duck into galleries, browse shops, and wait for conditions to improve over lunch.

More Colorado Main Streets

Love walkable downtown districts? Explore these similar experiences

Main Street Breckenridge: Victorian storefronts at 9,600 feet. Colorado's quintessential ski town main drag with 150+ shops, galleries, and restaurants.

Vail Village: European-inspired pedestrian village at the base of Vail Mountain. Upscale dining and boutique shopping in an alpine setting.

Old Town Fort Collins: College-town charm meets craft beer capital. Historic buildings, local shops, and Colorado's best brewery scene.

Manitou Springs: Quirky artist community at the base of Pikes Peak. Mineral springs, indie shops, and authentic Colorado character.

Elkhorn Avenue