Cold Hands, Warm Hearts: Winter in Estes Park

Estes Park, Colorado is about 1.5 hours from the airport, and one of my favorite Colorado towns… especially in winter! The drive is special in it’s own right, taking you through winding mountain roads, where the scenery shifts from sprawling plains to snowy peaks.

As soon as you hit the town, you’ll notice the charming mix of rustic vibes and cozy mountain elegance. Winter here feels like stepping into a postcard, with snow-covered pines and twinkling lights everywhere you turn. But that’s just the beginning!

Getting to know Estes Park

If the name Estes Park sounds a little familiar, but you just can’t place it then it’s likely you know it as the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP.) Because of this, I often have people ask me if it’s overrun with tourists.

It is true that 4-5 million people a year come to RMNP, but the vast majority of them come in the warm months. Honestly, there are plenty of towns in Colorado that seem more touristy to me, even in summer…. but in winter Estes Park and RMNP seem to be filled with more locals than out-of-towners.

Lodging prices are low, you can almost enjoy the park by yourself, parking is easy… but the best stores and restaurants are still open for business.

Additionally, my last, slower-paced winter visit gave me a chance to talk to the locals a little more, and I left with a different view about the city than I had in the past. Estes Park might be small, but it radiates big love. It began to make sense to me why families return again and again over the generations. There is so much to do (we’re getting there) but honestly, it’s the community that stole my heart.

This mountain town is more than a gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park; it’s a community rooted in giving back. Local nonprofits work tirelessly to preserve the elk and the breathtaking open spaces that define this area, ensuring the natural beauty remains for generations. They’re equally passionate about their people, supporting schools and creating programs to get kids outside. And those are just a few examples of places working together with the Estes Nonprofit Network.

It’s a place where the bond between nature and community feels strong, offering visitors a glimpse of a town that truly cares. You may be asked to round your purchase up to the nearest dollar, you may see a special community concert or movie being advertised, or you may see a “Giving Guest” special in one of the stores. All of the proceeds for these go right back into the Estes Park community… making it a stronger place. A place you will want to return again and again as well.

Visiting RMNP in winter

I mentioned the national park above; let’s start there. During the peak travel season RMNP requires a timed-entry reservation, but not in winter! You’ll still need to purchase a day pass or use your annual pass, but getting into the park is a breeze.

The park is known for the views from Trail Ridge Road, but this road is closed in the winter months because it can’t be plowed fast enough! Don’t sweat it, though. There is plenty more to do.

My favorite hike is off Bear Creek Road. If you want to do this one, entering through the Beaver Meadows station in Estes Park is the easiest. After you pass the visitor’s center, take the first left and head to the very end of the road. You’ll find ample parking, restrooms, and the trailhead.

If you don’t have time to walk the trail, you can just jump out here and take a short stroll to Bear Lake. It’s gorgeous when it’s frozen, and depending on the time of year you visit you may be able to walk across it. Just ask the ranger about it if you don’t see others already out there.

If you want to hike but need something gentle, take the hike around Bear Lake. It’s just over a half-mile, and it’s a pretty flat trail. If you have knee issues or you’re feeling the altitude change then this is a good choice.

If you can, I recommend continuing past Bear Lake up to Dream Lake (you’ll also pass Nymph Lake.) It’s only 2 miles round trip, but the views are spectacular. The photo above was taken just as we were rounding the corner to Dream Lake. It will wow you!

Love ice skating? There is nothing more spectacular than ice skating on Dream Lake in winter! Call the visitor’s center to ask about the lake before you set off…. you want to make sure it’s frozen thick enough. If you get the thumbs up, pack your skates!

That’s not the end of the trail… you can keep going to Emerald Lake. It’s less than a half-mile more to reach Emerald, but it is the steepest part of the lake hike.

You’ll also want to hit up Hidden Valley when you visit. It’s not on the same road; you’ll head back to the main road and go further into the park.

