· Longs Peak

Estes Park

Aliases: Lake Estes, Reeser Wildlife Sanctuary

The gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, the town of Estes Park is a world-class tourist destination. Violet-green Swallows flit overhead in summer, and American Dippers bounce along the Big Thompson River in town. Lake Estes can attract Mergansers, Goldeneyes, and other ducks in the colder months. The Matthew-Reeser Bird Sanctuary, on the west end of the Lake, attracts a large variety of migrant Warblers in spring and fall. Herds of elk are almost always in town, often on the golf course; though they seem tolerant of people, they can be dangerous. Please observe elk and other wildlife from a safe distance.

County: Larimer

Directions: Estes Park is at the junction of US 36 and US 34, 30 miles west of Loveland and 37 miles northwest of Boulder. A multi-level parking garage for the Visitor's Center is located on US 36, just east of the intersection of US 34 and US 36. The parking garage is also adjacent to a paved path that runs along the both sides of Lake Estes. The Bird Sanctuary is along the north shore. You can also find public parking downtown.

Dates of Access: Open all year
Hours: Daylight hours
Ownership: Municipal/Private
Admission: Free

Restrictions: Please respect private property.

Parking: Varied
Lodging: Hotels and campgrounds

Handicapped: Yes
Handicapped Access: ADA accessible paved trails along the river and lake shore

Latitude: 40.379218
Longitude: -105.514333

» Visit the website for Estes Park

Contact Info:

Colorado Birding: https://coloradocountybirding.org/BySite.aspx?SiteID=516&CountyID=36