While it’s more likely to snow in the park than in town, Estes Park is so sunny that it usually melts quickly, making it possible to get outside without worrying about sloshing through mud. It’s Easy to See Wildlife. While September still sees a fair amount of crowds, it is still substantially less than during the summer months. When you do see these animals, be sure to keep your distance. What You Need to Know. The crowds of tourists filing into Rocky Mountain National Park have started to thin out and there’s a quiet settling into town. Sweet spot months in Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) without the heavy summer crowds, open Trail Ridge Road and a good chance of nice weather are late May until early June or September after … Crowds here tend to also be thinner since the trailhead is located outside of Park … Fall is arguably the absolute best time to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park and take in the colorful display of leaves from the observation deck at the peak of Clingman’s Dome. Or, if … For more information read our complete guide to the best time to visit. Autumn Gold and Elk Fest typically occur in mid- to late-September depending on when nature calls, and they offer a wonderful opportunity to hear live music, live elk bugling, and learn all about these massive animals. Want to know more? Best Time To Visit Estes Park June to August: This is the time when summer knocks at the door of Estes Park. The grandparents are available to watch the kids so my wife and I decide to escape to Estes Park for a three-night getaway. But elevations of 8,000+ are generally starting to show in mid-September with the peak being late to early-October. See more ideas about Estes park, Rocky mountain national park… Bright yellow and orange aspen leaves flutter in the wind and wildlife seems to take over, with elk hanging out anywhere they can find a spot of grass. You will find less traffic on the trails, fewer people in the restaurants and shops, and there is more room availability in hotels and B&Bs. While fall isn’t quite as popular as summer, it still sees its share of tourists. We were there the 3rd week of June 2008. Visit Estes Park in the fall and enjoy some of the best weather we have. From June until September, it’s peak visitor season for RMNP and Estes Park. Chances are high that you’ll see deer, elk, or even moose just about any time you visit Estes Park, but during the fall seasons, it’s practically a guarantee. Written by Abbie Mood for RootsRated Media in partnership with Visit Estes Park. In October, Pumpkins & Pilsners is a family-friendly event that is the largest fundraiser for the local nonprofit, Families for Estes. The first few miles of trail pass under a thick aspen forest blazing with color. Summer and fall are the best times to fish in Rocky Mountain National Park, as the trout are bountiful and bite frequently mid-June to mid-October. When conditions are right for a show of brilliant color and fall temperatures are predicted to be above average with cool, frostless nights, you can’t beat the “Autumn Gold” of golden aspens in the Rocky Mountains! (Photo by Buddy Smith/The Points Guy) It’s hard to beat mid- to … Get the latest coronavirus (COVID-19) updates for the USA with current travel advice, statistics and online resources. After that, things settle down a little bit. Even so, according to some, fall is the best time … Fall in Estes Park is known for Elk herds wandering through town, trees in vibrant Fall Colors, and Festivals – it’s one of the favorite times of year to visit this Rocky Mountain town. While you can’t mountain bike in RMNP, Roosevelt National Forest offers dozens of trails and hundreds of miles. While there’s plenty to do and see all year, the fall season, in particular, is a special time to visit. The Best Time to Visit Multiple Destinations . Best time to go to Estes Park. They love to set up on the grassy spaces, whether it’s near the river by Kind Coffee, in the median between Big Thompson Avenue and N. St. Vrain Avenue, or in Bond Park. Max Day Temperature: 22 - 30°C ; Hours of Sunshine: 10 hours or more ; The best time to go to Estes Park … One of the best ways to take in the scenes of fall colors in Estes Park … Being outside in the cool autumn air with sunlight shining down through a grove of golden aspens just can’t be beat. There is always a question of when the best time to visit Colorado for the peak fall colors in the... Take a drive. But here’s what affects these “normally” dates…. Here are six reasons why fall is the best time of year to head to this unpretentious mountain town. Bring your clubs and take a swing at the Estes Park 18-Hole Course or the Lake Estes Executive 9-Hole Course. Whether