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As March gently shifts into April, Estes Park prepares for the “official” arrival of spring. However, springtime in the Rockies is our most unpredictable time of year. In this guide about visiting Estes Park, Colorado in April, we’ll help you plan your trip during one of our snowiest months. Let’s jump in!
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Watch our YouTube video for a detailed guide of Visiting Estes Park in April:
Photo by Visit Estes Park
CROWDS / POPULARITY IN APRIL
Although we are approaching the summer season, April is still the shoulder, or off-season in Estes Park. Crowds are slightly starting to grow, but it is much quiter when compared to our peak season months. Similar to March, April sees about 160,000 visitors, with a notable surge on weekends and days with beautiful sunny weather.
Related: The Best Time of Year to Visit Estes Park, Colorado
TRANSPORTATION / HOW TO GET AROUND IN APRIL
Transportation challenges in April are similar to the previous months as we are still in the shoulder season. Unfortunately, free shuttles in Estes Park and the Rocky Mountain National Park are not yet operating for the year. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft very rarely operate in Estes Park no matter the season, and the Bustang bus service from Denver is still non-operational. 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 the 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. Even though roads are plowed fairly frequently, consider an AWD or 4WD vehicle as weather can be unpredictable. If possible, equip your vehicle with winter or snow tires and carry tire chains as a last resort for 2WD vehicles. With warmer temperatures the ice tends to melt quickly, however, driving in falling snow and slush can still be difficult. National Park roads receive less frequent plowing, so ensure you’re comfortable with icy driving skills before heading into the mountains.
Related: How to Get Around Estes Park Without a Vehicle
WEATHER IN APRIL
Although we are approaching warmer weather, April is one of the snowiest months in Estes Park. Days are warmer, averaging around 50°F (10°C), but nights can still dip to around 25°F (-4°C), occasionally reaching negative temperatures (below -18°C). Embrace the unpredictability and prepare for the possibility of sudden snowstorms, even during sunny days. Wind speeds average around 15mph (24km/h) but can exceed 80mph (129km/h) in surrounding areas, particularly in the Rocky Mountain National Park.
In April, there is a 36% chance of snow each day in Estes Park and an average snowfall of about 5 inches (12.7cm). Expect a mix of sunshine and snow, a peculiar characteristic of April. With warmer weather, the snow tends to melt more quickly than it did in previous months which leads to a lot of slush on roads and trails. However, while Estes Park might see sunny weather, you can still experience snowfall in the Rocky Mountain National Park on the same day, and vice versa. As the snow begins to melt throughout the area, trails at lower elevations will be muddy and might showcase some wildflowers towards the end of the month, but higher elevation trails remain snow-packed. As you plan your visit, anticipate the sunrise around 6:20AM and sunsets around 7:40PM.
WHAT TO WEAR / PACK IN APRIL
When it comes to dressing for April in Estes Park, layering with waterproof outer layers is key, especially if you’re hitting the trails. You may start off hiking in cold temperatures, but you will warm up as you continue hiking in the sun. Begin with 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. Leg gaiters come in handy for keeping snow and slush out of your boots, while micro spikes are essential for icy hikes on popular trails. Snowshoes will also help on a majority of high elevation trails as the snow is melting off into unstable slush! Also, be sure to protect your face from the chilly wind with ski goggles and a neck gaiter if you’re hiking in the Rocky Mountain National Park.
Related: What to Pack for Spring in Estes Park, Colorado
Here are some products we use & recommend:
THINGS TO DO IN APRIL
Even though April is a very snowy month, warmer weather means the snow is beginning to melt from the area rather than continuing to accumulate on the ground. Because of this, our snowy activities are beginning to gear down, but some shops and activities are still closed as we’re not yet in the peak tourist season. The Rocky Mountain National Park is the biggest draw of visiting Estes Park, Colorado in any season, but here’s our favorite activities to do in the month of April:
• Take a scenic drive or tour through the Rocky Mountain National Park
• Visit the Historic Stanley Hotel
• Take a snowshoe hike
• Ride the Mustang Mountain Alpine Coaster
• Shop downtown on Elkhorn Avenue for souvenirs
Related: Top 18 Things to Do in Spring in Estes Park, Colorado
We hope this overview was helpful for planning your visit to Estes Park, Colorado in April! Have you visisted Estes Park in April? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
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