Summer in Estes

Visiting Estes and RMNP in Summer

Summer in Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park is a stunning time to visit, with warm days and cool nights. Wildflowers blanket the meadows, and the mountains are alive with wildlife—elk, moose, and marmots. Hiking is at its best, with trails ranging from easy lakeside strolls to very challenging summit hikes like Longs Peak. 

Trail Ridge Road is open and offers breathtaking panoramic views, while fishing, biking, and camping opportunities abound.

Though summer is the busiest time, the beauty of the mountains, lush landscapes, and vibrant wildlife make it a must-visit season for outdoor lovers.

 

Rocky Mountain landscape with pine forests and mountains under a cloudy sky.
A glass of red wine and chocolate truffles on a wooden board, placed on a rustic wooden table with fairy lights and wine bottles in the background.

Festivals in Estes Park

Estes Park hosts numerous festivals throughout the summer. Check out:

Estes Park Guide

Estes Arts District

Here are a sample:

Estes Park Duck Race Festival (May/June):
A quirky event with a rubber duck race along the river, live music, and food.

 Estes Park Wool Market (June):
A celebration of fiber arts with workshops, vendors, and animal exhibits. 

 Estes Park Summer Craft Fair (June):
A juried craft fair at the Fairgrounds featuring handmade goods. 

Estes Park Wine and Chocolate Festival (July):
An event featuring Colorado wines and artisan chocolates. 

Mountain Makers Market (July–August):
An outdoor market with local artisans selling handmade goods. 

 Estes Park 4th of July Celebration:
Independence Day festivities including a parade, fireworks, and live music. 

Estes Park Music Festival. (August)

And Farmers Market all Summer Long!

Logo for SnowyGrass Music Festival with a stylized mountain scene, musical symbols, and a winding river in a circular design. Text reads: "SnowyGrass Music Festival, Estes Park, Colorado."
Two lambs standing on a grassy field with trees in the background.
Assorted handcrafted wooden bowls and kitchen utensils displayed on logs, including spoons and cutting boards.
Display of various honey products at an outdoor market, featuring jars of honey, cinnamon honey, and decorative bee-themed containers. An American flag is placed on the table.
Two elk with antlers standing outside our dining window in a snowy, wooded area.

Looking out the Dining Room Window

Wildlife Viewing in Estes and RMNP

  • Elk & Mule Deer – Common in meadows at dawn and dusk.

  • Moose – Found near wetlands - rare near Estes

  • Black Bears – Occasionally seen foraging in wooded areas.

  • Bighorn Sheep – Often spotted in Horseshoe Park.

  • Pikas & Marmots – In rocky areas along Trail Ridge Road.

  • Birds – Warblers, hummingbirds, and raptors are abundant.

Safety Tips

  • Keep Your Distance! – Don’t approach animals. Stay 75 feet from elk/deer, 120 feet from moose/bears. (In our experience the wildlife passing by on our property ignore us as we ignore them!)

  • Never Feed Wildlife – It’s harmful and dangerous.

  • Be Bear Aware – Store food properly and make noise while hiking. Never leave food out on the house’s deck!

  • Drive Carefully – Wildlife is active at dawn and dusk.

Elk with large antlers grazing in a grassy field near pine trees.

See Wildlife right from your Luxury Rocky Mountain National Park Cabin Rental!