Boating
Lake Estes
For a leisurely tour of Lake Estes rent a foot-powered paddle boat at the marina. Or plan a fishing trip or floating picnic on a pontoon boat, also available at the marina. Paddleboards are fun, but the water is cold and wet suits are recommended. Fishing boats with small engines are allowed on Lake Estes, but maintain a wakeless speed at all times.
Lake Estes Marina rents boats from 1 person kayaks to 10 person pontoon boats, paddle boats, stand-up paddleboards, canoes, and kayaks for per hour fees.
Private boats require a Lake Estes Boat Permit for $5/day, and vehicles require a day use fee of $5. All boats should launch from the area next to the marina.
Lake Estes Marina Pavilion is an open air pavilion with spectacular views of Longs Peak and Lake Estes. It’s available for rent for weddings, reunions, corporate events, picnics, and receptions between March and October. Fees are based on number of people and setup needed, and time of day. Reservations & deposit required.
Boating in Rocky Mountain National Park
Canoes or kayaks are permitted on Park lakes except for Bear Lake. No water craft is permitted on Bear Lake. Many of the lakes are too shallow, so check with Park Information regarding boating on individual lakes. No motorized water craft is allowed within Rocky Mountain National Park.
Mary’s Lake
Mary’s Lake is great for fishing but boating is not allowed.
River Rafting
Rafting the Colorado and Poudre rivers is lots of fun in summer. See the rafting page.
Kayaking
In addition to kayaking in some of the lakes in RMNP, Estes Park has kayak runs on Fall River and the Big Thompson in town. The Poudre River outside of Fort Collins is also a popular kayaking area.
See the search results below for vendors offering kayaking rentals/tours.
Swimming
Great news for families visiting Estes Park with kids who love to play in the water!
The Aquatic Center at the Estes Valley Community Center has a 70,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility. The new leisure pool, which is located between the original aquatics center and the new portions of the community center, includes a lazy river and zero-depth entry pool with play features for family fun.
The new Estes Valley Community Center includes a wide variety of features, programs and services for all ages of visitors and the community. Features include:
– A two lane, indoor running/walking track with a soft, synthetic surface available for free to every member of and visitor to Estes Park
– Golf simulator featuring well-known courses, such as Pebble Beach and St. Andrews
– AquaClimb Kurve, a deep-water, solo climbing experience for all ages
– Cubz Den, a children’s play area with Rocky Mountain themed wildlife, a mural depicting Estes Park on the wall, and a cabin where kids can play
– A 2,831-square-foot community room with commercial kitchen
Check their website for daily rate / discounts and take advantage of this great new facility on your next Estes Park vacation!