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As summer kicks into high gear in July there’s a sense of excitement in the mountains of in Estes Park, Colorado. In this guide about visiting Estes Park, Colorado in July, we’ll help you navigate through the height of the peak summer season. Whether you’re drawn to the majestic landscapes, thrilled by outdoor adventures, or simply seeking the lively ambiance of the town, July in Estes Park promises an unforgettable summer experience. Grab a pen for notes and let’s jump in!
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Watch our YouTube video for a detailed overview of Visiting Estes Park in July:
Photo by Visit Estes Park
CROWDS / POPULARITY IN JULY
July marks the pinnacle of the peak summer season in Estes Park, Colorado. With visitor numbers nearing almost 1 million, the town bustles with energy, making it the busiest month of the year. Despite the crowds, July offers stunning weather conditions, reminiscent of June but with an added touch of warmth.
Be prepared for delays when entering Rocky Mountain National Park, especially during peak hours. Long lines and wait times, sometimes exceeding an hour, are common, particularly if you plan on entering the Park during the morning or near the start / end of Timed Entry Reservation hours for the day. Trails can also become overly crowded, so consider opting for less popular trails not located on the Bear Lake Road Corridor for more solitude.
Related: The Best Time of Year to Visit Estes Park, Colorado
Photo by the National Park Service
TRANSPORTATION / HOW TO GET AROUND IN JULY
Public transportation is fully operational by the start of July in Estes Park. However, take note that ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft very rarely operate in Estes Park, no matter the season. The hiker shuttles in the Rocky Mountain National Park are fully operational, as are routes for the free shuttles in Estes Park (The Peak). The Bustang bus service also offers transport on weekends from various cities (like Denver) to Estes Park.
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 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.
Important Note: AWD or 4WD vehicles are no longer a necessity in our summer months, but can still be helpful if you plan on driving off-road.
Related: How to Get Around Estes Park Without a Vehicle
WEATHER IN JULY
In July, snow becomes a distant memory as this month reigns as the warmest in Estes Park, accompanied by daily summer storms, marking the onset of the monsoon season. Anticipate hot afternoons, particularly in lower elevations, occassionally cooled by a refreshing breeze. The weather forecast for your visit may indicate rain throughout each day, but rest assured that it often translates to short afternoon showers followed by clear evenings. In years past, you could set your clock to 2pm and expect a summer storm right on the dot, lasting about 10 – 20 minutes, then clearing up for the remainder of the day. Now, our afternoon storms are a little less predictable when it comes to start time and duration, but they can still be expected almost every day in July, occasionally accompanied by hail.
With highs averaging around 80°F (27°C) and lows rarely dipping below 45°F (7°C), July offers balmy temperatures perfect for outdoor adventures. And with warmer temperatures, July is the month that is the least likely to see snow falling, especially in the town of Estes Park, but it’s not unheard of at higher elevations in Rocky Mountain National Park, like atop Trail Ridge Road! July typically sees lower wind speeds of around 10mph (16 km/h) in Estes Park, Colorado providing a gentle cooling breeze. However, these winds can have stronger gusts and cooler temperates as you ascend in elevation within Rocky Mountain National Park as it cools about 3 – 5 degrees for every 1,000ft (305m) of elevation that you gain.
As we reach the peak of summer, we see the sun rising around 5:40 AM and setting around 8:30 PM, providing ample time to explore the wonders of Estes Park.
Photo by Visit Estes Park
WHAT TO WEAR / PACK IN JULY
Similar to June, it’s important to pack accordingly for the changing weather in July. Ensure you have a waterproof or resistant outer layer to keep you dry during our afternoon storms. Summer clothes like lightweight hiking pants and long-sleeve sun shirts are advisable to keep the harsh sun off of your skin. For hikes in warmer, lower elevations, quick-dry shorts are also great to have on hand. Be sure to wear wool socks and some waterproof boots to keep your feet dry. Although we’re in summertime, temperatures can still drop in the night so be sure to bring some warmer sweaters for the evening. And lastly, don’t forget sunscreen and hats, as the higher elevation brings you closer to the sun with more intense UV rays.
Related: What to Pack for Summer in Estes Park, Colorado
Here are some products we use & recommend:
THINGS TO DO IN JULY
July offers a wide variety of activities, with everything fully operational for the summer season. Rocky Mountain National Park is the biggest draw of visiting Estes Park, Colorado in any season, but please note that Timed Entry Reservations will be required to enter the National Park in the month of July.
Related: Understanding the Rocky Mountain National Park Timed Entry Permit Reservation System
Here’s some of our favorite activities to do in the month of July:
• Take a scenic drive on the iconic Old Fall River Road and back down Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park
• Take a tour through Rocky Mountain National Park
• Visit the Historic Stanley Hotel
• Take a hike (be mindful of lighting during our summer rainstorms)
• Head up Prospect Mountain on the scenic Estes Park Aerial Tramway
• Ride the Mustang Mountain Alpine Coaster
• Attend one of the many festivals held on the weekends in town
• Shop downtown on Elkhorn Avenue for souvenirs
Related: Top 20 Things to Do in Summer in Estes Park, Colorado
We hope this overview was helpful for planning your visit to Estes Park, Colorado in July! Have you visisted Estes Park in July? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
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