Estes Park is a year-round playground for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Wondering when to visit? Each season up in the Rockies offers unique activities and experiences, making any time the best time. Here’s your seasonal guide of the best time to visit Estes Park!
Fall: A Festival of Colors and Sound
As the air turns crisp and the aspen leaves blaze in reds, oranges, and golds, fall in Estes Park feels like stepping into a storybook. It’s the perfect time for photographers and leaf peepers to catch nature’s show. And if you’re lucky, you’ll hear the hauntingly beautiful bugle calls of elk echoing through the valley—a sound that stays with you long after you leave.
Autumn also brings the beloved Autumn Gold Festival, where locals and visitors kick back to live music, local brews, and bites under golden trees. And don’t miss the Estes Park Elk Fest, a unique celebration of wildlife featuring Native American music, dancing, and all things elk.
Winter: A Snowy Wonderland of Fun
From the delightfully weird Frozen Dead Guy Days to the sweet and savory delights of the Wine and Chocolate Festival and Whiskey Warm Up, winter is full of surprises. Don’t miss the exciting and adrenaline-filled Estes Park Skijor, where skiers are pulled by horses in a thrilling race through downtown—one of the town’s most unique winter events!
And nothing brings out the holiday cheer like the Catch the Glow Parade & Celebration, where twinkling floats, hot cocoa, and downtown lights set the scene for a picture-perfect winter evening.
Spring: Wildflowers and Wildlife Awaken
As winter melts away, Estes Park slowly stretches awake. Wildflowers bloom, trails dry out, and wildlife roams a little more freely. Spring is a calmer time to visit, perfect for scenic hikes, peaceful mornings, and a bit of quirky fun at Bigfoot Days, where cryptid fans come together for themed games, guest speakers, and even a Sasquatch scavenger hunt.
Summer: Sunshine, Music, and Mountain Adventures
Long days and warm sunshine make summer in Estes Park absolutely irresistible. It’s the best season for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and taking full advantage of the great outdoors. The town comes alive with events like the Rooftop Rodeo—affectionately known as “the rodeo with altitude”—and dazzling Fourth of July celebrations. Weekly live music, open-air markets, and family-friendly festivals fill the calendar.
Stay at Murphy’s River Lodge
Unwind during the best time to visit Estes Park with a stay at Murphy’s River Lodge. Our property is nestled alongside the beautiful Fall River! Wake up, enjoy the stunning views, and enjoy a cup of coffee as you stroll into the town of Estes Park. We are only two blocks from the historic downtown area of Estes Park, a convenient walking distance to unique shops, galleries, and restaurants for our visitors to enjoy!
Our beautiful lodge has a variety of amenities, including a heated indoor swimming pool & soaking tub, free on-site parking, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Our rooms can accommodate between one and six guests with King-size beds, Queen-size beds, and futons.
