Planning for Spring Break in Estes Park? What you need to know…
Spring Break is one of our favorite times of year to visit Estes Park! Here’s what you need to know about a March visit to your favorite mountain town:
Estes Park Weather in March
It might surprise you that March is typically one of the months with the greatest snowfall in Estes Park! However, March also brings daytime average temps to the mid 40s, so you truly can have the best of both worlds – you get to enjoy the beauty of a fresh snowfall in the mountains but it’s easier to get around town and into the national park when you don’t have to deal with the colder temps of the winter months. Snow on the roads tends to melt quickly, and there are often blue skies making for stunning views.
What to Pack
Like the famous saying “There is no bad weather, only bad clothing” suggests, you truly can enjoy being outside in any weather if you have the right clothes. At a high level:
- Focus on layers – the sunny skies can really feel warm when you’re active outdoors! Dress in plenty of layers (we recommend 3: a base layer, a mid layer, and an outer layer). You can always shed some.
- Avoid cotton – bring wool or synthetic items that wick sweat away from the body, keeping you warmer.
- Waterproof is wise – keep your layers dry by wearing a waterproof outer layer.
- Don’t forget a hat and sunglasses! Higher elevation sunshine is intense.
For more specifics, check out our What to Pack and Wear post for any season.
Estes Park is a fairly casual town, so you will find just about anything goes for a night out on the town. Jeans are totally appropriate for any restaurant, but feel free to pack something jazzier for fun!
The best part of a Spring Break trip to Estes Park?
The number one reason people come to Estes Park is to visit Rocky Mountain National Park! And one of the best parts of a Spring Break trip is that the crowds are much smaller than in the busy summer months. In 2024, there were more than 750,000 visitors to RMNP in July vs around 145,000 in March.
There is no timed entry permit required to enter RMNP until May 23, 2025, so it requires a little less planning ahead – which is another bonus to a Spring visit!
Many of the most popular scenic roads are open year-round, including:
- Bear Lake Road
- Endovalley Road
- Trail Ridge Road on the west side of RMNP from Grand Lake Entrance to the Colorado River Trailhead
- Trail Ridge Road on the east side of RMNP from the Beaver Meadows or Fall River Entrances to Many Parks Curve.
However, you should always be prepared for snow, ice and winter driving conditions in the spring. It’s a good idea to check this webpage before you go for current park road closures.
For fun ideas on things to do while you’re there, visit Why go to Estes Park in the Off-Season.