
Viestenz-Smith Mountain Park
A scenic park along the Big Thompson River, offering easy trails, historical CCC structures, and refreshing river access for picnics and wading.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds

Viestenz-Smith Mountain Park
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A scenic park along the Big Thompson River, offering easy trails, historical CCC structures, and refreshing river access for picnics and wading.
"Nice little stop between Loveland and Estes Park with paved walkways and river access."

🥾 Wear sturdy shoes
Essential for exploring trails and riverbanks. Water shoes are great for wading.
🧺 Pack a picnic lunch
Many scenic spots and shelters available for a delightful meal.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Big Thompson River Access
Riverbanks
Wade in the cool river waters, perfect for a refreshing dip on a warm day. Many visitors enjoy this aspect.

CCC History & Sculptures
Throughout the park
Discover interpretive signage about the park's history and enjoy unique sculptures, some of which kids love to climb.

Scenic Walking Trails
Park perimeter
Easy, paved walkways offer beautiful views of the river and surrounding landscape. Great for a leisurely stroll.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Pack for the Elements
Picnic Perfection
Best Times
Insider Tips
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Things to do in Loveland
🥾 Wear sturdy shoes
Essential for exploring trails and riverbanks. Water shoes are great for wading.
🧺 Pack a picnic lunch
Many scenic spots and shelters available for a delightful meal.
What are some nature hiking trails to start off for skiing hiking beginners?
A place to spread ashes?
💧 Bring hand sanitizer
Restrooms are available but lack sinks for handwashing.
☀️ Sun protection is key
Hats and sunscreen are recommended for sunny days.
Senior Photo Locations Help
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Wear sturdy shoes
Essential for exploring trails and riverbanks. Water shoes are great for wading.
🧺 Pack a picnic lunch
Many scenic spots and shelters available for a delightful meal.
💧 Bring hand sanitizer
Restrooms are available but lack sinks for handwashing.
☀️ Sun protection is key
Hats and sunscreen are recommended for sunny days.
⚠️ Watch for wasps
Be cautious near the riverbank concrete pads.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Viestenz-Smith Mountain Park is praised as a pleasant stop with easy trails and lovely river access, perfect for picnics and a refreshing dip. Visitors appreciate the historical CCC elements and sculptures, though some note the tricky highway access and lack of handwashing facilities in restrooms. It's a well-regarded spot for a relaxed outdoor experience.
"Visited this spot with my husband and 8 year old daughter. We all had a blast. I recommend bringing food & enjoying a picnic. The walking trails lead you around the water. You can walk down and stick your feet in. There are plenty of spots to have a picnic. There was a covered picnic area built by the CCC. There were a lot of people with their dogs that got into the water. All were on leashes. Several people were fishing. They have at least two sets of covered port-o-potty style restrooms. No sinks to wash hands. Bring hand sanitizer. They were for the most part clean and very large. There’s was one sculpture that the kids like to climb on like it’s a playground. There are signs up for rattlesnakes, although we never saw any snakes."
steph knight
"Nice little stop between Loveland and Estes Park. Paved walkways, clean bathrooms, learn a little history, and then have a picnic or wade in the river. Watch out for wasps at the top step of the concrete pad poured along the river bank."
Cam G
"Visited June 19, 2024 Exploring Big Thompson Canyon on Juneteenth ⛰️Some days I can walk a little, some days I can’t. Grateful to be able to explore."
Dani MCDonald
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Viestenz-Smith Mountain Park is located along Highway 34 between Loveland and Estes Park. Access can be a bit tricky due to highway traffic, so plan your entry and exit carefully.
Yes, parking is available within the park. It can get busy, especially on weekends and during peak season, so arriving early is advisable.
Yes, the park is accessible from Highway 34, but reviewers note that getting into and out of the park can be somewhat challenging due to highway traffic.
Absolutely! It's described as a nice little stop offering paved walkways, clean bathrooms, historical insights, and picnic areas.
The park is situated along a scenic highway, so expect typical mountain road conditions. Be mindful of other travelers and potential wildlife.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Information regarding entrance fees is not explicitly mentioned in the provided reviews, suggesting it may be a free-access park. It's always a good idea to check local park websites for the most current information.
Specific operating hours are not detailed in the reviews. However, as a public park, it's likely open during daylight hours.
Based on the reviews, there's no indication that advance ticket booking is required. It appears to be a public park accessible on a first-come, first-served basis.
While not explicitly stated, reviews mention dogs are allowed and must be on leashes. Be aware of potential wildlife, as signs for rattlesnakes have been noted.
Upon entry, you'll find paved walkways, picnic areas with shelters, interpretive signage, and restrooms.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy walking trails, wading in the Big Thompson River, picnicking, fishing, and exploring historical CCC structures and sculptures.
Yes, the trails are described as easy and paved, making them suitable for a leisurely stroll and accessible for many visitors.
While swimming isn't explicitly mentioned, visitors frequently wade in the river, suggesting it's a popular activity for cooling off.
Yes, many visitors bring their dogs, and they are permitted as long as they are kept on a leash.
Reviewers have spotted herds of bighorn sheep. Signs for rattlesnakes are also present, though snakes are not always seen.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The park itself does not have restaurants. However, it's highly recommended for visitors to bring their own food for picnics.
There are numerous spots along the river and several covered picnic areas, including one built by the CCC, offering scenic views for your meal.
Absolutely! Bringing your own food and drinks is a popular choice for visitors, allowing for a relaxed picnic experience.
While not directly in the park, Loveland and Estes Park offer various dining options. The Reddit thread mentions Daddy'Os for sandwiches and McGraff's for wings.
Bring all your food, drinks, utensils, and any necessary cleanup supplies. Remember hand sanitizer as restrooms lack sinks.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the scenic beauty of the Big Thompson River, the historic CCC structures, and any wildlife you encounter, like bighorn sheep.
Yes, with potential sightings of bighorn sheep, it offers opportunities for wildlife photography. Keep a safe distance and use a zoom lens if possible.
Early mornings and late afternoons often provide softer light, ideal for landscape and wildlife photography.
The park features interpretive signage and sculptures, offering unique subjects beyond natural landscapes.
A versatile camera with a good zoom lens would be beneficial for wildlife. A wide-angle lens can capture the scenic river and park landscapes.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as bringing a picnic is highly recommended and there are several covered shelters available. Hand sanitizer is a must, as the restrooms lack sinks. Keep an eye out for wildlife like bighorn sheep, which can be an exciting sight for children.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
It's an ideal stop for a day trip or a brief respite during a longer journey, offering a chance to enjoy nature without significant expense. The self-guided historical information also adds value without any extra cost.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Big Thompson River
Many reviewers highlight the river access as a key reason for their visit. The paved walkways lead you along the river, providing easy access to various points where you can relax by the water. It's a perfect spot for families to cool off or for anyone seeking a moment of tranquility amidst nature. Be aware of potential hazards like wasps near the concrete pads along the riverbank.
For those interested in fishing, the Big Thompson River is also a known spot. Anglers can be seen casting their lines, adding to the park's diverse recreational activities. Always ensure you have the necessary fishing licenses and are aware of local regulations.
History and CCC Legacy
Beyond the historical structures, the park also boasts unique sculptures that add an artistic element to the natural landscape. These sculptures are not just for viewing; some are designed for children to climb on, acting as informal play structures. This blend of history, art, and recreation makes the park engaging for all ages.
Learning about the park's history through its signage enhances the visitor experience, providing context to the landscape and its development. It's a chance to appreciate the efforts that went into creating this public space.



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