Your Estes Park Base Camp Guide
Local hiking trails, dining spots, and streamside favorites curated by a resident of nearly 20 years.
Inside Estes Park with Sara
My family's personal mountain recommendations
Welcome to our local guide! I'm Sara Bergsten, and for almost two decades, my family and I have lived, camped, and explored right here in Estes Park. When you stay with Perfect Place Vacation Rentals, we want you to feel right at home from the moment you arrive. That's why I've compiled my favorite trails, restaurants, and riversides to help you design a hassle-free vacation. Skip the crowds and discover the places we love most.
Estes Park Pillars
The best ways to experience our stunning mountain home.
Hassle-Free Park Planning
How to navigate the timed entry system
Rocky Mountain National Park is our backyard, located just minutes from our properties like 3 Kings Retreat and Trail Ridge Retreat. To protect the wild landscapes, the park uses a timed entry permit system during peak seasons (May through October). I always recommend our guests secure their reservations on Recreation.gov on the first of the month prior to arrival. If you miss the window, let me know—I can share a few of my favorite trailheads that sit outside the timed entry zones so you can hike anyway.