you are planning a romantic weekend or the family vacation of a lifetime, Estes Park has the events, lodging and activities to create the perfect escape from the everyday.Start planning today to experience Estes Park tomorrow.. Rocky Mountain National Park Lots of winter and spring snow, good summer rain, and fall weather of warm, sunny days and cool nights. The road is a stretch of U.S. Highway 34 that goes from Estes Park through Rocky Mountain National Park … Dine by a warm fireplace. Not that Estes Park gets particularly warm in the summer (temps average in the mid- to upper-70s), but fall is that perfect time of year where you can adventure all day and curl up by the fireplace at night. We chose the Misty Mountain Lodge for its rustic charm and close proximity to downtown Estes Park. The best time to visit Estes Park is from June to September. For that reason, it’s expected that the best time to view the fall color change in Estes Park this year will align perfectly with the acclaimed Elk Fest, which takes place on Sept. 28 and 29. Fall is an exquisite time in Estes Park, when color-changing trees blanket the mountain town and surrounding areas in beautiful shades of red, orange and gold.Enjoy the colors and listen to the distinctive calls of the bull elk during the Autumn Gold Festival in late September; or celebrate the beloved mammal during the Elk Fest in early October.. Find More Estes Park … fall is the best time of year to visit Estes Park. Celebrate fall in Estes Park at their Autumn Gold Festival in September, and Elktober Festival in late September/October. It is open daily from May-September, and then only on … . The Peak to Peak Highway (Colorado Highway 7) from Estes Park to Black Hawk is also starting to show color. Third or 4th week of September are usually good but you can never know when colors will peak. The tramway is one of the most popular attractions in Estes Park, so consider going outside of peak hours to avoid the crowds! Elk bugling and golden aspen leaves flutter among falling snow- giving a sneak peek at the season to follow. Trail Ridge Road is one of the most scenic leaf-peeping routes in the park. Entering fall in drought or near-drought dryness (which causes fall colors to start earlier and be weaker), and fall storms with lots of wind and rain and even snow. best time of the year for fishing. Winter Specials & Packages at Wildwood Inn. Answer 1 of 9: We are keen in photography and looking to capture fall colors at Rocky Mountain National Park. The best time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park is from June to September when the snow is (mostly) melted and the hiking trails and attractions are accessible. Estes Park Fall … This scenic route is also one of the best places to snap a photo of Longs Peak, one of the most famous 14ers in the state (a peak over 14,000 feet in elevation). You can almost always spot elk in Rocky Mountain National Park, and they especially like to hang out in the wide open spaces across from the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center. Cast a line and try your hand at fly fishing in Lake Estes or the Big Thompson River, or take your camera and keep an eye out for one of the many bird species you might see flying above. One of the most spectacular fall-time hikes, leave from the Twin Sisters Trailhead on CO-7 just outside the park's boundary and roughly 6 miles from Estes Park. One of the best times of the year to take these … All depends on the weather we get. Many stores start to shorten their hours, but there are still plenty of people around. Celebrate fall in Estes Park at their Autumn Gold Festival in Best Time to Visit Denver: The summer is the best time to visit the Mile High City. We’re not saying you’ll have the town all to yourself, but there’s definitely a different pace once fall really settles in. If you come later in the season, the fall leaves may be gone but chances are that you’ll have a dusting of snow on those beautiful mountain views. All Rights Reserved, Explore Lodging, Activities, Restaurants, & More. Spend your extra hour for Daylight Saving Time at the Fall Back Beer Fest at the Estes Park Events Complex. Every season offers a unique experience for the visitor. We will fly into Denver very late Friday night and depart around late afternoon on Monday. Featuring craft beer for adults, a bounce house for kids, and pumpkin-picking for all ages, profits from the festival directly support the local community. In this post, we cover the best things to do in Estes Park, with advice on where to eat and where to stay. Best Time to Visit Estes Park: The Spring months are the best time to visit Estes Park… Or you can hop on horseback for a different perspective on the outdoors. The