Lake Estes Trail
Located in the center of Estes Valley, the Lake Estes Trail acts as a central trail hub for an extensive trail network throughout the Estes area and Rocky Mountain National Park. The approximately 4-mile long trail is managed by the Estes Valley Parks and Recreation District. In 1998, the Open Lands Program contributed financially, along with other regional partners, to improve and expand this important trail.
Take Hwy 34 west towards Estes Park. From Highway 34, the trail may be accessed from the Visitor Center parking area, down Lake Front Drive to Fisherman's Nook, or from the Lake Estes Marina
| Yes | No | Comments | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Permit Required | * | ||
| Trails | * | ||
| hiking | * | ||
| Mountain biking | * | ||
| horses | * | ||
| Restrooms | * | Restrooms are located at Cherokee Draw Day-Use Area on the south side of Lake Estes | |
| Drinking fountains | * | Drinking fountains are located at Cherokee Draw Day-Use Area on the south side of Lake Estes | |
| Dogs allowed | * | Please keep dogs on a leash at all times! |
| Type of Acquisition | #Acres | Property Value |
Partnerships Bargain Sales Donations |
Date Acquired |
Public Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trail Construction (Larimer County's dollars helped fund approximately 1 of nearly 4 miles of the Lake Estes Trail) | 4.0 | $ 232,500 | Larimer Co. - $ 100,000 BOR* - $ 50,000 GOCO** - $ 22,500 Estes Park - $ 30,000 EVPRD** - $ 30,000 |
1998 | Yes |
* Bureau of Reclamation
** Great Outdoors Colorado
*** Estes Valley Parks and Recreation District
The Lake Estes Trail was built in several phases over a 4 year span. In Phase III of V Phases, Larimer County contributed $100,000 for that section of trail. Overall, the Lake Estes Trail is 3.73 miles in length. In 1998, the Open Lands Program contributed financially, along with other regional partners, to improve and expand this important trail. (Thank you to Stan Gengler of EVPRD for his help with this page.)
Click a photo to enlarge.
