One of the best ways to experience the beauty of the Colorado mountains throughout the year is by embarking on one of the scenic drives near Estes Park. Peaceful mountain roads wind through breathtaking landscapes of towering peaks, forested valleys, alpine lakes, and wide-open vistas. From weekend escapes to setting aside a day on a longer mountain vacation, Estes Park’s scenic road trips and beautiful views can be enjoyed year-round.
Why Estes Park Is Ideal for Scenic Mountain Drives
Estes Park is one of the best destinations in Colorado for travelers who enjoy exploring by car. Surrounded by rugged mountain landscapes, forests, rivers, and high-elevation scenery, the area offers countless opportunities to slow down and take in the views without needing strenuous outdoor activities. Scenic drives near Estes Park are especially appealing for families, couples, photographers, and visitors who want flexibility during their trip. Instead of sticking to a strict schedule, it’s easy to stop at overlooks, picnic areas, small shops, or trailheads whenever something catches your attention.
Another reason Estes Park stands out is the accessibility of many beautiful viewpoints throughout the region. It’s easy to experience dramatic scenery while still remaining close to restaurants, lodging, and other conveniences in town. For travelers hoping to see the top Estes Park sights in a short amount of time, driving routes make it easy to cover more ground while still enjoying a relaxed pace. Wildlife sightings are also common throughout the area, adding even more excitement to a scenic outing. From quiet morning drives to afternoon adventures with several stops along the way, Estes Park offers an unforgettable mountain experience.
Best Times of Year for Scenic Drives in Estes Park, Colorado
Each season around Estes Park offers a different experience for scenic drives, making it a destination that can be revisited year-round. Summer is popular because of longer daylight hours and generally reliable road conditions, though it can also bring larger crowds and heavier traffic during peak travel periods. Fall is often considered one of the most visually impressive times to visit, thanks to changing foliage and cooler temperatures. Be sure to book lodging in advance during these seasons.
Winter provides a quieter atmosphere with fewer visitors, creating a peaceful driving experience for travelers comfortable with snowy mountain conditions. Weather can occasionally impact accessibility and visibility on certain roads, so be sure to check conditions before setting out. Spring offers lighter crowds and refreshing mountain scenery, with sometimes drastic temperature changes as the seasons shift. No matter when you visit, planning ahead and checking local conditions can help make your scenic drive more enjoyable and stress-free.
Top Scenic Drives
Travelers searching for scenic drives near Estes Park, Colorado, will discover unforgettable mountain views, alpine landscapes, and opportunities to experience the beauty of Rocky Mountain National Park from the comfort of a vehicle. From high-elevation roads to peaceful valley routes, Estes Park offers scenic adventures that showcase Colorado’s incredible natural surroundings.
Trail Ridge Road (RMNP)
Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved road in the United States and one of the most iconic drives in Rocky Mountain National Park, offers an unforgettable experience for visitors staying near Estes Park. Spanning 48 miles between Estes Park and Grand Lake, this scenic route crosses the Continental Divide at Milner Pass and reaches elevations of over 12,000 feet. The drive allows you to experience multiple ecosystems in a single outing, including montane forests, subalpine forests, and alpine tundra above the treeline.
Throughout the route, you will encounter numerous overlooks and pullouts designed for sightseeing and photography. Wildlife sightings are common along the drive, including elk and marmots in certain areas. The weather conditions can change rapidly at higher elevations, so prepare for cooler temperatures and possible afternoon thunderstorms during the summer months.
For guests staying in one of our Rocky Mountain National Park vacation homes, Trail Ridge Road is an easily accessible day trip and one of the best ways to experience the park’s dramatic mountain scenery while enjoying a relaxing and memorable drive through Colorado’s high country.
Peak to Peak Scenic Byway (CO 7/72)
The Peak to Peak Scenic Byway is one of Colorado’s most historic and picturesque mountain drives. This scenic route travels through grand mountain landscapes, historic towns, and numerous photo-worthy viewpoints. The byway stretches roughly 55 miles from Estes Park to Interstate 70 and follows Colorado Highways 7, 72, and 119 through the Front Range mountains.
Beginning in Estes Park, the route passes several notable natural areas, including Lily Lake, Twin Sisters, and the Wild Basin area of Rocky Mountain National Park. You’ll also pass through small mountain communities such as Allenspark and Nederland while enjoying views of forests, mountain peaks, and changing seasonal scenery. The byway remains open year-round, making it a flexible option for a visit during every season. Fall is especially popular because of the vibrant changing aspen colors throughout the mountains.
The drive offers a relaxed pace with plenty of opportunities to stop for sightseeing, photos, and short walks. Whether you choose to complete the entire route or explore only a portion of it, the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway delivers a classic Colorado mountain driving experience filled with beautiful landscapes and charming mountain towns.
Big Thompson Canyon (US 34)
Among the most unforgettable scenic drives near Estes Park, Colorado, Big Thompson Canyon offers dramatic mountain scenery and a beautiful drive between Loveland and Estes Park along US 34. The route follows the Big Thompson River through steep granite canyon walls, forested mountainsides, and winding curves that showcase the rugged beauty of northern Colorado.
