Estes Park is a stunning little town all year round, but spring is when this spot really shines!
If you are planning a visit to Estes Park in April, then stick around: I’ll be taking a look at everything you need to know about what to expect during your trip.
I’ll be covering:
- Weather in Estes Park in April
- Recommended clothing
- Things to do in Estes Park in April
- Spring events in Estes Park
- Where to stay
- Where to eat
- Top insider tips for you
Let’s go ahead and jump right into it!
Weather in Estes Park in April
During April, daily temperatures in Estes Park will have a high of around 12°C and a low of about -0°C, with temperatures rarely rising above or falling below these numbers.
The precipitation is moderate during this time, with the likelihood of a rainy day ranging from around 20% to 28% throughout the duration of April.
Recommended Clothing
While the sun is often shining in Estes Park during April, you want to be prepared for everything!
This is why I would recommend bringing a range of clothes that are suitable for various types of weather.
The basics that I would recommend are:
- A warm coat
- Gloves or mittens
- A raincoat
- Cooler clothing (short sleeve shirts, a sunhat)
- Decent boots (good for rain or snow)
- Long winter pants.
Some days can be warm and sunny, while others may be colder than you’d expect. If you’re somebody who likes to be prepared, bringing a range of clothes is a great idea.
Things to Do in Estes Park in April
There are some truly spectacular events that you can check out in Estes Park during April!
Whether you’re looking for some outdoor activities or indoor events for rainy days, you’re sure to find something that catches your eye.
Outdoor activities
- Open Air Adventure Park – Participate in a range of exhilarating outdoor activities such as ax throwing, kayaking tours, and 32 unique aerial challenges!
- Green Jeep Tours – Explore the stunning scenery and wildlife of Estes Park with the iconic Green Jeep Tours
- Rapid Transit Rafting – Looking for a thrilling adventure? You can traverse stunning Colorado rivers with Rapid Transit Rafting, which caters to absolute beginners and rafting pros alike.
Indoor activities
- Time Emporium Escape Room – When it comes to escape rooms, Time Emporium is one of the best. Put your puzzle-solving skills to the test by tackling one of these elaborate escape rooms
- Affinity Massage and Wellness Center – If you need a bit of rest and relaxation, then I cannot recommend Affinity Massage enough! The five-star review that this place boasts is well deserved and you can enjoy a range of services
- Bear & Bee | Maker’s Studio & Boutique – This is a super unique place in Estes Park that is not only a boutique but also a spot to try your hand at some arts and crafts.
I highly recommend checking out the ‘Art Bar,’ where you can try a range of art forms, from pottery to stained glass.
Spring Events in Estes Park
When Spring in Estes Park rolls around, you can expect to see a range of incredible events taking place all over town.
If you plan on paying Estes Park a visit, I highly recommend checking them out!
Estes Park Rotary Duck Race
If you still find yourself in Estes Park during the first week of May, then good news!
You’ll be around to catch the annual Rotary Duck Race. Watch (and place bets) as little rubber ducks race down the river, with proceeds going to local charities.
Earth Day Celebrations
From April 22-28, there will be a range of Earth Day celebrations taking place all over Estes Park.
Embrace and show your appreciation for the Earth by checking out the incredible events that will be popping up all over town!
Bigfoot Days
During the weekend celebration of the popular mythical creature Bigfoot on April 19th and 20th, you can enjoy a range of exciting activities.
The event kicks off on Friday with a Bigfoot BBQ, but the real fun is at the live free concert on Saturday, which has live music, food vendors, activities, and more!
Where to Stay
There are many different accommodation options within Estes Park.
If you’re on the hunt for a great place to stay during your visit, then stick around! I’ve got three top picks for accommodation in Estes Park that are sure to impress.
Stanley Hotel
This absolutely iconic hotel is the same one that inspired the book The Shining!
Staying at this place is a truly incredible experience. From $566 per night, you can enjoy the on-site spa, comfortable bedding, and a hotel that has a rich history.
Not only that, but this hotel has a range of activities that you can partake in, such as hotel tours and museums as well as guided hiking and boating.
The Maxwell Inn
This tidy and quiet little inn is perfect if you are wanting a relaxing stay. From around $76 per night, this place is a great little spot for those looking forward to a calm and stress-free getaway.
There is a wide range of amenities provided, such as a coffee maker, a luxurious hot tub, and an outdoor gas fire pit.
Blue Door Inn
This is another great little inn that is run by incredibly friendly staff. For around $78 a night, you can enjoy a heated pool, cable TV, and a free breakfast; this place really is hard to beat!
This inn also has security cameras for your safety; you can even enjoy complimentary hot chocolate.
This inn is one place that I often recommend to families staying in the Estes Park area, as the inn is safe and secure, and the staff are extremely helpful and accommodating.
Where to Eat
Looking for somewhere to grab a bite to eat in Estes Park? I’ve got you covered. Here are my top picks for the absolute best food spots that you’ve got to try when visiting Estes Park.
The Egg of Estes
If you’re looking for a breakfast or brunch spot, you can’t go wrong with The Egg of Estes!
As you can imagine, the eggs here are phenomenal, and my go-to order is the Avocado Smash Egg Sandwich.
Not only is the food phenomenal, but the staff are also incredible and the diner itself is extremely cozy and welcoming.
The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern
For dinner and a view, The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern is the place to go.
With delicious food, friendly staff, and live music, this place is a wonderful experience and one that I would highly recommend you check out when visiting Estes Park!
This lively restaurant is perfect for groups who are looking for some great food and a bit of entertainment.
Notchtop Bakery & Cafe
This is a great little spot if you’re looking for somewhere cozy to have breakfast or lunch.
The food here is the best of the best, with local ingredients and phenomenal flavors. Comfortable seating, great food, friendly staff – this place has got it all!
The outdoor tables are also pet-friendly, making it perfect for those who want to bring their furry friends along.
Some Insider Tips for You
Want a few insider tips to make your trip to Estes Park run smoothly? Don’t worry – this is where I come in!
Here are a few of my top tips to keep in mind when planning your visit to Estes Park:
- Pack for all weather – The weather in Estes Park isn’t the most predictable, and April can bring sun, rain, and cold. Be sure to pack your spring clothes, but also throw in some winter sweaters and a raincoat!
- Plan ahead for Rocky Mountain National Park – If you plan on visiting the park, don’t expect to turn up on the day and have everything run smoothly.
Be sure to book your reservation online (this can be done any time up to 5 pm the day you plan to visit) to ensure that you have somewhere to park!
- Consider transport – If finding a parking space is the bane of your existence, make sure to do some research beforehand to figure out where you can park when visiting certain parts of town.
Better yet, consider taking one of the many shuttles that you can spot throughout the town!
- Don’t overdo it – While it can be tempting to throw yourself into all of the outdoorsy activities that Estes Park has to offer, it is also important to consider your level of experience.
If you are a beginner, stick to beginner-level hikes and rafting courses
- Have fun – Estes Park is a gorgeous place that is packed full of fun and adventure, so get out there and have a trip that you won’t forget!
