Chilly Fingers, Heat Hearts: Winter in Estes Park

Estes Park, Colorado is about 1.5 hours from the airport, and certainly one of my favourite Colorado cities… particularly in winter! The drive is particular in it’s personal proper, taking you thru winding mountain roads, the place the surroundings shifts from sprawling plains to snowy peaks.

As quickly as you hit the city, you’ll discover the charming mixture of rustic vibes and comfy mountain class. Winter right here appears like stepping right into a postcard, with snow-covered pines and twinkling lights in all places you flip. However that’s just the start!

Attending to know Estes Park

If the title Estes Park sounds a bit acquainted, however you simply can’t place it then it’s possible you realize it because the gateway to Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park (RMNP.) Due to this, I usually have individuals ask me if it’s overrun with vacationers.

It’s true that 4-5 million individuals a 12 months come to RMNP, however the overwhelming majority of them come within the heat months. Actually, there are loads of cities in Colorado that appear extra touristy to me, even in summer time…. however in winter Estes Park and RMNP appear to be crammed with extra locals than out-of-towners.

Lodging costs are low, you’ll be able to nearly benefit from the park by your self, parking is simple… however the most effective shops and eating places are nonetheless open for enterprise.

Moreover, my final, slower-paced winter go to gave me an opportunity to speak to the locals a bit extra, and I left with a unique view concerning the metropolis than I had up to now. Estes Park is perhaps small, nevertheless it radiates large love. It started to make sense to me why households return many times over the generations. There’s a lot to do (we’re getting there) however truthfully, it’s the group that stole my coronary heart.

This mountain city is greater than a gateway to Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park; it’s a group rooted in giving again. Native nonprofits work tirelessly to protect the elk and the breathtaking open areas that outline this space, making certain the pure magnificence stays for generations. They’re equally enthusiastic about their individuals, supporting faculties and creating packages to get youngsters outdoors. And people are just some examples of locations working along with the Estes Nonprofit Community.

It’s a spot the place the bond between nature and group feels robust, providing guests a glimpse of a city that really cares. Chances are you’ll be requested to spherical your buy as much as the closest greenback, you may even see a particular group live performance or film being marketed, or you may even see a “Giving Visitor” particular in one of many shops. The entire proceeds for these go proper again into the Estes Park group… making it a stronger place. A spot you will wish to return many times as properly.

Visiting RMNP in winter

I discussed the nationwide park above; let’s begin there. Through the peak journey season RMNP requires a timed-entry reservation, however not in winter! You’ll nonetheless have to buy a day move or use your annual move, however moving into the park is a breeze.

The park is thought for the views from Path Ridge Street, however this highway is closed within the winter months as a result of it might’t be plowed quick sufficient! Don’t sweat it, although. There’s loads extra to do.

My favourite hike is off Bear Creek Street. If you wish to do that one, coming into via the Beaver Meadows station in Estes Park is the simplest. After you move the customer’s middle, take the primary left and head to the very finish of the highway. You’ll discover ample parking, restrooms, and the trailhead.

If you happen to don’t have time to stroll the path, you’ll be able to simply leap out right here and take a brief stroll to Bear Lake. It’s beautiful when it’s frozen, and relying on the time of 12 months you go to you might be capable to stroll throughout it. Simply ask the ranger about it if you happen to don’t see others already on the market.

If you wish to hike however want one thing mild, take the hike round Bear Lake. It’s simply over a half-mile, and it’s a reasonably flat path. When you have knee points otherwise you’re feeling the altitude change then this can be a good selection.

If you happen to can, I like to recommend persevering with previous Bear Lake as much as Dream Lake (you’ll additionally move Nymph Lake.) It’s solely 2 miles spherical journey, however the views are spectacular. The picture above was taken simply as we had been rounding the nook to Dream Lake. It should wow you!

Love ice skating? There’s nothing extra spectacular than ice skating on Dream Lake in winter! Name the customer’s middle to ask concerning the lake earlier than you set off…. you wish to ensure it’s frozen thick sufficient. If you happen to get the thumbs up, pack your skates!

That’s not the tip of the path… you’ll be able to maintain going to Emerald Lake. It’s lower than a half-mile extra to succeed in Emerald, however it’s the steepest a part of the lake hike.

You’ll additionally wish to hit up Hidden Valley if you go to. It’s not on the identical highway; you’ll head again to the primary highway and go additional into the park.

