Climb aboard the Estes Park Tramway for a bird’s eye view in Colorado. If you have just 1 day in Estes Park, don’t miss out on this unique adventure—you might even call the summit a nature adventure park! Soar up the side of Prospect Mountain for scenic views of the Estes Park mountain retreat, Lake Estes, the majestic Colorado Rocky Mountains, and Rocky Mountain National Park.
What can you do once you reach the top? There are plenty of “Instagrammable” and fun moments on the mountain: be sure to bring your camera or phone, buy a bag of peanuts to feed the chipmunks, hike to the summit of Prospect Mountain, or simply find a quiet spot to sit and enjoy the view.
History of the Estes Park Tramway
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The Estes Park Tramway, created by Robert Heron, was originally designed to carry passengers to the summit of Prospect Mountain in the charming mountain town of Estes Park, Colorado. The Tramway first opened to the public in July of 1955. Since then, more than 3 million locals and tourists alike have enjoyed the view from the summit.
…Mr. Heron traveled to Europe to study the tramways and became more fascinated with their design and capabilities. Because of the steep terrain, many trams in Europe do not require any towers to support the wire ropes. The entire length is a free span between the bottom and the top stations. The Estes Park Aerial Tramway utilizes this design. A free span is fairly uncommon in the United States and this type of design affords a very smooth ride. ~ Estes Park Tramway
Why Was the Estes Park Tramway Closed?
In 2023, the tram was closed after the passing of John Heron (son of the designer Robert Heron). As luck would have it, this was the exact summer season when Chris and I finally decided it was time to ride the tram! Talk about disappointed. As luck would have it, I searched for information about the tram on a whim in January 2024 and was delighted to find that the Estes Tram had been purchased by Gondola Adventures from the Heron family. The tram has been brought back to life with everything people once loved!
What You Should Know About the Estes Park Tram
The grand re-opening for the tram took place on May 25, 2024 to usher in the beginning of the summer season in the Estes Park mountain retreat. The tram is open daily from May to early September. If you are looking for things to do in Estes Park during your visit to Colorado, consider skimming up the mountain in the tram to a unique nature adventure park. If you have more questions not answered in this post, you may want to check out the Estes Tram FAQ’s.
How Much Does it Cost to Ride the Tram?
I will be the first to admit that a round trip ride on the Estes Park Tram is a little spendy. If you are seeking Estes Park adventures, a round trip ticket to ride the tram is priced at:
- Adults: $34.95
- Seniors 65+: $24.95
- Kids 6 – 12: $14.95
- Kids 5 and under: Free
- Military: $19.95
- Locals: $19.95
There is an additional $1.95 processing fee added to each ticket. So, Chris and I paid $73.80 total. For reference, Chris and I recently rode the Monarch Crest Scenic Tramway and the cost to ride that tram was $18 per adult for a round trip ticket.
What is the Name of the Mountain that the Estes Park Tramway Summits?
Prospect Mountain, a dramatic backdrop to the Estes Park mountain retreat, is located on the south side of town. For years our family has driven past Prospect Mountain along Highway 36 toward the Beaver Meadows Entrance Station of Rocky Mountain National Park, even spotting the trams as they skimmed up and down the mountain.
How Do I Make a Tram Reservation?
Tickets are available online at Estes Tram or in person for walk-up reservations. Even at the end of the season in mid-September when Chris and I visited, there was a line of people in the queue to enjoy the tram ride. It was a perfect almost fall day in Estes with temperatures in the 70s.
If you want to avoid the peak times and lengthy waits, try the early morning before 9 am or after 4 pm. Just know that the last tram leaves the lower terminal at 6 pm. The last tram leaving the upper terminal is at 6:45 pm. Don’t miss it!
Is the Tram Safe?
The Heron family operated the tram since 1955 with no major incidents. Today, the current owners are conscientious about inspecting the tram each week; the entire tram system is expertly inspected before opening each season. The State of Colorado certifies the tram each year. Additionally, staff members are trained in emergency situations each season.