The canyon drive covers approximately 25 miles and typically takes about 40 minutes one-way, excluding extended stops. Along the route, enjoy rest areas, river views, and opportunities to spot wildlife, including bighorn sheep, elk, deer, and hummingbirds. Anglers and kayakers are also commonly seen along the river during warmer months.
The canyon includes small communities and roadside stops that add character to the drive. If you’re looking to add even more scenery to your road trip, you can take an optional detour through Glen Haven for more striking rock formations and mountain views before arriving back in Estes Park.
Bear Lake Road (RMNP)
Bear Lake Road offers an easy way to experience alpine scenery, wildlife, forests, and mountain lakes within Rocky Mountain National Park. Beginning near the Beaver Meadows Entrance, the road travels through beautiful areas including Moraine Park, Tuxedo Park, and lodgepole pine forests before climbing toward Bear Lake. Along the route, enjoy views of mountain peaks, open meadows, and seasonal aspen color displays during fall.
Several pullouts and stops along the drive provide opportunities to enjoy the scenery at a relaxed pace. Popular spots include Hollowell Park, Sprague Lake, and Glacier Gorge Trailhead. Wildlife sightings are common throughout the corridor, especially elk grazing in Moraine Park meadows. At the end of the drive, Bear Lake offers spectacular mountain views and access to several hiking trails. The road is also easily accessible from Estes Park, making it a convenient adventure for guests staying nearby.
Plan Your Estes Park Stay Near These Scenic Drives
Enjoy easy access to some of Colorado’s most unforgettable mountain views and outdoor experiences when you plan your stay near these scenic drives near Estes Park. Whether you are planning a relaxing getaway or an adventure-filled vacation, our team at Voyago is here to help. Contact us today or explore our Estes Park vacation rentals to find the perfect mountain retreat for your next Colorado escape!
Early spring in Estes Park is a bit different than early spring in so many other parts of the country. The calendar tells us that yes, spring has sprung, but looking out the window tells a completely different story. The landscape is often blanketed in soft white snow even as the first green leaf buds are starting to appear on the trees. People still bundle up for nights that may feature temperatures that drop below freezing, but shed their layers as the sun rises with the temperatures later in the day.
Spring in Estes Park is an idyllic season for winter lovers, and because it is also the low tourist season, prices will be lower, the vibe will be quieter, and our Voyago Vacation Rentals seasonal sanctuaries will be warm, comfortable, and ready to provide a soft spot for you to land during your early spring getaway to our mountain town!
Your Bags Are Packed
The first thing you will want to do is pack your luggage with appropriately warm clothing, not forgetting waterproof boots and coat; you can always wear the boots and carry the coat on the plane to use as a pillow or blanket if you want to save room for souvenirs. March and April are very snowy months, so winter hats and gloves are also recommended. People who have never lived in the snow are always surprised at how bright it is, so sunglasses should be included as well.
If you think you might want to hike during your visit, (winter hikes are wonderful) you may want to invest in some micro spikes for your shoes, or plan on renting a pair of snowshoes during your stay. Daytime temps really will get up there, so dressing in layers and remembering to make sure the bottom layers are moisture wicking are the last two tips we have for our early spring guests.
Outdoor Adventures in the Crisp Cold Air
If you love winter like we do, of course you will want to play outside in the fresh air as often as possible, so now that we know you are appropriately dressed for winter weather, let’s explore some of the adventures you can experience in the early spring.
Ice Fishing in March
Although it is not recommended for April visits, it is still possible to get some ice fishing in during the month of March, just not in Lake Estes. It never gets cold enough for safe ice fishing, but Sprague Lake (located about 15 minutes outside of Estes Park) and Lake of Glass (located about 25 minutes outside of Estes Park) are both wonderful spots to drop your line. In addition to your pole, reel, line, and bait, you will also need to bring a hand auger and jigs, especially during your Lake of Glass fishing trip, as it is in Rocky Mountain National Park and only hand augers are allowed.
Snowshoeing Adventures
A good winter hike can be even more exciting when wearing snowshoes, and Sojourner Mountain Guides offers a variety of guided snowshoeing tours to help you get the hang of the sport and to give you a more comprehensive exploration of the area. They offer half-day trips that are three or four hours long, full-day trips ranging between six to eight hours, and multiday expeditions that can be fun if you want to invest all of that time into the adventure.
Frozen Dead Guy Festival, March 27 through 29, Various Locations in Estes Park
In case you need something to convince you to visit Estes Park in the early spring, read no further, as the Frozen Dead Guy Festival comes to town the last weekend in March! We like to say this is when winter gets weird, and as you watch (or participate in) coffin races, listen to live music, attend the Royal Blue Ball, and possibly join in the fun of a Polar Plunge, you may begin to realize that an early spring getaway to Estes Park was the best idea you have had this year. Beginning with the Coffin Race and ending with a Band and Bloody’s Brunch, this really strange festival is the only reason you need to start making your plans for an early spring in Estes Park.
