Trailhead Restaurant
Rustic eatery near Rocky Mountain National Park offering regional game, classic American fare, and stunning mountain views from its patio.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Trailhead Restaurant
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Rustic eatery near Rocky Mountain National Park offering regional game, classic American fare, and stunning mountain views from its patio.
"Experience breathtaking views and unique flavors at Trailhead Restaurant, a must-visit near Rocky Mountain National Park."
Try Wild Game
Sample their original creations featuring wild game like elk and buffalo for an authentic taste of the region.
Book Patio Seating
Reserve a table on the patio in advance to secure a seat with great ambiance and stunning mountain views.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
American
Price
Mid-range
Phone
(970) 577-0043
Address
3450 Fall River Rd, Estes Park, CO 80517, USA
Website
trailheadrestaurant.com/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Breathtaking Mountain Views
Dine with unparalleled mountain vistas from the patio, creating a truly memorable and scenic dining experience.
Regional Wild Game Specialties
Savor unique regional cuisine featuring expertly prepared wild game like elk and buffalo for an authentic taste.
Rocky Mountain National Park Dinner Ride
Experience a unique dinner ride through Rocky Mountain National Park followed by a meal at the restaurant.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Try Wild Game
Sample their original creations featuring wild game like elk and buffalo for an authentic taste of the region.
Book Patio Seating
Reserve a table on the patio in advance to secure a seat with great ambiance and stunning mountain views.
Visit During Off-Peak
For potentially faster service, consider dining during less crowded times to avoid extended wait times.
Consider the Dinner Ride
Opt for the Dinner Ride package for a unique experience combining a scenic park ride with a meal.
Tips
from all over the internet
Try Wild Game
Sample their original creations featuring wild game like elk and buffalo for an authentic taste of the region.
Book Patio Seating
Reserve a table on the patio in advance to secure a seat with great ambiance and stunning mountain views.
Visit During Off-Peak
For potentially faster service, consider dining during less crowded times to avoid extended wait times.
Consider the Dinner Ride
Opt for the Dinner Ride package for a unique experience combining a scenic park ride with a meal.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Trailhead Restaurant offers a memorable dining experience with its spectacular mountain views and rustic atmosphere. While many praise the unique wild game dishes and friendly service, some diners have noted longer than expected wait times for food, especially during peak hours. The restaurant is a popular choice for those visiting Rocky Mountain National Park and seeking regional flavors.
"It was a wonderful place to dine after a long hike on a chilly day. The service was exceptional, and our needs were always met. I recommend skipping the beef hamburger and instead enjoying the elk stew with peach cobbler a la mode."
KE L
"We stopped in to grab a bite after driving the RMNP. The atmosphere was great & the views are unmatched! The food was good, American style cuisine. A great selection of local beer… something I like to sample in small towns. The staff were friendly with great service too."
Gina M
"After a long, awesome day in the park, my friend and I stopped to have dinner at the Trailhead Restaurant. The service was awesome, the view spectacular and the food delicious. Linda had fresh local caught trout over rice with vegetables and a roll, I had a seasoned pork chop, cranberry chutney, mashed potatoes, delicious vegetables, and a roll. Absolutely delicious 😋 And refreshing tasteful ice cold water. The atmosphere was perfect buzzing with conversation but yet quite enough to hear each other speak. I highly recommend dining at the Trailhead Restaurant 👍👍"
Kathleen Ryan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
For potentially better service and shorter wait times, consider visiting during off-peak hours.
Yes, the restaurant has a patio with fantastic views. It's recommended to make reservations in advance for patio seating.
Absolutely! They feature original creations with wild game like elk and buffalo.
Yes, they offer gluten-free and vegan options, with a chef willing to customize dishes.
Yes, consider the Dinner Ride package which includes a ride through Rocky Mountain National Park followed by dinner.
Some diners have reported difficulty reaching the restaurant by phone for to-go orders, suggesting in-person ordering or dining in.
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Estes Park Trail Riding at the National Park Gateway Stables
Enjoy a 2 hour ride through Rocky Mountain National Park with a dinner following the ride at the Trailhead Restaurant located at Gateway Fall River Visitors Center. Price of dinner ride is $95 plus a 25% discount on the full menu options (excluding alcoholic drinks) from the restaurant. The meal options include salmon, trout, wild game, steaks, pasta, salads, soups, wraps, & sandwiches, etc.
Trailhead Restaurant
Unfortunately, we can’t make the Winter Festival this year, so testing chili at local restaurants was the next best thing. The first restaurant we tried was Trailhead Restaurant which is near the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. The main reason we chose this spot is because our girls love their hot chocolate.
Trailhead Restaurant - Estes Park
After my hike at Rocky Mountain National Park and the Deer Mountain Trail I was looking for a spot for lunch. I had entered the park at the Fall River entrance and found a a sign that was like a beacon. The Trailhead Restaurant is about as a close to the park as you can get.
Cafe de Pho Thai - Estes Park, Colorado
For a true taste of the Rockies, try one of Trailhead Restaurant's original creations for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Fresh ingredients, including wild game like elk and buffalo, are staples of their menu. The menu is complemented by the rustic interior and an open patio.
Best Estes Park Restaurants – Romantic, Gluten Free, Vegan & More -
Known for their best view from the patio seating and great ambiance, I personally found this place expensive. But, that can be a subjective thing. When you have a crying baby, hungry stomachs, you settle for whatever is available near you.
Estes Park Family Restaurant Guide
Complete coffee bar, ice cream, American menu, steaks and game. Regionally brewed beers, snacks, desserts. Stop by and grab a packaged lunch on your way into the National Park.
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