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Print Friendly MapThe Lake Estes Trail is a paved pathway that loops around its namesake lake, offering scenic views of the water and surrounding Rocky Mountains. In the fall, watch for elk that roam in the area. On the south side of the lake, you can find restrooms and drinking fountains in the Cherokee Draw Day-Use Area, and the trail is near downtown Estes Park with plentiful places to eat, shop and sightsee.
Parking is located on the west end of the trail at the Estes Park Visitor Center, near the corner of N. St. Vrain Avenue (US 36) and Big Thompson Avenue (US 34).
It's great to experience the vast beauty of the Colorado Rocky Mountains and there is no better place than in Estes Park! The Lake Estes Trail offers panoramic views at any given point as you circle around the lake and ride along side the Lake Estes Golf Club. At a little under 4 miles it makes a great hiking/walking trail as well as cycling. Enjoy the view of the Stanley Hotel or drop a line in the lake as you make your way around...this trail offers much to do for all!
Skated this loop while passing through and really enjoyed it. I went clockwise from the visitor center to take advantage of the steep downhill under the powerlines. Somewhat crowded with pedestrians at times, but the pavement is very nice and so are the views.
With an inversion at lower elevations, it was pretty nice day to ride this ...around 42 degrees F, 10 mph winds, sunny skies. Note that this area is pretty wind prone anytime of the year which could increase the chill factor significantly.
Trail was clear of snow/ice and was in good riding condition (smooth, well maintained, etc).
Fun loop to do in both directions and extremely scenic. Pretty easy but not totally flat, there are enough little rises to get your speed or heart rate up.
Though it was not too busy on this day, there were still plenty folks wandering all along it. Estes Park is a year round tourist destination after all. Would imagine that during the other seasons, particularly summer, it could be almost unbearable to ride at times due to "crowds".
Very pretty trail but also very short. I did this trail on a longboard and most of it is flat. I started this trail going clock wise because if you go counter clockwise it gets really steep going down to the bottom of the dam. The best time to ride this trail is in early spring and after all the kids go back to school because it can get very crowded with tourist's.
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