Top 5 Winter Activities in Estes Park

Estes Park is the number one tourist destination in Colorado, and for good reason. As you come around the corner travelling up hwy 36 or hwy 34 into Estes Park, you’re met with one of the most stunning sights in the country. I have created the top 5 winter activities in Estes Park and first on the list is the beautiful drive to Estes Park. I’ll include the full list below. Looking for other options? Check out the ultimate guide to things to do in Estes Park.

1. Drive Into Estes Park

As I said, coming around the corner, you’re hit with a sight that takes your breath away. I have lived here for 50+ years. Traveling the country, I have seen wonderful things, but nothing as amazing as Estes Park. It’s truly a special place. The snowcapped mountains are right in your face. They’re so grand and majestic, you’ll wonder if they’re even real. As a local, I can tell you one of the coolest things to do is to just drive around town. You’re going to see wildlife, and you might find some neat shops to visit. One would be the general store in Glen Haven (a beautiful 15-minute drive). Get there in the morning and you’ll have the opportunity to savor the best cinnamon roll ever.

2. ATV Rental

The staff at Backbone Adventures will tell you their favorite time of year to ride is in the winter snow. The trails are smooth, the weather is mild, the wildlife is more abundant, and in the off-season, it feels like you have the trails to yourself. ATV rentals are open every day throughout the year. In 2026 Backbone will start offering snowmobile rentals. Having said that, I’d like to add my personal opinion. I’ve done both ATV’s and snowmobiles. Sleds are cool, don’t get me wrong, but I prefer an ATV. They are way more stable and you can go unguided. I personally don’t like being guided around at a slow pace. I like to experience the adventure in my own way, on my time, and at my pace. ATV and Quad rentals with Backbone are unguided and it makes for an awesome day.

3. Hike or Tour Rocky Mountain National Park

There are so many options. You can go on your own. Stop by Backbone Adventures and we can help you pick the trail right for you (no charge). Another option is to do a guided hike with Estes Park Tour Guides. They’ll take good care of you and show you things you wouldn’t otherwise. You could also go with one of a few 4×4 vehicle tours like Green Jeep Tours, Wildside 4×4 Tours, or Purple Points Tours.

4. Shop Downtown Estes Park

Although my wife and I have lived here for 50+ years, she still drags me downtown at least once every couple months. Like most men, I hate shopping, especially with my wife, because she can’t leave a store without buying something. I have to admit though, I do really enjoy shopping downtown. The winter time is special because you’re not dealing with seasonal employees who are too busy to give great customer service. Instead, you’re dealing with locals and the actual owners of the shops. It’s always nice to talk with them. Estes isn’t what it was back in the day. Back then, it was mostly cheap trinkets. Now, there is a wide variety of high quality gift shops, whiskey tasting, and food. Let’s not forget the winter deals. There is always cool stuff on sale in the off-season.

5. Mustang Mountain Coaster

They are closed most Mon, Tue, and Wed depending on the month, but open every other day. Check em out at Mustang Mountain Coaster. They are located right next door to Backbone Adventures. So, you can get in a great thrilling day coupling a quick coaster ride in with your ATV rental in the snow.

Where to Stay

Outside of the top 5 winter activities in Estes Park, I’d like to suggest a couple places to stay. My favorite hotels include the Expedition Lodge (located next door to Backbone Adventures). They have great affordable rooms and an awesome game room. The people at the Expedition Lodge are so cool. My wife and I really like the Inn on Fall River as well. This is a go to for us when we want a private hot tub night away from our cabin and responsibilities. Streamside on Fall River is another favorite. Max (the owner) is such a nice guy. He’s the kind of people you want to spend your money with. Plus, it’s a beautiful setting right on the river.

Where to Eat

Hands down, my favorite is Embers. It’s located right across the street from Backbone Adventures. This will be your more upscale option. The steak is one of the best I’ve had anywhere in the country. Twin Owls is another great steakhouse. I love the Waygu. If you’re into pizza, you’re in luck. Can you believe Estes Park has the one of the top rated pizza joints in the country? Antonio’s New York style pizza is to die for. Hunter’s Chop House is my favorite burger. They have so much more, but the burger is amazing. It’s a Kobe beef burger and if I was on death row, my last meal request would be their burger. Finally, the Sweet Basilico Italian resturant is one of my favorite Itialian joints anywhere. This is home style Italian food made with love. Wait, I have one more: Forget McDonalds, go to Fresh Burger. It’s locally owned and you get real beef. Notable options for breakfast include: The Egg, Notchtop, and Big Horn.