Even though we were more than 12,000 feet above sea level, the sun warmed our group as we wandered the Tundra Communities Trail at Rocky Mountain National Park. It was early September, and Trail Ridge Road had been pleasantly uncrowded as we’d made our way up from the eastern end of the route in Estes Park, Colorado. As we walked past unique formations known as mushroom rocks and hardy alpine plants, adorable little pikas popped up among the rocks, eliciting as many oohs and aahs as the majestic mountain views.
Back down in Estes Park, I marveled at all the elk we kept spotting (even right by a playground in the middle of downtown!), who were kicking off the start of their annual mating season. The scenery was dramatic, the temperatures were pleasant, and the wildlife viewing wowed—was I in Estes Park at the perfect time of year?
But then I heard about blankets of wildflowers and baby elks, moose, and bighorn sheep in the spring, and forests of golden aspens later in the fall. And it became clear that almost any time of year is a perfect time to visit Estes Park. Here’s a season-by-season guide to planning your own trip to the northern Colorado town that serves as a gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park.
Visiting Estes Park in the spring
You’ll find fewer crowds during the spring, but that’s partially because portions of the national park are still closed and snow might still blanket some trails. Trail Ridge Road (the 48-mile stretch that travels through Rocky Mountain National Park between Estes Park and Grand Lake, Colorado, and reaches a high point of 12,183 feet) doesn’t open in its entirety to car traffic until late May or early June. But it does usually open to bicycles earlier, along with the Old Fall River Road.
You’ll see wildflowers starting to bloom in lower elevations in late April, making their way up to the high alpine tundra in June. And if you’re lucky, you might spot elk and moose calves and young bighorn sheep. From a safe distance, of course.
Look skyward to observe the more than 315 species of birds that reside in or migrate through the Estes Park region, including peregrine falcons, rufous hummingbirds, and bald eagles. Springtime also means popular annual events that show off the area’s quirky side: Frozen Dead Guy Days includes coffin races, and Estes Park Bigfoot Days celebrates all things Sasquatch.
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What to do in Estes Park in the summer
You won’t be alone in Estes Park or Rocky Mountain National Park if you visit during the summer months. All of the park is open to visitors during the summertime, which means lots of visitors head there during June, July, and August.
Look for wildflowers in the high alpine tundra as you’re hiking, biking, or rock climbing. Now’s also the time to drive the length of Trail Ridge Road. “It’s the highest continuous paved road in the U.S., with views that stop everyone in their tracks,” says Jason Nelson, senior director of sales and marketing for YMCA of the Rockies–Estes Park Center, a four-season, outdoors-focused family resort (I’ve included more details on the hotel at the end of this story).
Afternoon thunderstorms are common, so plan your days accordingly. Summer is also Colorado’s wildfire season, so pay attention to alerts and restrictions.
If you want to escape the park’s busier areas, load up your backpack and head into the backcountry. “It’s a great way to avoid all of the summer crowds and see a new part of the park,” says Ash Nudd, a former park ranger for the U.S. National Park Service who serves as WorldMark by Wyndham’s Hiking Concierge and runs the national park trip planning site Dirt in My Shoes.
Estes Park does it up for the Fourth of July, with a fireworks show over Lake Estes and other events. Summer’s also prime time for fun family activities like a ride on the Estes Park Aerial Tram or Mustang Mountain Coaster or a trail ride through gorgeous mountain landscapes.
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Visiting Estes Park in the fall
September is Nudd’s favorite time of year to visit Rocky Mountain National Park. The crowds have died down, and the weather and trail conditions are ideal for hiking.
“I spend all of my time in the park on the trail,” she says. “I especially love hiking from the Glacier Gorge Trailhead to the beautiful lakes tucked back in those mountains; Mills Lake, the Loch, and Sky Pond are some of my favorites. But what I love about this park is that there are incredible, easy hiking trails too, so no matter your ability or skill level, you can still hit the trail.”
