Outdoor Adventure

Everything you want to know about the best ways to see wildlife in the winter months in Estes Park and RMNP! Winter is an excellent time for wildlife watching in Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) — with fewer crowds, snow-draped landscapes, and many animals concentrated in lower-elevation valleys. Below are detailed tips to maximize your experience.

One of the benefits of homeschooling is that it doesn’t have to happen exclusively at home! Estes Park is the perfect setting for lessons on science, history, creative writing, art, and recess.

Forgot to get a timed entry permit to RMNP? Here’s a list of activities and things to do in Estes Park that don’t involve a timed entry permit to the national park:

Other than a visit to Rocky Mountain National Park, there are many fun activities to do in and around Estes Park. Consider booking them ahead of time to get the dates you want. Here are some great things to do:

Summer is just around the corner, and there are lots of exciting things to look forward to in Estes Park! Here are some upcoming events:

All I want for Christmas is a trip to Estes Park! Giving experiences rather than things is a growing trend when it comes to gift giving – especially when the gift creates the kinds of memories that last way longer than another sweater or toy ever could. Here are our gift guides for the Outdoor Enthusiast, your Special Someone, and…

Dad wants adventure! Trust us, dad doesn’t want another tie. He wants quality time with you, and to do something fun together in Estes Park, Colorado! Here are our top 5 Father’s Day ideas to do with dad in Estes Park: Rent an ATV Explore the backwoods near Estes Park off-road! Backbone Adventures will deliver the ATV right to the…

Needed between May 26 and October 22, 2023 Timed Entry Permit Reservations are required along with a park pass/entrance fee in order to enter Rocky Mountain National Park if you’re visiting from May 26 through October 22, 2023. Permits issued using the Timed Entry Reservation system account for roughly 90% of the Park’s parking capacity, or approximately 20,000 visitors per…

Winter brings deep snows to Rocky Mountain National Park west of the Continental Divide,  but the lighter snowfall on the east (Estes Park) side of the park often leaves low elevation trails open for hiking. Trails below 8,700 feet (2,700 m) make great winter hikes, sometimes without the aid of skis or snow shoes.  

For an Epic Adventure – Snowshoe in RMNP!

Rocky Mountain National Park is a hiker’s park!  To really experience it you have to head out on foot.  It’s a place of stunning scenic beauty that is good for the soul. Here are five easy hikes to get you started, plus a walk in town.  Take time to stop, reflect, and enjoy the beauty that you’ll be surrounded with….

Get your wilderness camping permit online!

Mountain weather the world over is notoriously fickle and unpredictable, and Rocky Mountain National Park is no exception. Average temperatures in and around the park vary greatly from season to season and depending on elevation, ranging from well below zero in winter months to the high 80s in summer. To make sure your hikes here are as safe and enjoyable…

An Outdoor Rock Climbing Adventure What is a “Via Ferrata”? It’s an “Iron Path” – a fun outdoor rock climbing adventure that makes mountain climbing accessible and safe for anyone who is adventurous enough to give it a try.  No previous rock climbing experience is necessary! Originating in the European Alps, Via Ferratas are typically built to use natural rock…

Normally between the third week of September and mid-October! But here’s what affects these “normally” dates… A recipe for disappointing fall colors: Entering fall in drought or near-drought dryness (which causes fall colors to start earlier and be weaker). Fall storms with lots of wind and rain and even snow.  Early frosts cause leaves to turn brown and drop in…

Why visit Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park in the winter? One of the best things about the winter season is the peace you can find in nature while the earth is blanketed in snow.  The park is less visited but still very much open and alive with activity. Reach beautiful backcountry areas on snowshoes, skis, and at lower…

In winter, there’s nothing like getting away for a romantic stay in the mountains. Estes Park is the perfect mountain getaway, with cozy and romantic lodging choices, invigorating outdoor recreation,  shops to explore, and delicious and elegant restaurants with intimate evening music. Unlike many of the mountain towns along the I-70 corridor that revolve around alpine skiing, Estes Park will…

Winter Full Moon Night Walk For an unforgettable winter experience, join Rocky Mountain National Park rangers for a Full Moon Walk on the night of the full moon in winter months (December through March). Call the Park for  scheduled dates and reservation.  Reservations are required no more than 7 days in advance.  Call 970-586-1223 between 9a – 4p daily.  There…