Autumn in Estes

Visiting Estes and RMNP in Autumn

Autumn in Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) is a spectacular time of year, filled with crisp air, golden aspen leaves, and fewer crowds.

Wildlife Watching

  • Elk Rutting Season: One of the most exciting aspects of fall is the elk rut (mating season). You can hear the dramatic bugling of male elk as they compete for mates. The elk are often visible in Estes Park, grazing near town or in RMNP’s lower meadows.

  • Deer: commonly roam though our property and in the park.

  • Birds: Fall is migration season, so birdwatching is fantastic, with a variety of species passing through.

Activities & Adventure

  • Hiking: Fall is a great time to hike, with cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.

  • Photography: With the vibrant fall foliage, wildlife sightings, and dramatic mountain backdrops, RMNP offers some of the best photography opportunities of the year.

  • Fishing: The rivers and lakes remain great for fishing, with calmer, and quieter waters.

  • Scenic Drive: Trail Ridge Road is still open until mid-October (snow dependent), offering spectacular views of the changing foliage at higher elevations.

A bull elk with large antlers standing in a grassy field.
Winding road through RMNP with fall foliage, featuring yellow, orange, and reddish trees against a backdrop of evergreen trees.
Grove of aspen trees in RMNP with yellow leaves against a deep blue sky

Foliage in Rocky Mountain National Park

Fall colors peak in mid-September to mid-October depending on elevation.

Outside the Park:

Peak to Peak historic byway is an excellent aspen-lined scenic drive option that runs from Black Hawk to Estes Park. During foliage, this indirect path to Estes can well be worth the extra time!

Wild Basin: Great viewing area for hikes in the park. Three mile one-way, family-friendly hike to Ouzel Falls

In the Park:

Old Fall River Road. (dirt road)

Sprague Lake - One mile easy loop

Bear Lake area

 

A group of people in Estes Park wearing traditional Scottish attire is marching on a grassy field, playing bagpipes. Mountains and spectators are visible in the background.
A herd of elk crossing a street in Estes Park with cars and pedestrians nearby.
Five carved jack-o'-lanterns with various facial expressions on a wooden surface against a rustic wooden background. Part of an Estes Park festival.

Festivals

Estes Park, Colorado, offers a vibrant array of fall festivals. See VisitEstesPark.com and Estes Park Guide

Just a few:

Longs Peak Scottish-Irish Highland Festival (Mid-Sept. Celebrate Celtic heritage at one of the nation's largest festivals of its kind, featuring Scottish Athletics: ( traditional games that test strength and skill), Highland Dancing, Celtic Music and a Parade showcasing Scottish and Irish culture.

It's a vibrant celebration of heritage that brings the community together!

https://scotfest.com

Estes Park Elk Fest (Early October)

Elk Bugling Contests are a real hoot! Witness the thrilling calls of the wild as participants emulate elk bugles!

Enjoy Live Music, Artisans and Vendors and Delicious Cuisine

Halloween Festivities (October 31st)

Estes Park embraces the Halloween spirit with a variety of activities suitable for all ages, including:

  • Pumpkin Displays: Marvel at creatively carved pumpkins illuminating the streets.

  • Family-Friendly Events: Participate in safe and enjoyable activities for children.

  • Spooky Attractions: Explore haunted sites and themed exhibits.

The Estes Park Museum also hosts Halloween-themed activities, adding to the festive atmosphere.Wildlife Viewing

  • 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.

Scenic autumn landscape in Estes Park with yellow and orange foliage, forested mountains, and a river.

Our Mountain View Vacation Home in Estes Park is just two miles from RMNP!