After a summer filled with fun and relaxation, the arrival of a new school year can be jarring for those who have been truly enjoying the time away. Before things get back into full swing, planning a back-to-school vacation can be a great way to ease into the hustle of life once more. Taking a moment to explore some place new before school and work calendars get impossibly busy is a smart choice and this year, you’ll want to make sure to set your travel sights on Estes Park. This Colorado vacation destination is as scenic as it is welcoming, and in the fall, right when school gets underway, you’ll find it’s also a place packed with a fun event calendar and options for enjoying the great outdoors. The following are just a few of the many ways to savor your back-to-school Estes Park vacation when it is your destination of choice.
Take a Hike in Good Company and Enjoy the Colorful Scenery
Estes Park is always a beautiful destination to check out but if you head this way right before a new school year, you’ll find you’re right on time to make the most of cooler temperatures and the beginning of leaves beginning to change colors across the mountains. A great place to enjoy a hike in good company is Rocky Mountain National Park which typically showcases its trees transitioning from green to golds this time of year. There are a number of trails to explore that are suitable for hikers of all skill levels once you have your hiking boots laced up and your hiking pack in place. Just make sure to check and see if you need a timed entry pass this time of year as it’s considered peak hiking season in the area and many visitors are excited to savor the surroundings.
Add Wildlife Watching to the List
A back-to-school vacation to Estes Park in either September or October puts you right on time to make the most of elk season. If you happen to be a wildlife enthusiast, you’ll find this is an incredible time of year to catch elk out and about pursuing one another in the name of mating season. In addition to elk, you’re likely to spot many other amazing creatures as the area is home to no less than 280 species of birds and over 60 mammal species in total. Some of the top viewing destinations nearby that you’ll want to consider making your way to while you’re in the area include Old Fall River Road for moose, big horn sheep, and bear spotting, Lake Estes for elk and birds, Moraine Park for coyotes and deer, while Big Thompson Canyon is another top spot for elk to gather. Don’t overlook Trail Ridge Road when you have binoculars in hand and you’re hoping to catch a glimpse of pikas, a wide variety of birds, and marmots too.
Get Out on the Water
While a back-to-school getaway to Estes Park might not be the prime time for swimming, the temperatures are typically still warm enough for visitors to enjoy time on the water. Head over to the Estes Park Marina and consider renting a kayak or boat for the afternoon and enjoy a leisurely outing on the waves. There are also plenty of nearby bike rental outfitters in the area, including at the marina, to explore when you want to pair your sailing with some time exploring trails around the lake on two wheels.
Incredible Events to Add to Your Itinerary
The beauty of a back-to-school vacation to Estes Park is that it aligns with a long lineup of fun annual events hosted in the area. When you can’t wait to be a part of the fun, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from during your stay. On September 6, 2024, visitors to Estes Park can enjoy the First Friday Art Groove which is a self-guided tour offered through local art galleries. Refreshments and food are included in the experience as you enjoy open galleries, meet with artists, experience unique art demonstrations, and listen to live music too. The free Estes Park Trolley is a great way to get between galleries making this experience even more convenient for locals and visitors alike.
If you’re in town a bit earlier and your Estes Park back-to-school adventure lines up with Labor Day, you can elevate the fun at the Labor Day Arts & Crafts Festival in town which will be hosted August 31 through September 2. This highly anticipated event is hosted in Bond Park downtown and is organized by the Estes Valley Sunrise Rotary Club. It’s a gathering of artisans of all kinds and showcases over 100 tents to check out where original works are always on full display. Whether you browse or end up purchasing something you love, it’s a family-friendly event well worth adding to your itinerary.
Book Your Getaway Today
Enjoy every moment in Estes Park the next time travel plans bring you this way and elevate your experience in luxury and style when you book accommodations through Mountain Village at Lake Estes. Reach out today to learn more about our inviting lineup of vacation rental property options available and how we can help you make more of every moment.
