April 2023 Update: The Estes Park Aerial Tramway has closed its business. According to their website “we find ourselves unable to continue operating the Tramway as a family business” after John Heron, son of the original owner, passed away. Hopefully, new owners will bring the attraction back to life!
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. The Estes Park Aerial Tramway is something that every family should do at least once. Find out more about what to expect during your visit and to learn more about why we think it’s worth taking the ride!
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Where is the Estes Park Aerial Tramway
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 the town makes for a perfect day trip from Denver or Boulder.
Even though the official address is 420 E Riverside Drive in Estes Park, access to the Estes Park Aerial Tramway is by way of Moccasin Cir Drive at Riverside Drive. There is a large sign indicating 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 then only weekends the rest of September. Visit their website for the most up-to-date information, because those hours could change!
When the tramway is open, the hours run from 9 am until 6 pm. HOWEVER, if they reach capacity at any point of the day, they will close early. Keep that in mind when planning your visit.
On our visit over Labor Day weekend, we arrived around 3:15 pm and didn’t board the tram until 4:30 pm. While we were waiting in line, they shut the gates to their parking lot, as they had reached capacity at that point.
The best advice we can give is to arrive earlier in the day to guarantee a ride on the tram!
What to Expect on the Estes Park Tram
When you arrive at the Estes Park Aerial Tram, you’ll wait in line before purchasing your tickets if it is busy. After you purchase your tickets, you’ll be assigned a loading dock (if both trams are running). Once the tram is available, you’ll board and begin your trip!
Tram tram car/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. Young children may not be able to see out of the window if they are on the shorter side.
The ride takes less than 5 minutes to reach the top of Prospect Mountain. You’ll have some beautiful views of Estes Park and the beginning of Rocky Mountain National Park on the way up.
Things To Do at the Top of the Estes Park Aerial Tramway
The most notable things to do at the top of Prospect Mountain is to take in the views! A paved path takes you around the building to allow 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.
There is also a small gift shop for those who want to buy a postcard or other memorabilia from your visit to Estes Park and the aerial tramway.
Although there used to be a hiking trail that led up to Prospect Mountain, that has been closed (as of 2020).
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, we waited over an hour to board the tramway. It was worth the wait, but if you have reservations for dinner or plan to do other things during the day, arrive early. They do not sell timed tickets and will close whenever they reach capacity.
- Visit during the week. Like most places, weekends and holidays will be the busiest time to visit. If you can get there during the week and first thing in the morning, you’ll have a better chance at getting on and up quickly.
- 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.
Fun Stats About the Estes Park Aerial Tramway
- The Estes Park Aerial Tramway was opened in 1955 by Robert Heron and is still owned and operated by the Heron family today
- The elevation change from boarding at the bottom to the top of Prospect Mountain is about 1200 feet
- The grade of the mountain makes it that 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, as it is 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.
Is the Estes Park Aerial Tramway Worth It?
We think it is! Although we waited in line for over an hour, the views of both Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park made it worth the wait. It’s not an activity we’d do more than once, but it’s definitely worth visiting at least one time.
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