weather in winter
| Month | Estes Park |
|---|
| Avg Hi | Avg Lo |
| December | 35°F (1°C) | 18°F (-7°C) |
| January | 36°F (2°C) | 18°F (-7°C) |
| February | 36°F (2°C) | 7°F (-8°C) |
Note that climbing Longs via any route in winter conditions is deadly serious and should only be attempted with proper experience and preparation.
No, Estes Park does not close in the winter.
Rocky Mountain National Park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, weather permitting. Summer and fall are the busiest seasons in the park.
Winter is a great time to explore Rocky Mountain National Park and the town of Estes Park in Colorado. The trails in and around Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado are great any time of the year, but they are particularly spectacular when coated in sparkling white powder.
If you don't have a bike, you can rent one in Estes Park. Trail Ridge Road closes to vehicular traffic in mid-October, but it is open to bicycles until November 30th. The weather in November is ideal for backpacking but it is essential to pack warm layers for the chilly nights in higher elevations.
Local Tip: While driving through the Estes Park area during winter is magical, try to visit a little before that in fall. With the colors changing and leaf-peeping opportunities thanks to the Aspens that litter Colorado's landscape, you'll find some of the most beautiful colors you'll ever see on a drive.
Estes Park sits at the entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park in north-central Colorado. This mountain town offers things to do all year round, including during winter. When you visit Estes Park in the winter, you will find yourself immersed in a snow globe, unlike anything you have ever experienced.
The average sliding 31-day liquid-equivalent snowfall during December in Estes Park is essentially constant, remaining about 0.4 inches throughout, and rarely exceeding 0.9 inches or falling below 0.1 inches.
Winter (December - March) Lower elevations on the east slope of Rocky Mountain National Park are usually free of deep snow. At higher elevations, arctic conditions prevail. The west side of the park experiences more snow, less wind, and clear cold days during these months.
See our top 10 picks for things to do in Estes Park this winter!
- Snowshoeing. One of the most popular snowy activities around here is snowshoeing and Rocky Mountain Resorts rents snowshoes to all our guests at no charge!
- Skiing.
- Sledding.
- Snowball fight.
- Ice climbing.
- Sleigh ride.
- Spa day.
- Shopping.
best time of the year to avoid crowdsNovember through April is the best time to avoid crowds in Rocky Mountain National Park. Summer and fall weekends are the busiest in the park, and yearly visitation grows each year. In 2018, the park was visited by 4.5 million people, but just over .
In Estes Park, the summers are comfortable; the winters are freezing, snowy, and windy; and it is partly cloudy year round. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 12°F to 77°F and is rarely below -2°F or above 85°F.
Trail Ridge Road is OPEN for the season to vehicles for through travel. Be prepared for winter driving conditions due to snow and ice on the road and the potential for freezing temperatures.
Estes Park, Colorado gets 18 inches of rain, on average, per year. The US average is 38 inches of rain per year. Estes Park averages 82 inches of snow per year.
Everyone entering the park must have a pass. Passes can be purchased at the entry gates of Rocky Mountain National Park or online. Credit cards are accepted at the entry gates. There are a number of fee-free days throughout the year.
Q: When is the best time to visit? A: Once a mostly summer vacation destination, Estes Park has developed into a year-round attraction. July, August and September are the most popular months thanks to the mild, dry climate - offering a respite for those living in hotter, more humid locations.
The average sliding 31-day liquid-equivalent snowfall during September in Estes Park is essentially constant, remaining about 0.1 inches throughout, and rarely exceeding 0.5 inches or falling below -0.0 inches.
A timed entry permit is required to enter ALL areas of Rocky Mountain National Park—including Trail Ridge Road (US Hwy 34)—when arriving by vehicle between the hours of 6 am and 5 pm whether a visitor parks within the park or outside the park boundary. - You may enter at any time during your permit's two-hour block.
Unlike some national parks, there are no overnight accommodations in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky has five established campgrounds, four of which are open to tent or vehicle camping (tent trailers, pickup campers, trailers, and motorhomes) and one that can only be used by tent campers.
Only the black bear is known to exist in Rocky Mountain National Park. Black bears make a point to avoid humans, so they are not often seen. Despite their bulky size, bears climb trees very well.
The average sliding 31-day liquid-equivalent snowfall during January in Estes Park is essentially constant, remaining about 0.4 inches throughout, and rarely exceeding 0.9 inches or falling to 0.0 inches.
Using the gauges above, which compare crime in Estes Park to other cities in the state and across the country, Estes Park is 65% safer than other cities of Colorado and 67% safer than other cities in the nation. Estes Park has a ranks above average in comparison to other cities in the country.
Reservations are not required for this area prior to 9 am or after 3 pm. Permits issued using the reservation system will allow park visitors to enter the park within two-hour windows of availability. The reservation system will apply to all areas of the park.
The average sliding 31-day liquid-equivalent snowfall during February in Estes Park is essentially constant, remaining about 0.4 inches throughout, and rarely exceeding 1.0 inches or falling to 0.0 inches.
Best things to do at night near Estes Park, CO 80517
- Lazy B Chuckwagon and Show. 0.7 mi.
- Illusions of the Passed. 1.4 mi.
- Rock Inn Mountain Tavern. 0.9 mi.
- Reel Mountain Theater. 1.5 mi.
- Snowy Peaks Winery. 0.8 mi.
- Longs Peak Scottish Highland Festival. 0.8 mi.
- Stanley Hotel. 1.5 mi.
- Madame Vera. 1.3 mi.