Plan on Being So Comfortable you Never Want to Leave
You’ve chosen Voyago Vacation Rentals for your Estes Park seasonal sanctuary, so there is one last thing you can plan on: being so comfortable that you never want to leave! Offering retreats for large groups, small families, and any sized traveling group in between, your early spring getaway to Estes Park will be what dreams are made of. Reserve your favorite Colorado retreat today and discover that early spring is one of the best times to visit!
When you travel to Estes Park, there are certain things you will only be able to do at certain times of the year, such as Nordic skiing and ice fishing, which obviously can only be done in the winter months. And while that may lead you to believe that Estes Park is a winter only vacation destination, we at Voyago Vacation Rentals would like to show you that our mountain town is an all-season vacation destination, offering beauty, fun, and excitement, no matter what the page on the calendar says. We have a created a go-to itinerary for visiting Estes Park any time of the year, highlighting the activities you can engage in winter, spring, summer, and fall, ensuring that your Colorado journey will be one you dream about for years to come!
Breathe in All the Mountain Fresh Air with Some Outdoor Adventures
The beauty of Estes Park is something that will burrow its way into your heart, leaving you with a love for the area that will last a lifetime, so getting outside and playing is something you will want to do no matter what month you are visiting! We’ve two of our favorite outdoor activities below, and as this is an itinerary in the loosest sense of the word, you can pick and choose which ones you want to add to yours!
Fishing
Yes, fishing is a year-round activity, with ice fishing being permitted in Lake Sprague, which is just about 25 minutes away from your Voyago Vacation Rentals all-season sanctuary, inside the gates of Rocky Mountain National Park. Tour companies such as Estes Park Tour Guides will help deal with the details, including park entry fees, and will offer all the fishing gear you need, safety tips, and guidance that may be especially appreciated if you have never done this type of fishing before. Lake Estes, which is closer, specifically prohibits ice fishing, but its serene waters are open for fishing any other time of the year, and if you still prefer a guide, Kirk’s Flyshop, Fly Fish Estes Park, and Lost Outfitters Fly Fishing are all wonderful companies with which to do business.
Hiking or Snowshoeing
The best way to explore the stunning Estes Park countryside is with a hike along its many trails, and when the snow falls, you can bundle up in your warmest clothes, strap on a pair of snowshoes, and explore to your heart’s content. Snowshoeing has a history that goes back centuries, and although today it is used more as a way to get your workouts in, snowshoeing was once the only way you could get across the snow-covered landscape and was particularly helpful in times of battle. More strenuous than a hike would be, it is an easy activity to learn on your own, but if you prefer to have a knowledgeable guide to lead you through the back country, Kirk’s Mountain Adventures will never let you down.
Shopping for Souvenirs
Into every vacation some souvenir shopping must fall, and of course, shopping is a year-round activity, something you will probably want to put at the top of your itinerary. Shops like the Mad Moose and the Trading Post of the Rockies offer all kinds of unique gifts and souvenirs, and when you want something different, Trendz at the Park will provide exactly what you need. More unique (and delicious!) souvenirs can be found at The Old Fashion Candy and General Store; it’s a place you will often find us visiting when our sweet toot overrides our desire to watch what we eat!
A Taste Tour of Estes Park
The next adventure on your itinerary is enjoying a taste tour of Estes Park. Our restaurants serve hearty foods that stick to your ribs, ensuring you will have the energy you need to hike, fish, shop, or whatever else you may be interested in doing during your stay. Enjoy tasty burgers and stunning views from Antler’s Rooftop Tavern, devour tasty breakfasts of eggs, pancakes, and more, at Mountain Home Café, and when you are looking to have a wonderful night out, Bird & Jim’s offers a menu filled with farm to table favorites and a cocktail menu that will make you glad you are not the designated driver!
Hanging Out at Home in Your Voyago Vacation Rentals Colorado Retreat
As you may expect, the time you spend hanging out at home in our Estes Park escapes may actually offer the moments you never forget. Snuggle with your favorite traveling companion in front of a roaring fire as the snow falls outside, share glasses of wine as you soak in hot tubs open to the stars, and sleep deeper than you ever remember doing before in the most comfortable beds in the state. Reserve your favorite Voyago Vacation Rentals escape in Estes Park today!
We at Voyago Vacation Rentals have always believed that Valentine’s Day takes place during the coldest days of winter for one simple reason: the cold makes you want to snuggle really close to your favorite valentine, especially when you spend the holiday in Estes Park! Offering snow-covered mountain peaks and sunsets that bring fire to your romantic activities, the only thing better than visiting our mountain town for the holiday of love would be choosing our sanctuaries for your love nests. This local guide to Valentine’s Day in Estes Park, CO will give you all the reasons you should start planning your most romantic journey today!
