Crews are working to improve access to and from Rocky Mountain National Park with the Downtown Estes Loop Project.

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Estes Park is Perfect for Family Friendly Hiking

Picnic Areas

 

Dining al Fresco

Spending the day in the park doesn't mean going hungry. Whether you pack your own meals or order dinner to go from an Estes Park restaurant, picnicking in Rocky Mountain National Park is always a treat!

For updated information on fire restrictions visit our Fire Information page.

Where To Go

Picnic areas speckle the national park and vary widely in types and sizes. From a picnic table at Beaver Meadows Visitor Center to large-scale, outdoor cafeteria-like settings, you can find just the right atmosphere and convenience you seek. The largest picnic areas on the east (Estes Park) side of RMNP are:

  • Endo Valley (32 tables) - located along Old Fall River Road, about 1.8 miles from the intersection with Highway 34. This area also offers 30 fire grates, allows portable grills and has vault toilets.
  • Sprague Lake (27 tables) - located along Bear Lake Road. This wheelchair-accessible picnic spot also includes 16 fire grates, flush toilets (summer) and allows the use of portable grills.
  • Hollowell Park (10 tables) - also located along Bear Lake Road. There are no fire grates here, however portable grills are permitted.
  • Upper Beaver Meadows (10 tables) - turn left off US Highway 36, almost two miles west of the Beaver Meadows (southeast) Entrance. Access in the winter is by foot only. The area offers six fire grates, vault toilets and allows the use of portable grills. 

Additional well-known picnic areas include Lily Lake, Lawn Lake, the Longs Peak Ranger Station, Tuxedo Park and the Wild Basin Trailhead. West-side picnic areas also are  available at the Colorado River, the Beaver Ponds, Coyote Valley and additional locations. A group picnic area is available at Lily Lake, by reservation only and for a fee.

Find more information on picnicking in Rocky Mountain National Park, including regulations, group fees and responsible practices at the official Rocky Mountain National Park Picnic webpage.