20 Of The Best Things To Do In Estes Park In Winter & Spring 

Estes Park is one of Colorado’s most popular vacation destinations thanks to the town’s incredible mountain views, abundant wildlife, and close proximity to Rocky Mountain National Park.

The warmer months are most popular here, but there’s still tons to do in winter. You can explore RMNP without all the crowds, see the famous Stanley Hotel, and so much more!

I’ve lived in the Denver area most of my life and love visiting Estes Park no matter the time of year. Read on for the best things to do in Estes Park in winter!

Top Things To Do In Estes Park In Winter  

Visit Downtown Estes Park

Downtown Estes Park runs for a few blocks along Elkhorn and Moraine Avenues, following the Big Thompson River.

You can’t miss this fun area full of boutique and souvenir shops, dining, and art galleries. Not to mention, tons of sweet shops selling hot chocolate, taffy, and more.

Tip: The Taffy Shop and Purple Mountain Taffy Company are favorites among visitors.

The downtown area is the perfect place to spend an afternoon and is easily one of the most popular things to do in Estes Park during winter.  

The Stanley Hotel

The historic Stanley Hotel is one of Estes Park’s most famous attractions. Built in 1909, this Colonial Revival hotel, now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was very modern for its time.

In fact, in building this hotel, F.O. Stanley provided most of Estes Park’s early infrastructure. Most notably, the Fall River Hydroplant, which first brought electricity to the remote town. 

This historic and well preserved hotel became famous decades after its opening, when it inspired Stephen King to write his best-selling novel, The Shining.

Stephen King and his wife spent one night in Room 217 at the end of season, and were the only overnight guests in the entire hotel. It’s said that the unique and eerie experience left King with the premise of his book, The Shining, mapped out in his head by morning.

Fun Fact: Despite Stephen King’s wishes, The Shining was not filmed at The Stanley Hotel.   

You can spend the night here, even in King’s Room 217! It normally books out far in advance, but you’ve got a better chance of snagging the room during the quieter winter months.  

Guests not staying the night are welcome to stop by for a self-guided tour around the property, which offers stunning mountain views in addition to historic and haunted vibes.

Additionally, the hotel hosts a number of special events and tours, such as their popular ghost tours.

Parking is $10 for visitors not spending the night.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Neighboring Estes Park is the famous Rocky Mountain National Park, and winter here is absolute magic. 

The park’s stunning mountain landscapes are blanketed in snow, creating a true winter wonderland.

Adventurous visitors can plan to cross-country ski, snowshoe, or even go backcountry skiing. Those looking for more of a mellow experience can simply go for a scenic drive or sledding at popular Hidden Valley.

Best of all, the cold weather and deep snow keeps most visitors away, meaning this is one of the only times to see the park absent of large crowds. 

For lots of information regarding what to do in RMNP during the winter season, check out my guide: Top Things To Do In Rocky Mountain National Park In Winter.

Snowshoeing & Winter Hikes In Estes Park

Hiking is a really fun way to see the winter beauty surrounding Estes Park. The frozen lakes, waterfalls, and expansive mountain views are second to none.

It’s very easy to see why this is one of the top things to do in Estes Park in winter.

Numerous trails can be explored with just spikes, while others will require snowshoes. Most of the area’s best hikes are in RMNP, but not all. 

Below are a few of the best spots for winter hikes near Estes Park:

• Bear Lake
• Dream Lake & Emerald Lake
• Sprague Lake
• Chasm Falls
• Upper Beaver Meadows
• Calypso Cascades
• Lily Lake
• Bridal Veil Falls

Remember to carefully check weather forecasts and properly prepare before heading out on a winter hike. Conditions can change very rapidly here.

Visit Estes Park Museum 

Estes Park is unique in that its history doesn’t revolve around the mining industry, as most Colorado resort towns do.

Estes Park was a popular vacation destination in the early 1900’s thanks to incredible mountain views and Rocky Mountain National Park, which was officially established in 1915. 

This small museum details the history of Estes Park, and the Native Americans who lived here long before the town existed as we know today. The museum is located just a few minutes from downtown and is free for visitors. 

This is a great place to spend an afternoon indoors in Estes Park.

Additional Museums In Estes Park

• MacGregor Ranch Museum & Homestead
• Stanley Home Museum & Education Center
• Estes Park Memorial Observatory
• Lula W. Dorsey Museum

Go Sledding

Sledding is a perfect winter activity, providing snowy fun for the whole family.

Rocky Mountain National Park’s Hidden Valley sledding hill is one of the most popular spots. There’s also a sledding hill at YMCA of the Rockies.

Neither has sled rentals on site, but there’s various places for rentals around town, my go-to spot is Estes Park Mountain Shop.

No matter where you go, the kids are sure to love this one after fresh snow has fallen.

Watch For Wildlife In Estes Park

Estes Park is known for its large population of elk and deer, among other wildlife. 

