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Home > Blog > NOCO’s Best Rivers, Lakes and Trails ~ The Big T

NOCO’s Best Rivers, Lakes and Trails ~ The Big T

June 8, 2020 by jfeeney Leave a Comment

Big Thompson River is a NOCO’s Best With Rugged Terrain Full of Beauty

Big Thompson River Northern Colorado
Big Thompson River is Full of Rugged Beauty and Fun for All

From Forest Canyon, just East of Loveland, you’ll find one of the most active bodies of water in Northern Colorado. Big Thompson River runs along the 34 replenishing water supply from the snow and mountains as well as The Colorado River.  The massive body of water streams 78-miles where it eventually combines with South Platte River of the Colorado Rocky Mountains. You’ll find this natural source home for wildlife, fishing and a sweet place to vacation invest in property. Big Thompson River (Big “T”) is a “NOCO’s Best” with rugged terrain full of beauty. Take a deeper dive with this article to learn more about this fantastic waterway and why we Coloradoans love it!

Mountain Biking at Big Thompson River
Photo by Tim Foster on Unsplash

Hiking and Biking Along the River Banks 

Elevations can reach as high as 11,000 at Big Thompson Canyon where hikers enjoy a challenge. Plan carefully before trekking this area, but be warned it’s a difficult hike. Therefore, only to be done by experienced hikers, and backpackers. Besides the high elevation, there’s loose rock, sometimes dangerous sunlight as well as a potential for lightning. Vegetation is thick in some parts making it tough to navigate. Be sure you know what you’re doing before going off-trail.  Lake Estes also plays a role in this actively flowing river where the water starts its decent heading toward through Larimer County.

Biking in these parts is another favorite past time for residents and visitors. Catch bike lanes from Boyd Lake to Estes Park for some exhilarating peddling. Be sure to take plenty of stops along the way to enjoy the colorful backdrops. Many people consider this “God’s Country” and you’ll see why. Picturesque almost seems like an understatement with the rock from the mountains and the bubbling waters below. 

Big Thompson River Flood of 76
Denver Post Photo Archives

The History on the ‘Big T’

History of Big Thompson River includes plenty of stories from Larimer County to Boulder. But in 2013 ‘Big T’ flooded causing $2 billion dollars in damage. One could say Big Thompson Parks have undergone a renaissance after recovering from those flooded areas. Other natural spaces of Larimer County’s Department of Natural Resources’ and Big T, include Glade, Narrows, Forks and Sleepy Hollow. These outdoor-recreational spots have re-opened sharing new infrastructure for and making a debut at Big Thompson Canyon. 

 

Northern Colorado Rivers
Big Thompson River is a Main Water Source of Northern Colorado

One of the Most Significant Sources of Water for the State

Our Thompson River is a part of The Colorado – Big Thompson Project providing the largest transmountain water in the state. When you see reservoirs, pumps and pipelines near the area they are most likely a part of this water system. Irrigation collects and delivers services 10,000 square miles with a 700 mile transmission to many of our lakes, canals and reservoirs. It’s a very complex system recycling snow from the mountain and it assists water plants on the Western Slope.

Elk on Big Thompson River
Photo by Nicholas Koenig on Unsplash

That’s Wilderness on the Big Thompson River 

This river is a unique system, indeed! Moreover, its the watercourse for Northern Colorado agriculture and our population of wildlife. It’s not uncommon to see mule deer, fox and mink stopping in for a cool drink. Both wet and grasslands attract an extraordinary variety of birds such as sparrows, red-tail hawks and bald eagles. Larger animals may include rams, elk and occasionally a moose or two. But, people mostly go to the river for the excitement of fishing. 

Fly Fishing is a Favorite Northern Colorado Pastime
Photo by Robson Hatsukami Morgan on Unsplash

Fishing is a Must at this Rocky Mountain Body of Water

Fishing on the ‘Big T’ provides an exciting time for new and experienced anglers.  Fly fishing is a favorite sport among tourists and residents. However, you’ll want to pay close attention when nearing places such as Forest Canyon where private property is off limits. Luring fish like brown and rainbow trout is easy when spawning and during off seasons. Rocky Mountain National Park and Moraine Park provide peaceful locations for casting your line. Also, you’ll find many of the visitors lounging on the rocks and banks to catch some sun while waiting for a bite. Whether you’re a pro-angler or just there for leisure time, you’ll leave with some lasting memories.

