When to Go

More than 80% of the park's annual 4.7 million visitors come in summer and fall. For thinner high-season crowds, come in early June or September. But there is a good reason to put up with summer crowds: only from late May to mid-October will you get the chance to make the unforgettable drive over Trail Ridge Road (note that the road may still be closed during those months if the weather turns bad).

Spring is capricious—75°F one day and a blizzard the next (March sees the most snow). June can range from hot and sunny to cool and rainy. July typically ushers in high summer, which can last through September. Up on Trail Ridge Road, it can be 15°F–20°F cooler than at the park’s lower elevations. Wildlife viewing and fishing is best in any season but winter. In early fall, the trees blaze with brilliant foliage. Winter, when backcountry snow can be 4 feet deep, is the time for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing.

Festivals and Events

Elk Fest. In early autumn, the calls of bulls fill the forest as elk head down from the mountains for mating season. Estes Park celebrates with elk bugle contests, live music, and elk educational seminars. www.visitestespark.com/events-calendar/special-events/elk-fest.

Longs Peak Scottish-Irish Highland Festival. A traditional tattoo (drum- and bugle-filled parade) kicks off this fair of ancient Scottish athletic competitions. There's also Celtic music, Irish dancing, and events for dogs of the British Isles (such as terrier racing and sheepdog demonstrations). www.scotfest.com.

Rooftop Rodeo. Consistently ranked one of the top small rodeos in the country (and a tradition since 1908), this six-day event features a parade and nightly rodeo events, such as barrel racing and saddle bronc riding. www.rooftoprodeo.com.