Activities

Trail Running Taking Nature’s Course

Where hikers tread, so do runners. Favoring gravel or dirt paths over paved roads, trail runners seek solace and scenery in places where cars don’t go. They find ample opportunities in Estes Park thanks to trails in Rocky Mountain National Park and the National Forest Lands. Run along river paths or head towards mountain summits.

Kokopelli Inn – Our Mountain. is anarea located just behind our Inn and also in the Roosevelt National Forest. After an initial steep climb, the trail levels out to a more moderate terrain, all the while showcasing sweeping views of the village of Estes Park and the lofty mountains of Rocky Mountain National Park.

DIAMOND LAKE TRAILNederland, CO
Diamond Lake Trail is a 3 mile out and back trail located near Nederland, CO that features a lake and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and mountain biking and is accessible from July until September. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.

GEM LAKE Gem Lake Trail is a 3.1 mile out and back trail located near Estes Park, CO that features a lake and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, trail running, nature trips, and birding and is accessible from June until September. Directions from Estes Park: Drive north on MacGregor Avenue. Cross the Hwy 34 bypass and continue to a sharp right turn and sign for MacGregor Ranch. Follow the blacktop ranch road to the parking area.

WATERSPORTS

Visit the Lake Estes Marina – Water Fun in Estes Park
Located in the heart of Estes Park, the Estes Valley Recreation and Park District (EVRPD) operates the Lake Estes Marina. The marina offers boat and bicycle rentals, fishing gear, fishing licenses, bait, tackle and more. Boat rentals include paddle boats for up to four riders, single and double kayaks, canoes for two or three people, fishing boats that fit three to five, one pontoon boat that can hold 10 passengers, several pontoon boats that hold 7 passengers, which can only be reserved by phone. All other equipment is rented “first come first served”. You can also rent a single speed cruiser bike, or a 4 wheeled pedal cart. Fishing enthusiasts can also rent rod and reels and pick up bait and tackle at the marina store for fishing from the shoreline or out on a boat.

Surrounding the marina are open outdoor areas ideal for group picnics, receptions, family reunions, corporate events and other gatherings. Splash in the wading area, let the kids run free in the playground, lounge under the pavilion or get the gang together for a game of beach volleyball.

Seasonal and overnight dock rental space is also available for guests wanting to travel with their favorite water vessel.

For more information about pricing and reservations, call the EVRPD Marina at (970) 586-2011. Or click on their website; www.evrpd.com.

Estes Park Whitewater Rafting Distance From Kokopelli

Embrace Adventure on a Trip Down the Poudre River Whether you are an experienced adventure-seeker or a relative newcomer to outdoor excursions, Colorado whitewater rafting has plenty of excitement in store for you. With a wide range of rivers in the vicinity of our hotel, including the Colorado River, Poudre River and Big Thompson River, quality Estes Park whitewater rafting is easy to find.

The Poudre River, also known as Cache la Poudre, is known as one of Colorado’s best whitewater rafting rivers and is coming off a banner 2011 season. The Colorado River, a very popular rafting destination, originates in Rocky Mountain National Park and heads into some of the state’s most challenging rapids in Gore Canyon, just west of the park. Running directly through Estes Park is Big Thompson River, generally providing a less intense experience. The Estes Park area is home to a number of whitewater rafting guide services that provide safe, exciting trips of all intensity level.

Listing of Whitewater Rafting Companies:

Estes Park Whitewater Paddle CO7 miles – 184 E Elkhorn Avenue #K Estes Park, CO 80517(970) 577-1944

Rapid Transit rafting 8 miles161 Virginia Drive Estes Park, CO 80517(970)-577-RAFT

A1 Wildwater Rafting 42.1 miles 2801 North Shields St Fort Collins, 80524 (970) 224-3379

Mountain Whitewater Descents – 42.3 miles – 1329 North US Highway 287 Fort Collins, CO 80524 (970) 419-0917

A Wanderlust Adventure – 43.2 miles – 4120 West County Road 54G Laporte, CO 80535 (970) 482-1995

BACKPACKING TRAILS IN ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK

Hiking and Walking Trails in the Rocky Mountains
Here’s a list of the best backpacking trails for shorter backpacking trips in Rocky Mountain National Park. See Multi-Day Hikes for longer trips, and Backcountry for wilderness backpacking.

