Winter in Estes Park invites you to slow down and experience the Rockies at a different pace. Snow-dusted peaks frame the valley, elk roam open spaces, and downtown takes on a cozy, storybook charm. With fewer crowds and peaceful scenery, winter is an ideal time to plan a weekend that matches your travel style — whether that means adventure, relaxation, romance, family fun, or arts and culture.
Use these winter weekend itinerary ideas to plan a stay that fits how you like to travel.
1. The Adventurer Weekend
For snow lovers, trail seekers, and high-altitude explorers
Day 1: Snowshoeing & Scenic Winter Trails
Start your weekend in Rocky Mountain National Park with a snowshoe hike or winter walk. Popular areas like Bear Lake and Hidden Valley offer accessible terrain with sweeping alpine views. Hidden Valley’s former ski slopes are now a favorite for sledding, snow play, and backcountry-style winter recreation.
Prefer to explore with a local expert? From snowshoe tours to educational winter outings and skill-based adventures, there are plenty of guided experiences available throughout the season. Browse current options and local guides here: https://www.visitestespark.com/things-to-do/tours/
Day 2: Cross-Country Skiing & Quiet Exploration
When Trail Ridge Road and Old Fall River Road close to vehicles for the season, they transform into wide-open routes for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. These quieter winter corridors offer expansive views, gentle elevation options, and a peaceful way to experience Rocky Mountain National Park in the off-season.
2.The Foodie Weekend
For cozy dining, local flavor, and cozy evening moments
Day 1: Downtown Strolls, Breakfast & Casual Bites
Ease into your weekend with a warm breakfast before heading out to explore. Notchtop Bakery & Café is known for its hearty, made-from-scratch breakfast dishes and welcoming atmosphere. If you’re looking for something quick and convenient, Bird’s Nest offers warm pastries, coffee, and grab-and-go options paired with scenic views. For additional bakery, deli, and café options around town, explore: https://www.visitestespark.com/restaurants/bakery-delis-cafes/
After breakfast, take a stroll along Elkhorn Avenue where local shops, galleries, and cafés stay lively even in the winter season. Pair your afternoon with a crisp walk around Lake Estes or along the Riverwalk before settling in for a relaxed evening.
Day 2: Elevated Dining & Local Favorites
For a memorable evening meal, Ember offers an elevated dining experience overlooking Lake Estes, with seasonal dishes that feel especially comforting in the winter months. Warm up with a bowl of their lobster bisque or opt for something hearty like a protein-forward bowl after a day outdoors.
You can also explore Bird & Jim’s farm-to-table approach, where locally inspired dishes highlight regional flavors. Seasonal offerings like smoked pheasant chowder or wild game meatloaf provide a cozy, mountain-inspired dining experience that pairs well with a relaxed winter evening. Regardless of what you’re craving, Estes Park offers a wide variety of dining experiences to choose from: https://www.visitestespark.com/restaurants/
Cap off the night with a craft beer flight at one of Estes Park’s local breweries. Stops like Estes Park Brewery offer a behind-the-scenes feel with views into the brewing space, while Avant Garde Aleworks and Lumpy Ridge Brewing Co. each bring their own distinct atmosphere for a laid-back drink and conversation. Explore breweries, wineries, and distilleries here: https://www.visitestespark.com/things-to-do/wineries-breweries-distilleries/
3. The Romantic Couple’s Weekend
For quiet moments, scenic views, and cozy mountain stays
Day 1: Scenic Views & Slow Exploration
Begin the day with a peaceful snowshoe walk around Bear Lake or a scenic winter drive into Rocky Mountain National Park (weather permitting). For route inspiration and seasonal conditions, explore our guide to scenic winter drives in Estes Park: https://www.visitestespark.com/blog/post/best-scenic-winter-drives-in-estes-park/ Frozen waterfalls, snow-covered forests, and quiet trails create a naturally romantic winter backdrop.
Spend the afternoon browsing local shops, sipping coffee, or simply enjoying the slower pace of town during the winter season.
Day 2: Relaxation & Fireside Evenings
Unwind with a spa treatment or wellness experience before settling into a cozy dinner. Adults-focused stays like Taharaa Mountain Lodge offer elevated accommodations, mountain views, and on-site dining at Twin Owls Steakhouse, making it easy to relax and stay warm after a day outdoors.
Evenings are best spent fireside with warm drinks, mountain views, and the kind of quiet that makes winter in Estes Park feel especially memorable.
4. Families
For sledding, sweet treats, and memory-making
Day 1: Sledding & Indoor Fun
Head to Hidden Valley for one of the most popular sledding hills in the area, perfect for winter laughs and outdoor play. Afterward, warm up at the Estes Valley Community Center, where the heated pool and lazy river offer a fun break from the cold.
Day 2: Downtown Discoveries & Easy Exploring
Downtown Estes Park is full of family-friendly stops, from the Old Fashion Candy Store to the iconic Taffy Shop along Elkhorn Avenue. For a fun indoor experience, the Stanley Chocolate Factory offers a whimsical, Willy Wonka–inspired atmosphere along with chocolate bar-making classes that appeal to kids and adults alike. Families can also enjoy indoor activities like Ride-A-Kart, which provides a lively space for all-ages fun and friendly competition. Pair sweet treats and indoor stops with an easy walk along the Riverwalk or around Lake Estes for a relaxed winter afternoon everyone can enjoy.
5. An Art-and-Culture Type
Day 1: Historic Landmarks & Local Stories
Spend time exploring the Estes Park Museum to learn about the area’s history, early settlers, and mountain heritage through engaging indoor exhibits. While near The Stanley Hotel, take a walk through the Stanley Museum, the original home of F.O. Stanley, where you can gain insight into the legacy behind one of Estes Park’s most iconic landmarks. Then visit The Stanley Hotel for its historic architecture, tours, and cultural programming, followed by a film or live event at the Historic Park Theatre for a nostalgic winter afternoon in town.
Day 2: Galleries, Music & Mountain Charm
Browse art galleries and boutiques along Elkhorn Avenue featuring photography, sculpture, jewelry, and mountain-inspired works by local artists. In the evening, head to The Rock Inn for live music, comfort food, and a long-standing tradition of local entertainment in a rustic mountain setting.
Plan Your Winter Weekend in Estes Park
Winter weekends in Estes Park are less about rushing and more about choosing your pace. Adventure-filled days, cozy dining, scenic exploration, and quiet cultural experiences all fit comfortably into a two-day stay.
With snow-covered scenery, peaceful trails, and a welcoming mountain-town atmosphere, winter is the perfect time to bundle up, slow down, and experience the Rockies in their most serene season.
