Rooftop Rodeo
About
Experience authentic Western excitement at this historic rodeo event featuring thrilling bull riding, barrel racing, and kid-friendly entertainment in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. The Rooftop Rodeo has been an Estes Park tradition since 1908, offering families a genuine taste of cowboy culture with professional rodeo action and interactive activities that bring the Old West to life.
Highlights
- ✓Professional bull riding with 2,000-pound bulls and fearless cowboys
- ✓Fast-paced barrel racing featuring skilled cowgirls on horseback
- ✓Mutton bustin' competition where young children ride sheep
- ✓Rodeo clown entertainment that keeps kids laughing between events
- ✓Opening grand entry parade with flags and all competitors on horseback
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive early to explore the pre-rodeo activities and let kids meet real cowboys and cowgirls near the chutes
- 2.Bring cushions or stadium seats as bleacher seating can be uncomfortable during the full 2-hour event
- 3.Pack layers and light jackets,mountain evenings cool down quickly even in July, and some seating areas are in shade
- 4.Purchase tickets in advance online as this popular event often sells out, especially on weekends
- 5.Sit on the west side for better sunset views and less sun in your eyes during the performance
Best Time to Visit
The rodeo runs nightly during its week-long July run, typically starting around 7:30 PM. Weeknight performances (Tuesday-Thursday) tend to be less crowded than Friday-Sunday shows, making it easier to find good seats and navigate with children.
What to Know
Tickets typically range from $15-25 per person with discounts for children under 12. Parking is available on-site with additional lots nearby. Concessions offer classic rodeo fare including hot dogs, popcorn, and snacks, though prices are event-level.
Seasonal Notes
The Rooftop Rodeo is a week-long annual event held exclusively in July (typically the week surrounding July 4th). This is a seasonal event, not a year-round attraction, so check exact dates each year when planning your Estes Park summer vacation.
Nearby Eats
Head to Ed's Cantina & Grill (0.5 miles away) for family-friendly Tex-Mex with a kids menu, or stop at Smokin' Dave's BBQ & Taphouse for hearty barbecue that fuels hungry rodeo-goers before the show.
More Activities Near Estes Park
Trail Ridge Road
Trail Ridge Road offers families an unforgettable alpine adventure, climbing to over 12,000 feet with stunning panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains. This scenic byway provides easy access to the tundra ecosystem with multiple pull-offs and overlooks where kids can spot elk, marmots, and bighorn sheep while experiencing one of America's highest paved roads.
Estes Park
Estes Park is a charming mountain town gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, offering families breathtaking alpine scenery, wildlife spotting opportunities, and easy access to nature adventures. With its walkable downtown full of kid-friendly shops and eateries, plus lakeside parks and gentle trails perfect for little legs, it's an ideal Colorado family destination that balances outdoor exploration with small-town charm.
Estes Park Aerial Tramway
The Estes Park Aerial Tramway whisks families up Prospect Mountain in open-air chairlifts, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains and Estes Valley that kids won't soon forget. At the summit, families can explore the gift shop, snap memorable photos, and access gentle hiking trails perfect for little legs, making it an accessible mountain adventure without the strenuous climb.
Black Canyon Trail
Black Canyon Trail offers families a rewarding riverside hiking experience in the heart of Estes Park with moderate terrain that's achievable for active kids. The trail follows a scenic waterway where children can spot wildlife, listen to rushing water, and experience Colorado's stunning mountain landscapes without the extreme difficulty of higher-elevation hikes.