How the New Estes Park Loop Works: Your Guide to Downtown Traffic Patterns and Summer Tips

If you have not been to Estes Park lately, you are in for some big changes as soon as you roll into downtown. The Downtown Estes Loop project wrapped up in 2024 after more than a year of construction, and the new one-way traffic pattern is now fully in place. Whether you are a local getting used to the new flow, a visitor planning your first trip, or someone considering a move to one of Colorado's most beautiful mountain communities, understanding how the loop works will make your experience a whole lot smoother.

We recently took a drive through the loop during Fourth of July week, one of the busiest times of the year in Estes Park, to show you exactly what to expect. Here is a breakdown of how the new traffic pattern works and some tips to help you navigate it like a local.

What Is the Estes Park Loop?

The Downtown Estes Loop is a brand new one-way traffic route designed to reduce congestion and improve safety for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists in downtown Estes Park. The project was funded through the Federal Lands Access Program and built in partnership with the Town of Estes Park and the Colorado Department of Transportation. The goal was straightforward: make it easier and safer for everyone to get through town and access Rocky Mountain National Park.

Before the loop, Elkhorn Avenue would often get backed up all the way through the Highway 34/36 intersection, blocking cross traffic and making it tough for anyone to get through town. The new configuration converts key downtown streets into a connected series of one-way roads that form a continuous loop, replacing old bottlenecks with a smoother flow that keeps traffic moving.

How the Loop Works: A Step-by-Step Drive-Through

Here is what the new traffic pattern looks like as you drive through it.

Heading Into Town on Elkhorn Avenue

Inbound traffic comes west on Elkhorn Avenue past the shops and restaurants that make downtown Estes Park so fun to explore. After you pass Bond Park, Elkhorn Avenue becomes a one-way street heading west. All traffic moves in the same direction through downtown from this point forward.

Turning onto Moraine Avenue

If you are heading toward Rocky Mountain National Park, you will want to transition into the left two lanes as you approach the intersection with Moraine Avenue, then turn left. One important change to note: if you are driving eastbound on West Elkhorn Avenue, you can no longer continue straight through this intersection. Traffic is directed to turn right or left, and the right turn puts you on the road to the roundabout.

Navigating the Roundabout

As you head up the hill on Moraine Avenue, you will approach the new roundabout. This replaces what used to be a challenging intersection where multiple roads converged. Traffic coming back into town from Rocky Mountain National Park on Highway 36 is now rerouted through here. If you are heading into the park, stay in the right lane and take the first right exit onto Moraine Avenue. If you are heading back into town, continue around the roundabout and take the exit onto Riverside Drive. The roundabout is straightforward. Just remember to yield to traffic already in the circle.

Crossing the Big Thompson River and Completing the Loop

After the roundabout, you continue down Riverside Drive and cross the new bridge over the Big Thompson River, another spot that used to get backed up. From here, the loop continues along East Riverside Drive and brings you back toward Elkhorn Avenue. If you are planning to head out of town the way you came, stay in the right two lanes. If you are heading back toward West Elkhorn or Rocky Mountain National Park, use the left lane.

What Locals and Visitors Are Already Noticing

One of the biggest improvements so far is pedestrian safety. With one-way traffic flow through downtown, it is a lot easier to cross the street safely and enjoy the shops and restaurants without feeling like you are navigating a game of Frogger. The wider sidewalks, new trails, and bike lanes that came with the project also make it easier to explore downtown on foot or by bike.

The loop also reduces overall travel time through town, which is especially noticeable during peak summer months when visitor traffic is at its highest. For those heading to Rocky Mountain National Park, the streamlined route means less time sitting in traffic and more time enjoying the mountains.

Traffic Tips for Visiting Estes Park This Summer

Whether this is your first visit or you are a regular, here are a few tips to help you navigate the loop with confidence.

Watch for new lane markings and signage. The turns and lane transitions are well marked, but it is easy to miss them the first time around, especially if you are used to the old traffic pattern. Pay attention to the signs, and do not worry if you need to make an extra loop to get where you are going.

Be patient with the new pattern. This is still the first full summer season with the loop in place. Everyone, locals and visitors alike, is still getting used to the changes. Give yourself a little extra time and grace as you figure it out.

Take advantage of free parking and shuttles. Estes Park offers free parking at the Riverwalk Parking Garage and seasonal free shuttle service connecting parking areas, downtown, and popular destinations. Using the shuttles can help you avoid the busiest downtown traffic altogether.

Park and explore on foot. One of the best things about the loop is that it makes downtown more walkable and enjoyable. Park once and take your time exploring the shops, restaurants, and the riverwalk. After a full year of construction, the downtown area is more accessible and welcoming than ever.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Estes Park Loop

What is the Estes Park Loop?

The Estes Park Loop (officially the Downtown Estes Loop) is a one-way traffic pattern through downtown Estes Park that was completed in 2024. It uses connected one-way streets along Elkhorn Avenue, Moraine Avenue, and Riverside Drive to reduce congestion and improve access to Rocky Mountain National Park.

Is Elkhorn Avenue one-way now?

Yes. Starting at Bond Park, Elkhorn Avenue is now one-way heading west through downtown. Eastbound return traffic uses Riverside Drive to complete the loop.

How do I get to Rocky Mountain National Park with the new loop?

Head west on Elkhorn Avenue, transition into the left lanes, and turn left onto Moraine Avenue. At the roundabout, stay right and take the first exit onto Moraine Avenue/Highway 36 toward the Beaver Meadows Entrance.

Is there a roundabout in downtown Estes Park?

Yes. A new roundabout was built on Moraine Avenue as part of the loop project. It connects Crags Drive, Moraine Avenue/Highway 36, and Riverside Drive. Yield to traffic already in the circle, and use your lane position to navigate toward your destination.

Where can I park in downtown Estes Park?

The Riverwalk Parking Garage on North St. Vrain Avenue offers 415 free parking spots year-round. During summer, the Town of Estes Park also operates free seasonal shuttle service connecting parking areas, downtown, and popular destinations. Paid parking is in effect in some downtown lots from late May through mid-October.

When was the Estes Park Loop completed?

Construction on the Downtown Estes Loop was completed in late 2024. The 2025 summer season is the first full peak season with the new traffic pattern in place.

Explore Estes Park With Confidence

After a full year of construction, the Estes Park Loop is doing exactly what it was designed to do: keeping our mountain town accessible and welcoming for everyone. Whether you are visiting for the weekend or considering making Estes Park your home, the new traffic flow makes it easier than ever to enjoy everything this community has to offer.

Want to see the loop in action? Watch our full drive-through video to get a visual feel for the new traffic pattern before your next visit.

At Signature Home Team, we are more than real estate agents. We are your resource for everything Estes Park. Whether you are planning a visit, exploring the idea of mountain living, or ready to start your home search, we would love to help you find your place in this beautiful corner of Colorado.

Relevant Links

Watch the Full Estes Park Loop Drive-Through Video

Downtown Estes Loop Project Information

Visit Estes Park: Getting Around

Estes Park Parking Information and Free Shuttles

Town of Estes Park Public Works Projects

Home Buyer Guide

Home Seller Guide

Subscribe to Estes Park Living on YouTube

Join the Everything Estes Park Facebook Group

Follow Signature Home Team on Instagram

Follow Signature Home Team on Facebook

About the Author: Jeff Abel is a licensed real estate agent and team lead with Signature Home Team, brokered by Keller Williams Top of the Rockies, specializing in Estes Park and Northern Colorado mountain communities. He shares insights about real estate and mountain living through the Estes Park Living channel.