Nothing says summer more than a day spent on and around the lake. You’ve probably seen Lake Estes as you are driving into town, you may have even driven over it. Well, it’s the perfect time to get on it. We decided to help you plan your day on the lake. Here’s how it goes:

Start off your day with some fishing! Visit the Lake Estes Marina to grab your fishing license and rent fishing supplies if you left yours at home. Lake Estes is filled with rainbow trout, brown trout and a variety of other fish and flows off into the Big Thompson River, which can also be a rewarding spot to fish, especially if you’re fly fishing.

Fly Fishing

Once you’ve caught your fish, or have just enjoyed a peaceful mountain morning holding your fishing rod, time to choose your next activity. You have your choice of water sport rentals from the marina store, depending on what you’re feeling. Test your balance on a standup paddleboard. Cruise around on a canoe or a paddleboat. If you have the numbers, take out a pontoon boat and enjoy the breeze.

Stand Up Paddle Boarding Lake Estes

Eat your picnic lunch (or the snacks you purchased from the marina store) anywhere around the lake! There are no bad views. There are several picnic areas for a cook-out as well as benches and grassy areas to admire the magnificent peaks of Rocky Mountain National Park from. These lunch spots double as the perfect chance for some wildlife sightings as well, ranging from elk to deer to even some bald eagles.

Lake Estes

Digest your lunch with a relaxing bike ride or stroll on the 3.75 mile path that loops around the lake. The loop is doable for the kiddos but you always have the option to turn it into an out and back for when you tire. Once again, the marina is the place to go for these bike rentals, they have it all - we know.

 

After returning from your bike ride, get in touch with your competitive side by jumping onto the sand volleyball courts or by throwing some horseshoes. You’ve most likely worked up an appetite after all these activities, so head over to the Dunraven at the Estes Park Resort for some delicious food, stunning views and a refreshing drink to accompany the sunset.

Dunraven_summer