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March in Estes Park offers the anticipation of a new season as we move from the coldest winter months to the beginning of spring. In this guide about visiting Estes Park, Colorado in March, we’ll help you make the most of this unpredictable season. Grab a pen, and get ready to plan your trip to Estes Park during our snowiest time of year!
SKIP TO SECTION
Watch our YouTube video for a detailed guide of Visiting Estes Park in March:
CROWDS / POPULARITY IN MARCH
While March is still considered to be the shoulder, or off-season in Estes Park, there’s a slight uptick in visitor numbers as we move towards sunnier weather. Approximately 150,000 individuals visit Estes Park during March, with a notable surge during Spring Break week, and especially on weekends. Despite this increase, the atmosphere remains comparatively serene when compared to the bustling summer months.
Related: The Best Time of Year to Visit Estes Park, Colorado
TRANSPORTATION / HOW TO GET AROUND IN MARCH
Navigating Estes Park in March poses challenges similar to February. Unfortunately, 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 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. 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 icy driving skills before heading into the mountains.
Related: How to Get Around Estes Park Without a Vehicle
WEATHER IN MARCH
Although we see warmer temperatures than the previous months, March is one of the snowiest months in Estes Park. Daytime highs hover around 42°F (5°C), and nighttime lows average 19°F (-7°C), occasionally reaching negative temperatures (below -18°C). March introduces a mix of sunshine and snowstorms, making it a very unpredictable time of year. Be prepared for wet and cold conditions, including the possibility of sudden snowstorms. Wind speeds average around 16mph (25km/h) but can exceed 80mph (129km/h) in surrounding areas, particularly in the Rocky Mountain National Park.
In March, the average snowfall in Estes Park is about 8.6 inches (22cm). Despite the snowfall, this month still offers numerous sunny days. With warmer weather, the snow on roads tends to melt more quickly than it did in previous months. While February holds the title for the cloudiest month in Estes Park, March brings a more balanced mix of sunshine and snowfall. It’s not uncommon to witness sunshine in Estes Park while the Rocky Mountain National Park experiences snowfall, and vice versa. As you plan your visit, anticipate the sunrise around 6:40AM and sunsets around 6:00PM, extending to 6:40PM after the spring forward time change.
WHAT TO WEAR / PACK IN MARCH
When it comes to dressing for March 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 and slush 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 Spring in Estes Park, Colorado
Here are some products we use & recommend:
THINGS TO DO IN MARCH
Estes Park does not have any ski lifts in town or in the surrounding areas which is why our snowy months are much quieter. In March, some shops and activities are closed throughout the shoulder 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 March:
• Take a scenic drive or tour through the Rocky Mountain National Park
• Visit the Historic Stanley Hotel
• Take a snowshoe hike
• Go sledding
• Ride the Mustang Mountain Alpine Coaster
• Ice skate on an alpine lake
• Shop downtown on Elkhorn Avenue for souvenirs
• Go cross-country skiing
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 March! Have you visisted Estes Park in March? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
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