Log Cabin in Northern Colorado
Log Cabin in Northern Colorado

Homes are Sparse in Certain Areas

While this area of Northern Colorado is chock full of great fishing and wildlife, it’s also an excellent spot to buy property. Because its such a huge body of water stretching across the state, you’ll find a nice variety of housing. Anything from vacation properties to single-family homes are built along the streams and riffles. However, these homes are sparse and rarely available. If you see something you like, you might want to jump on the opportunity as Loveland is a popular area for both primary and secondary homes.

Kayaking and Canoe at Big Thompson Canyon
Photo by Filip Mroz on Unsplash

Canoe and Kayaking 

People who enjoy watersports are encouraged to take on ‘Big T’ by canoe or kayak leaving white water rafting for Cache la Poudre adventures. Many parts of the 17-mile stretch include shallow waters and rugged terrain full of beauty. You’ll have a better time in durable watercraft rather than raft or boat. Park Rangers warn, there are fast moving waters which can be deep in some areas where you’ll need caution. 

 

Estes Park is where Big Thompson River Meets the Colorado River
Estes Park in Northern Colorado

The North Fork and Estes Park

You’ll find a nice selection of trails from North Fork Big Thompson to Estes Park where you can walk your dog or ride a bike. Be sure to check the Internet and parks to find trail difficulty and closings.  These trails vary with loose rock and other dangerous elements. Also, do yourself a favor and always wear sunscreen as it gets pretty hot during the summer months. There’s a lack of shade in the higher elevations as well. The River Walk to Lake Estes is one of your easier routes that are kid and wheelchair friendly places.

Photography is a Must at Big Thompson River
Photo by Sean Pierce on Unsplash

Lights, Camera, Action on the Big T

Shutterbugs unite! Bring your camera as the views of the mountains like Never Summer and Flattop are just in the horizon. Photography buffs love this area as there’s always beautiful subjects to film. Even the wintertime provides a spectacular landscape with snow and a babbling brook. Petite flowers and other plants are perfect picture takers during the springtime. Regardless of time of year, your scrapbook and portfolio will be overwhelmed with NOCO’s Best. 

Olympus Dam in Estes Park
Olympus Dam in Estes Park

Olympus Dam, Integral Part of the Big T’s Operation of Flow

Olympus Dam plays a significant role at 70 feet high and provides drinking water for Estes Park.  Even more unique is The Colorado River, West of the Continental Divide delivering water to nearby reservoirs. To learn more about the dam and it’s operations be sure to visit the Bureau of Reclamation. What you may also find interesting is storage at Mary’s Lake is part of the dam’s operation which provides energy Estes Park residents.

A Northern Colorado Icon

Surrounded by the rugged beauty of the Colorado Rockies, Big Thompson is also necessary for agriculture supplying residents with water. If you spend time on the ‘Big T’ for leisurely activity, you’ll likely create memorable moments to share. We’d love to hear them!

Drop us a few images or a line to telling us why you agree Big Thompson is a NOCO Best River.

Filed Under: Estes Park, Larimer County, NOCO Field Steams and Lakes, Real Estate News Tagged With: Backpacking in Northern Colorado, Big T, Big Thompson Canyon, Big Thompson River, Biking in Colorado, Bird Watching, Buy A Home in Colorado, Canoe in Northern Colorado, Colorado, Colorado River, Colorado Rocky Mountains, Deer, Elk, Flooding in Colorado, Fly Fishing in Colorado, FOCO, Forest Canyon Pass, Forrest Canyon Pass, Homes in Northern Colorado, Lake Estes, Larimer County, Learn About Colorado, Log Cabins in Colorado, Milner Pass, Mishiwaka, Move to Colorado, Mule Deer, NOCO, North Fork Big Thompson River, Northern Colorado, Photography in Colorado, Pinterest, Poudre Lake Trailhead, Rafting in Northern Colorado, Rocky Mountains, South Platte River, The Mish, Thompson Canyon, Vacation Homes in Colorado, Visit Colorado, Weld County

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