These migratory animals head to higher elevations in the summer, which means they’re most commonly spotted in town during the colder months (yay!).

The region is also home to moose, bighorn sheep, black bears, bobcats, and mountain lions — although it’s not as common to spot these animals.

Wildlife sightings will require some luck, but you have the best chance around dawn and dusk.

If you wish to witness these animals with some guidance, consider a wildlife tour such as this one: Premier Wildlife Tour In RMNP.

Join An Art Class

If you’re looking for a fun indoor activity in Estes Park, consider joining an art class.

There’s a handful of local studios offering a wide variety of classes, such as acrylic pour painting, metal embossing, canvas painting, and more.

These classes make for a unique souvenir to bring home, or, are simply a fun way to spend an afternoon inside.

Check out classes at Inspired Artisan Market & Studio or Art Center of Estes Park.

Go Ice Skating

Another exciting winter activity in Estes Park is to go ice skating.

YMCA of the Rockies’ Estes Park Center has an outdoor rink which is usually open December – February, weather permitting.

Skate rentals are free for lodging guests or those with a day pass.

Catch A Film At Historic Park Theatre 

While you’re in Estes Park, consider catching a movie at one of the oldest running cinemas in the United States, Historic Park Theatre.

The theater was built in 1913, and has been in operation ever since.

Today you can watch new releases, classic films, and documentaries in this historic building. 

KMAC Guides

Looking for a special excursion during your winter visit to Estes Park?

KMAC Guides (formerly Kent Mountain Adventure Center) is an outdoor adventure company offering a wide range of guided activities in winter.

These include ice climbing, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. 

This is a really fun way for adventure-seeking visitors to experience Estes Park in a unique way.

Visit A Brewery, Winery, Or Distillery

Colorado is well known for having a thriving craft brew scene, thanks a to a huge number of breweries throughout the state.

Enjoying local craft beer is a great way to relax during your winter getaway.

And, luckily, Estes Park is home to several excellent options.

Below are some of the best breweries in Estes Park:

• Estes Park Brewery
• Lumpy Ridge Brewing Co.
• Rock Cut Brewing Company
• Avant Garde Aleworks
• The Post Chicken & Beer

Rather visit a local winery or distiller instead? Check out these popular options:

• Snowy Peaks Winery
• Elkins Distilling Co. & Tasting Room
• Estes Park Distilling Co.

Whether visiting a local brewery, winery, or distillery, be sure to keep an eye on each business’ event calendar. Most offer special entertainment, such as bingo night, trivia night, or live music.

Estes Park Memorial Observatory

The Estes Park Memorial Observatory is located near downtown, just off Lake Estes.

The observatory houses a 16 inch computer-controlled telescope, which is used for observing a variety of celestial objects, including planets and galaxies. It’s housed in a rotating dome which allows for easy access to different areas of the sky.

In addition to the telescope, the observatory also features a classroom and a workshop area with displays and exhibits on astronomy and space exploration.

The center is open to the public on select nights throughout the year, although capacity is very limited and reservations are required. They also host special events, such as stargazing parties, lectures, and workshops.

Check out their schedule at Estes Park Memorial Observatory.

Cross-Country Skiing

Cross-country skiing, also called nordic skiing, is a great way to experience Estes Park’s quiet beauty.

As mentioned above, the town of Estes Park doesn’t see a ton of snow in winter, so most visitors hoping to ski head to Rocky Mountain National Park.

One of the most iconic spots to cross-country ski in the park is Trail Ridge Road, which closes to vehicles in winter.

Visitors can also cross country ski in nearby Arapahoe & Roosevelt National Forests, or some of the area’s parks, like Hermit Park Open Space, if there’s enough snow.

Those who need rentals, check out Estes Park Mountain Shop.

If you want to give it a try with a guide, check out KMAC Guides Cross-Country Skiing.

Winter Events In Estes Park 

Estes Park is known for hosting tons of fun events throughout the year, like the Elk Fest and Estes Park Wine Festival.

Luckily for cold weather visitors, the fun events carry through winter too.

Below are some of the top winter events in Estes Park:

• Sleigh the Games – mid December
• First Peoples Festival – mid January
• Wine & Chocolate Festival – mid February
• Whiskey Warm Up – early March
• Frozen Dead Guy Days – early April 
• Bigfoot Days Festival – mid April

For all upcoming events, check out Visit Estes Park Events.

Art Center Of Estes Park

The Art Center Of Estes Park is a community art center with galleries and exhibitions open to the public, as well as popular art classes and events.

The exhibits showcase local artists across various mediums, and is definitely worth checking out.

If you’re in town during one of their art classes, or their First Friday! Art Groove event, these are definitely worth joining.

Snowmobiling

Snowmobiling is a very popular winter sport in Colorado.

It’s a really unique way to get out and see the special landscapes this state has to offer. Not to mention, they’re simply fun to ride. 

Snowmobiling is limited in the Estes Park area, if new to the sport and looking to join a tour, you’ll have to day trip to the Winter Park and Grand Lake area, or head to the Silverthorne and Breckenridge area.

