Things to do in Estes Park in May

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Overview

May is a less popular time to visit Estes Park. The weather is usually moderately chilly with a gentle breeze, with temperatures ranging from 32—59°F (0—15°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Estes Park during this time. Some of our top recommendations: go rock climbing in the Estes Park area, go on a wildlife tour in Rocky Mountain National Park, take a scenic drive along Trail Ridge Road, and more!

Estes Park has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your May trip to Estes Park. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to May. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in Estes Park in May. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout May, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

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Don't take our word for it
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Best events and things to do in Estes Park in May

Top experiences in May
Go rock climbing in the Estes Park area
With its rugged cliffs and stunning rock formations, Estes Park is a popular destination for rock climbers of all skill levels. In May, the weather is typically ideal for climbing, and there are plenty of guided trips and classes available for those looking to learn the ropes.
Go on a wildlife tour in Rocky Mountain National Park
May is a great time to spot a wide variety of wildlife in the park, including elk, deer, bighorn sheep, and even the occasional bear or moose. There are numerous guided wildlife tours available that offer a chance to see these magnificent animals in their natural habitat.
Take a scenic drive along Trail Ridge Road
This iconic road, which winds through Rocky Mountain National Park, offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. In May, the road is typically open to vehicles, allowing you to take in the stunning scenery without having to worry about snow or ice.
Go fly fishing in the Big Thompson River
May is a prime time for fly fishing in Estes Park, as the river is teeming with trout. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a beginner, there are plenty of guided fishing trips and classes available to help you make the most of your experience.
Visit the Estes Park Museum
This small but informative museum offers a fascinating look at the history of Estes Park and the surrounding area. In May, the museum often hosts special exhibits and events that highlight the region's natural and cultural heritage.
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Holidays in Estes Park in May
May
  • Cinco de Mayo (May 5)
Other notable holidays

Weather in Estes Park in May

Temperatures on an average day in Estes Park in May

The average temperature in Estes Park in May for a typical day ranges from a high of 59°F (15°C) to a low of 32°F (0°C). Some would describe it as moderately chilly with a gentle breeze.

For comparison, the hottest month in Estes Park, July, has days with highs of 80°F (27°C) and lows of 50°F (10°C). The coldest month, February has days with highs of 31°F (-1°C) and lows of 13°F (-11°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Estes Park in May based on historical data.

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Historical temperature average in May
59°F
highs
32°F
lows

General weather summary

Moderately chilly with a gentle breeze
Feels like
41%
Chance of rain
0.172 in
Amount
12.6 mph
Wind speed
71%
Humidity
14.4 hrs
Daylight length
5:46 AM
Sunrise
8:10 PM
Sunset
49%
Cloud cover
Jacket
What to wear
What to wear in May
With an average high of 59°F (15°C) and a low of 32°F (0°C), it generally feels moderately chilly with a gentle breeze. There might also be a small chance of rain. With that in mind, most people would dress in something warm like a jacket and remember to bring an umbrella
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Best attractions for Estes Park in May

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Estes Park has to offer for travelers in May, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Estes Park that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in Estes Park for May.
Peak to Peak Hwy
1. Peak to Peak Hwy
Sights & Landmarks
Scenic Drives
Hiking, biking, snowshoeing & other outdoor activities around a 55-mi. scenic highway.
Estes Park Aerial Tramway
2. Estes Park Aerial Tramway
4.6
(1789)
Mountain cable car
Transportation
Aerial tram to Prospect Mountain's summit, where there are panoramic views, trails & a cafe.
Estes Park
3. Estes Park
Sights & Landmarks
Neighborhoods
Estes Park is a town in northern Colorado. It’s known as a base for the Rocky Mountain National Park, home to wildlife including elk and bears, plus miles of trails. The park’s Trail Ridge Road winds past craggy peaks, forests and tundra. Nearby are the wilderness areas of Roosevelt National Forest. The Estes Park Aerial Tramway connects the town to the summit of Prospect Mountain for views over the valley.
Estes Park Visitor Center
4. Estes Park Visitor Center
4.7
(2493)
Visitor center
Sights & Landmarks
Estes Park Visitor Center
5. Estes Park Visitor Center
4.7
(2493)
Visitor center
Sights & Landmarks
Snowy Peaks Winery
6. Snowy Peaks Winery
4.7
(302)
Winery
Food & Drink
Lake Estes Marina
7. Lake Estes Marina
4.5
(655)
Marina
Nature & Parks
Red Rose Rock Shop
8. Red Rose Rock Shop
4.7
(643)
Rock shop
Museums
Estes Park Ride-A-Kart
9. Estes Park Ride-A-Kart
4.5
(645)
Amusement center
Water & Amusement Parks
Long-standing family entertainment center with go-karts, bumper boats, bungee trampolines & more.
Mountain Blown Glass, Inc
10. Mountain Blown Glass, Inc
4.8
(141)
Glass blower
Shopping
Rock Cut Brewing Company
11. Rock Cut Brewing Company
4.8
(708)
Brewery
Food & Drink
Aspen and Evergreen Gallery
12. Aspen and Evergreen Gallery
4.8
(36)
Art gallery
Shopping
Seven Keys Lodge
13. Seven Keys Lodge
4.2
(252)
Bed & breakfast
Museums
Rustic seasonal inn set in a rural property dating from 1917 offering free hot breakfast & a lounge.
Estes Park Museum
14. Estes Park Museum
4.7
(245)
Local history museum
Museums
History center chronicling lives of early homesteaders with restored buildings, displays & tours.
Estes Park Dog Park
15. Estes Park Dog Park
4.7
(371)
Dog park
Nature & Parks
Lily Mountain Trail
16. Lily Mountain Trail
Nature & Parks
Hiking Trails

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Estes Park?

Get inspired for your trip to Estes Park with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

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