Winter Scenic Drives in Estes Park: Where to See Wildlife and Snowy Views
When winter settles into Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park, the pace naturally slows and the landscape takes on a quieter kind of magic. Snow softens the peaks, wildlife moves more visibly through open meadows, and familiar routes feel completely new under a fresh layer of white.
A winter scenic drive is one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to experience the season. You can take in sweeping mountain views, watch for elk and deer, and enjoy the peaceful side of Estes Park without needing to venture far from your vehicle. If you are wondering where to go for the best winter drives in Estes Park for wildlife and scenery, these routes recommended by the Rocky Mountain Conservancy offer some of the most memorable views at a relaxed, unhurried pace.
Bear Lake Road
Accessed from Highway 36 through the Beaver Meadows Entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park, Bear Lake Road is a classic winter drive known for both wildlife viewing and iconic alpine scenery. The road passes Moraine Park, a snow-covered glacial meadow where herds of elk and mule deer are often seen grazing among the willows and grasses.
As the drive continues, the views open toward the Continental Divide, where wind-swept snow highlights the jagged mountain ridgelines. Several popular winter trailheads for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing begin along this corridor, making it an ideal route for those who want a scenic drive with the option to step out and explore.
Fall River Road to the Alluvial Fan
Starting in Estes Park, this drive follows Wonderview Avenue past the historic Stanley Hotel before merging onto Fall River Road toward the Fall River Entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park. The stretch between town and the park is especially rich in wildlife activity, with frequent sightings of resident bull elk, wild turkeys, and occasionally bighorn sheep.
Inside the park, the route passes Cascade Cottages and continues into Horseshoe Park, where visitors may see elk, deer, coyotes, and magpies near Sheep Lakes. A short detour toward Old Fall River Road leads to the Alluvial Fan, a striking geologic formation created by past floods. Large boulders and signs of new plant life tell the story of the landscape’s resilience, and a short walk from the East Alluvial Fan parking area reveals a partially frozen waterfall that is especially beautiful in winter.
Devil’s Gulch to Dry Gulch Road
For a quieter scenic drive just outside Rocky Mountain National Park, head north from Estes Park on MacGregor Avenue past MacGregor Ranch and toward Devil’s Gulch. This route offers impressive views of Lumpy Ridge and the Twin Owls rock formations, along with open mountain meadows where elk, deer, coyotes, and birds of prey are often seen.
Continuing south on Dry Gulch Road brings you back toward Highway 34 near the marina, with beautiful views of Longs Peak along the way. It is a peaceful loop that showcases the natural beauty of the area without the busier park corridors.
Trail Ridge Road to Many Parks Curve
Although Trail Ridge Road is closed to through traffic during the winter months, the drive to Many Parks Curve is typically accessible and offers some of the most sweeping overlook views in Rocky Mountain National Park. Enter through the Beaver Meadows Entrance and continue past Upper Beaver Meadows, where elk, deer, and coyotes are sometimes spotted along the open slopes.
Pullouts along the way provide incredible photo opportunities, including views of Longs Peak and the Continental Divide. As you climb into the subalpine zone, tall spruce and pine trees line the road and create a peaceful, snow-covered setting. Hidden Valley is a great stop for families, with a sledding hill, snow play areas, and short trails. At Many Parks Curve, a panoramic overlook and interpretive boardwalk invite you to pause and take in the wide, wintry landscape below.
Highway 7 to Lily Lake and Wild Basin
Driving south on Highway 7 from Estes Park leads to Lily Lake, a non-fee area of Rocky Mountain National Park that is perfect for a short winter stroll or a quiet scenic stop. The lake often reflects the surrounding peaks, creating a calm and picturesque winter setting.
Continuing farther along the highway brings you to the Longs Peak and Meeker Park pullout, where you can take in views of the tallest peak in Rocky Mountain National Park. Nearby is the historic Enos Mills Cabin, honoring the naturalist often called the Father of Rocky Mountain National Park. The Wild Basin area and Longs Peak trailhead also provide access to snowshoeing opportunities for those who want to pair their drive with a bit of winter exploration.
Winter in Estes Park is not about rushing from stop to stop. It is about noticing more. A scenic drive becomes a chance to spot elk in quiet meadows, watch snow drift across the peaks, and see familiar landscapes in a softer, more peaceful light.
Whether you choose a short loop near town or a drive into Rocky Mountain National Park, these winter routes offer an easy way to experience wildlife, wide open views, and the slower side of the season. Fill a thermos, take your time, and let the journey become part of the memory.
Sometimes the most meaningful winter moments in Estes Park are not found at a final stop, but in the stillness, the scenery, and the simple act of slowing down along the way.
