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Estes Park Aerial Tramway: A Ride to Remember

Experience breathtaking panoramic views of Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park from the summit of Prospect Mountain.

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Ascend Prospect Mountain via the Estes Park Aerial Tramway for panoramic views of Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. This family-owned tramway, operating since 1955, offers a smooth, scenic ride to the summit, where you'll find hiking trails, a coffee shop, and a souvenir shop.

A brief summary to Estes Park Aerial Tramway

  • Monday 9 am-6 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-6 pm
  • Friday 9 am-6 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-6 pm

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid long lines, especially during peak tourist season.
  • Check the weather forecast before your visit and dress in layers, as mountain weather can change rapidly.
  • Purchase tickets online in advance to reserve your spot and reduce wait times.
  • Allow at least one to two hours to fully enjoy the summit, including the views, hiking trails, and coffee shop.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From downtown Estes Park, head west on Elkhorn Avenue (US-36 W) towards Moraine Avenue. Continue through the roundabout to Crags Drive. Proceed straight through the intersection with East Riverside Drive onto Moccasin Circle Drive. Turn immediately left into the tramway's parking lot, clearly marked with a large sign. Parking is $6.95 for up to four hours.

  • Public Transport

    From the Estes Park Visitor Center (a hub for the town's free shuttle service), take the Brown Route. This route serves Riverside Drive. Get off at the stop closest to Moccasin Circle Drive and walk a short distance to the tramway entrance. The Estes Park shuttle is free to use.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    From anywhere in Estes Park, a taxi or ride-share service (such as Lyft or Uber) can provide direct transport to the Estes Park Aerial Tramway. The destination address is 420 E Riverside Dr, Estes Park, CO 80517, but the entrance is off Moccasin Circle Drive. Expect to pay around $10-$20 for a short trip within Estes Park.

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Discover more about Estes Park Aerial Tramway

The Estes Park Aerial Tramway has been a beloved attraction since 1955, offering visitors a unique perspective of Estes Park and the surrounding Rocky Mountain National Park. Designed and built by Robert Heron, the tramway reflects his fascination with European tramway designs, particularly their ability to span steep terrain without the need for support towers. This "free span" design provides a smooth and breathtaking ride to the top of Prospect Mountain. As you ascend in one of the tramway's iconic red cars, which can hold up to 12 passengers, you'll climb over 1,100 vertical feet in under five minutes. From the summit, the views are simply stunning. You can see Longs Peak, the Continental Divide, and the entire Estes Park valley. The summit also features light hiking trails, a coffee shop, and a gift shop, making it an ideal spot to spend an hour or two enjoying the scenery. The tramway's history is as captivating as the views it offers. Robert Heron's interest in tramways began during World War II, and he later built the first double chair ski lift in the United States. The Estes Park Aerial Tramway stands as a testament to his engineering skills and vision. Today, the tramway continues to be a family-owned operation, providing a memorable experience for visitors of all ages.

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