Me and family were given a house to stay in near Estes Park next week.  We were hoping to hike in RMNP but the weather looks like crap so what might be some good nice day trips or things to see within an hour or two from there?  We don't ski and we don't want to sit in the house watching it rain and snow.  Wish we could change to a warmer date with nicer weather but free house is hard to pass up.  Thanks

I wouldn't worry yet.  The forecast will likely change, though shitty forecasts tend to have more staying power.  Even if it does rain or snow, it may only last for an hour.

You could drive to Boulderia and hike around the Flatirons.  That's only about 30-45 minutes from Estes and the weather could be drastically different.  If I think of anything else, then I'll post again.  I suspect that others will post good ideas shortly.

honestly, call the park and ask. This is the Rockies, even on a rainy day IME it doesn't rain all day?

Take the drive down the Canyon to Loveland and shop around downtown.

I appreciate the suggestions so far.  Now the forecast is snow all week.  I'm looking into a day trip to those hot springs to the West.

Glenwood Springs is a great place.   Lots of hot springs and an Adventure park on top of the mountain overlooking the springs.  The scenery (Glenwood Canyon) on 1-70 just east of the springs is amazing.  Weather supposed to be good in the springs most of the week you'll be in Estes Park.   Here is the downside - it's normally about a 3.5 hour drive from Estes to the springs.  Snowy weather on the first part of the drive will slow you down so add a half hour for that.  There is also road work on 1-70 between Vail Pass and Vail (15 miles) beginning April 12 from 7am-7pm every day, so add another half hour for that.  Your best bet would be to book a place in the springs overnight.  I know you said you don't ski, but there are some pretty cool tubing hills that would be fun and not expensive.  One is in Frisco, off of 1-70, on the way to Glenwood Springs.  Lastly, if you're renting a car ask for a all-wheel drive.  You'll thank me later. Be safe, have fun.



Things To Do In Glenwood Springs

I-70 Closures Week of April 12