Enjoy the Great Outdoors Near Estes Park

Estes Park hiking trails abound near The Estes Park. There are few things more invigorating than taking a brisk jog within the shadows of the Rocky Mountains, or hiking through the pristine wooded forests that surround our Inn.

A 3.83-mile jogging path circles Lake Estes, available for walking, running or bicycling. On the south side of the trail is the Matthews-Reeser Bird Sanctuary where migrating birds can first be spotted in the spring. The more adventurous can take to the more than 300 miles of hiking trails in Rocky Mountain National Park. If you are lucky, you may get to see some of the wildlife that share the park with over 3 million visitors annually.

BACKPACKING TRAILS a few we enjoy!

Timber Lake Trailhead — Region 1 – West Side, known for moose & big meadows
Grand Lake (west side) of the Park. Trailhead is located on the east side of Hwy 34 across from the Colorado River trailhead. Access to 4 backcountry sites.

Timber Lake 4.8 miles Elev. Gain 2060 ft.

The hike to Timber Lake travels through dense forest and crosses several creeks, and uses the flank of Jackstraw Mountain. The rugged terrain of the lake hides the summit of Mount Ida. 5 backcountry sites along the Timber Lake trail.

Lawn Lake Trailhead — Region 3 – North side, known for wilderness escape

About .5 miles north of Highway 34 past the Endovalley picnic area along Old Fall River Road. Access to 5 backcountry sites.

Lawn Lake Trail6.2 miles Elev. Gain 2447 ft.
The Lawn Lake trail climbs to a pair of beautiful alpine lakes (Lawn Lake and Crystal Lake) along the course of the Roaring River. The river shows the massive damage caused by a dam failure in 1982 that claimed the lives of three campers. A strenuous snowshoe in the winter. 5 backcountry sites along the trail before the Lake.

Fern Lake Trailhead — Region 4 – Heart of the Park, known for easy access & great views
From Bear Lake Road, turn right toward Moraine Park Campground, then left after .7 mi. to the end of the road at Fern Lake parking. Access to 6 backcountry sites FERN LAKE3.8 miles Elev.

Gain 1375 ft. Pass the famous Arch Rock formations, The Pool, and the cascading water of Fern Falls. A gorgeous lake with views of the Continental Divide (Little Matterhorn and Notchtop Mountain). It is a heavily used area. 2 backcountry sites near the Lake, and 2 closer to the trailhead.

Create winter memories with the Eldora Ski & Stay Package!

A minimum of a 2-night stay is required for these packages

Guests will receive a discounted Eldora lift ticket per person. Eldora Mountain Resort is located approximately one hour from the Kokopelli Inn along the stunning Peak-to-Peak Scenic Byway. Get out and make some turns or we can drive you there and enjoy a picturesque winter drive then return to the Kokopelli Inn and relax and reminisce about your epic day! Package includes.

Day Ticket $229. (If we drive you it is $280.)

Package includes: A night stay at Historic Lodging at the Kokopelli Inn and a single day alpine ski lift ticket for Eldora Mountain Resort per person.

Ultimate Pass $530. (If we drive you it is $600.)

Package includes: 2 Nights at Kokopelli Inn and a three (3) day alpine ski lift ticket for Eldora Mountain Resort per person. For each additional night it is $224 each additional day and driving is $70. Each day.

Estes Park Biking Guide & Information

SUMMER BIKING GUIDE

Here are some of our favorite places to bike in the Estes Park area. You’ll find something to suit your needs whether you want to pedal around with the kids, or hock it off boulders!Bicycle rental shops are all over Estes Park, offering bike rentals, guided tours, gear, and more.

MOUNTAIN BIKING: Just a few….

