A Comprehensive Estes Park Brewery Guide

There’s nothing quite like sipping on a tall pint of refreshing craft beer in the heart of picturesque Estes Park, Colorado, after a full day of Rocky Mountain adventures. According to the Brewers Association, Colorado’s craft beer industry has the greatest economic impact per capita in the country. Coloradans love artisanal ales—and so does the team at Estes Park Condos. Estes Park boasts approximately 6,400 residents. Yet, this serene mountain town is home to four craft breweries. Thus, we’ve pieced together a handy, comprehensive Estes Park brewery guide with stops at all four destination breweries.

A Four-Chapter Estes Park Brewery Guide

Colorado produces nearly 1.6 million barrels of craft beer annually (not including the MillerCoors joint venture). Coors alone pumps out 20 million barrels annually. Don’t get us wrong—we love ourselves a crisp Coors Banquet on a warm summer afternoon. However, there’s just something magical about savoring a hazy IPA, a peanut butter milk stout, or a multi-berry sour with the fresh Rocky Mountain air wisping through our hair. The Estes Park brewery scene continues to flourish, and it’s only a matter of time before more entrepreneurs rediscover this landscape’s seemingly magical allure.

Rock Cut Brewing Company

Naturally, our four-chapter Estes Park brewery guide begins at Rock Cut, a Big Thompson River-side taproom with ample outdoor seating within approximately 10 feet from the babbling brook. It lies across a quiet road from the family-friendly Fun City amusement park, where elk often roam with nary a care in the world. Rock Cut’s waterfront atmosphere is only outmatched by its balanced ales and lagers, ranging from the juicy Galactic Portal (as pictured) to the tart River Culture (a rare pale sour) and the roasty Chaos Canyon, the perfect winter beer, sitting at 8.8% ABV.

Avant Garde Aleworks

Avant Garde’s spacious, dog-friendly (yet concrete) patio sets it apart from the competition, especially in the current state of the world. The mountain views combined with the unique flavor combinations masterminded by the brewing team leads to a one-of-a-kind taproom experience. The Avant Garde team isn’t afraid to shake things up with their 10% ABV Peach Rosé, Oktoberfest ode (the “Festbier”), and ultra-crushable Petite Saison. There’s genuinely something for every type of traveler, from self-proclaimed beer snobs to those who only dabble into the world of hard seltzers.

Lumpy Ridge Brewing Co.

Lumpy Ridge operates out of an old, repurposed gas station along St. Vrain Street. It’s a unique aesthetic for sure—one that works, thanks in large part to the surrounding mountains and friendly beertenders. One could argue that Lumpy Ridge is a roadside attraction worthy of a brief, 45-minute stop before traveling deeper into the heart of the Estes Park brewery scene. But don’t overlook its eclectic mix of seasonable lagers, including the New Zealand Pilsner and the porch poundin’ Rancho Deluxe Western American Lager.

Estes Park Brewery

Estes Park Brewery’s 27-year-old brewpub is “more than a taproom”—it’s equal parts arcade, beer garden, and restaurant. Thus, the reviews are mixed. We revere Estes Park Brewery for what it is: a straightforward, laid-back place to enjoy a brewski and some pub fare. It feels more like a small-town bar than a brewery, but that’s all part of its long-standing charm. It’s located behind the aforementioned Fun City, so guests often spot wild elk roaming the grounds searching for freshwater and forbs.

Quintessential Estes Park Lodging on the Fall River

Start and finish each day of adventure with Estes Park Condos, a three-property, resort-esque experience along the serene banks of the Fall River. We’re minutes away from everything that makes Estes Park so incredibly alluring, including nearly instant access to Rocky Mountain National Park via the Fall River entrance down the road. Don’t forget to read about our favorite Rocky Mountain hikes if you plan to explore the area in the coming months. On-site amenities include full kitchens, private decks, fireplaces, hot tubs (or corner spas), complimentary fishing poles, and so much more!

To book a long-awaited escape into the Rocky Mountains, please check availability online (or call us directly at 970-577-0068).