From Sunrise to Sunset and Beyond
On this, the most snuggly day of the year, there will be so many things to do during your stay that you may want to spread them out over multiple days of your visit, extending the holiday and making it even more memorable. Start your day with a sunrise witnessed from the balcony of our romantic retreats, and end the day with a visit to the stars with a warm embrace on your balcony or deck, staring at a night sky filled with stars. The stars in her eyes will, of course, outshine the ones you see through the lens of a telescope, but the memories will last forever, and when it starts to get a little too cold, you are just steps away from electric heat, a crackling fire, and all the colorful and cozy blankets inside!
Happy Wife, Happy Life
We all know the old phrase, “Happy Wife, Happy Life,” and while this is always true and even more so on Valentine’s Day in Estes Park, we know that the best relationships happen because equality in happiness is important to both. This is why a couple’s massage at Elements Of Touch Wellness Spa & River Retreat, 477 Pine River Lane, is going to be your best idea yet! This serene and tranquil spa has been a local favorite for over 30 years, and its location, tucked away in the trees on the banks of a river, might make you want to check out all its other spa services as well.
Snowshoeing in the Back Country with Sojourner Mountain Guides
Now, if you were a local, snowshoeing is an activity you would probably do alone on this most romantic day of the year, but you don’t know the area, and we would just feel more at ease if you connected with this wonderful guide service. Offering two- to four-hour hikes, as well as full-day and multi-day hikes, snowshoes were originally used by hunters searching for meat in the winter months over 6000 years ago, making the impossible task of traversing snow-covered wilderness possible. Today, it is a popular sporting activity and will give couples a chance to experience the stunning beauty of the Estes Park countryside in ways they just can’t while walking around town.
The Wine & Chocolate Festival, February 7, Estes Park Event Center
Yes, this event takes place the week before Valentine’s Day, but if you are able to arrive early and maybe stay a little longer, this is an event you will not want to miss. Offering six hours of delicious fun, it was just announced that in 2026, the festival will offer more than wine and chocolate, expanding their offerings to include sweets, pastries, and other yummy delights as well as offering brewery specials! We saw your ears perk up at the mention of beer, and we at Voyago are so excited to sample all the goodies and discover everything that is new about this much loved annual festival. You can use it as a chance to stock your wine refrigerator and pantry, perhaps celebrating in your love nest on the big day!
Dinner at Twin Owls Steakhouse, 3110 S St Vrain Avenue Suite B
Traditions are important in all aspects of a relationship, and a romantic meal, whether it is one created by the person who doesn’t normally do the cooking in your relationship or one enjoyed at a fine restaurant, may be your favorite tradition. Twin Owls Steakhouse is where we like to take our partners, offering a sumptuous and hearty menu and views of the mountains that will definitely aid in digestion. Often offering holiday specials, we suspect that there will be a special Valentine’s Day menu, but that information isn’t out as of yet. In the case that they don’t, however, we know you won’t mind, because their regular menu is special enough, especially when you order a delicious carrot cake to finish off the meal!
Every Day Is Romantic with Voyago Vacation Rentals
Our Valentine’s Day rentals in Estes Park aren’t any different than our standard rentals, so you will be able to enjoy a romantic retreat with us any day of the year! Contact us to reserve your favorite love nest with us today.
The annual family vacation is a time-honored tradition that we all love and are terrified of equally, especially when it comes time to find a vacation destination and activities that all ages will love. You are already halfway there in the decision-making process, having chosen Estes Park for your family vacation, and of course, Voyago Vacation Rentals for your vacation accommodations. Offering a family-friendly experience and all the comforts of home, to ensure that you don’t miss a beat during your winter getaway to our favorite Colorado town, we have created this Estes Park family vacation itinerary that will bring you joy!
Start Each Day with a Hearty Meal
Our Voyago retreats do come with fully equipped kitchens, and you may decide that you want to share cooking duties with your children. We wholeheartedly support you in that, providing high-end appliances that will make it fun to cook.
Sometimes, though, mornings come too early, even on Estes Park family vacation, and you may want to mix it up a bit by exploring the breakfast options at Mountain Home Café. Located at 457 E Wonderview Avenue Suite C-1, this inexpensive restaurant offers a low key vibe and hearty breakfasts that will ensure you will be well fueled during your winter adventures. Offering farm-to-table goodness that mom will be happy about and huge portion sizes that are surprisingly cheap and will make dad happy, their plate-sized Belgian waffles will make everyone thrilled to be there!
Snowy Adventures for the Whole Family
If you are visiting Colorado in the winter you obviously love snow, so your itinerary should be filled with many snowy adventures. Cross country skiing is a popular sport around here but can be a little frustrating for younger children, as it is a little more difficult than strapping on skis and letting gravity do its thing. If you have older kids, however, we can promise they will love exploring backcountry trails, with the Hidden Valley area being the most popular. Also offering a snow play area that is popular with sledders, this beautiful part of Estes Park will give you an authentic Colorado winter experience you will never forget.
Another popular outdoor activity that the entire family will love is ice skating at Dorsey Pond in the YMCA of the Rockies. Offering skate rentals so you don’t have to bring your own, this can also be a romantic activity for mom and dad as they glide around the rink holding hands.