Hidden Valley was as soon as a ski space, however it’s not. You possibly can, nonetheless, discover a unbelievable sledding hill right here!

Want-to-knows earlier than heading out

• Mountain climbing in packed snow isn’t any enjoyable with out the fitting gear. The favored trails on the park can have packed snow, so micro spikes are a greater choice than snowshoes. If you happen to didn’t deliver your individual, lease some from Estes Park Mountain Store. The are very inexpensive to lease and they’re going to make your hike 1000x extra fulfilling. (They’ve ice skates, too.)

• If you wish to strive the sledding hill, you can even lease sleds on the Mountain Store. Additionally, if you happen to or the youngsters should not have snow pants, I like to recommend renting these additionally in case you are sledding. Heat, dry youngsters are a lot happier journey companions.

• Dream Lake is almost 2500ft increased than Estes Park, and the winds might be fierce if they’re blowing. Convey a jacket, hat and gloves, and put on layers on your hike.

• The customer’s middle is open in winter. Cease in to get your NPS stamp, seize a map, see the present retailer and extra. I get pleasure from going to the decrease degree to see the topography map.

• When you are there, take a look at the ranger packages. There are ranger-led snowshoeing hikes supplied after the vacations.

• The bears are in all probability hibernating, however moose don’t hibernate. Though it’s winter you’ll nonetheless wish to be conscious (and respectful) of the wildlife within the park.

• At night time, if you happen to drive into the park – just a bit – and park on the aspect of the highway, you will note essentially the most magnificent view of the celebs. The Milky Manner galactic middle hides till spring, however the stars are nonetheless beautiful.

Having fun with distinctive winter festivals

Colorado has no scarcity of winter festivals, however the most well-liked one is Frozen Lifeless Man Pageant and it occurs proper in Estes Park. That’s not all although! Right here is the post-Christmas winter competition line up.

First Peoples Pageant

Dates: January 17–19, 2025 — The First Peoples Pageant affords you an opportunity to expertise artwork, music, and storytelling that mirror the deep roots of the tribes linked to the Estes Valley and past. Flick through distinctive handcrafted objects from cultural distributors representing numerous tribal affiliations.

Make time to look at mesmerizing conventional dances and listen to the highly effective rhythms of drumming and singers. Workshops and demonstrations provide a hands-on approach to find out about Indigenous connections to the land, significantly to Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park.

Whiskey Heat-Up

Date: March 1, 2025 — Whiskey is my favourite meals group, and this competition doesn’t disappoint. The one-day occasion celebrates Colorado’s greatest craft distilleries, providing tastings of wealthy, domestically produced whiskeys. It takes place open air within the open house throughout the downtown space, so bundle up whilst you sip in your samples.

Heat up by a firepit, snack on whiskey-paired treats, and store for distinctive items from native artisans. The dwell music provides a comfy ambiance, making it a should for anybody who appreciates nice spirits and mountain vibes. Get there early to safe a tasting glass, and plan to discover the downtown outlets and eating places after the occasion.

Frozen Lifeless Man Days

Dates: March 14–16, 2025 — Yeah, you learn that proper. Recognized for its quirky allure, Frozen Lifeless Man Days is a bucket-list-worthy expertise. The spotlight of this three-day extravaganza is the coffin races, the place groups compete in hilarious, over-the-top races that draw crowds from throughout the nation.

Past the races, the competition options dwell music, meals vehicles, and distinctive occasions just like the polar plunge. The Royal Blue Ball is a can’t-miss night occasion, excellent for individuals who love to bounce and have a good time. E-book lodging early—this competition attracts massive crowds and Estes Park’s lodging fills up quick. Learn concerning the story behind the competition right here.

Estes Park Skijor

Dates: January 24–26, 2025 — Skijoring, a sport that includes a skier being pulled by a horse and rider via a course, is as enjoyable to look at because it sounds. The competitors options daring jumps, sharp turns, and fast-paced pleasure.

This family-friendly occasion makes its Estes Park debut in 2025 on the Fairgrounds! Test the schedule for race occasions, and take into account grabbing a sizzling drink from an area café to remain cozy between heats. Don’t overlook your digital camera!

Wine & Chocolate Pageant

Date: February 2025 (Precise Date TBA) –Held within the coronary heart of Estes Park, this romantic occasion showcases decadent treats from high chocolatiers and a wide range of wines from regional wineries. It’s the right approach to have a good time Valentine’s Day or get pleasure from a comfy winter weekend with family members.