Crosier Mt. to Glen Haven (Advanced):

This is a great area full of rocky downhill single track riding. The trail starts at H-Bar-G Ranch and ends in Glen Haven near the Post Office. Parking is located at the corner of 63E (Dry Gulch Rd) and H Bar G Rd in the gravellot. From there go right (east) on H Bar G Rd until you see the entrance for H-Bar-G Ranch on the right. The ranch is private property but they have been kind enough to allow us access. Please stay on the road and close all the gates behind you. Once you enter the property stay left and go up the hill, there will be a second gate on your left that marks the start of the trail. Once you have finished and arrive in Glen Haven there are three ways to get back to the top. The first would be to ride back up the trail but you would have to be in really great shape. The second is to ride the highway back, Devils Gulch to H Bar G Rd, which is still tough but much easier than the trail. The third, and easiest, would be to run shuttle and leave a car at both locations.

Crosier Mt. to Drake (Advanced):

This ride is an extension of the previous trail (Crosier Mt. to Glen Haven) but a bit longer. The directions are the same however halfway through the previous ride there will be a sign where you will make a right instead of a left. This ride has a steep climb which summits Crosier Mountain and is very difficult. Don’t feel bad if you have to walk some of this climb, almost everyone does. There is a reward for the climb on the descending end-which is a long and sweet downhill section. The trail ends in Drake and the return trip options are the same as above, except there is a higher recommendation to take the third option as you are even further from your car.

Estes Park Biking Guide & Information

SUMMER BIKING GUIDE

Here are some of our favorite places to bike in the Estes Park area. You’ll find something to suit your needs whether you want to pedal around with the kids, or hock it off boulders!

Bike Rentals

Jump on a bike to see some of the area’s best scenery. Bicycle rental shops are all over Estes Park, offering bike rentals, guided tours, gear, and more. Whether you are seeking a casual afternoon ride or a grueling uphill climb, Estes Park has just the trail for you.

ROAD BIKING A Few Routes We Enjoy

Lake Estes Bike Path (Easy):

The pedestrian trail around Lake Estes is a great place to get out with the family and enjoy the scenic landscape! The trail is a 3.75-mile loop that can be started from a number of locations including the center of Estes Park.

Devils Gulch to Dry Gulch (Moderate):

This is a great loop with some demanding climbs that will sneak up on you! This is about a nine-mile ride than can also be started here in Estes Park. From the town lake take highway 34 west towards town. At the first stop light 34 will turn right, next take this up the hill until you hit McGregor Ranch Rd and make a right. McGregor Ranch Rd will turn into Devils Gulch Rd and you will continue on this until you hit H Bar G Rd where you will make a right. Continue on H Bar G Rd until you hit Dry Gulch where you will also make a right. From there continue on Dry Gulch until you hit highway 34, make a right back to start.

Hiking/Backpacking & Walking Trails in Estes Park & the Rocky Mountains

Enjoy the Great Outdoors on Kokopelli’s mountain or RMNP

Estes Park hiking trails abound near Kokopelli Inn. There are few things more invigorating than taking a brisk jog within the shadows of the Rocky Mountains, or hiking through the pristine wooded forests that surround our Inn.

At Estes Park town center there is a 3.83-mile jogging/walking path circles Lake Estes, available for walking, running or bicycling. On the south side of the trail is the Matthews-Reeser Bird Sanctuary where migrating birds can first be spotted in the spring. The more adventurous can take to the more than 300 miles of hiking trails in Rocky Mountain National Park. From photography to cycling to bird watching, activities along the trail are endless. If you are lucky, you may get to see some of the wildlife that share the park with over 3 million visitors annually.

Tech Tip:

Using Trekking Poles

Hit the trail with trekking poles and kick your walk into 4WD! They provide extra stability, help you balance on uneven terrain or when crossing streams, reduce stress on your knees, and can increase power and endurance! Here are some tips for hiking with poles:

Find your stride! Your poles will work opposite of your feet (i.e. the left pole will touch down with your right foot). Push down with your pole then let it swing forward with your arm. It only takes a short time to develop your hiking rhythm.

The right height! Set your poles so your elbows are bent at a 90-degree angle when your tips are on the ground.

Grips and straps! Adjust the straps so they are comfortable and supportive around your wrists. When they are properly adjusted you shouldn’t have to hold the grip too tightly.

LONGS PEAK TRIPS

The only Colorado “Fourteener” in Rocky Mountain National Park, Longs Peak stands 14,255 feet above sea level.