When It Is a Little Too Cold to Play Outside
Winter temperatures can drop into the 30s and even lower at night in Estes Park, and if you aren’t used to it, you may be wanting a family friendly activity that can be enjoyed inside, where it is warm and dry. The Bull Pin, located at 555 S St Vrain Avenue, is where we go when our parkas and winter clothing aren’t cutting it, offering bowling, arcade games, sports playing on all televisions, and most importantly, electric heat! Also offering a bar and restaurant, this wonderful place should take up entire day of your vacation, and we can promise that no one will complain!
Another indoor activity, Time Emporium Escape Rooms: Estes Park, found at 541 Big Thompson Ave Building P Unit C, offers all the escape room fun that is sweeping the nation. It’s sure to be a big hit that your family will look back fondly on, especially if you manage to escape in time!
The Family That Shops Together
Shopping isn’t always going to be an activity enjoyed by all, but a visit to Mountain Blown Glass at 101 W Elkhorn Avenue can change all that. Offering free glass blowing demonstrations, the excitement of the art will have your youngest children frozen in place, unwilling to miss a minute of the fun, and mom and dad, while equally enthralled, will also enjoy a little shopping expedition, taking home pieces of glass art that will forever be a reminder of the fun you had in Estes Park. And because a toy store is always a great idea when traveling with children, Toy Mountain, 160 W Elkhorn Avenue, will make you the hero of the family, especially when you bring home one of the games to play with the kids on a dark and snowy night. (Or on a light and bright day!)
Comfortable Moments with the Family
The best vacations begin and end at home with Voyago Vacation Rentals, offering comfortable moments and fun family adventures that will be your favorite part of your Colorado vacation experience. Our spaces provide luxury without making parents feel uncomfortable letting their children run mild inside, and whether you are enjoying family game night, family movie night, or some quiet mom and dad time after the kids have drifted off to sleep, every memory you make here will be ones you never want to forget. Reserve your favorite family-friendly Estes Park cabin rental today!
We love the holidays, but isn’t there something wonderful about the peace and quiet of the new year? The decorations are packed away, the last of the champagne bottles are resting in recycle bins waiting to be taken away, and we march out of our houses wearing the new clothes we found under the tree. But the end of the old year IS something to celebrate, and chances are, by New Year’s Eve, you are tired and may be thinking you need a break, making an Estes Park New Year’s trip and a stay in our Voyago Vacation Rentals seasonal sanctuaries the best way to start out the new year!
Celebrate the New Year
Our Estes Park hometown is a quiet one when celebrating the new year. You won’t find fireworks displays or torchlight parades, but you will find serenity, joy, and fun no matter how you spend the evening.
The Stanley Hotel is always offering some kind of unique event, including its Live Magic Show that is held in its Aiden Sinclair Underground event venue, with this year’s show offering a Dicken’s theme. Fine dining restaurants will offer special menus, including Bird & Jim, located at 915 Moraine Avenue, which features a four-course prix fixe menu with optional wine pairings.
Your favorite way to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Estes Park, however, may be choosing to spend the night at home in your seasonal sanctuary, preparing a special meal in our fully equipped kitchen and binge watching movies you’ve always wanted to see on our state of the art televisions. Cozy, warm, and oh so restful, this activity will set the stage for a year filled with serenity and peace!
Your First Steps into 2026
There can be a sense of letdown after the ball drops but in 2026, you will feel your energy coffers beginning to refill and discover what it feels like to wake up every morning feeling rested and ready to face a new day of winter adventures! Sleeping in late on New Year’s Day is, of course, your first priority, and our comfortable beds will ensure that you sleep well, dream happy, and begin each day feeling rested and ready to explore all that Estes Park has to offer in January.
Maybe you will start the first day of the year with donuts you pre-purchased from the Donut Haus, 860 Moraine Avenue, or maybe you will want to enjoy a hearty breakfast from Mountain Home Café, 457 E Wonderview Avenue Suite C-1. The best part of this first meal of the new year is that it doesn’t matter what you eat, because we promise no one here will judge you!
There Will Be Snow
The world of Estes Park will be blanketed in white, and although it is cold and wet, you will still want to play in it for at least a little bit. Experience a guided snow shoeing adventure with Kirk’s Fly Shop, sledding with the kiddos in Hidden Valley (you can rent sleds from Estes Park Mountain Shop), even ice skating at Dorsey Pond (the YMCA of the Rockies) are some examples of the fun outdoor activities you can enjoy during your January visit. The snow is as beautiful to play in as it is to look at, and when you get cold and/or wet, there are a number of activities you can engage in that will help you warm up again!
Warming Up After Your Outdoor Adventures
Bringing the fun inside will help you warm up after a day of cold and snow, and just as there were many things you could do outside, there are an equal number of things you can do inside as well. The Stanley Home Museum and Education Center, 415 Wonderview Avenue, was once the family home of F.O & Flora Stanley (yes, the Stanleys of Stanley Hotel fame) and is open Thursday through Sunday for guided tours, but chances are it will be closed on New Year’s Day 2026. For many travelers, their favorite activities may be exercising their charge cards and the shops of Estes Park will not disappoint. Souvenir shopping at the Mad Moose, 900 Moraine Avenue may elicit your happiest memories, but any store you visit will be sure to thrill.
