Flowing history, serene nature, and riverside magic right outside your door at Riversong Inn Retreat
The Big Thompson River is more than a scenic stream — it’s a lifeline that winds through some of the most iconic landscapes in Colorado. The river begins in Rocky Mountain National Park, sourced from Forest Canyon at over 11,000 feet elevation. From there, it flows eastward through the town of Estes Park, into Lake Estes, and down through the striking Big Thompson Canyon before eventually joining the South Platte River near Greeley.
Here at Riversong Inn, the Big Thompson River isn’t just nearby — it’s part of your experience. It flows gently through our 26-acre property, adding the soothing sound of water to morning coffee, riverside strolls, and even starlit evenings.
Whether you’re meditating by the water, dipping your toes in after a hike, or simply watching the current shimmer at sunset, the Big Thompson River adds a layer of peace and connection to a mountain retreat that you won’t find anywhere else.
Since it flows right through our property at Riversong Inn Retreat, we thought it would be meaningful — and fun — to share the story behind this beautiful river. In this blog, you’ll learn about its origins, history, scenic highlights, and quiet power, so you can feel even more connected to the landscape during your stay with us.
The Full Journey of the Big Thompson River
The Big Thompson River begins high in the alpine heights of Forest Canyon inside Rocky Mountain National Park, just below the Continental Divide. From there, it winds its way east, passing through the wide glacial valley of Moraine Park, gathering strength as it flows down into the mountain town of Estes Park.
As it approaches Riversong Inn Retreat, the river takes on a slower, gentler rhythm — weaving past Baldwin Park and curving toward Confluence Park, where it meets the Fall River. Together, they create the iconic Estes Park Riverwalk, a serene stretch of path that follows the river through the heart of town.
Just a short distance downstream, the waters pour into Lake Estes, held in place by the Olympus Dam. From there, the river is released into the dramatic walls of Big Thompson Canyon, where it tumbles nearly half a mile in elevation over the course of 25 scenic miles, carving its way through cliffs and foothills along Highway 34.
Eventually, the Big Thompson emerges near Loveland, flowing out onto the eastern plains. It continues its journey across Weld County and finally merges with the South Platte River about five miles south of Greeley, completing its nearly 80-mile journey from alpine stream to prairie waterway.
History of the Big Thompson
The Big Thompson River has a long and sometimes turbulent past. Its name dates back to the 1800s and early surveying efforts, and it played a key role in supporting agriculture and early settlement along Colorado’s Front Range.
But perhaps its most famous (and sobering) moment was the Big Thompson Flood of 1976. After a sudden thunderstorm dropped more than a foot of rain in a few hours, the river surged with a wall of water through the narrow canyon, causing tragic loss and reshaping both the landscape and community. A second flood occurred in 2013, reinforcing the river’s power — and the need to respect its changing nature.
Today, walking along its calm, clear stretches, it’s hard to imagine such violence — but it’s part of what makes the Big Thompson such a symbol of both resilience and renewal.
Fun Facts About the Big Thompson River
- The river flows nearly 80 miles from its alpine origins to the plains.
- It feeds Lake Estes, which powers hydroelectric energy for the area.
- It’s a favorite for fly-fishing, especially near Moraine Park and downstream from Lake Estes.
- The canyon walls along Big Thompson Canyon rise dramatically — carved by thousands of years of flowing water.
- It’s home to trout, beavers, herons, elk, and more — many of which can be spotted right on our property!
Ways to Enjoy the Big Thompson River During Your Stay
- Walk the riverside trail on the Riversong Inn Retreat property
- View the river from above on our own Seven Benches Trail
- Fish or simply relax near the water’s edge
- Explore the Riverwalk in downtown Estes Park, where the river flows past cafes, shops, and bridges
- Picnic beside the river in Moraine Park, just inside the RMNP entrance
- Drive the Big Thompson Canyon Scenic Byway (U.S. 34) for breathtaking views
- Wander our meadow trails along the riverbank
- Read or picnic beside the current
- Listen to the flowing water from your room’s porch
- Sit a while and spot wildlife like deer, birds, and trout along the banks
Frequently Asked Q’s about the Big Thompson River
💧 Where Does Estes Park Get Its Water?
