Estes Park, Colorado is an amazing mountain town for individuals to visit year-round, but it is even more magical during the autumn months. A few of the reasons why you should visit Estes Park are because it offers busy main streets with plenty to do, adventurous hiking trails, beautiful wildlife and nature, and stunning mountaintop views. This small, cozy town is the perfect getaway for your autumn vacation, as you will be surrounded by yellow, orange, brown, and red leaves the entire trip and can book a place with a fireplace to enjoy downtime in front of during the cool nights after a full day of exploring. If that does not convince you enough, here are five reasons to visit Estes Park this fall:

1. You will never run out of things to do in Estes Park.

Each year, visitors and residents of Estes Park prepare to host and attend some of the best events, festivals, and attractions during the fall. A few of the most popular ones are the Autumn Gold Festival, the Elk Fest, Rocky Mountain Craft Spirits Festival, Fall Back Beer Festival, and Pumpkins & Pilsners. From September to November, there are many different fall functions that locals and tourists can take part in. These events bring large crowds to town to hear live music, drink craft beers, play in the bounce house, pick pumpkins, play games, and watch the elk.

2. Estes Park is filled with changing leaves.

Estes Park’s leaf changing season typically peaks at the end of September. However, the entire autumn season is absolutely breathtaking. Yellow, brown, orange, and red leaves are able to be seen throughout the town, whether on the highway or visiting the Rocky Mountain National Park. If you are looking for the best autumn background for your family photo, Estes Park is the perfect place to visit this fall.

3. Watching the wildlife in Estes Park is an incredible experience.

It is common to see wildlife in Estes Park throughout the whole year, but it is even more likely for travelers and locals to see a variety of wildlife animals in the fall, such as deer, moose, and elk. Fall tends to be mating season for elk, so visitors are able to see the elk come to town and play in the grassy areas. A few of the common places to find elk are by the river close to Kind Coffee, in the median by Big Thompson Avenue, or around Bond Park. If you are unable to find the elk there, you are guaranteed to find them playing in Rocky Mountain National Park or near the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center.

4. Depending on when you visit, you may get to experience the first sighting of winter.

If you are unable to make it to Estes Park by early to mid-fall, you may be able to catch a couple of early glimpses of winter. Tourists and locals can enjoy seeing the dusting of snow on the mountaintops, as winter usually comes very quickly after fall in Estes Park. Sometimes, the two seasons even overlap. Therefore, you may be able to spot a few sightings of what is in store for the winter season. Be sure to pack some winter clothes and accessories, just in case.

5. Since the temperature is perfect in the fall, visitors can enjoy many different outdoor activities.

The temperatures typically range between the 50’s to 60’s during the fall daylight hours in Estes Park, Colorado. So, you should expect a crisp breeze in the mornings, warm weather throughout the day, and cold nights. This is ideal for those who enjoy staying outside all day and want to spend their nights by the fire. Several of the outdoor activities that individuals enjoy participating in while visiting Estes Park are mountain biking, hiking, climbing or bouldering, horseback riding, fishing, practicing photography, birdwatching, playing golf, and so much more. There is always something to do for everyone!

Looking to make your vacation a staycation?

Have you been looking to retire and move to Estes Park? Or maybe you’re looking for a vacation property in Estes Park? Either way, there are some pretty amazing homes for sale in Estes Park right now that you should take a look at! If you see anything that you like, just give us a call and we’ll gladly get you any information you’re looking for on the home.