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As the crisp chill of winter settles in, December in Estes Park offers a true mountain winter experience. In this guide about visiting Estes Park, Colorado in December, we’ll help you plan the perfect getaway for this snowy and serene time of year. Whether you’re taking in the peaceful streets of Estes Park or exploring the snow-covered trails of Rocky Mountain National Park, December promises a magical escape. So, grab your warmest layers, and let’s dive into this frosty winter wonderland!
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Watch our YouTube video for a full overview of Visiting Estes Park in December:
Photo by Visit Estes Park
CROWDS / POPULARITY IN DECEMBER
December is firmly part of the shoulder, or off-season, in Estes Park, with even fewer visitors than November. With fewer than 120,000 visitors, the town and park are much quieter than during the summer months. However, weekends and holidays—especially around Christmas and New Year’s—can still attract more crowds, particularly if the weather is sunny and inviting. Overall, December offers even more solitude for those looking to enjoy the beauty of Estes Park without the usual hustle and bustle.
Rocky Mountain National Park continues to be the highlight for winter visitors, with its peaceful, snow-blanketed landscapes. Popular trails and overlooks are quiet, but winter weather and icy conditions can make some areas more challenging. Timed Entry Reservations are not required this time of year, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace.
Related: The Best Time of Year to Visit Estes Park, Colorado
TRANSPORTATION / HOW TO GET AROUND IN DECEMBER
Just like November, December transportation options are limited. Free shuttles in Estes Park and the Rocky Mountain National Park aren’t operational during this month. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft very rarely operate in Estes Park no matter the season, and the Bustang bus service from Denver takes a winter break.
For more freedom, your best bet is to bring your own vehicle or utilize local ride services like Explore Estes, to get around the area. Explore Estes is a licensed transportation business that offers rides within Estes Park, ride services down the mountain (as far as Boulder), and rides to/from trailheads in Rocky Mountain National Park. Click here to request a ride with Explore Estes. Rental options are also very limited in town and include Up Top Automotive (limited vehicles) and Backbone Jeep Rentals (specializing in 4×4 rentals). The Turo App is another rental choice.
Important Note: December weather can be unpredictable, with the potential for snowstorms. A vehicle with AWD or 4WD is strongly recommended, and winter or snow tires are ideal. If you only have a 2WD vehicle, tire chains should be considered as a last resort. Roads in town are generally well-maintained and plowed, but conditions can still be slick and challenging. Inside the National Park, roads are plowed less frequently, and conditions can be more dangerous, especially after snowstorms. In December 2021, over 70 cars slid off the road in a single week in Rocky Mountain National Park! Make sure you’re comfortable driving in snow and ice before hitting the road.
Related: How to Get Around Estes Park Without a Vehicle
Photo by Visit Estes Park
WEATHER IN DECEMBER
December in Estes Park brings colder, more wintery conditions, with high winds and temperatures that often don’t rise above freezing. Daytime highs average around 31°F (-0.5°C), while nighttime lows dip to 14°F (-10°C), often reaching the single digits or dropping below 0°F (-18°C). If you’re heading to higher elevations in Rocky Mountain National Park, be prepared for even colder conditions as it cools about 3 – 5 degrees for every 1000ft (305m) of elevation that you gain, not including the added chill of the wind that is funneled through the mountains.
Snowfall can be sporadic, with snowstorms followed by sunny days that melt much of the snow in town, although higher elevations in Rocky Mountain National Park tend to hold onto their snowpack. It’s not uncommon for Estes Park to experience sunshine while the National Park sees snowfall, or vice versa. The wind can be particularly harsh this time of year, with average speeds of 19 mph (30 km/h), adding an extra chill to the already cold air.
Sunrises occur around 7:15 AM, and the sun sets by 4:40 PM, making December the month with the least amount of daylight. This shorter window of light means it’s important to plan your activities accordingly, especially if you’re heading into the park.
Photo by Visit Estes Park
WHAT TO WEAR / PACK IN DECEMBER
With the cold and wind of December, layering is essential when visiting Estes Park. Be sure to pack a moisture wicking base layer, add a cozy fleece, and top it off with a waterproof or resistant outer layer. Be sure to wear wool socks and some waterproof boots to keep your feet dry.
If you plan to hike, consider packing micro spikes to navigate icy trails, leg gaiters to keep snow out of your boots, and snowshoes for deeper snow. Ski goggles and a neck gaiter can help protect your face from the harsh wind, especially at higher elevations. Don’t forget sunscreen and a hat—UV rays can still be strong at altitude, even in the winter.
Related: What to Pack for Winter in Estes Park, Colorado
Photo by Visit Estes Park
THINGS TO DO IN DECEMBER
Despite being quieter, there’s no shortage of things to do during your December visit to Estes Park. Rocky Mountain National Park continues to be the main attraction, offering a range of winter activities perfect for the season. Just keep in mind that many family-owned businesses close down for the Christmas and New Year’s Holidays.
Here are some of our favorite December activities:
• Take a scenic drive or tour through the Rocky Mountain National Park
• Visit the Historic Stanley Hotel
• Take a snowshoe hike
• Go sledding
• Ice skate on an alpine lake
• Shop for holiday gifts downtown on Elkhorn Avenue
• Go cross-country skiing
Related: Top 20 Things to Do in Winter in Estes Park, Colorado
We hope this overview was helpful for planning your visit to Estes Park, Colorado in December! Have you visited Estes Park in December? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
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