The Fourth of July is one of the busiest days in Estes Park, rightfully so. It’s a great idea. Seeing fireworks over the lake and celebrating America among the mountains is awesome. Get here early (the fireworks start around 9-9:30 pm over Lake Estes, and we suggest making a long weekend of it or staying the night before ). And if you get stuck in traffic, play those car games and bop along to our Estes Park 4th of July Spotify playlist. Here are some more tips for parking and navigating summer crowds.
Whether you like to be in the middle of the celebration as the life of the party or watching from above to soak it all in, we curated a list of some fun spots every kind of celebrator would enjoy the fireworks from.
For those who want to earn their fireworks…
Of course, let’s remember our hiking safety and pack those headlamps!
Gem Lake
You don’t need to go all the way to Gem Lake to find the perfect viewing spot. We suggest you just start hiking until you find an overlook you can jam with (there are several).
The Knoll
This trail starts in downtown Estes, making it extremely accessible at only 1 mile and rewarding you with a good view of downtown and Lake Estes.
Deer Mountain
This 5.6 mile hike can be accessed off of Trail Ridge Road. The trail takes you through a steep forested area that eases you into the elevation change. The last half mile or so is the hardest park as you make your way to the peak where you will have panoramic views, one view being the fireworks over the lake.
For those who want more than fireworks…
Lumpy Ridge Brewing
Located on South Saint Vrain, Lumpy not only guarantees you a view of the fireworks but also live music, food trucks and duh, beer until 11pm!
Avant Garde Brewery
Big Bang Event
An Estes tradition, the Event Center Complex hosts their annual Big Bang Event, celebrating the fourth with music, food, craft beer & wine and once again, a great view of the fireworks from the grandstands. Grab your ticket here.
For those who want a front row seat…
Around the Lake
The Lake Estes trail is a little under 4 miles and is waiting for you to set up your camping chairs, look up and enjoy.
The Dunraven at the Estes Park Resort
This restaurant and lodge is located on the northeast side of the lake and has a front row seat to the fireworks show over Lake Estes.
If you are staying in lodging that surrounds the lake like Estes Lake Lodge, or any of the long list of lodging that line the lake on highway 34, you already have prime real estate for viewing the fireworks... and you already have a parking spot!
And lastly, let’s be safe. We really like our visitors and want you to have the best time you can. And great news, the Estes Park free shuttles have extended their evening service hours to help us get to that prime viewing spot! Check out the shuttles page or call 970-577-9900 for more information about that one! Oh, one more thing - have fun!