Hidden Valley was once a ski area, but it is no longer. You can, however, find a fantastic sledding hill here!

Need-to-knows before heading out

• Hiking in packed snow is no fun without the right gear. The popular trails at the park will have packed snow, so micro spikes are a better option than snowshoes. If you didn’t bring your own, rent some from Estes Park Mountain Shop. The are very affordable to rent and they will make your hike 1000x more enjoyable. (They have ice skates, too.)

• If you want to try the sledding hill, you can also rent sleds at the Mountain Shop. Also, if you or the kids do not have snow pants, I recommend renting those also if you are sledding. Warm, dry kids are much happier travel partners.

• Dream Lake is nearly 2500ft higher than Estes Park, and the winds can be fierce if they are blowing. Bring a jacket, hat and gloves, and wear layers for your hike.

• The visitor’s center is open in winter. Stop in to get your NPS stamp, grab a map, see the gift store and more. I enjoy going to the lower level to see the topography map.

• While you are there, check out the ranger programs. There are ranger-led snowshoeing hikes offered after the holidays.

• The bears are probably hibernating, but moose do not hibernate. Even though it’s winter you will still want to be mindful (and respectful) of the wildlife in the park.

• At night, if you drive into the park – just a little – and park on the side of the road, you will see the most magnificent view of the stars. The Milky Way galactic center hides until spring, but the stars are still stunning.

Enjoying unique winter festivals

Colorado has no shortage of winter festivals, but the most popular one is Frozen Dead Guy Festival and it happens right in Estes Park. That’s not all though! Here is the post-Christmas winter festival line up.

First Peoples Festival

Dates: January 17–19, 2025 — The First Peoples Festival offers you a chance to experience art, music, and storytelling that reflect the deep roots of the tribes connected to the Estes Valley and beyond. Browse through unique handcrafted items from cultural vendors representing diverse tribal affiliations.

Make time to watch mesmerizing traditional dances and hear the powerful rhythms of drumming and singers. Workshops and demonstrations offer a hands-on way to learn about Indigenous connections to the land, particularly to Rocky Mountain National Park.

Whiskey Warm-Up

Date: March 1, 2025 — Whiskey is my favorite food group, and this festival does not disappoint. The one-day event celebrates Colorado’s best craft distilleries, offering tastings of rich, locally produced whiskeys. It takes place outdoors in the open space within the downtown area, so bundle up while you sip on your samples.

Warm up by a firepit, snack on whiskey-paired treats, and shop for unique goods from local artisans. The live music adds a cozy ambiance, making it a must for anyone who appreciates great spirits and mountain vibes. Get there early to secure a tasting glass, and plan to explore the downtown shops and restaurants after the event.

Frozen Dead Guy Days

Dates: March 14–16, 2025 — Yeah, you read that right. Known for its quirky charm, Frozen Dead Guy Days is a bucket-list-worthy experience. The highlight of this three-day extravaganza is the coffin races, where teams compete in hilarious, over-the-top races that draw crowds from across the country.

Beyond the races, the festival features live music, food trucks, and unique events like the polar plunge. The Royal Blue Ball is a can’t-miss evening event, perfect for those who love to dance and celebrate. Book accommodations early—this festival draws large crowds and Estes Park’s lodging fills up fast. Read about the story behind the festival here.

Estes Park Skijor

Dates: January 24–26, 2025 — Skijoring, a sport that involves a skier being pulled by a horse and rider through a course, is as fun to watch as it sounds. The competition features daring jumps, sharp turns, and fast-paced excitement.

This family-friendly event makes its Estes Park debut in 2025 at the Fairgrounds! Check the schedule for race times, and consider grabbing a hot drink from a local café to stay cozy between heats. Don’t forget your camera!

Wine & Chocolate Festival

Date: February 2025 (Exact Date TBA) –Held in the heart of Estes Park, this romantic event showcases decadent treats from top chocolatiers and a variety of wines from regional wineries. It’s the perfect way to celebrate Valentine’s Day or enjoy a cozy winter weekend with loved ones.