Take This Time to Relax and Prepare for the Months Ahead
We hope that 2026 is a year filled with fun, love, and fulfillment for all our guests, and we also hope that the time you spend in Estes Park will help you prepare for whatever the new year tosses your way. We speak from experience when we say that a family night spent at home with fire crackling in the fireplace, children laughing as they learn the thrills of living life unplugged while they play board games, and the snow falling quietly outside will be a night you will never forget. Contact us to reserve your favorite New Year’s Estes Park vacation rental today!
As 2025 comes into its final months it is also time for the most exciting time of the year to begin. The holidays have arrived, and for many travelers, their holiday plans include visiting Estes Park and staying in our Voyago Vacation Rentals seasonal sanctuaries! Offering crisp and cold weather, snowy days and nights, and all of the beauty that accompanies the holiday season, you may wonder however, what you should pack to ensure that you stay cozy and warm while also remaining the stylish icon that you have always been considered. Our guide to what to pack for a holiday getaway in Estes Park will ensure that no wrong steps will be taken during your unforgettable Colorado trip of a lifetime!
Snoopy Has the Right Idea
We will start with a list of outerwear that will help keep you warm, dry, and comfortable during your outdoor adventures, and if you have visited any home décor store over the last year or so, you will absolutely understand what we mean when we say Snoopy has the right idea. Puffer Jacket Snoopy is all the rage in holiday décor, and in Estes Park, it is also all the rage in outdoor clothing! Somehow managing to be warm while also managing to be light and easily packed, this miracle piece of clothing comes in all colors, including a simply adorable metallic green that we caught sight of during our recent travels.
If you are going to be hiking or doing some cross-country skiing, it is also important to pack snow pants, waterproof boots, hats, and gloves. Micro spikes are another important accessory, slipping over your boots and helping provide traction that will enable you to stay on your feet.
Christmas Sweaters Are Always Fun
Feeling jolly over the Christmas season is even easier when you pack your favorite Christmas sweater or sweatshirt, and we sincerely believe that not all Christmas sweaters are ugly ones, but even the ugly ones can be fun! Daytime life in Estes Park is casual—who dresses up to play outside, after all?—and if your Elf sweater is your favorite and is warm and comfy, we definitely believe you should pack it. This is also a great time of year to pull your favorite corduroy pants out of storage, and yes, if you are planning on spending on any time at all outside playing, don’t forget your long underwear, a cold weather essential that has come a long way in terms of style. Olympic skier Kari Traa Rose offers an extremely warm set that comes in many colors and is adorned with such cute graphics, you may be tempted to wear the top on the outside! Wool or wool blend socks can help ensure that your feet stay nice and toasty, no matter how low the mercury plunges.
Holiday Events to Consider
We’ve already discussed tossing some of your favorite Christmas sweaters in your suitcase, but as the Estes Park Holiday Wine Festival takes place on November 29th, you might want to pack some of your cuter winter clothes as well. Honestly, anything goes in the style department at this exciting festival, but we know you want to look cute, so pack that wine-colored silk blouse, tuck your Ralph Lauren jeans into those brand new knee-high boots you found that offer a square chunky heel that is comfortable to walk in! You will be the belle of the wine festival, without looking like you tried to hard!
And although there isn’t a fancy New Year’s Eve soiree held in Estes Park, Charle’s Dicken’s Conjuring is a special magic show offered at Aiden’s Sinclair’s Underground, and you may want to include some nice going out wear if you are planning to attend the New Year’s Eve show! Boots (with chunky, not spike heels) are going to be your best choices for footwear, as sidewalks can get slippery after night fall.
What to Wear While Hanging Out at Home in Your Voyago Vacation Rentals Holiday Hideaway
There is something wonderful about spending a snowy night at home, especially when your rental offers a fireplace, so be sure to pack comfy at-home clothes, including cozy and colorful pajamas. Maybe you will gather around the dining room table to play Candyland with your toddlers at Christmas, and everyone knows that the best dressed families are always wearing matching pajamas. Or maybe your idea of a beautiful winter evening at home will involve Irish coffee, a roaring fire, and a Hallmark Christmas movie playing on the big screen television. Our winter Estes Park cabin rentals offer all of the above (and so much more), and your cozy jammies that you wear will take up very little room in your luggage. Reach out to us to reserve your favorite holiday hideaway today!
While a weekend away in Estes Park is always inspiring, and a week-long family trip this way can be equally appealing, Estes Park is also the perfect spot for a month-long escape. Travelers with a bit more time to spare here will find that Estes Park is a refreshing, beautiful, and inviting place to enjoy a month away from home. Whether you’re looking to slow down, work while traveling, or take time away with those you love most, an Estes Park vacation has everything you need to make the most of the experience.
