Planning Your Trip to Estes Park

Planning your trip to Estes Park, Colorado is the first step toward an unforgettable Rocky Mountain vacation. Located just outside Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park is a year-round destination filled with outdoor adventure, scenic beauty, wildlife, and a charming mountain town atmosphere. Whether you visit in summer for hiking and fly fishing or winter for snowshoeing and cozy cabins, Estes Park offers something for every traveler.

This guide will help you plan your Estes Park trip, including when to visit, what to do, where to stay, and tips for both winter and summer travel.

Choosing the Best Time to Visit Estes Park

A four season destination, Estes Park brings different festivals and activities.  But the summer and fall season are where this town shines.

Summer, from June through August, brings warm mountain days perfect for hiking, fly fishing, and outdoor festivals. The Summer season focuses on exploring the grand Rocky Mountain National Park.  At an altitude of 7,523′ above sea level and an average of 238 days of sunshine, there are few days during the summer that get rained out. Visitors can explore Rocky Mountain National Park on their own or enjoy the comfort of a guided tour through the park.

Fall, the turn of the aspens light the forest ablaze with the quaking of their golden yellow leaves.  Fall is also the time of year when the elk begin their annual mating ritual called rut.  Peak leaf season is typically late September and the area is vibrant with yellow aspen foliage.

Winter, typically from December through March, is ideal for snowshoeing, hiking and ice fishing.

Because both summer and fall are peak seasons, travelers should plan and book accommodations several months in advance.

Getting to Estes Park

Most guests visiting Estes Park either drive or fly into Denver International Airport which is 1.5 hours away.  Another option is the regional airport located in Broomfield, just a couple of miles outside of Boulder, Colorado.

Have you heard of JSX Airline?

Another option is to fly into, Rocky Mountain National Airport in Broomfield, Colorado.  It is about 60 minutes away, and just outside of Boulder, Colorado. JSX is a very cool airline.  The cities they service are limited, but if you can use them – the advantages are huge!

• The plane is only 36 seats with lots of legroom
• Checked bags are included
• Your dog can be with you in the cabin – yes, it’s a dog friendly flight!
• Starlink Wi-Fi is totally free and ready to go from the moment you step into the plane.
• A power plug by the window so that you – and your devices – can touch down fully charged.
• Award-winning Flight Attendants will provide complimentary soft drinks, cocktails, beer, wine, and gourmet snacks after takeoff.
• Best of all, you only have to arrive 20 minutes before your flight!

So, give JSX a try for $100.00 off your flight use CODE Z63YZN.

Because there is so much to explore in Estes Park and the proximity to of these transportation options, many visitors discover they prefer a rental car during their stay.

For travelers who prefer not to drive, several public transportation options help you get to Estes Park. Bustang buses run seasonally connecting Denver Union Station with Estes Park.

Choosing Where to Stay

Estes Park offers three main areas where you can find lodging.  They each offer their distinct character and proximity to the activities and experience you are seeking.

Estes Park

Offers hotels, motels, cottages and private rentals. The night life in Estes is on the quieter side.  Think smores around a camp fire, sitting on your balcony listening to the creek or early evenings with live music.

Drake

Is a small, quaint town located outside of Estes Park down highway 34 on the way to Loveland or Fort Collins.  The canyon road is peppered with rustic cabins to rent along the Big Thompson River; a great location for fly fishing.

Allenspark

Located about 20 minutes outside of Estes Park.  A quiet little town offers a few lodging options, campgrounds and easy access to Rocky Mountain National Park and Arapahoe Roosevelt National Forest.

Estes Park offers a wide range of lodging options, from the historic Stanley Hotel to rustic, riverside cabins. Many accommodations feature hot tubs and fire places to warm up after a long day of hiking. When planning your Estes Park trip, choosing the right lodging is important.

Popular lodging options include:

• Cabins
• Vacation rentals
• Riverfront lodges and hotels
• Resorts with mountain views
• Even pet friendly lodging options

Planning Summer Adventures

When the snow melts, Estes Park transforms into a vibrant outdoor playground. Summer visitors enjoy miles of hiking and biking trails, and a lively calendar of events.

Popular summer activities include:

• Hiking through alpine forests and wildflower meadows
• Visit Rocky Mountain National Park
• OHV and Jeep Rentals
• Fly Fishing
• Outdoor concerts and festivals in Snowmass Village

Many travelers also explore nearby Lyons, Colorado or cross the continental divide to Grand Lake, Colorado, just a days trip from Estes Park on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park.

Summer Travel Tips

When planning a summer trip to Estes Park:

• Book lodging early (summer is busy)
• Reserve Rocky Mountain National Park timed entry permits
• Plan activities ahead of time
• Start hikes early to avoid crowds
• Bring layers — mountain weather changes quickly

Summer is ideal for travelers who want hiking, lakes, scenic drives, and outdoor adventure.

Plan Guided Activities in Advance

No matter what season you visit, it’s a good idea to plan activities ahead of time. Estes Park offers guided hikes and tours, jeep tours, OHV rentals, fly fishing trips, snowshoe tours, and horseback riding.

Popular activities to plan ahead:

• Guided Hikes
• Snowshoe tours (winter)
• Fly fishing trips
• Scenic tours and E-Bike Tours
• Horseback riding
• OHV Rentals

Booking activities early ensures availability, especially during summer and fall.

In addition to skiing and snowboarding, winter visitors can enjoy:

• Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing
• Ski Bike Rentals
• Snowmobiling tours
• Ice skating and tubing
• Après-ski dining and events in Snowmass Village

Travelers should reserve lift tickets, equipment rentals, and ski lessons ahead of time to avoid peak-season shortages and secure the best prices.

Winter Travel Tips

When planning a winter trip:

• Bring winter boots and traction spikes (micro-spikes)
• Pack warm layers – the sunshine can make a 40 degree day seem warm
• Book snowshoe tours or guided winter hikes
• Check Rocky Mountain National Park road closures
• Enjoy winter festivals and events

It is an ideal time for couples, photographers, wildlife lovers, and anyone looking for a cozy mountain vacation.

Tips for a Smooth Estes Park Vacation

When planning your Estes Park vacation, remember:

• Book Lodging Early: Lodging can fill quickly during summer and fall, especially during Elk Season.
• Get your Timed Entry before you arrive:   Rocky Mountain National Park requires a timed entry.
• Plan activities and tours in advance: Popular summer activities such as guided hikes, OHV rentals and horseback riding often require reservations and book fast.
• Pack layers: Mountain weather can change quickly, even during summer.
• Hire a Guide: Professional hiking guides and tour operators give you easy access to Rocky Mountain National Park so you don’t have to worry about the timed entry.

Start Planning Your Estes Park Adventure

Whether you’re hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park, snowshoeing through winter trails, fishing mountain rivers, or relaxing in a riverside cabin, Estes Park is one of Colorado’s best year-round destinations.

Start planning your Estes Park trip and discover why so many travelers return year after year to experience the beauty of the Rocky Mountains.