Estes Park is a popular getaway in Northern Colorado. The town sits at an elevation of about 7,500 feet and it is at the eastern entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park. Estes Park is a playground for outdoor explorers, but don’t sleep on the cultural activities that this town offers. The town features special events throughout the year including concerts at the Stanley Hotel, Jazz Fest, Elk Fest, and the Fall Back Beer Festival. Estes Park offers something for everyone.
Basically a Disneyland for hikers. This national park showcases the awe-inducing beauty of the Colorado Rocky Mountains and is the home of Long’s Peak (14,259’ elevation). Rocky Mountain National Park is a great opportunity for viewing wildlife, including elk, moose, mountain lions, bighorn sheep, and black bears. RMNP had over 4.5 million visitors in 2016.
Summer is great for viewing wildlife or enjoying many sporting activities. Estes Park has plenty of options for rafting, ATVs, and horseback riding. Adventure junkies can also try out zip lining and rock climbing. Many summer visitors elect to camp.rnrnDuring the winter, visitors love to explore with backcountry skiing, snowshoeing, ice climbing and cross-country skiing.
Estes Park has a charming and quaint “downtown” area with great shopping and dining. Make sure to check out the river walk. Learn more at www.visitestespark.com.
Perhaps haunted, but definitely historic, the Stanley Hotel has been open since 1909. The hotel is most well-known for being the site of Stephen King’s classic “The Shining”. The Stanley Hotel is so much more than the site of a horror movie. It combines beautiful architecture, stunning views, quick access to Rocky Mountain National Park and memorable events.
Winter is the slow season in Estes Park. The largest visitor attraction is Rocky Mountain National Park. While the park is open in the winter, the weather isn't ideal for hiking. High temps are typically in the low 40s.
Spring can be unpredictable as Estes Park will occasionally get late season snow storms. May can be a good time to visit as it is before most schools let out for the summer. May's high temperatures are in the low 60s.
Summer is the busy season. Rocky Mountain National Park gets about a million visitors in the month of July (compared to only 100,000 in February). The weather is perfect for hiking with sunshine and mild high temps in the upper 70s. The only downside about visiting during the summer is the crowds.
Fall is a great time to visit. The park is stunningly beautiful in early fall. Hiking is great in September and early October. Plus, there tend to be fewer tourists with school back in session. Early October high temps are in the low to mid-60s.