Bear Lake in Estes Park Colorado on a 20 degree day in September 2006 with mountain in background by Steve Ekblad

Looking for a Colorado winter vacation that doesn’t include flying down a mountain at breakneck speeds? Let’s take a look at what Estes Park and the Rocky Mountain National Park have to offer. You already know there are hundreds of miles of trails and terrain, protected and preserved in the Rocky Mountain National Park. That’s just the tip of the story.

The national park and forests surrounding Estes Park provide exceptional winter opportunities for cross-country skiing, and extreme skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, sledding, hiking and winter mountaineering. Some enjoy the revived Telemark ski technique as well. For those who want an Estes Park winter ski vacation but still crave downhill skiing, the Eldora Ski Resort is an hour south along the ridge road. Afterward you’ve returned, you can head into town and get a bite to eat or browse some of the artists’ galleries.

We’ll get into more details about what you can expect to see and do in just a minute but you can also browse the opportunities yourself at any time by clicking on the links to the left of the page. There you’ll find money-saving coupons, discounts, bargains and deals on equipment rentals, lodgings — all the things you’ll need and want during your trip to this magnificent winter vacation destination.

Even in the winter, one can enjoy the rushing rivers, mountain lakes, forests and glens, and all the woodland mountain inhabitants — a cornucopia of natural beauty waiting to be seen and discovered. If you’re hoping to take pictures and leave footprints, some of the shots you might get include mule deer, elk, moose, bighorn sheep, peregrine falcons, and golden eagles.

Two Elk fighting in Estes Park, Colorado, photo by Stephen Joos.

Estes Park is at 7522 feet, while the area’s highest point is Long’s Peak, over 14,250 feet, up on the Continental Divide. A number of companies offer guided tours through the park’s many wonders, or you can drive a car, take it all in at your own pace.

Hiking is still possible during the winter months. When the lower-elevation trails don’t receive heavy snow, the park rangers leave them open. Precautions should be taken as is the case when venturing out in any wilderness area, but extra measures are in order during the winter. Experienced guides are available. Check out the links to your left to find one that’s to your liking!

There are several unique artists’ galleries to browse. Who knows? You may end up taking home a masterpiece, or be inspired to create one yourself! The journey is the destination on a vacation of this kind, so take your time, savor the many flavors to be found in this fantastic area. The locals offer a warm, friendly, genuine greeting to their guests. Far from the attitudes of most downhill resort towns, you’ll feel truly welcome in Estes Park.

Lodgings are an essential part of any vacation. Estes Park Colorado Lodging leaves you in charge on this as well. You can choose from bed & breakfast inns, cabins, chalets, condos rentals, hotel rooms… You can rent most any sort of accommodation you’d like. You might even get the same room Stephen King stayed in while writing “The Shining”!

We’re sure you’ll be glad you chose Estes Park and the Rocky Mountain National Park as your vacation destination this winter. Don’t be too surprised if you find yourself coming back in the summer months as well. Estes Park is awesome any time of year!

Be sure to check out the links to get discount rates, money-saving coupons, bargains and deals on all the goods, accommodations, services, tours and rentals you’ll want and need! Pick from those and we’re sure you’ll have a great time in the most enjoyable natural vacation destination in the continental United States, Estes Park!

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