Can I Take My Dog on the Tram?
No. Except for service animals, Colorado state regulations do not allow non-service or emotional support animals to ride the tram.
Do I Need a National Park Pass to Ride the Tram?
No. The Estes Park Aerial Tram is located within the town boundaries of Estes Park, Colorado but is outside of the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. If you have just 1 day in Estes Park and RMNP, you may wish to allow enough time to add the tram adventure to your itinerary.
How Long is the Estes Park Tramway Ride?
The website for the Estes Tram suggests that the tram ride is 5 minutes. While I waited in line for my turn, I timed the tram coming down the mountain to take approximately 3 minutes. 5 minutes might include the time it takes to load all passengers onto the tram before departing the lower or upper terminal. It goes pretty quickly. The trams cycle up and down the mountain all day long.
Each tram has an operator that rides with the passengers. I asked the young man in our tram how many times he rode the tram up and down every day. He replied, “At least 60 times!” You only need to ride the tram once to get the full benefit of the experience.
Are There Things to Do on Top of Prospect Mountain?
Of course. There are amazing vistas to see from the viewing platform as well as the Hungry Chipmunk Cafe and the Rocky Mountain View gift shop. You can shop for tram memorabilia, play on the FREE pinball machines in the cafe, buy peanuts to feed the chipmunks, make use of the bathrooms facilities, find a picnic area, and hike along the trail to the summit. You are also welcome to bring your own snacks or picnic lunch.
Is there a Restaurant at the Top of the Tram?
The Hungry Chipmunk Cafe is designed for guests looking for a drink and a snack. Again, you are welcome to bring your own snacks and drinks…even a picnic lunch. There are a number of picnic tables on the summit offering fantastic views.
Can I Schedule Events?
Currently you can schedule a 3-hour work event, retreat, or conference in the Tram Haus. What could be better? The facility accommodates up to 60 people. Your group will be cared for by a dedicated team member with the option for catering (alcohol is allowed).
Are There Hikes on Prospect Mountain?
Yessiree! You may enjoy the hike to the summit of Prospect Mountain; it only takes about 15 to 20 minutes from the upper tram station and the terrain is fairly easy to navigate. The upper terminal is at 8,619 feet (2,627 m) with the summit of the mountain at 8,868 feet (2,703 m). That’s not much elevation gain at all!
Where Can I Find the Estes Park Tramway?
You’ll find the Estes Tram in Estes Park about one hour north of Denver, Colorado. If you want a physical address to put into your GPS or Google Maps use 20 Moccasin Circle Dr., Estes Park, CO 80517. This takes you to the driveway leading up to the parking area at the Lower Terminal.
Looking for a Place to Stay in Estes Park?
There are very few name brand hotels in Estes Park, but you will find plenty of vacation rentals, creekside condos, and mountain cabins for rent. Be sure to plan ahead as Estes Park is busy year round.
Things to Do If You Have Just 1 Day in Estes Park
There are plenty of things to do in Estes Park whether you are spending just 1 day in Estes Park or are planning to spend a week.
- Take the Ghost Tour at the Stanley Hotel Mountain Retreat
- Ride the Rainbow Slide at Fun City Estes Park
- Meander Along the Estes Park Riverwalk
- Ride the Mustang Mountain Alpine Coaster
- Spot Wildlife
- Shop Downtown Estes Park
- Attend an Estes Park Festival
- Find a Cool Restaurant in Estes Park, Colorado
- Camp or Stay in Cabins in Estes Park, Colorado
- Bundle Up For the “Catch the Glow” Christmas Parade
- Explore Rocky Mountain National Park
Things to Bring
Many of My Favorite Travel Things will make your visit to Estes Park and the aerial tram enjoyable. For more ideas, also check out my Amazon Storefront!
