Fall has arrived here in Estes Park! Visitors can now begin to see the flurry of color from the aspen trees and can hear the sounds of the bugling elk. It’s truly an enchanting time to visit! Here’s what you need to know about fall in Estes Park to help start planning your getaway today!
When is the best time to visit?
Depending on the weather, leaves begin to change mid-September and can be enjoyed through the beginning of October. In lower elevations, the change begins in early October and is seen through the third week in October. But elevations of 8,000+ are generally starting to show in mid-September with the peak being late to early-October.
Related: 6 Reasons to Visit Estes Park in the Fall.
Where to see fall colors
There are many ways in which to see the fall colors. Of course, a simple walk through town will showcase the signs of fall, but you’ll get some of the best viewing spots in Rocky Mountain National Park. Scenic drives like Trail Ridge Road and Fall River Road are great places to start to see fall colors in the park.
Trail Ridge Road is a 48-mile long road that connects the town of Estes Park and Grand Lake. Maxing out at an elevation of 12,183 feet, the high-alpine road provides beautiful panoramic views of the fall colors that dot the landscape below.
Fall River Road is a one-way dirt road intersecting with Trail Ridge Road at the Alpine Visitor Center. This route not only provides you with fall colors but a stunning collection of waterfalls cascading down Fall River.
Fall hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park
Or take a hike to immerse yourself in the beauty of autumn. While there are numerous hikes that provide fall foliage, here are a few to help get you started:
- Alberta Falls – Alberta Falls is a nice and easy 1.7-mile hike that is good for the entire family. With minimal elevation gain, see stunning scenery including waterfalls, yellowing aspens, and mountain views. This trail begins at the Glacier Gorge Trailhead.
- Gem Lake – Gem Lake is a 3.4-mile trail that offers it all in terms of scenery. Enjoy a glistening lake, plentiful aspen groves, and beautiful views of Estes Park and Longs Peak. This hike begins at the Lumpy Ridge Trailhead.
- Sprague Lake – Sprague Lake is another great lake destination in Rocky Mountain National Park to see the fall colors. Hikers are instantly stunned with the beautiful scenery this easy 0.9-mile walk around the lake offers. With mountain-peak views, a nice collection of aspen groves, and an alpine lake, you can’t go wrong with this short hike.
Abundant wildlife
Fall in Estes Park also brings about active wildlife, such as the elk. Fall is the rutting season (mating season) for elk, so they are a bit more active than normal with their loud bugling sound and mating rituals. Other wildlife you might encounter include deer and moose. Plus, keep your eyes out for bears, as they are actively preparing for hibernation.
Stay at Alpine Trail Ridge Inn
Complete your visit to Estes Park with a stay at Alpine Trail Ridge Inn. Enjoy all that the fall season has to offer with our affordable lodging options located near Rocky Mountain National Park and downtown Estes Park. We offer rustic mountain chic rooms that offer an exceptional level of comfortability, some with mountain views, and a friendly staff ready to assist in any way possible.
Enjoy 15% off when you book a two-night stay October 15th, 2020 through December 13th, 2020. Book online using promo code: Fall15
Start planning your trip to Estes Park and book your stay with Alpine Trail Ridge Inn!