Warming up with indoor adventures

That’s a looong checklist of out of doors enjoyable, so what do you do to heat up? Listed here are some concepts.

The Stanley Resort excursions

The Stanley Resort that impressed Stephen King sits like gem in Estes Park. If you happen to’re going to run into vacationers, it’ll in all probability be right here. However once more, there simply aren’t that many within the winter… and it’s value a go to for certain. Additionally – yay – parking right here is free within the winter months.

The Stanley is about rather more than The Shining, although there’s a nice tour for individuals who are avid followers. If you happen to the web page I linked out to relating to the historical past of the Frozen Lifeless Man, then it’s possible you’ll be questioning the place in Estes Park he’s stored. The Stanley, after all. You possibly can take a tour to see his cryonic setup.

This historical past tour is the most effective of all worlds, sharing the historical past of the Stanley household, the popular culture, folklore and extra. The night time tour will share the spooky aspect of the lodge. However my favourite? A tour of the Vault!

The Vault is a group of The Stanley’s whiskey assortment – ONLY accessible on the lodge. the manufacturers, however these picks had been created simply for The Stanley. Most of those picks are 1 of lower than 200 bottles in existence. And you can style them!

The non-public, curated tasting is held in a beautiful, cozy room and hosted by two sensational characters that oversee the gathering. All ranges of whiskey lovers (and the whiskey curious) are welcome and accommodated.

Estes Park Museum

If you happen to’re feeling curious concerning the city’s historical past, in addition to the park’s, then make a cease at this free museum. It received’t take lengthy, however you may be shocked in any respect the personalities which have contributed to what it’s immediately.

You’ll find out about Isabella Fowl, a Nineteenth-century British explorer who made her approach to Estes Park in 1873. Sure, a lady… adventuring… alone! She documented her experiences in A Girl’s Life within the Rocky Mountains, which highlights her outstanding journey via the rugged terrain and her encounters with the realm’s early settlers.

Enjoyable observe, the restaurant Fowl & Jim, is called for her. It’s additionally my favourite restaurant in Estes Park. Possibly even in all of Colorado.

You’ll examine Enos Mills who led the battle to protect the realm round Longs Peak as a nationwide park, and used his speeches, his writing, and images to foyer for RMNP. Woodrow Wilson signed the invoice making it the tenth nationwide park, however Mills is called the “Father of Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park.”

That’s simply the tip of the iceberg, so be sure you go to.

The Bull Pin

The Bull Pin is a enjoyable bowling alley, with an hooked up restaurant. And pay attention, good friend… don’t sleep on the meals right here simply because it’s a bowling alley. The cheese curds give Wisconsin a run for his or her cash, and the Korean hen sandwich nonetheless exhibits up in my goals – delish!

Qi Lounge Spa at Estes Park Resort

Estes Park Resort is the lodge advice on your keep, and I’ll have extra on that in a put up coming quickly…. however right here I wish to direct you to their spa.

The total-service spa options a lot of providers, however I like to recommend the Final Test-in Package deal. It features a fizzy foot soak, quarter-hour of their zero-gravity therapeutic massage chairs, time to benefit from the dry sauna, and a glass of prosecco. All of that for simply $60!

The Rock Inn

Estes Park is crammed with nice locations to eat. (Keep tuned for a rundown of my favorites.) One in every of my dinner suggestions is The Rock Inn. They’ve nice pizza, pasta, burgers and extra, however I’m including it right here due to their nightly dwell music.

The stage is about into the eating room, making it straightforward to get pleasure from. I do know what you’re considering… it’s going to be too loud, proper? I believed so too, however that wasn’t the case in any respect. My girlfriends and I had been capable of eat, chat, and pay attention. And we liked the music, too!

However I want a day on the slopes!

I hear ya. If you happen to’re flying into Colorado in winter, you would possibly wish to spend at the very least sooner or later snowboarding or snowboarding. Eldora is simply about an hour from Estes Park, making it a pure selection. Eldora is on the Ikon move, or you’ll be able to decide up a day ticket for less than $180.

It’s a smaller resort, however you’ll keep away from the loopy crowds – which is a plus. We love the old-school vibe of this resort.

You’ll discover leases and a ski/journey college right here, plus six eating places, loads of outlets, a nordic middle and a Woodward terrain park.