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As June arrives in Estes Park, Colorado, we begin to experience perfect summer weather in the mountains! In this guide about visiting Estes Park, Colorado in June, we’ll help you plan your trip during the true start of our peak tourist season. Whether you’re captivated by the stunning landscapes, eager for outdoor adventures, or simply soaking in the lively town atmosphere, June in Estes Park marks the start of an exceptional summer season. Let’s dive into the details!
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Watch our YouTube video for a detailed guide of Visiting Estes Park in June
CROWDS / POPULARITY IN JUNE
Even though May is the early start of the tourist season in Estes Park, June marks the official start of the peak summer season in town, where we see more than double the amount of visitors from May. Similar to August and September, Estes Park sees visitation numbers reaching almost 700,000 people this month. As summer begins, the atmosphere becomes lively, nearing the bustling conditions of July which is the busiest time of the year. It’s a vibrant month with many visitors and beautiful weather conditions, but not quite as crowded as July.
However, you can still expect long lines and delays to enter the Rocky Mountain National Park (they can even be as long as 1 hour or more!), especially 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
TRANSPORTATION / HOW TO GET AROUND IN JUNE
Navigating Estes Park in June offers improved transportation options compared to the earlier months. 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 limited 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 JUNE
June signifies the official start of beautiful warm summer weather in Estes Park. However, it comes with a caveat – daily summer storms. 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 afternoons storms are a little less predictable when it comes to start time and duration, but they can still be expected almost every day in June, and occassionally accompanied by hail.
Expect warmer days in June with highs averaging around 75°F (24°C) and lows at around 44°F (7°C). Wind speeds average about 12mph (19km/h), creating a gentle cooling breeze, but can have stronger gusts the higher in elevation that you go in the Rocky Mountain National Park. Although we’re in summer, there will still be melting snow on hiking trails in higher elevations and alongside the iconic Trail Ridge Road. And on very rare occassions, you may even see snow falling. In 2022, the last snowstorm of the year started during the last week of May continuing into the first few days of June. As the snow continues to melt throughout the month with the higher temperatures, you will start to see more wildflowers blooming and peaking in lower elevations until the end of June.
As we move further into summer, we also begin to see more daylight in June. The sun rises around 5:30 AM, extending daylight until approximately 8:30 PM for sunset. June is the month with the longest amount of daylight we see all year, averaging about 15 hours each day.
WHAT TO WEAR / PACK IN JUNE
In June, it’s important to pack accordingly for the changing weather. 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 not only keep the harsh sun off of your skin, but to also keep you protected from ticks hiding in the brush. Be sure to wear wool socks and some waterproof boots to keep your feet dry. And depending on where you’re hiking, you may need micro spikes as there can still be ice / snow on trails in higher elevations until mid-June. 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 JUNE
There’s a wide variety of fun activities to do in town with almost everything being fully open for the season in June! The 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 June.
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 June:
• Take a scenic drive on the iconic Trail Ridge Road from Estes Park to Grand Lake
• Take a tour through the Rocky Mountain National Park
• Visit the Historic Stanley Hotel
• Take a hike (be mindful of lighting during our summer rainstorms)
• 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 June! Have you visisted Estes Park in June? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
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