Best Picnic Spots in Estes Park: 3 Lakes with Stunning Views

Looking for the perfect spot to enjoy a peaceful meal surrounded by mountain scenery? Estes Park is home to three beautiful lakes that offer some of the best picnic settings in all of Northern Colorado. Whether you want a convenient lakeside retreat close to town, a quiet escape off the beaten path, or a breathtaking dinner spot inside Rocky Mountain National Park, these three picnic destinations deliver unforgettable views and a true taste of Colorado mountain living.

Grab your picnic basket and let us show you where to go.

Lake Estes: The Classic Lakeside Picnic

Lake Estes is the go-to picnic destination for locals and visitors alike, and for good reason. Stretching across 185 acres on the east side of downtown, this reservoir offers plenty of room to spread out and enjoy the scenery.

South Side Pavilions Along Highway 36

The south side of Lake Estes features covered pavilions that make an ideal picnic setup, whether you are looking for shade on a sunny afternoon or a sheltered spot on a breezy day. This area is adjacent to Stanley Park, where you will find a popular dog park for your four-legged family members and playgrounds for the kids. Keep your eyes open for elk that frequently visit the area, adding a touch of wildlife to your lakeside meal.

North Side Sunset Views Along Highway 34

If you are planning an evening picnic, head to the north side of Lake Estes along Highway 34. This is where you will find stunning sunset views of the Continental Divide and Longs Peak. Watching the sun drop behind those iconic peaks while finishing your meal is one of those experiences that makes Estes Park feel truly special.

Convenient Access to Downtown

One of the best things about Lake Estes is its proximity to downtown. You can easily grab food from one of Estes Park's many restaurants and walk down to the lake. You can also hop on the free seasonal trolley to the parking garage and stroll over from there. No need to pack a cooler if you do not want to.

Mary's Lake: A Peaceful Escape from the Crowds

If you are looking for a quieter, more secluded picnic experience, Mary's Lake is your spot. Located less than 10 minutes from downtown Estes Park, this smaller reservoir sits in a scenic valley with views of Twin Sisters Peaks and offers a much more peaceful atmosphere than the busier areas closer to town.

Mary's Lake is ideal for those who want to slow down and enjoy a calm meal without the crowds. The surrounding landscape is beautiful in every season, and the more tucked-away location means you are more likely to have a quieter experience. Wildlife is a regular presence here as well, with elk and deer frequently spotted in the area.

This is the kind of spot where you can truly unplug and soak in the beauty of the Estes Valley. Pack a blanket, bring your favorite meal, and let the mountain scenery do the rest.

Lily Lake: Dinner and a Hike Inside Rocky Mountain National Park

For a picnic with a bit of adventure, Lily Lake is hard to beat. Technically located within Rocky Mountain National Park along Highway 7, Lily Lake is about six miles south of downtown Estes Park and offers a fantastic option for a dinner picnic, especially during the longer summer evenings.

A Great Option Without a Timed Entry Reservation

One of the best things about Lily Lake is that it is accessible without needing to secure a timed entry reservation for the park's busiest corridors. During peak season, timed entry reservations can be difficult to come by, so Lily Lake offers an easy way to enjoy a Rocky Mountain National Park experience without the added planning.

Post-Dinner Hike Around the Lake

After your meal, take a short hike on the accessible loop trail that circles the lake. The trail is just under a mile and offers beautiful views of Longs Peak and the surrounding mountains. As the sun sets, the changing light across the peaks makes this one of the most scenic evening walks in the entire area.

Lily Lake can get busy during peak hours, so consider timing your visit for later in the afternoon or early evening to enjoy a more peaceful experience.

Which Picnic Spot Is Right for You?

Each of these three lakes offers something a little different, depending on what kind of experience you are looking for:

Lake Estes is perfect if you want convenience, covered pavilions, family-friendly amenities like playgrounds and the dog park, and easy access to downtown restaurants.

Mary's Lake is the ideal choice for anyone seeking a quieter, more secluded setting with beautiful valley views and a chance to enjoy nature without the crowds.

Lily Lake is the spot for adventurous spirits who want to pair their picnic with a scenic hike inside Rocky Mountain National Park and unforgettable sunset views of Longs Peak.

Tips for the Perfect Estes Park Picnic

Secure Your Food - You are in bear country. Always keep food properly stored and never leave it unattended. Elk and other wildlife are also common visitors and may be curious about your spread.

Use the Free Trolley - During the summer season, the Town of Estes Park operates free shuttle routes, including the Red Route Downtown Trolley. Take advantage of this service to avoid parking hassles, especially when heading to Lake Estes.

Time Your Visit - For sunset views, plan to arrive at least an hour before sundown. The north side of Lake Estes and Lily Lake both offer spectacular evening light.

Pack Layers - Mountain weather can change quickly, especially in the evenings. A light jacket will keep you comfortable as temperatures drop after sunset.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best picnic spots in Estes Park?

The three best picnic spots with lake views in Estes Park are Lake Estes, Mary's Lake, and Lily Lake. Lake Estes offers covered pavilions and family amenities, Mary's Lake provides a quiet and secluded experience, and Lily Lake features a scenic setting inside Rocky Mountain National Park.

Do you need a timed entry reservation to picnic at Lily Lake?

While Lily Lake is technically within Rocky Mountain National Park, a park entrance fee is required. However, Lily Lake is accessible without needing a timed entry reservation for the Bear Lake Corridor, making it a convenient option during peak season. Check the NPS website for current entry requirements.

Are there covered picnic areas at Lake Estes?

Yes. The south side of Lake Estes along Highway 36 features covered pavilions that are great for picnics. These areas are adjacent to Stanley Park, which also has playgrounds and the Estes Valley Dog Park.

Where can I watch the sunset while picnicking in Estes Park?

The north side of Lake Estes along Highway 34 offers stunning sunset views of the Continental Divide and Longs Peak. Lily Lake also provides beautiful evening views of Longs Peak as the sun sets.

Is there free parking near Estes Park picnic spots?

Lake Estes and Stanley Park have free parking areas. The Town of Estes Park also operates a free parking garage and seasonal shuttle service. Mary's Lake and Lily Lake have parking areas as well, though Lily Lake's lot can fill up during peak times.

Can I bring my dog to these picnic spots?

Dogs are welcome at Lake Estes and the adjacent Stanley Park dog park (off-leash). Mary's Lake also allows dogs on leash. However, pets are not permitted on trails at Lily Lake or anywhere inside Rocky Mountain National Park.

Relevant Links

Estes Park & Outdoor Resources

Lake Estes - Visit Estes Park: https://www.visitestespark.com/things-to-do/attractions/lake-estes/

Lily Lake Trail - National Park Service: https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/lily-lake-trail.htm

Rocky Mountain National Park: https://www.nps.gov/romo/index.htm

RMNP Timed Entry Reservations: https://www.recreation.gov/sitepass/74291

Stanley Park & Dog Park - Estes Valley Recreation: https://evrpd.com/stanley-park/

Free Town Shuttle (The Peak): https://estespark.colorado.gov/transit

Connect with Signature Home Team

YouTube Channel - Estes Park Living: https://www.youtube.com/@EstesParkLiving

Everything Estes Park Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/EverythingEstesPark

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Watch the Video

Want to see these picnic spots in action? Watch the full video on our Estes Park Living YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/lVVnfGa5ej4

About the Author: Julie Abel is a licensed real estate agent with Signature Home Team, brokered by Keller Williams Top of the Rockies, specializing in Estes Park and Northern Colorado mountain communities. She shares insights about real estate and mountain living through the Estes Park Living channel.