Lake Estes Trail

Lake Estes is the reservoir on the eastern edge of town, created by damming the Big Thompson River, and the paved trail around it is the easiest way to enjoy the surrounding scenery. The loop is roughly four miles and mostly flat, which makes it suitable for walkers, runners, cyclists and families with strollers. The route passes through parkland and by the water, with views of the Rockies to the west and the foothills to the east. Birdwatchers will find ducks, geese, herons and sometimes eagles, and elk are frequently seen along the edges, especially at dawn and dusk. There are picnic spots, benches and access points for fishing and boating, and the marina can provide equipment in season. In winter the trail is usually walkable, and the frozen lake and snowy peaks make a quiet scene. It is also a good place to acclimatize on your first morning in town, since the terrain is gentle and the views are rewarding.

Because it is free and close to the center, the trail is a perfect filler activity: use it for a warm-up walk, a sunset stroll or a relaxed bike ride. You can start from several points, including the parking areas near the marina and the east end of the lake.

Allow about an hour and a half for a walk, less on a bike. Bring water, sunscreen and a layer, since the wind off the water can be cool. Dogs are usually allowed on a leash, but check the local rules posted at the access points.

The lake itself is open for fishing with the right license and for boating in season, and rental options are usually available in summer. Paddleboards, kayaks and paddle boats are common choices for families. If you want to learn more about the area, the trail passes interpretive signs and viewpoints. Photographers should aim for early morning, when the water is still and the peaks reflect in the surface, or the evening, when the light is warm and elk emerge.

Do not approach wildlife on the trail. Elk and other animals use the same paths and meadows, and they are protective of their space during calving season in early summer and the rut in autumn. Stay on the path, give animals plenty of room and report aggressive behavior to local authorities. Combine the walk with a bike ride on an e-bike tour, a coffee stop downtown or an afternoon at the aerial tramway. For visitors who prefer a gentler day between park adventures, the lake is an ideal choice.

To make the most of your walk, bring binoculars and a field guide, or use a bird identification app to name what you see. Early spring and fall bring migrating waterfowl, summer brings swallows over the water, and winter can bring bald eagles hunting along open sections. A thermos and a bench by the water make a perfect rest stop, and the view of snowy peaks across the lake is hard to beat.

On windy days the lake can be choppy, and the north shore feels more exposed than the south, so decide on your direction after checking conditions. If you have time, add a short detour to the nearby viewpoints. A morning loop followed by breakfast downtown is a simple way to ease into the day, and an evening loop followed by dinner is a good way to end it. In any season the lake rewards slow, observant walking.