Lake Estes facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lake Estes |
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Lake Estes, Colorado.
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 Lake Estes
Location in Colorado
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| Location | Larimer County, Colorado |
| Coordinates | 40°22′36″N 105°29′18″W / 40.37667°N 105.48833°W |
| Type | reservoir |
| Surface area | 185 acres (75 ha) |
| Shore length1 | 4 miles (6.4 km) |
| 1 Shore length is not a well-defined measure. | |
Lake Estes is a beautiful reservoir located in Estes Park, Colorado. It was created by building a structure called the Olympus Dam. This lake has a shoreline that stretches about 4 miles (6.4 km) (6.4 km) and covers an area of 185 acres (75 ha) (75 hectares).
Lake Estes is an important part of the Big Thompson River system. It also plays a key role in a much larger water project called the Colorado-Big Thompson Project. This project helps move water across Colorado.
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What is Lake Estes?
Lake Estes is not a natural lake. It is a reservoir, which means it's an artificial lake built to store water. People created it by building a dam across a river. In this case, the dam is called Olympus Dam.
Where is Lake Estes Located?
Lake Estes is found in the town of Estes Park, Colorado. This town is famous for being a gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park. The lake is in Larimer County, Colorado, in the northern part of the state. Its location makes it a popular spot for both locals and tourists.
Why Was Lake Estes Created?
Lake Estes was built for several important reasons. Its main purpose is to store water. This water is then used for different needs, like drinking water for towns and water for farms. It also helps control floods by holding back excess river water.
The Colorado-Big Thompson Project
Lake Estes is a vital part of the Colorado-Big Thompson Project. This huge project moves water from the western side of the Continental Divide to the eastern side. The Continental Divide is like a big mountain ridge that separates rivers flowing east from rivers flowing west.
The project uses tunnels and canals to bring water from rivers that flow west. This water is then stored in reservoirs like Lake Estes. It helps provide water to many cities and farms in eastern Colorado, where water can be scarce.
Fun Things to Do at Lake Estes
Lake Estes is a popular place for many outdoor activities. Because it's a reservoir, it offers a variety of ways to enjoy nature and the water.
- Boating: You can go boating on the lake. There are places to rent different types of boats, like kayaks, canoes, and paddle boats.
- Fishing: The lake is a great spot for fishing. Many people enjoy trying to catch fish here.
- Walking and Biking: There's a scenic trail that goes all the way around the lake. It's perfect for walking, jogging, or biking. You can enjoy beautiful views of the water and the surrounding mountains.
- Wildlife Viewing: Many animals live near the lake. You might see birds, deer, or other wildlife, especially early in the morning or late in the evening.
Lake Estes is a wonderful example of how people can manage water resources. It provides important water for communities and also offers a fun place for recreation.
