It’s spring season in RMNP (Rocky Mountain National Park)! Temperatures are cooler, local flora and fauna make their appearances, and snowmelt makes for beautiful waterfalls and streams. Now is a great time to head outdoors and enjoy the beauty of Rocky Mountain National Park before the summer crowds come.
Visit during National Park Week
The spring season in RMNP is a great time to visit, especially during National Park Week. Every spring, in April, National Park Week is the perfect time to explore the park and discover stories of history and culture, with elevated programming. Celebrate National Park Week 2022 from April 16 to 24! RMNP will host a variety of special programs, events, and digital experiences. Plus, entrance fees are waived on April 16 to kick off the week.
Hike through sunny trails
While you are almost certainly guaranteed snowfall in the spring here in Estes Park and RMNP, you can still get out and enjoy some of the many hikes at lower elevations. In the spring, the higher peaks will still be insulated with snow, meanwhile, lower elevations will provide plenty of sunshine and clearer trails.
You will find wonderful hiking trails, perfect for a springtime stroll including Bear Lake, Moraine Park, Horseshoe Park, Copeland Falls, and many others. Do note that the ground in the spring can be quite muddy from the snowmelt. So, this is a great time of year to take the trails with greater sun exposure and less shade.
While out hiking, be sure to also keep your eyes out for some spring blooms (typically late spring). Typical wildflowers to keep your eye out for include the Indian Paintbrush, Forget-Me-Nots, and Alpine Avens.
Wildlife Viewing
Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the top locations for wildlife viewing. No matter what time of year, wildlife in the park is plentiful, but during the spring, the wildlife returns after a long winter and begins to gear up for the summer season. Elk can be found at lower elevations, which means visitors will still be able to see elk grazing with picturesque snow-capped mountain peaks in the valleys below. Bighorn sheep and moose are also common to see, along with hundreds of migratory birds that make their way through the park every spring.
Drive along Trail Ridge Road
Trail Ridge Road is a popular scenic drive in Rocky Mountain National Park. Closed in the winter, the road re-opens at the end of spring on Memorial Day weekend (weather permitting) once snowplowing efforts are done. This particular time of year is unique because visitors who make the drive will be greeted with roadside snowbanks that can reach over 20 feet high! Depending on the weather, the snow walls can exist well into the summer months. So, grab your camera and take a drive along Trail Ridge Road, as you can only see in the spring!
Weather in spring
Sring in the Rockies is beautiful but also very unpredictable. It can be sunny and 65 degrees one day and 28 degrees and snowing the next. Lower elevations under 9,500 feet will typically experience spring weather in late April. The subalpine, at elevations of 9,500 to 11,500 feet, will see spring conditions in June. So, if you’re visiting in the spring, it’s best to prepare for both winter and summer-like conditions.
Stay at Alpine Trail Ridge Inn
Of course, one of the best ways to experience the spring season in RMNP is with a stay at Alpine Trail Ridge Inn. Not, only do we offer one of the best locations in town for enjoying all there is to do in Estes Park, but we provide one of the best off-season rates in town!
Our rooms offer a touch of the great outdoors mixed with modern amenities and beautiful mountain views. Plus, we are also minutes from dining, breweries, and shopping in Downtown Estes Park. Enjoy the best of both worlds this spring when you book with Alpine Trail Ridge Inn.
