Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park in winter is a great time to explore the area trails. With fewer crowds, blankets of snow, and snow-capped peaks, hikers enjoy the solitude and quiet beauty that comes with the season. But we get it, it’s cold out there, so we’ve rounded up a few trails that can be completed in a short amount of time. Jumpstart your adventures with these winter hikes in Estes Park in under two hours.
Note: all times are approximate, based on a two-mile-an-hour pace.
Lake Estes Trail
Duration: 1.5 – 2 hours
The flat 3.73-mile trail that follows the perimeter of Lake Estes is a great option for an easy winter hike. Located in town and with little to no elevation gain, it feels more like a stroll than a strenuous hike. Take it as slow as you want and allow for time to admire the local wildlife. Or lace up your running shoes for a quick lap or two around the lake. If the snow is really deep, snowshoes are a great option.
Kruger Rock Trail
Duration: 2 hours
The Hermit Park Open Space, just outside of town, features access to one of the area’s most popular trails, the hike to Kruger Rock. The four-mile loop leads you to the top of Kruger Rock where sweeping views of Mount Meeker, Longs Peak, and the Continental Divide can be seen. With an elevation gain of 977 feet, the trail is rated moderate with a challenging scramble near the top.
In Rocky Mountain National Park
The trails below are located inside Rocky Mountain National Park but are only a handful of miles from the Beaver Meadows Entrance, making them easy day-hikes from town.
Sprague Lake
Duration: under 1 hour
Probably one of our favorite winter hikes in Estes Park is Sprague Lake. Ideal for hiking any time of the year, winter is especially special with the frozen-over lake, snow-capped peaks, and bare trees allowing for never-ending views. Take in stunning views across the lake of the park’s most notable peaks: Hallett, Taylor, Otis, Half Mountain, and more. The loop around the lake is just under one mile and is accessed via Bear Lake Road.
Bear Lake
Duration: under 1 hour
One of the most accessible and scenic trails in RMNP, Bear Lake offers a short, easy hike with incredible winter scenery. The 0.6-mile loop takes you around the frozen lake, surrounded by stunning views of Hallett Peak and the Continental Divide. This is a perfect trail for a quick winter walk or for those looking to extend their adventure to Nymph or Dream Lake.
The Pool via Fern Lake Trailhead
Duration: 1.5 – 2 hours
This 3.4-mile out-and-back trail follows the Big Thompson River, leading to a stunning natural feature called “The Pool.” Along the way, enjoy the peaceful winter landscape, frozen cascades, and potential wildlife sightings. With only about 200 feet of elevation gain, it’s a relatively easy hike, making it a great winter option.
Cub Lake
Duration: 2 hours
Beginning from the Moraine Park area, Cub Lake is a four-mile hike that is perfect for winter due to its mild terrain. Hikers will enjoy views of the Big Thompson River, glacial landscapes, and snow-capped mountain peaks. Plus, following the western edge of Moraine Park, there are plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife.
Gem Lake
Duration: 1.5 – 2 hours
Located about three miles from downtown Estes Park, the Gem Lake trailhead is found along Devils Gulch Road in RMNP. The 3.4-mile trail offers some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in the park. The initial gradual ascent up Lumpy Ridge is marked by bare aspen groves in the winter and giant rock formations.
The final ascent to the lake is steep, quickly adding to the 1,000 feet in vertical elevation gain. But trust us, the views are well worth it!
Upper Beaver Meadows
Duration: 2 hours
The Upper Beaver Meadows trail is located just a couple of miles from the Beaver Meadows Park entrance. The five-mile loop trail winds through a forest of pine trees, over rushing streams (frozen in winter), and expansive meadows where you can enjoy great views of Longs Peak and the Continental Divide. Keep your eye out for local wildlife such as deer and elk burrowed in the deep snow. With an elevation gain of around 1,000 feet, you’ll need to move fast to complete it in under two hours.
Stay at Rocky Mountain Resorts
Rocky Mountain Resorts is the ideal choice for lodging to enjoy after exploring the winter hikes in Estes Park. We offer a variety of accommodations ranging from cozy cabins and cottages to large and spacious vacation homes. In addition, guests enjoy the nightlife of downtown Estes Park and are less than a 10-minute drive from all that Rocky Mountain National Park has to offer. You truly have the best access to must-do Estes Park activities with a stay at Rocky Mountain Resorts! Book with us today.

Cass is a writer who focuses on travel, outdoor fun, and local culture. When not working, she enjoys watching movies, listening to her record collection, and biking with her boyfriend, Ryan. She also dreams of earning that Paul Hollywood handshake and making it on the Great British Baking Show one day.