A very small number of vacation destinations are lovely to visit year-round, but Estes Park is one of the few. When the mountain air cools and the snow starts to fall, Estes Park comes alive with various winter activities. If you don’t mind a little cold, there’s truly something for everyone to experience in Estes Park in the winter months. Don’t know where to get started? The team at the Black Canyon Inn has compiled a list of the five best things to do in Estes Park in the winter.
Visit Rocky Mountain National Park
No matter the season, Rocky Mountain National Park is always a joy to visit. However, exploring the park in the wintertime is a different experience. Rocky Mountain National Park is a fantastic setting for classic winter activities such as backcountry skiing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing. We recommend backcountry skiing or snowshoeing Old Fall River Road, which is closed to motor vehicles in the winter. You’ll have undisturbed views of the park’s breathtaking ridgelines.
Spend the Day in Charming Downtown Estes Park
There’s so many things to see and do in downtown Estes Park, even in winter. The shopping opportunities are fantastic. Whether you’re looking for a unique gift to bring home, holiday decor, old-fashioned candy, or something else, you’re sure to find it in downtown Estes Park. Even if you aren’t an avid shopper, there are art galleries, restaurants, bars, and breweries for you to visit as well. Be sure to check to see if you’ll be in town for the Catch the Glow parade, an annual holiday tradition that occurs downtown.
Enjoy a Spa Day
Estes Park is home to several amazing spas, and winter is an excellent time for a visit. Some of our favorite spas include Reverie Beauty and Bodywork, Estes Park Massage, and Elements of Touch Wellness Spa. Whether you’re looking for a facial, massage, or body treatment, Estes Parks’ spas will provide you with a fabulous experience that will leave you feeling rejuvenated. And if you’re on vacation with your loved one, why not schedule a couples treatment for double the relaxation?
Go Ice Skating
Enjoy the brisk mountain air and get some exercise doing it by ice skating. You can ice skate on Dorsey Pond at the YMCA of the Rockies, near the Beaver Meadows Entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park. Bring your own skates or rent a pair on-site. When you skate on Dorsey Pond, you’re in the perfect setting, surrounded by snowy pines and views of the white peaks of the Rockies.
Have an Exhilarating Adventure on a Snowmobile
Snowmobiling is one of the most exciting winter activities, and there’s plenty of opportunities to snowmobile in Estes Park. Backbone Adventures has snowmobile rentals for you to enjoy. You’ll enjoy zipping through the ice and snow on a snowmobile as you take in all of the gorgeous scenery Estes Park has to offer. This is one winter activity that adrenaline junkies won’t want to miss.
Pristine Rocky Mountain Lodging
These are just a few of the fun things to do in winter in Estes Park. If you need lodging during your stay in Estes Park, book with the Black Canyon Inn. Our condo and cabin rentals will be the perfect place to call home during your Estes Park getaway. Please check availability online or give us a call at 970-586-8113.