Warming up with indoor adventures

That’s a looong list of outdoor fun, so what do you do to warm up? Here are some ideas.

The Stanley Hotelo Tours

The Stanley Hotel that inspired Stephen King sits like gem in Estes Park. If you’re going to run into tourists, it will probably be here. But again, there just aren’t that many in the winter… and it’s worth a visit for sure. Also – yay – parking here is free in the winter months.

The Stanley is about much more than The Shining, though there is a great tour for those who are avid fans. If you the page I linked out to regarding the history of the Frozen Dead Guy, then you may be wondering where in Estes Park he is kept. The Stanley, of course. You can take a tour to see his cryonic setup.

This history tour is the best of all worlds, sharing the history of the Stanley family, the pop culture, folklore and more. The night tour will share the spooky side of the hotel. But my favorite? A tour of the Vault!

The Vault is a collection of The Stanley’s whiskey collection – ONLY available at the hotel. You know the brands, but these selections were created just for The Stanley. Most of these selections are 1 of less than 200 bottles in existence. And you can taste them!

The private, curated tasting is held in a gorgeous, cozy room and hosted by two sensational characters that oversee the collection. All levels of whiskey lovers (and the whiskey curious) are welcome and accommodated.

Estes Park Museum

If you’re feeling curious about the town’s history, as well as the park’s, then make a stop at this free museum. It won’t take long, but you will be shocked at all the personalities that have contributed to what it is today.

You’ll learn about Isabella Bird, a 19th-century British explorer who made her way to Estes Park in 1873. Yes, a woman… adventuring… alone! She documented her experiences in A Lady’s Life in the Rocky Mountains, which highlights her remarkable journey through the rugged terrain and her encounters with the area’s early settlers.

Fun note, the restaurant Bird & Jim, is named for her. It’s also my favorite restaurant in Estes Park. Maybe even in all of Colorado.

You’ll read about Enos Mills who led the fight to preserve the area around Longs Peak as a national park, and used his speeches, his writing, and photography to lobby for RMNP. Woodrow Wilson signed the bill making it the 10th national park, but Mills is known as the “Father of Rocky Mountain National Park.”

That’s just the tip of the iceberg, so be sure to visit.

The Bull Pin

The Bull Pin is a fun bowling alley, with an attached restaurant. And listen, friend… don’t sleep on the food here just because it’s a bowling alley. The cheese curds give Wisconsin a run for their money, and the Korean chicken sandwich still shows up in my dreams – delish!

Qi Lounge Spa at Estes Park Resort

Estes Park Resort is the hotel recommendation for your stay, and I’ll have more on that in a post coming soon…. but here I want to direct you to their spa.

The full-service spa features a number of services, but I recommend the Ultimate Check-in Package. It includes a fizzy foot soak, 15 minutes in their zero-gravity massage chairs, time to enjoy the dry sauna, and a glass of prosecco. All of that for just $60!

The Rock Inn

Estes Park is filled with great places to eat. (Stay tuned for a rundown of my favorites.) One of my dinner recommendations is The Rock Inn. They have great pizza, pasta, burgers and more, but I am adding it here because of their nightly live music.

The stage is set into the dining room, making it easy to enjoy. I know what you’re thinking… it’s going to be too loud, right? I thought so too, but that wasn’t the case at all. My girlfriends and I were able to eat, chat, and listen. And we loved the music, too!

But I need a day on the slopes!

I hear ya. If you’re flying into Colorado in winter, you might want to spend at least one day skiing or snowboarding. Eldora is only about an hour from Estes Park, making it a natural choice. Eldora is on the Ikon pass, or you can pick up a day ticket for $180.

It’s a smaller resort, but you’ll avoid the crazy crowds – which is a plus. We love the old-school vibe of this resort.

You’ll find rentals and a ski/ride school here, plus six restaurants, plenty of shops, a nordic center and a Woodward terrain park.