Estes Park Colorado Accommodations

Best Time to Visit Estes Park, CO

Estes Park offers year-round attractions for singles, couples, and families. The summer months offer the best weather and the most opportunities to explore the great outdoors. You won't have to bundle up before you head out from your hotel to explore the town and the surrounding environs. Plus, low humidity levels make even the warmest months quite tolerable.

Spring and fall bring chilly evenings — and sometimes cold days — but autumn presents luxurious fall colors, while spring remains perfect for birdwatchers and other wildlife enthusiasts who want to witness nature at its finest. You'll see the lowest hotel rates and the fewest crowds during late December, after the holiday rush, and early spring. Hotel prices climb through the summer months, then start to taper off again when kids go back to school, and the mercury starts to drop.

Best Discount Hotel Options in Estes Park, Colorado

Most of the hotels in Estes Park are small, privately-owned establishments, so you might not see as many discount opportunities as you would with chain venues. Individual hotels often offer early-bird discounts that allow you to book at lower rates if you reserve rooms early. Additionally, hotels like The Stanley offer packages that provide you with extra perks and treats, such as free entrance to local venues or preferred status in room selection.

Best Value Hotel Options in Estes Park, Colorado

If you're looking for the best bang for your buck, you might want to book rooms at Murphy's Resort at Estes Park. It sits on 6.5 acres and offers plenty of family-friendly adventures, from horseback riding and white-water rafting to art classes and snowshoeing. Grab a beer and a snack at the on-site lounge or relax in your modern, lake-view room, which is decorated in soothing pastels and features upscale linens.

There's also the Hotel Estes, which features a log home-style aesthetic and a rustic, out-of-the-way location that will stimulate all your senses. The rooms and suites are simple but tasteful, with complimentary bottled water, coffee makers, refrigerators, microwaves, and flat-screen televisions. You can take a dip in the seasonal outdoor pool, which features water slides for added fun. Plus, if you enjoy exercise and wildlife, don't miss the chance to hike around the hotel, exploring the trails and viewing local fauna through your binoculars. After a day of exploring, return to the lobby for snacks and beverages.

Where to See Wildlife in Estes Park, Colorado

While you might not see many wild animals if you stick to Estes Park's quaint downtown streets, you won't have to venture far to see some stunning local fauna. At the Rocky Mountain National Park, for instance, you might encounter eagles, elk, deer, bighorn sheep, and chipmunks. Always clear your campsite and close all the windows on your car doors since black bears roam this area.

At Big Bear Lake, you're sure to encounter birds, small rodents, and other wildlife. This area is particularly known for black bears and mountain lions, so steer clear of the larger specimens as you hike around the lake. Keep in mind that feeding or interacting with the animals is against the law, so protect yourself as well as your criminal record.

You might also want to visit Sprague Lake if you're interested in wildlife sightings. Moose, deer, mountain lion, boreal toad, wood frog, and Canada lynx often make their homes here. Of course, you should also bring your fishing pole if you're interested in catching fish — especially trout. The lake is so shallow that you can walk several hundred feet into the water with your fly-fishing rod.

If you're in the mood for nature and quietude, you can't go wrong with a vacation in Estes Park. It's a scenic and relaxing destination that never disappoints, and since it's attractive all year-round, you can plan a trip no matter the season. Just choose one of the hotels recommended above and start packing your luggage.