The Rocky Mountains are renowned for the scenic vistas during the winter, and you definitely shouldn’t miss out on the opportunity to see the snow-covered mountaintops and hike the trails after a fresh dusting of snow. Cozy mountain cabins dot the landscape and offer you a quiet, peaceful retreat from the bustle of city living, and what better way to experience the cold mountain air than from your own luxurious log cabin? Whether you plan on lounging fireside or getting out there to tackle the winter head on, here are some experiences you should make time for while visiting Estes Park in Winter.
Hike the Many Rocky Mountain Trails
Rocky Mountain National Park is well known for its spectacular hiking trails, and with different offerings that are suitable for all skill levels, anyone with an adventurous spirit is sure to find the right hike for them. Though the summer season is certainly the busiest time of the year, there’s a certain appeal to the more relaxed, quiet winter months that you owe it to yourself to experience. Frozen lakes, snow dusted trees, and icy mountain summits all await your Rocky Mountain experience, so head to these trails to see them for yourself.
Calypso Cascades
Roughly a 30-minute drive from Estes Park, the Wild Basin Winter Trailhead is approximately 5 miles of hiking round trip and is very beginner friendly. This is an especially enjoyable trail if you’re looking for more privacy, as this section of the park isn’t frequented as often as many of the other trails and is full to the brim with gorgeous sights.
See Copeland Falls just a quarter mile from the trailhead, though it rages in the summer months, you’ll find it’s a soothing, quiet experience during the frozen winter months. Much of the trail runs creekside, which makes for a peaceful walk along the frozen water.
Gem Lake
Just a few miles north of downtown Estes Park, Gem Lake is a great trail to stop by if you’re in the area and looking for a slightly more challenging hike. As one of the best Estes Park winter activities, its granite rock formations have earned it a place on the National Register of Historic Places, and though the hike can be considered more difficult due to its vertical nature, you can’t miss the sight of the granite formations while standing by the frozen lake at the top.
Chasm Lake
This is a hike that isn’t for the faint of heart, and either snowshoes or microspikes are required for making the trip, so it’s recommended that you only brave this trail if you’re an experienced hiker. That said, if you can make the nearly 2,800 vertical foot journey, you’ll be rewarded with quite the view. At an elevation of roughly 11,000 feet, you’ll venture through scenic pine groves and ultimately make your way to Chasm Lake and its picturesque views of Longs Peak.
Breweries, Distilleries, and Wineries
Estes Park is home to quite the assortment of breweries, wineries, and distilleries, all packed in a relatively small area for your enjoyment. Having a drink or two goes well with the cold, Rocky Mountain air, and while visiting Estes Park, you’ll be able to experience a wide variety of local offerings to suit all palettes while supporting local businesses.
Elkins Distilling
Boasting the title of the first and only spirits made legally in Estes Park, Elkins Distilling is a must-see location if you’re in Estes Park in Winter and have a taste for fine whiskey. Stop by their tasting room to learn about their process, what they offer, and be sure to enjoy a quality craft cocktail courtesy of their expert bartenders.
Snowy Peaks Winery
Boasting a wide selection of different wines all made from Colorado grown grapes, Snowy Peaks Winery is a great stop if you’re looking to enjoy locally made wine right in Estes Park. There’s something here for everyone who enjoys wine, from all of the red and white staples you’d expect to less common styles and dessert wines as well.
Snowy Peaks Winery also has a selection of foods for you to enjoy alongside their wines in the tasting room. The staff on hand are great at giving you expert recommendations for pairing your food and wine, and you’re welcome to enjoy it all in their dining area or patio.
The Barrel
With locations in Estes Park and Boulder, the Barrel is a successful brewery with an unforgettable location. You’ll be able to enjoy good food and live music with your Colorado made beers in a beautifully constructed bar. Stop in to experience their wide variety of brews, along with some outside offerings as well. They also have a full selection of wines and spirits, so there’s bound to be something for everyone in the group.
Downtown Estes Park
If you’re taking a break from your adventuring, there’s plenty of fun to be had in Downtown Estes Park. Enjoy a wide variety of boutique shopping, restaurants, and art galleries, giving you plenty of things to do while enjoying a relaxing day close to your home away from home. It’s the perfect place to rejuvenate before you head out on that next hike, or the perfect spot to bring your day to a close.
Whatever you choose to do during your winter visit to Estes Park, our luxury rentals are the perfect resting place when you come home from Estes Park winter activities. Your Rocky Mountain getaway awaits with Mountain Village.