Hiking’s a great way to admire the golden aspen trees and other fall colors in the area. The Gem Lake Trail meanders through aspen groves, and the hike to Bierstadt Lake offers up memorable views. Driving along Trail Ridge Road or the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway, or hopping aboard the Estes Park Aerial Tram, are other good ways to take in all the autumn splendor in the area.
Sections of the park and its roadways begin closing down in mid-October, and snow starts becoming a possibility. Outside of the park, Estes Park’s annual Elk Fest celebrates elk mating season with wildlife exhibits, Native American music and storytelling, craft vendors, and a bugling contest to see who can best mimic a bull elk’s mating call. And look for the large creatures in places expected and unexpected during the autumn months.
“We have Rocky Mountain National Park bordering three sides of our property, so elk sightings—right outside the cabin door, on the way to breakfast, grazing on the grounds—are just part of a normal day here,” says YMCA of the Rockies’ Nelson. “During fall rut season, you can hear bull elk bugling in the early morning. That’s not something you plan for. It just happens, and families never forget it.”
Spooky season is a good time for taking The Shining Tour at The Stanley Hotel. Stephen King was inspired to write his classic novel The Shining after an eerie stay in Room 217 in 1974, when he and his wife were the hotel’s only guests. The tour leans into that creepy connection with stories and memorabilia, but note that the famous 1980 movie wasn’t filmed there. (The 1997 Shining miniseries was though, along with comedy classic Dumb and Dumber.)
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What to do in Estes Park in the winter
While access to many areas of Rocky Mountain National Park is limited during the winter, there is still plenty of fun to be had. “Rocky Mountain National Park takes on a completely different character—snowshoe trails, frozen waterfalls, and far fewer visitors,” says Nelson.
Hidden Valley offers family-friendly sledding and tubing at a one-time ski area in Rocky Mountain National Park. It’s also popular for backcountry and cross-country skiing. Frozen waterfalls beckon ice climbers, and Colorado Mountain School and KMAC Guides both lead guided ice-climbing excursions.
Another cool wintertime experience? Estes Park Outfitters’ luxury snowcat tours that climb thousands of feet along remote alpine trails to reach the company’s off-the-grid mountain lodge, where fireside cocktails await.
Time your visit to the holiday season and you can see Estes Park in all its festive glory. Twinkling lights adorn the downtown, where events include a holiday parade and the Nightly Light Show Spectacular in Bond Park.
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Where to stay in Estes Park
WorldMark Estes Park
WorldMark Estes Park is made for family adventures, with comfortable two-bedroom suites that sleep up to six (there’s a sleeper sofa in the living area). The roomy suites have fully equipped kitchens so you don’t need to eat out every meal, and a washer/dryer in each suite means there’s no overpacking required.
The well-located resort offers mountain views along with amenities like a seasonal heated outdoor pool, three outdoor hot tubs, a playground, and outdoor grills and picnic areas. WorldMark by Wyndham’s Hiking Concierge program offers guests a discount on itineraries at Rocky Mountain National Park created by former U.S. park ranger Nudd, the brand’s hiking concierge. “These are self-guided tours that help you avoid the crowds, navigate the entrance reservation system, and see the best sights at the best times,” she says.
YMCA of the Rockies–Estes Park Center
This much-loved, family-friendly lodging option sits on 860 acres bordered by Rocky Mountain National Park on three sides. A wide range of activities are offered on-site throughout the year, including horseback riding, archery, and an aerial challenge course during the warmer months of the year; snowshoeing, ice-skating, and sledding during the winter; and hiking, crafts, and roller-skating all year long.
“What makes Estes Park Center so special for families is how easy it is,” says Nelson. “The heart of the property is walkable—you can go from the craft shop to the climbing wall to archery without getting in a car. There’s a full calendar of activities to choose from, many of them included with your stay, and it works just as well for the family that wants to plan every hour as it does for the one that just wants to wander and see what happens.”
