Winter Activities in Estes Park

Winter transforms Estes Park into a quieter, snow-covered wonderland. The summer crowds disappear, lodging prices drop, and the mountains take on a different beauty under blankets of snow. While Trail Ridge Road and some high-elevation areas close for the season, plenty of activities await those willing to brave the cold.

The town itself remains open year-round, with restaurants, shops, and attractions operating on reduced hours. Rocky Mountain National Park stays accessible through the Beaver Meadows and Fall River entrances, though some roads close beyond the first few miles. What you lose in accessibility, you gain in solitude and pristine winter landscapes.

Snowshoeing

Bear Lake area offers the most popular winter trails. When snow covers the ground, summer hiking paths become snowshoe routes. The Bear Lake Trail, Nymph Lake, and even Dream Lake are accessible to snowshoers with appropriate experience. The park doesn't groom trails, so you'll break trail or follow others' tracks.

Glacier Gorge Trailhead provides access to Alberta Falls and beyond. The trail is typically packed down by other visitors, making it easier than untracked routes. The frozen waterfall is worth the effort.

Moraine Park offers gentler terrain for beginners. The meadow is beautiful under snow, and elk still frequent the area through winter, providing wildlife viewing opportunities.

Rentals and guided tours are available through local outfitters like Estes Park Mountain Shop. Guided snowshoe tours include equipment and instruction—a good option for first-timers.

Cross-Country Skiing

Hidden Valley was once a downhill ski area and now serves as the park's best cross-country ski zone. The terrain offers gentle slopes suitable for beginners and intermediate skiers. No groomed trails, but the area sees enough traffic to create usable tracks.

Bear Lake Road itself becomes a ski route when closed to vehicles. The road provides relatively flat terrain with beautiful scenery. Check current road status—sometimes it's plowed partway up.

Backcountry skiing is possible for experienced skiers with avalanche training and proper equipment. The park has avalanche terrain that requires knowledge and preparation. Don't venture into steep backcountry without training.

Sledding & Tubing

Hidden Valley offers sledding on the old ski slopes when snow conditions permit. It's the park's designated sledding area, popular with families. Bring your own sled—no rentals are available at the site.

Private tubing hills near Estes Park offer groomed lanes and tube rentals for a more controlled experience. Check local tourism information for current operators.

Other Winter Activities

Ice fishing is permitted on Lake Estes when ice conditions are safe. The lake is stocked and produces rainbow trout through winter. Ice thickness can be unreliable in this area—check conditions and use caution.

Wildlife watching continues through winter. Elk remain in the lower valleys, and winter's sparse vegetation makes them easier to spot. Moraine Park and Horseshoe Park are reliable locations. Early morning offers the best light for photography.

Stanley Hotel tours run year-round and provide indoor activity options. The historic hotel's ghost tours are particularly popular during the darker winter months.

Downtown Estes Park offers shops, restaurants, and galleries when outdoor conditions are too harsh. Hot chocolate at a local coffee shop while watching snow fall has its own appeal.

Winter Tips

Layer appropriately. Mountain weather is cold and can change rapidly. Bring more layers than you think you'll need—you can always remove them.

Check road conditions. Winter storms can close roads temporarily. The park website and entrance stations provide current information. Be prepared for icy conditions on any mountain road.

Start early. Winter days are short. Limited daylight means planning activities around available light hours.

Carry safety essentials. Even for short outings, bring extra food, water, and warm clothing. Winter conditions can turn serious quickly.