It’s a Haven of Opportunity for Remote-Working Professionals
If you’re someone who works in a remote capacity, and you’re looking for a new view to keep you inspired, a month-long escape to Estes Park is exactly what you need. Here, you can enjoy the refreshing experience of waking up each day surrounded by incredible scenery and reminders that when the workday is done, there’s so much waiting to be experienced and explored outdoors.
When you book your month-long getaway to Estes Park through Voyago Vacation Rentals, you’ll be delighted to find that our cabins, homes, and condos here are set up with dependable Wi-Fi and often host dedicated workspaces as well. Feeling right at home is a breeze, especially when you book a stay within walking distance of some of Estes Park’s fan-favorite coffee shops, bookstores, restaurants, boutiques, and more! Even your lunch breaks can be customized to include time in nature here, with options to enjoy a walk along the Big Thompson River midday, working as a revitalizing choice.
You Can Discover Rocky Mountain National Park at Your Own Pace
When you only have a short time to spare in Estes Park in the name of vacation fun, there’s a tendency to feel pressure when it comes to making sure you see as much of your surroundings as possible within that timeframe. Fortunately, this just isn’t the case when you have a full month to explore! When you treat yourself to this kind of trip, it gives you the time you truly deserve to discover places like Rocky Mountain National Park at your own pace. This is often one of the biggest draws for travelers heading to Estes Park, and a month gives you plenty of time to pick and choose just how many of the 350 miles of hiking trails here you’re going to explore with a camera and binoculars in hand. A month-long escape to Estes Park means you don’t have to leave a sunrise hike to Dream Lake off your list, or miss out on those scenic drives along Trail Ridge Road. It’s also a fantastic opportunity to enjoy several weeks of wildlife watching when you’re hoping to spot everything from bighorn sheep and mule deer to elk, along the way.
There Are Options to Really Embrace the Small-Town Charm
Estes Park has earned a reputation for excellence among travelers for the easy access it provides to time in the great outdoors. That said, a month-long escape this way gives visitors time to really embrace the small-town charm they’ll enjoy here, too. When you have a month to spare for vacation, you have options to spend a significant amount of time exploring downtown. Here, you can enjoy your time hopping between impressive art galleries and admiring work that’s crafted by local talent. This area also hosts weekly farmers markets to browse, boutique shops to explore, and a variety of places to simply settle in and make the most of people watching as well.
A Month of Wellness and Reflection Goes a Long Way
If you’ve decided to enjoy a month-long escape to Estes Park so you can focus on wellness and reflection, far from the hustle of life, it’s a destination that never fails to inspire. Spending a month within easy reach of the relaxing solitude the mountains provide means you can spend afternoons in tranquility writing, journaling, or meditating uninterrupted. Aspiring and seasoned nature photographers will find a month in Estes Park might be just what they need to re-awaken their creative spirit while capturing incredible surroundings on camera.
Over at the Art Center of Estes Park, there are also opportunities for those looking to learn something new to sign up for a creative workshop during their month away. If you find that starting each day with yoga puts you in the right state of mind, you can attend classes at the Estes Valley Community Center during your month here, and hone your practice in balance, focus, and flexibility.
Book Your Stay in Estes Park Today
No matter what it is that brings you to Estes Park for a month-long escape this year, be sure to treat yourself to the comfort, style, and luxury you deserve by booking your local vacation accommodations through Voyago Vacation Rentals. We’ll make sure you feel right at home upon arrival and enjoy a stay that fits your travel style! Reach out today to learn more about our inviting portfolio of Estes Park cabin rentals and how we can help you tailor the details of your month away that matter most.
The end-of-year holidays have almost arrived, but what if your vacation to Estes Park is scheduled to take place before all the fuss and fanfare? It just means you will get to experience an authentic Colorado getaway, exploring all the things that make our town special while resting and relaxing in comfort and style in our Voyago Vacation Rentals hideaways! This guide to four ways to explore Estes Park before the holidays will give you a head start on anticipating the best vacation you have enjoyed in so many years.
1. Take a Ride on the Wildside with Wildside 4X4 Tours, 212 E Elkhorn Avenue
Your inner daredevil is begging to be released, and as you explore the stunning beauty of our Estes Park countryside from the seat of one of their colorful 4X4s, you will get an up close and personal view of everything you dreamed your Colorado vacation would contain. They offer a large number of tours year round, including National Park Tours that explore wildlife, waterfalls, lakes, and snow, and 4X4 offroad tours that will take you to the most beautiful places in town.
2. Gallop in the Country with National Park Gateway Stables, 4600 Fall River Road
Although the wild west chaos skipped over our town, Estes Park was more about ranching and homesteading than gunfights, saloons, and bawdy houses, we do let out our old west flair with horseback tours offered by National Park Gateway Stables. Offering tours that will give you views of snow capped mountains and/or the Continental Divide, they also offer pony rides for vacationers traveling with young kids.
