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Visiting Estes Park, Colorado in January is an opportunity to experience the town and its natural surroundings in a whole new light. From the enchanting snow-covered landscapes to the exhilarating winter activities, this season has its own unique charm. We’ll help you make the most out of your winter adventure with our guide on Visiting Estes Park, Colorado in January. So grab a pen as you plan your trip to Estes Park during our coldest month of the year!
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Don’t want to read? Watch our YouTube video for our detailed guide on Visiting Estes Park in January:
CROWDS / POPULARITY IN JANUARY
January offers the gift of solitude in Estes Park. It’s the off-season, or shoulder season, which translates to a quieter town compared to the bustling summer months. However, holidays and weekends can still draw visitors, particularly on beautiful days. Estes Park sees about 120,000 visitors in the month of January.
Related: The Best Time of Year to Visit Estes Park, Colorado
TRANSPORTATION / HOW TO GET AROUND IN JANUARY
Getting around in January requires some creativity due to transportation limitations. Sadly, 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. 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. Given unpredictable weather, consider an AWD or 4WD vehicle. If possible, equip your vehicle with winter or snow tires and carry tire chains as a last resort for 2WD vehicles. While roads are generally well-plowed, they can still become challenging. National Park roads receive less frequent plowing, so ensure you’re comfortable with winter driving skills before heading into the mountains.
Related: How to Get Around Estes Park Without a Vehicle
WEATHER IN JANUARY
January in Estes Park is the coldest, windiest, and driest month of the year. Temperatures typically stay below freezing all day long, with regular temperatures in the negatives at night. With daily highs around 31°F (-1°C) and nighttime lows dipping to an average of 13°F (-11°C), it’s a very bitter cold time of year. On average, wind speeds are about 19mph (31km/h), but they can reach gusts of 80mph+ (129km/h+) in surrounding areas, especially within the Rocky Mountain National Park.
Most days are partly cloudy, with little moisture falling. Although, January is the driest month in Estes Park, you can expect the town and the National Park to be covered in ice and snow. However, it’s not uncommon for Estes Park to experience sunshine while the National Park sees snowfall, or vice versa. You can anticipate an average snowfall of 3.8 inches (9.7cm) in Estes Park during January. In the middle of winter, you can expect the sun to rise around 7:20AM and set around 5PM throughout the month.
WHAT TO WEAR / PACK IN JANUARY
When it comes to dressing for January in Estes Park, layering with waterproof outer layers is key, especially if you’re hitting the trails. 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 out of your boots, while micro spikes are essential for icy hikes on popular trails. (Even navigating town can be treacherous, so consider using micro spikes when shopping in town.) For deep snow adventures, don’t forget snowshoes! 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 Winter in Estes Park, Colorado
Here are some products we use & recommend:
THINGS TO DO IN JANUARY
Estes Park does not have any ski lifts in town or in the surrounding areas which is why our winter months are much quieter. In January, some shops and activities are closed throughout the winter season, but there are still many fun things to do in town. 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 January:
• 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 downtown on Elkhorn Avenue for souvenirs
• 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 January! Have you visisted Estes Park in January? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
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