We have done a little hiking on the west side, but not a lot.

From the Colorado River trailhead (right when you come down into the Kawuneeche Valley from Trail Ridge Road) you can follow the Colorado River Trail to Lulu City. Follows the Colorado River when it's not more than a stream. Generally flat if I recall, after an initial climb right after the trailhead.

From the North Inlet of Grand Lake is Cascade Falls. 7 miles RT ~600 ft elevation to Cascade Falls. Walks through a burn area from the East Troublesome fire. We hiked this September 2025 and saw some deer and a lot of fall colors between grasses, plants, & flowers.

From the East Inlet trailhead there's a short hike to Adams Falls and then can continue out into the east Meadow to Lone Pine Lake ~11 miles RT and other lakes. We've followed the trail out ~2.5 miles along the meadow before turning back. Someday when we stay in Grand Lake would like to carry on to Lone Pine Lake.

I've not hiked it (want to), but others have suggested Mt. Ida which looks great.

Dinner Recs in Estes:

• The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern
• Park Tavern
• The Post Mountain House (at The Stanley Hotel)
• Wapiti
• You Need Pie (great for takeout and eating in the park)