3. Exploring the Waters of Estes Park with Pole in Hand with Kirks Flyshop, 230 E Elkhorn Avenue
Fly fishing is popular in our town, no matter what time of year and because not everyone is as familiar with the sport of fly fishing as we are, we like to recommend Kirks Flyshop and the guided fishing trips they offer. Choose your excursion, they offer two-hour, four-hour, six-hour, and eight-hour guided trips where you can enjoy snacks, lunches, and catching your limit. Everything except fishing licenses and tips are included in their prices.
4. Sipping and Savoring at the Snowy Peaks Winery, 292 Moraine Avenue
All your explorations are making you thirsty and ready to relax a little and the best place we know to do both is at the Snowy Peaks Winery! Offering a taste of Colorado you are sure to become addicted to, the wines are all created right here in our state and we think they could give Napa Valley a run for the money. We sincerely hope you test our theory with a visit to the winery sample all their flavors as well as enjoying their menu of gourmet foods all prepared by Colorado artisans. Offering a selection of cheeses, meats, preserves, and nuts, they also feature charcuterie boards that will complement each sip you take. Personally, their Colorado Wild Game Sausage Board is our favorite but you may prefer their pizza for two or just a giant soft Bavarian Pretzel served with beer cheese and stone ground mustard.
Bonus Adventures at Home with Voyago Vacation Rentals
The best way to enjoy your Estes Park vacation is by starting and ending each day from our Colorado sanctuaries. Our suites, cabins, and lodges provide all the comforts of home and also offer modern amenities and breathtaking views of the mountains. Contact us and reserve your favorite Estes Park vacation rental today!
As much as we love the snow, the bracing cold, and the dramatic beauty of leafless trees and snow-capped mountains, if we were playing a game of truth and dare, we’d have to say our truth is we in Estes Park love fall best. The crisp air, the scent of the first fires being lit in fireplaces all over the valley, and the sight of brilliantly colored forests adding extra beauty to our lives. All of these things make us so very happy, and when you choose to visit our Colorado mountain town and stay in our Voyago Park Vacation Rentals seasonal sanctuaries, you will experience all the happiness while savoring the coziness and luxuries of your favorite rental in Estes Park in the fall.
What Makes Life Cozy?
Cozy is one of those words that can mean different things to different people, but we try hard to meet the expectations of every traveler who turns to us for cozy comforts during their Estes Park vacation. Sometimes, cozy can be that welcoming vibe when you step inside our warm spaces, feeling as if the entire home has been waiting for you with bated breath. Cozy can be the plush sofas that invite you to sink into their soft depths, grab a throw off their backs, and snuggle in for the night, understanding that as the sun falls behind the mountains, the cold outside will be more than a little nippy. And cozy can be found in a roaring fire, a hot mug of freshly brewed coffee, and the first airing of the fall season of your favorite show, all three experienced after a long day of vacation fun.
Comfort Is Key
Cozy can also be defined by the comfort of the space. Can you sit around the dining room for another game, another beverage, another family story being retold, without feeling your legs go numb and your back starting to hurt? Are the chairs on the back decks and patios more than just a place to sit, offering a comfort level so complete you find yourself taking unexpected naps in them? And at night, when you slide between the super soft linens on our premium beds, can you feel your body going weightless, the tightness between your shoulder blades loosening, and the cloud soft comfort of the pillow perfectly cradling your head, neck, and shoulders? These cozy comforts can’t always be found in vacation rentals, but they will be found in all our Voyago retreats! And, because cozy amenities are our specialty, don’t be surprised to find another fireplace in your primary suite bedroom, adding a touch of romance as well as warmth and cozy comfort to your sleeping experiences.
Can We Call Our Bathrooms Cozy?
At first glance, a bathroom is all cold tile and sharp angles, but there is coziness to be found if you know where to look. Towels thar are large, thick, and fluffy are one way you can find cozy in these spaces, but perhaps the coziest feeling of all will be discovered in the baths you take. Many of our retreats feature deep tubs that are perfect for soaking, and as you fill their depths with hot waters scented with the oils you have added, turn the lights down, the music up, and sink into the water with a book in one hand and glass of wine in the other, your cozy night of relaxation will have begun. Once Upon a Hive, a candle store located in downtown Estes Park at 145 E Elkhorn Avenue, can help shed a cozy light on the matter when you purchase and utilize the beeswax candles they sell.
Cozily Relaxing Under the Stars
As we move closer to snow season, Colorado nights can be downright cold, with temperatures falling below freezing as winter begins to creep into the picture, but there can still be cozy moments enjoyed outside. Having a hot tub on the deck is practically the law in this part of the world, and there just aren’t enough words to describe the cozy wonder of soaking your body in bubbling waters, watching the steam rise up and disappear into the night sky, and feeling the cool (or cold) night air nip at your nose.
And for those who don’t fancy climbing out of a hot tub in a wet suit, shivering in the night air until you wrap the thick towel around you and head back inside where life is warm and wonderful, many of our properties will offer a firepit in the back yard, surrounded by chairs and inviting guests to roast marshmallows to make s’mores!
Contact us to reserve your favorite fall Estes Park vacation rental today!