Big Thompson River at Big Thompson Canyon

The headwaters of the Big Thompson River begin in in Rocky Mountain National Park at Forest Canyon.



The river flows east through Moraine Park, the first place where it is possible to fish. Fishing is often very good in Moraine Park and the river is easy to access.

From Rocky Mountain National Park, the river flows through the town of Estes Park into Lakes Estes where it is contained by the Olympus Dam. Fishing is easy at lake Estes and sometimes it is quite good.

Water is released from Lake Estes into the Big Thompson Canyon. Highway 34 follows the river through the canyon. If you have never traveled this route, try to schedule a trip if your travels take you anywhere nearby. The canyon walls are straight up on both sides in places. In late spring the water rolls very fast down, in fall it slows, and in winter it is icy with a very slow flow. The thirty-two mile trip down Highway 34 from Loveland to Estes Park is beautiful in every season.

The Big Thompson River was the site of a flash flood on July 31, 1976 that killed 143 people. Five were never found. Twelve inches of rain fell in less than 4 hours. 418 homes, 400 vehicles, 52 businesses and most of Highway 34 was destroyed. You might might notice the "climb to higher ground in case of flood" signs near the canyon walls.

Wildlife viewing is very good in this area. We have traveled Highway 34 many times and more often than not we see bighorn sheep grazing on ledges of the canyon where one wouldn't think they'd be comfortable, but they do look like they are pretty confident of their footing. If you visit the area and see cars backed up near the canyon walls, the probable reason is a bighorn sheep sighting. Park as soon as it is safe and walk back to where the crowd is. (This is one of those times where a camera with a good telephoto lens would come in handy).

Mule deer and elk are common in the canyon. Mountain lions and bears frequent the area, but they are elusive. Consider yourself lucky if you see either.

Numerous rustic cabin and cottages are available for rent on the river. Some of them date back over one hundred years when present day Highway 34 was just a trail. You might be surprised just how close some of these rentals are to the river. Stay in one of these rentals and you could fall asleep to the sound of rolling water. These book up early in the warm weather months, so plan ahead if staying on the river appeals to you.

Antique and collectible shops, along with stores that sell a wide variety of local specialty items, are scattered along Highway 34 and the river.

The river at Big Thompson Canyon is very popular among fisherman. If you like to fish, but aren't that familiar with fishing Colorado's rivers, this is a good place to start. Just find a place where it looks like a lot of fisherman access the river and it is probably a good place to fish. If you don't fish, these areas are still good places to stop for awhile to rake a short walk on the river and get some good photos.

Some of the fish that are caught in this area of the Big Thompson River are cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, brook trout, and brown trout.

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