If conditions are right in Estes Park, and you’re comfortable going out on your own, check out Backbone Adventures. They offer both Polaris UTV rentals and Ski-Doo snowmobile rentals.

Chapel On The Rock

Chapel on the Rock is an active Catholic Church located just about 20 minutes from Estes Park.

The photogenic church was completed in 1936, but the idea was conceived in 1916 by Monsignor Joseph Bosetti. He was inspired by Matthew 16:19, which states, “Upon this rock I will build my church.”

Remarkably, this historic landmark still stands today, after dodging near disaster in forms of fire and flood in the past decade.

The stone church makes for gorgeous photos, and is small, but very beautiful inside. It’s open to the public and free for visitors.

Drive The Peak To Peak Scenic Byway

The Peak to Peak Byway is a stunning scenic drive near Estes Park that offers sweeping views of the Rocky Mountains. The National Scenic Byway — Colorado’s first scenic byway! — spans 55 miles between Estes Park and I-70, near Clear Creek Canyon and Black Hawk.

This road winds its way through a landscape of evergreen forests, rivers, pristine mountain lakes, and spectacular snow-capped peaks.

The drive requires about 2 hours in each direction without stops, and is a great activity for those wishing to explore the area surrounding Estes Park.

If it’s snowing or icy, or there’s a storm in the forecast, I don’t recommend doing this. Check the Colorado Department of Transportation’s COTrip for winter driving conditions and closures.

Day Trips From Estes Park

If time permits during your visit, consider a day trip from Estes Park.

Estes Park is surrounded by bountiful natural beauty and is a short distance from many charming towns.

Below are a few of the most popular day trips from Estes Park:

• Boulder
• Nederland
• Lyons
• Central City & Blackhawk
• Fort Collins
• Winter Park
• Grand Lake

Note: Grand Lake is normally a great day trip from Estes Park, however in winter, it’s not as easy to pull off. The towns are connected by Trail Ridge Road, which reaches 12,183 feet above sea level. Due to large amounts of snow, this pass is closed in winter, cutting off the two towns. In winter it requires 3+ hours to get from Estes Park to Grand Lake.

Where To Stay in Estes Park In Winter

Estes Park has tons of lodging options, most of which are small hotels, cabins, or Airbnb/ VRBO rentals. You will find few chain hotels here. 

The Estes Park Resort and The Inn On Fall River are great options, all centrally located near downtown.

Stephen King fans will recognize the world famous (and supposedly haunted) Stanley Hotel, which inspired the author to write The Shining.

Check out a full list of the best hotels at Top Hotels In Estes Park.

For those who prefer non-haunted lodging, or those simply looking to stay at a cabin on the river, check out my complete guide: Best Estes Park Cabins On The River.

Winter Weather In Estes Park

Estes Park only averages about 4-5 inches of snow per month, with April being the snowiest month seeing an average of 6.5″ of snow.

These are very low averages for a Colorado mountain town, although if you’re hoping to see snow, definitely don’t be discouraged.

The higher elevations surrounding Estes Park, such as Rocky Mountain National Park, see much more snow, so it’s never too far away, even if the town is dry.

While snow can be sparse in town, the wind is not, unfortunately. Be prepared.

Below are the average temperatures for Estes Park in winter. Also keep in mind that March and April are still winter-like in the mountains.

Average Monthly Temperatures:

December – 35° / 18° (High / Low F°)
January – 36° / 18°
February – 36° / 17°
March – 44° / 23°
April – 51° / 28°

Estes Park Elevation

Estes Park is located 7,523 feet above sea level. 

At this elevation altitude sickness is possible. This is characterized by headaches, dizziness, nausea, and loss of breath. It may take days for your symptoms to subside if you’re not able to get to a lower elevation.

If concerned that you may be affected by this, spend a day or two in Denver before heading to Estes Park. This will give your body some time to acclimate to the new altitude. 

Additionally, drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol, smoking, and strenuous exercise. 

As you can see, there are so many excellent things to do in Estes Park in the winter, you’re sure to have the best time.

Any questions? Please leave a comment below or reach out on social media.

Looking for more ideas? Below are additional Estes Park and Colorado guides, or head on over to Visit Estes Park.

More Estes Park & RMNP Winter Guides:

• Winter In RMNP: Best Things To Do
• Top Hotels In Estes Park
• Estes Park: Best Cabins On The River
• What To Wear In Colorado In Winter (Mountain Town & Ski Trip Packing Guide)
• Christmas In Estes Park: Best Things To Do
• All Estes Park Guides
• All Rocky Mountain National Park Guides

More Information For Your Colorado Vacation:

• Best Winter Destinations In Colorado
• Top Spring Break Destinations In Colorado
• Best Colorado Mountain Towns For First-Time Visitors
• Colorado Travel Guide (how to plan your trip!)
• All Colorado Guides