Lake Estes: What You Need to Know + Tips & FAQs

Q: Are dogs allowed at Lake Estes?

Yes ! Gravy loves the Lake Estes Trail--it's a great spot for walking dogs. Just remember to keep your pup on a leash and bring waste bags. The 3.9-mile paved trail around the lake is very dog-friendly, though there isn't much shade so we prefer morning or evening walks.

Q: Is Lake Estes or Grand Lake better?

I wouldn't say one is better that the other ! It all depends on what you want to do. Grand Lake received more windy and is more boater-friendly, while Lake Estes is calmer and more peaceful overall.

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Planning on enjoying some time at Lake Estes on your Rocky Mountain National Park trip?

One of my favorite things to do when we visit Rocky Mountain National Park isn’t in the park–it’s located right near Estes Park! Lake Estes is the perfect way to end your day after you’ve been exploring. It’s incredibly peaceful, and Daniel and I have spent many hours walking along the Lake Estes trail or simply hanging out on the shore.

There’s a ton to do, but you will want to keep in mind that participating in some of these activities means stopping by the Lake Estes Marina in order to rent bikes or kayaks or to get a fishing license. We’ll cover what you need to know in order to enjoy your time at Lake Estes as well as what you need to know about the lake’s most popular residents–its elk!

In summary: This article covers how to get to Lake Estes, what to do there, and some tips and FAQs to help you make the most of your time there.

Quick tip: If you have your dog in tow, there’s a great dog park right nearby where you can run around with your pup before taking them on a hike around the lake!

How to get to Lake Estes

You can reach the lake by following Highway 36 into Estes Park and watching for signs to Lake Estes Marina.

Lake Estes sits right in the heart of Estes Park, making it super easy to access. When Daniel and I visited, we found plenty of parking along the Lake Estes Trail that circles the water. The Marina parking lot is another good option if you’re planning to rent boats or kayaks.

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one of the views from the shores of lake estes — *One of the views from the shores of Lake Estes.*

Things to do on Lake Estes

From kayaking to wildlife viewing, Lake Estes offers plenty of activities against the stunning backdrop of the Rocky Mountains. Here are some of our favorite ways to enjoy the lake–just keep in mind that no swimming is allowed in this lake!

Kayaking

The lake is perfect for kayaking, especially in the morning when the water is calm and you can see the mountains reflected on the surface. You can bring your own kayak or rent one from the marina. During our visit, we rented a double kayak and spent a peaceful morning paddling around the lake’s perimeter.

Boating

While motorized boats are allowed on Lake Estes, there’s a 10 mph speed limit which keeps the atmosphere peaceful. The marina offers pontoon boat rentals if you want to spend a relaxed afternoon on the water. It’s a great way to see the lake from different angles and spot wildlife along the shores.

Camping

While you can’t camp directly on Lake Estes, there are several campgrounds nearby. The Estes Park KOA is about as close as you can get and Manor RV Park offers lakeside sites with stunning views. If you are planning on visiting during peak season (summer months), be sure to book your campsite well in advance.

Hiking and biking

The Lake Estes Trail offers an easy 3.9-mile loop around the lake with gorgeous mountain views. Daniel and I walked this trail during the evening during our stay to watch the sunset. It’s paved and relatively flat, making it perfect for all skill levels. If you would like, you can also rent a bike from the Lake Estes Marina and explore the trail that way.

Fishing

Lake Estes is stocked with rainbow trout and brown trout, making it a popular spot for fishing. You’ll need a Colorado fishing license, which you can get in town or right nearby at the Lake Estes Marina. Early morning or evening fishing tends to be most productive–I watched several anglers pull in nice-sized trout during our sunrise kayak session.

Wildlife viewing

Lake Estes is one of the best places in town to spot wildlife, especially elk. During our first visit in May, we saw huge herds of elk around the lake during rutting season. Keep your distance and never approach wildlife, but definitely bring your camera–the photo opportunities are incredible!

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elk near lake estes — *Some of the elk we saw near Lake Estes–this photo was taken with a telephoto lens!*

Tips for visiting Lake Estes

Here are some tips I found helpful when visiting Lake Estes on our trips to Estes Park!

Expect to see wildlife: The times we have come here, we’ve almost always spotted elk on the shores of the lake. Remember to keep your distance and admire from afar.
Go in the morning or evening: These are the times for the best photos and when the lake is at its most calm for kayaking, boating, or paddleboarding.
Factor it in on your Rocky Mountain National Park trip: While there are so many amazing things to do within the park, Lake Estes is definitely worth setting aside some time on your itinerary in order to visit and explore.

Lake Estes FAQs

Here are some common questions I get about visiting Lake Estes.

Since Lake Estes is fed by mountain runoff, the water is pretty chilly year-round! While the exact temperature varies by season, it’s cold enough that swimming isn’t allowed–though you can wade at the sandy beach area near the marina to cool off on hot summer days.

Yes! Gravy loves the Lake Estes Trail–it’s a great spot for walking dogs. Just remember to keep your pup on a leash and bring waste bags. The 3.9-mile paved trail around the lake is very dog-friendly, though there isn’t much shade so we prefer morning or evening walks.

Lake Estes covers about 185 acres with roughly 4 miles of shoreline. While it’s not the biggest lake in Colorado, its size is perfect for activities like kayaking and fishing, and the surrounding mountains make it feel much grander than its actual size would suggest, in my opinion.

Yes, Lake Estes is a man-made reservoir that was created when the Olympus Dam was built in 1949 as part of the Colorado-Big Thompson Project. It was constructed to provide drinking water for Estes Park, but has since become one of the area’s most popular recreation spots.

I wouldn’t say one is better that the other! It all depends on what you want to do. Grand Lake received more windy and is more boater-friendly, while Lake Estes is calmer and more peaceful overall.

Conclusion

Even if you only have a day or two to explore the area, I definitely recommend making sure to check out Lake Estes when you’re not in the park! It’s also a great place to escape some of the crowds during the summer, and you can’t beat a paddle with the reflection of the nearby mountains on the water.

Have any questions about visiting Lake Estes? Let me know in the comments!

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Lake Estes: What You Need to Know + Tips & FAQs

How to get to Lake Estes