U.S. 36 escapes the bustling Front Range for the wilds of Big Thompson Canyon — that cool, winding drive between rugged, imposing walls. Soon, the road rises. Those walls fall below. And a quintessential Colorado view emerges.

Rocky Mountain National Park’s jagged peaks march across a big sky, looming above Lake Estes and the town that would expand after one man’s visit in 1864. His name was William Byers, the founding editor of the Rocky Mountain News who was drawn to this valley.

“Eventually this park will become a favorite pleasure resort,” Byers remarked.

Right he was. But how to pack all the pleasure of Estes Park into two days?

Day 1

Don’t rush to town without a stop at Colorado Cherry Co., the nostalgic, red-roof staple along U.S. 36. The shop sells fruit pies for now and later. We also suggest the hearty hand pies stuffed with meat and veggies (bison chili is our favorite). After all, you’ll want to fill up before a full day of fun.

You think you’ve caught the best view on the way into town, but no. Make your way to Estes Park Aerial Tram. The gondola soars 1,000 feet for a perspective that has captivated visitors since 1955.

Another generational staple: Fun City. The amusement park is for the kids and kids at heart, with go-karts, a spinning coaster, bumper boats, a bungee jump, miniature golf, a giant rainbow slide and more.

Now on to the neighboring fun city: downtown Estes. Elkhorn Avenue is a whimsical wonderland of gift shops, boutiques and galleries. And lots of sweets. One window displays a vintage machine pulling colorful taffy. That’s The Taffy Shop, beloved since 1935.

Also beloved: Antonio’s Real NY Pizza. New York is in the name, and thin crust is indeed the specialty. But locals rave as well about the thick, Sicilian hunks.

Pizza and a movie — a fitting, nostalgic end to a nostalgic day. See what’s showing at Historic Park Theatre.

Day 2

It’s the day for the national park. But not before a proper fuel-up at Notchtop Bakery & Cafe. If you’re in a hurry, you’ll find an array of freshly baked goods in a case. But you’ll be tempted to sit down for a breakfast burrito, eggs benedict or cinnamon roll French toast.

Through mid-October, Rocky Mountain National Park requires a timed-entry reservation made in advance. If you don’t have a reservation, you can enter before 9 a.m. or after 2 p.m. and access all of the park except the Bear Lake Road corridor.

Maybe you’ve got a hike in mind, a destination lake or waterfall. Maybe you’re here for the iconic drive: Trail Ridge Road crests above 12,000 feet to the Alpine Visitor Center. Or maybe you’re here for the wildlife: elk, moose, deer and more call the park home.

After hours of sightseeing and adventure, nothing hits the spot like a beer. Rock Cut Brewing Co. is a local favorite. As are the food trucks regularly parked outside.

Rocky Mountain National Park is, of course, the most iconic destination in Estes Park, but The Stanley is a close second. Whether you booked a room at the hotel or not, book one of the tours: the historic day tour or The Shining Tour, so named for the Stephen King classic the hotel inspired.

The Stanley is the perfect place to raise a glass in celebration of the trip. Splurge at Cascades Restaurant, with a renowned whiskey bar and Colorado fare on the fancy, hearty side. The bacon-wrapped meatloaf is recommended.

U.S. 36 escapes the bustling Front Range for the wilds of Big Thompson Canyon — that cool, winding drive between rugged, imposing walls. Soon, the road rises. Those walls fall below. And a quintessential Colorado view emerges.

Rocky Mountain National Park’s jagged peaks march across a big sky, looming above Lake Estes and the town that would expand after one man’s visit in 1864. His name was William Byers, the founding editor of the Rocky Mountain News who was drawn to this valley.

“Eventually this park will become a favorite pleasure resort,” Byers remarked.

Right he was. But how to pack all the pleasure of Estes Park into two days?

Day 1

Don’t rush to town without a stop at Colorado Cherry Co., the nostalgic, red-roof staple along U.S. 36. The shop sells fruit pies for now and later. We also suggest the hearty hand pies stuffed with meat and veggies (bison chili is our favorite). After all, you’ll want to fill up before a full day of fun.

You think you’ve caught the best view on the way into town, but no. Make your way to Estes Park Aerial Tram. The gondola soars 1,000 feet for a perspective that has captivated visitors since 1955.

Another generational staple: Fun City. The amusement park is for the kids and kids at heart, with go-karts, a spinning coaster, bumper boats, a bungee jump, miniature golf, a giant rainbow slide and more.

Now on to the neighboring fun city: downtown Estes. Elkhorn Avenue is a whimsical wonderland of gift shops, boutiques and galleries. And lots of sweets. One window displays a vintage machine pulling colorful taffy. That’s The Taffy Shop, beloved since 1935.

Also beloved: Antonio’s Real NY Pizza. New York is in the name, and thin crust is indeed the specialty. But locals rave as well about the thick, Sicilian hunks.

Pizza and a movie — a fitting, nostalgic end to a nostalgic day. See what’s showing at Historic Park Theatre.

Day 2

It’s the day for the national park. But not before a proper fuel-up at Notchtop Bakery & Cafe. If you’re in a hurry, you’ll find an array of freshly baked goods in a case. But you’ll be tempted to sit down for a breakfast burrito, eggs benedict or cinnamon roll French toast.

Through mid-October, Rocky Mountain National Park requires a timed-entry reservation made in advance. If you don’t have a reservation, you can enter before 9 a.m. or after 2 p.m. and access all of the park except the Bear Lake Road corridor.

Maybe you’ve got a hike in mind, a destination lake or waterfall. Maybe you’re here for the iconic drive: Trail Ridge Road crests above 12,000 feet to the Alpine Visitor Center. Or maybe you’re here for the wildlife: elk, moose, deer and more call the park home.

After hours of sightseeing and adventure, nothing hits the spot like a beer. Rock Cut Brewing Co. is a local favorite. As are the food trucks regularly parked outside.

Rocky Mountain National Park is, of course, the most iconic destination in Estes Park, but The Stanley is a close second. Whether you booked a room at the hotel or not, book one of the tours: the historic day tour or The Shining Tour, so named for the Stephen King classic the hotel inspired.

The Stanley is the perfect place to raise a glass in celebration of the trip. Splurge at Cascades Restaurant, with a renowned whiskey bar and Colorado fare on the fancy, hearty side. The bacon-wrapped meatloaf is recommended.