weather is usually dry and this... September to October: In these two months, Estes Park … Go for the GOLD! Snowshoe a wooded trail. Whether you want to set out on your own or take a guided excursion with a local outfitter, there’s something for just about everyone in the family here. Longs Peak Scottish Irish Highland Festival, Colorado State Special District Records Management, Seasons coming together ❄️➕ : @mountainrevival #estespark #rmnp #rockymountainnationalpark#colorado #coloradolive. Estes Park hosts events all year long, but the fall brings some of the best, from seasonal celebrations like Autumn Gold Festival and Elk Fest, to boozy-themed affairs like Pumpkins & Pilsners, Rocky Mountain Craft Spirits Festival, and Fall Back Beer Festival. Chances are high that you’ll see deer, elk, or even moose … The four-month period of warm weather allows travelers to comfortably explore the area's offerings. Best Things to Do in Estes Park Visit the Stanley Hotel. Fall is followed very closely by winter in Estes Park, and often times, the seasons collide. Encounter real wildlife. A visit in October is nice but can be unpredictable … Normally between the third week of September and mid-October! The Busiest and Least Crowded Months. As always, pack some layers and maybe throw in gloves and a hat too. Book Your Estes Park Vacation Rentals in Advance. The American Homebrewers Association will also be hosting seminars, demonstrations, and giveaways in celebration of Learn to Homebrew Day. Estes park is the best place to base for estes park and RMNP. With a bustling main street, peaceful trails, and scenic mountain views in all directions, Estes Park is the perfect little mountain town to plan a weekend away. Don’t miss a chance to experience fall colors at their peak! While the summer months and early fall are the most popular months to visit the park, a winter visit can also be quite magical. For tips on safely viewing the animals you’ll likely encounter during a visit to Estes Park, check out our handy guide here. What … Estes Park serves as a base for the Rocky Mountain National Park in Northern Colorado. More than 30 local breweries come together to share more than 100 different beers at this annual event. Fall conditions are predicted to be perfect for fall color viewing. … Book your Estes Park … It will … You’ll see bright yellows and oranges throughout town, on the trails at Rocky Mountain National Park, or along the Peak-to-Peak Highway. They might be used to people being around, but they are still wild animals and it is mating season. 1000-2000, things were busy-to-crowded. This one is also family-friendly, as there will be some craft-brewed sodas available as well. Earlier in the day and if you desire/are capable of hiking … If you’re intent on seeing wildlife, fall is probably the best time to do it! With temperatures in the 50s and 60s during the day and almost freezing temps at night, fall in Estes Park is a great time for crisp morning walks, lazy warm afternoons… These make for ideal growing conditions and vibrant color. Fall in Estes Park: Festivals, Fall Colors, and Elk, © 2020 Estes Park And you won’t have to sit in traffic on I-70 to get here—Estes Park is about an hour from Boulder via US-36. Autumn in the Estes Valley is a great time to visit, with cooler temperatures, the elk rut, and of course,... Halloween 2019 in Estes Park Estes has no shortage of spooky stories. Prices for hotels and flights will be most expensive during these … Of course, there is an abundance of hiking trails everywhere you turn. In lower elevations, the change begins in early October and is seen through the third week in October. A post shared by Visit Estes Park (@visitestespark) on Oct 9, 2018 at 8:48am PDT. The busiest month for tourism in Estes Park, CO, US is August, followed by September and May. Oct 2, 2018 - Savor the autumn season in Estes Park, when the aspen leaves turn a golden yellow and the elk put on a show during the annual elk rut. Experience Fall Foliage A popular activity in Estes Park is taking a scenic drive through Rocky Mountain National Park and the surrounding mountain area. Fall is also the perfect time for one last climbing route or bouldering send. Spring (March – May) Summer (May – August) Fall (August – November) Seasonal Closures – Expect Fall River Road and Trail Ridge Road to be … Rocky Mountain Craft Spirits Festival offers tastings from local breweries, bar games, and a free shuttle so you don’t have to worry about driving around town. Fall is rutting (aka mating) season for elk, so they like to come into town and bugle loudly for everyone to hear. Early frosts cause leaves to turn brown and drop in the wind. 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