Anytime is a great time to visit Estes Park! Every season has something unique to offer.
If we were inviting old friends to visit, though, we’d have to recommend they visit either early June or late September.
Both these times are on the outer edges of the heavy tourist season, so that’s plus #1. Also, Trail Ridge Road is usually open during these times, and that is one of the highlights of Rocky Mountain National Park.
In spring, there is snow piled high on either side of the road, flowers are beginning to bloom, and everything looks postcard-perfect.
In fall, the elk are thick into their mating season, the air is crisp and cool, and there’s nothing better than curling up next to the wood stove with hot apple cider.
But really, you can’t go wrong no matter when you choose to visit Estes Park.
Surprisingly, no. Estes Park doesn’t get that much snow. The reason is that storms from the Pacific tend to dump most their moisture on the other side of the mountains before it gets to us.
When we do get snow in Estes Park, it tends to melt within a couple of days. The majority of our winter days are bright and sunshiney.
The one bad thing we do get in winter is WIND. We’re talking hurricane force winds. 70 mph winds are not unheard of, and 40-50 mph winds are relatively common.
Ask anyone who lives here year round what the worst part of winter is, and they’ll tell you wind!
But, it does blow the tourists away. Not that we don’t love you; but it’s nice to have the town to ourselves for part of the year, too. 
Estes Park is a great place to spend the summer, and you’ll find a number of college students, retirees, and adventurers working here during the summer.
If you want to work in Estes Park, and you aren’t from around here, your best bet is probably to work somewhere that also provides housing as part of the pay, such as the employers below.
Also, start your job search EARLY! Some summer jobs start hiring as soon as December!
Rocky Mountain National Park
The park hires a few hundred summer workers, and housing is available as part of many positions. In addition to paid positions, there are several internships available.
To apply for jobs in the park, go to: http://www.usajobs.gov
You can also work in the park without working for the government; Trail Ridge Gift Store hires a number of people every year for its high altitude gift shop.
YMCA of the Rockies
The YMCA hires all sorts of positions, from housekeeping to summer camp leaders.
Summer Camps
There are several summer camps in the area. Some of the more renowned are Cheley Camp and Rocky Ridge Music Center.
Hotels
Many area hotels hire students from all over the world. Check our lodging page and contact the hotels directly.
Stables
Several of the horseback riding stables hire summer crew and provide housing as well. Check with them directly.
Estes Park is 7,522 feet (2,293 m) above sea level.
If driving into Rocky Mountain National Park, Trail Ridge Road reaches an altitude of 11,796′ (3,595m) above sea level. Bear Lake, a popular destination in the park, is at 9,475′ (2,888m).
Yes and no. Most cell phones will work in Estes Park; two of the more popular local carriers are Verizon and AT&T.
Unfortunately, your cell phone won’t work everywhere in Estes Park. Because this is mountainous terrain, it is often difficult to get a line of sight to the closest cell tower (on Prospect Mountain, in the center of town).
In Rocky Mountain National Park, the coverage is even more spotty. There are places, even in the backcountry, where cell phones work perfectly, and other places where they don’t work at all.
So, feel free to bring your cell phone, but don’t expect perfect reception everywhere.