This is an extreme day hike for you adventurous travelers! With a 5000 ft. elevation gain, you will ascend the high alpine tundra, scramble across the boulder field, through the picturesque keyhole, skirt the ledges and narrows above sheer drop-offs, and finally scramble up loose gullies of rock to emerge on the broad summit. You are rewarded with 360-degree views of the National Park, Estes Valley, and the Front Range, looking down on everything in sight! This trip generally starts at 2am, takes 10- 14 hours and should only be undertaken by those in excellent physical health. Dangerous weather and trail conditions can come on quickly at this elevation. Our guides are experienced in reading the weather to help ensure a safe and fun trip for your whole group!

Hiking Trip Rates: (ALL PRICES ARE TOTAL)

Training is dependent on you or your group’s needs. Contact me and we can discuss what you needs are. We will hold training at Kokopelli Inn.

Snacks and Drinks included on 4-hour hikes.
Lunch and Drinks included on 6 and 8 hour hikes
Guide gratuity not included

Kokopelli Inn Snowshoe Tours

Guided Snowshoeing in Rocky Mountain National Park!

Outdoor exploration doesn’t end with the first snowfall in the Rockies. Instead, the snowy season opens up a wide variety of Estes Park winter activities, unmatched anywhere else in the state. One of the best things to do in the Rockies during the winter is a Colorado snowshoeing trip.

Come and join our staff for a guided snowshoe tour in beautiful Rocky Mountain National Park From beginner-level snowshoe tours to moonlight snowshoe hikes. The National Park offers some of the most breathtaking scenery and beautiful snowshoeing in northern Colorado. Our guides will take you out into the backcountry and guide you through the winter wonderland of RMNP.

A Quick Breakdown of the Trips We Offer

If you need equipment let us know and we will help you get it. Lunch and Gratuity are not included.

4 HOUR – $40/ person 2 person min. $70 for one.

Snowshoe to Emerald Lake (passing Dream Lake and Nymph Lake along the way), Lake Hiayaha, or Mills Lake. Amazing views of snow cover peaks, sheer cliff faces, and beautiful mountain lakes abound on these hikes. This trip gives you a chance to get a little further from the crowds and enjoy the quiet of snowy mountains.

6 HOUR – $65/person 2 person min. $129 for one.

Get off the beaten path with a 6-hour trip and head up to Flattop Mountain, the Boulderfield, or one of our park’s more remote lakes. This trip gives you more time to explore and play in the snow! The more distance you cover, the more amazing views you can see.

8 HOUR – $75/person 2 person min. $165 for one.

Go farther and longer if you have the endurance!

Also, if you need equipment let us know and we will help you get it.

Call 818-519-6772 or 970-829-9322 to schedule your trip!

Things you should know…

What Should I Bring? Kokopelli Inn can help you with any of these!

Polarized sunglasses. They make it easier to see and provide eye protection. Snow can be very bright! Sunscreen, brimmed hat, a warm insulation layer, snacks for half-day trips and bagged lunch for full day trips. Always have plenty of water along.

What Should I Wear?

Wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing. Mountain weather is unpredictable, so be prepared for rain, snow, sun, cold weather, and wind.

What Should I Eat?

Food is important for both half and full day trips. A light snack for half days and a nutritious lunch for full days. Water is probably the most important item of all (a good rule is about 1 liter per 4 hour trip).

What Should I Bring?

• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Camera
• Multiple layers so you can bundle up when cold and shed them when you get hot.
• A waterproof or water repellant layer is helpful for blocking the wind and snow.
• A small day pack to carry these items is also important

Do You Stock Any Of These Items?

Yes, we have a fully stocked outdoor supply retail store.

What If It Rains or Bad weather?

It really doesn’t rain in the winter, but if the weather is bad we may have to cancel the trip with a full refund. We will make every effort to reschedule your trip if desired.

Cancellations

If you cancel a trip for any reason up to 24 hours before your trip, you are entitled to a full refund. We cannot refund for no shows the day of the trip. If weather is bad and we have to cancel there is a full refund. We will pro-rate an outing for the time you were not able to snowshoe.

Our Guides

Our guides are patient, well-trained professionals eager to take you out on a snowshoe trip. All our guides are CPR and First Aid certified. Guides are compensated for their time but happily accept gratuities for exceptional service.