Is The Estes Park Aerial Tramway Worth It?

When searching for things to do in Estes Park, the aerial tramway is one of the activities many websites recommend.

And it’s no surprise why! This unique activity in Colorado allows visitors to ascend Prospect Mountain and get amazing Rocky Mountain National Park views.

Every family should take the Estes Park Aerial Tramway at least once. Find out more about what to expect during your visit and why we think it’s worth taking the ride!

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What You Need to Know Before You Ride the Estate Park Aerial Tramway

Location and Parking

The Estes Park Aerial Tramway is located in Estes Park, the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park. Estes Park is considered one of the best mountain towns in Colorado, and it makes for a perfect day trip from Denver or Boulder.

Although the official address is 420 E Riverside Drive in Estes Park, access to the Estes Park Aerial Tramway is from Moccasin Cir Drive at Riverside Drive.

A large sign indicates that you’ve reached your destination. Follow the long driveway behind the sign, and you will arrive at their parking lot.

Estes Park Aerial Tramway Hours

The Estes Park Aerial Tramway is one of many fun things to do in Estes Park, but it is only open seasonally.

The tramway is generally open from Memorial Day through Labor Day and only on weekends through mid-October. Visit their website for the most up-to-date information, as those hours could change!

Operating hours are from 9:00 am until 6:00 pm, but the last tram up is at 5:00 pm.

Reservations

Before you head to the Estes Park Aerial Tramway, make sure you have a reservation! Before the new ownership, visitors used to stand in line (we waited an hour!) to purchase tickets and ride up the mountain.

Thankfully, the new owners have made it easier for visitors (and lessened the wait time) with timed reservations.

You can purchase tickets ahead of time on their website and choose the day and time you want to arrive. Keep in mind that you may still wait 10-30 minutes before boarding a tram, but it’s better than it used to be!

What to Expect on the Estes Park Tram

Taking the Estes Park Aerial Tramway is such a fun and unique way to get beautiful views of Rocky Mountain National Park and Estes Park.

So, what should you expect on the ride?

The gondola itself is small, with a max capacity of 10 adults.

The car’s windows are open, allowing for maximum breeze and views as you ascend and descend the mountainside.

Good to know: Young children may not be able to see out of the window if they are on the shorter side.

It takes less than 5 minutes to reach the top of Prospect Mountain. To get the best views, stand at the back of the tram car.

Things To Do at the Top of the Estes Park Aerial Tramway

Enjoy the Views

The most notable thing to do at the top of Prospect Mountain is to take in the views!

A paved path takes you around the building, allowing visitors to see in almost all directions. There are also many boulders you can scramble over to get more views. If you look west, you’ll be able to see Rocky Mountain National Park.

Grab a Bite to Eat

While you’re at the top of the mountain, grab a snack, breakfast, or some lunch at the Chipmunk Cafe (open seasonally).

The cafe offers typical fare like chicken fingers and pizza for lunch and breakfast burritos. You can also snack on some peanuts (the chipmunks will love you!) or ice cream.

Shop For Souvenirs

There is a small gift shop for those who want to buy postcards or other memorabilia from their visit to Estes Park and the aerial tramway.

Tips For Your Visit to the Aerial Tram at Estes Park

To make the most of your visit to the Estes Park Aerial Tramway, keep in mind the following:

Plan to wait in line. As noted above, although you reserve a time to enter the line, you may still wait 10-30 minutes to board the tram.
Visit during the week. Like most places, weekends and holidays are the busiest times to visit.
Wear comfortable shoes. The paved path at the top of Prospect Mountain allows for good views, but some of the best views are from the boulders, and you’ll have to climb those! Wearing the right shoes will make it easier.
Leave the stroller in the car. If you’re bringing a young child, consider using a carrier. You won’t be able to bring the stroller on the gondola with you.
Give yourself time to go down. The line to leave the mountain may be long, and it could take 30 minutes (or more) to get on a tram.

Fun Stats About the Estes Park Aerial Tramway

The Estes Park Aerial Tramway was opened in 1955 by Robert Heron and was owned and operated by the Heron family until it was sold in 2024 (the tram did not operate in 2023).
The elevation change from boarding at the bottom to the top of Prospect Mountain is about 1200 feet.
The mountain’s grade means no towers are needed to support the cable over the .5-mile span.
The highest the car goes above the ground is 200 feet (hold on to your belongings!)

Other Things To Do in Estes Park

Estes Park is a tourist destination, considered the Gateway to the Rockies. As such, there are plenty of things to do in Estes Park to fill a long weekend!

Open Air Adventure Park: This fun ropes course is a few minutes down the street from the tramway.
Fun City: You can see this small amusement area as you leave the bottom station. Giant slides, bumper cars, and go-karts are just some of the entertainment you’ll find there.
The Stanley Hotel: Fans of The Shining will want to stop by to see where the famous movie was filmed.
Rocky Mountain National Park: Several hikes ranging from family-friendly to difficult await you in this beautiful park. You can also drive to many of the scenic stops along Trail Ridge Road.

We think it is! It is a fun and easy way to get amazing views of both Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park.