Estes Park draws its municipal water supply from surface water sources, primarily the Big Thompson River and Lake Estes, along with snowmelt-fed reservoirs and a local water treatment system.
🏞️ Where Does the Big Thompson River Start and End?
The Big Thompson River begins in Forest Canyon high in Rocky Mountain National Park, just below the Continental Divide at over 11,000 feet elevation. From there, it travels through Estes Park, feeds into Lake Estes, and continues its journey through the dramatic cliffs of Big Thompson Canyon before merging with the South Platte River near Greeley, Colorado.
Its full course stretches nearly 80 miles, transforming from alpine stream to plains river — and it flows right through our property at Riversong Inn Retreat.
🏞️ Common Nicknames or References
The Big Thompson River doesn’t have many widely used nicknames in the traditional sense, but it is often referred to by a few informal or contextual names, especially by locals, anglers, and travelers & storytellers:
“The Big T” or “The Big Tommy” – This is the most common shorthand among locals and anglers.
“The Canyon River” – Sometimes used when referring specifically to the stretch through Big Thompson Canyon.
“The Heart of Estes” – Occasionally used in tourism or storytelling contexts because it flows through downtown Estes Park.
“The Trout Stream” – Fly fishers might call it this, especially the tailwater section below Lake Estes.
“The Flood River” – A less common nickname used in historical or documentary discussions, due to the 1976 flood and 2013 flood events.
🌊 What River Runs Through Estes Park?
The Big Thompson River is the main river flowing through Estes Park. It passes directly through downtown and provides a scenic backdrop to shops, bridges, and walking paths — and flows quietly through the grounds of Riversong Inn Retreat as well.
🚶♀️ How Long Is the Riverwalk in Estes Park?
The Estes Park Riverwalk stretches about 1 mile, running alongside the Big Thompson River and Fall River through downtown. It’s beautifully landscaped, walkable, and dotted with benches and bridges.
🧭 For a longer walk, connect to the Lake Estes Trail, a 3.75-mile paved loop with valley views and wildlife sightings.
🎣 Is the Big Thompson River Open for Fishing?
Yes — much of the river is open to public fishing, with stretches both inside and outside Rocky Mountain National Park. You’ll need a Colorado fishing license, and park rules may include fly fishing only, barbless hooks, or catch-and-release in some areas.
🐟 What Fish Are in the Big Thompson River?
You’ll find several trout species in the river, including:
- Brown trout (especially common in lower sections)
- Rainbow trout
- Brook trout
- Occasionally, greenback cutthroat trout in higher alpine sections
Fishing is possible even right on our property — ask us where to cast!
🕰️ What Caused the Big Thompson Flood in 1976?
On July 31, 1976, a stationary thunderstorm dropped more than 12 inches of rain in just a few hours. The narrow canyon funneled the runoff into a sudden, powerful wall of water that surged downstream at over 30 feet high.
💔 How Many People Died in the Big Thompson Flood of 1976?
The 1976 flood claimed the lives of 144 people, making it the deadliest natural disaster in Colorado history. The tragedy reshaped local emergency protocols and deepened the community’s respect for the river’s power.
Another flood in 2013 caused significant damage again, though with far fewer casualties thanks to improved warnings and infrastructure.
🌎 Where Does the Big Thompson River Meet the Ocean?
The Big Thompson River eventually joins the South Platte River, which flows into the Missouri River, then into the Mississippi River, and finally out to the Gulf of Mexico — completing a cross-country journey that starts right in our mountain backyard.
Bringing the magic of the Rockies to you.
When you stay with us at Riversong Inn Retreat, you don’t have to travel into Rocky Mountain National Park to experience its splendor — the river brings it right to your doorstep. Flowing straight from the high country through our property, the Big Thompson offers more than just a beautiful view. It brings the rhythm, peace, and wonder of the Rockies to your daily experience.
Whether you’re sitting beside it with a cup of coffee or listening to it lull you to sleep, the river is part of your retreat — and part of what makes this place so unforgettable.
View other guests experiences HERE. We look forward to having you soon.