- Smart Phone
- Canon 6d Mark II
- Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM Lens
- UV Protection Lens Filter
- Compact Binoculars
- Visor
- Sunscreen
- Merrell Men’s Hiking Boots
- Oboz Women’s Hiking Boots
- Merino Wool Hiking Socks
- The North Face Recon Backpack Women
- The North Face Recon Backpack Men
>> Related: Best Travel Backpack for Europe, Adventures and Hiking
Frequently Asked Questions
What is name of the cafe at the top of the Estes Park Tramway?
The Hungry Chipmunk Cafe.
What is the elevation of Estes Park, Colorado?
The elevation of Estes Park is 7,522 ft (2,293 m). The elevation at the top of the Estes Park Tramway is 8,619 feet (2,627 m).
What are the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park?
As a local who has hiked in Rocky Mountain National Park up and down mountains for miles, there are so many hikes in the park. Scroll down to “You may also love…” and click on 25 Breathtaking Hikes in Colorado Near Denver.
What is the closest airport to Estes Park, CO?
The closest major airport is the Denver International Airport. It will take you approximately one hour to reach Estes Park from the airport.
Can you buy a one-way ticket for the tram?
No. All tickets are sold as round trip tickets.
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Final Thoughts on The Estes Park Tramway: Discover a Unique Adventure in Estes Park, CO
After 20 plus years of seeing the Estes Park tramway and thinking, “We should ride that!”, Chris and I finally climbed aboard! It was exciting, scenic, and memorable. And we happened to be visiting Estes Park on the most perfect weather day with no wind.
Visiting the Estes Park mountain retreat is an adventure in itself—there are so many fun things to see and do—and soaring up the mountain in a brilliant red tram car simply adds to the fun. Do I recommend the Estes Park tram? Yes!
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I agree with you, the tram does seem a bit pricey! But at least you can spend the day hiking and picnicking. Looks like a fun way to spend the day in Estes!
20 years is a long time to finally take the leap to ride the tram! It sounds like the top is the perfect place to grab a coffee & really soak in the views. I’d love to try it out with my family!
I love the idea of visiting the Estes Park Tramway for a bird’s eye view of Colorado. Good to know we won’t need a National Park Pass to ride the tram although we would likely have one to explore the area. Just one of the fun things to do on a visit to Estes.
I had no idea there was a tram ride in Estes Park! We went there for our 1 year anniversary and now I’m bummed we missed this. Putting it on the list for our next visit, thanks for sharing!
it looks like a very exciting thing to do and the scenery is beautiful. Can you go up to the top and hike around up there before you return to the bottom?
Estes Park looks so nice! My kids would love that tramway!
I’d love to take the tram and have a picnic at Estes Park, thanks for the detailed info on the park.
We’ve driven by the tramway many times, but have never stopped to try it. It would be fun to explore during the fall foliage for some great views.
Love the vintage look of these cable cars! In most places in Europe, the have been replaced by featureless looking modern ones. I’d love to ride an older cable car, provided they are safe.
It’s great that the tramway was brought to life again! I love going uphill by tram or cable car and then exploring what is where. It would be great to visit it someday! Thanks for sharing!
I have a tram/gondola similar near to where I live in Melbourne and I think they are fun things to do. And the views are to die for! I’d love to ride this tram to Estes Park.
I looked at the summit height and thought wow, 8700 ft! And then I looked at the starting elevation and that was already 7500ft LOL I guess the whole area is a highland! What are the views like up top?
I agree, the price is a bit steep, but it looks like it might be worth it. Especially if you pack a picnic for the top. Looks like amazing views!
I love a tram with a view! Also, what a pleasant surprise to see reasonable prices at the cafe at the top!
Love that you finally gave it a go and rode on the beautiful tramway! I love the sound of riding the tram, then hiking at the top – it would be even better if there were longer hikes there too!
Estes Park sounds lovely for a fun family day out. I like the idea of taking the tramway up and would love to explore the area afterwards.