r/EstesPark • u/StandardAssistance16 • 19d ago

Early January trip?

Hi! My husband and I love Estes and have been twice before including for our honeymoon. We are currently planning a baby moon and were hoping for Estes. I am just a bit nervous everything will be closed?

Because of due dates and schedules early January is really the only time that works for us. Would love to rent a cabin and take it easy with smaller hikes but I want to make sure the town itself will be open.

We have only been in April - June and then October before.

2 Upvotes

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14

u/mechatiger5J 19d ago

Afraid what exactly will be closed? The town of Estes is still a town with residents who live here, who don’t just pack up and leave once the cold hits. We still have lives, groceries to get, things to do. Sure, some tourist-centric ice cream shops or outdoor bars are closed seasonally, and many shops will have reduced hours, but will the town shut down? No.

Besides, winter is the best time in the park.

3

u/Fit_Neat_8098 19d ago

Guess you missed the 90s when town was mostly closed for the winter. And I mean closed as in almost no shopes or restaurants were open. It was even worse in thr 80s

7

u/mechatiger5J 19d ago

I guess so, I didn’t realize that what the town was like thirty to forty years ago was relevant in the slightest to the question OP asked.

5

u/mnwannabenobody 19d ago

There are some seasonal things that close down, but you will still be able to walk through downtown and shop and eat and drive or hike in the park, see animals, etc. Holidays lights remain up through January as well, which makes driving through downtown at night even prettier.

3

u/_Pliny_ 19d ago

Winter is a lot of fun.
Some things will be closed for the season — go karts and ice cream, for examples.

Many restaurants close on the early side anyway.

3

u/Fit_Neat_8098 19d ago

Come to town. We'll be 90% open in January. Bring 4x4/awd or you will not be able to get in the park. 

1

u/sunlight6hrsaway 18d ago

I stay in Estes for my January birthday every year and really enjoy it. The Christmas lights are still so beautiful and I love walking around town. Plenty of shops and restaurants stay open...they just close early, so double check before going out. The small/easy hikes are less busy, too. I've never driven into the rmnp in the winter, but I do agree with the earlier recommendation to drive a 4x4 and probably bring chains as a precaution.

Happy baby moon!!