Viestenz-Smith Mountain Park

If you were headed west out of Loveland on route 34 to Estes Park, be sure to stop at Viestenz-Smith Mountain Park. This park is a great location to take in the beauty of the big Thompson River. It’s perfect for young children and anyone with limited mobility. There are two sets of very clean bathrooms and lots of parking.
On many weekends during the summer, the nature cabin is open, and an exceptional time to learn about some of the geology, flora and fauna of the rocky mountain region. There was a super informative docent at the nature center today who made our visit a great learning experience. Most of the items in the nature cabin can be touched and played with so it’s a great opportunity for kids.

Viestenz-Smith Mountain Park is a serene oasis conveniently located off Highway 34, right alongside the beautiful Big Thompson River. This rest stop offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and practical amenities, making it an ideal spot to savor the mountains one last time as you leave Estes Park.

One of the park's standout features is its pristine restrooms, which are consistently well-maintained and clean, ensuring a comfortable stop for travelers. The park is also equipped with numerous picnic tables, inviting visitors to enjoy a leisurely meal while taking in the stunning mountain views.

Access to the Big Thompson River is a major draw, providing opportunities for fishing or simply enjoying the tranquil sounds of the flowing water. For those looking to stretch their legs, the park offers several hiking trails that cater to various skill levels, allowing you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the area.

Families with young children will appreciate the dedicated play area, which is safe and engaging, offering a range of activities to keep little ones entertained. Whether it's climbing, sliding, or just running around, kids can enjoy a bit of playtime before getting back on the road.

Overall, Viestenz-Smith Mountain Park is more than just a rest stop—it's a destination in itself. With its clean facilities, beautiful picnic spots, easy river access, and recreational opportunities, it provides a perfect pause to appreciate the mountains and make the most of your journey.

Clean and beautiful!
Has a beach, multiple parking lots, shelters, and some history information about the area.
Had breakfast and met some doggies.

Very nice clean spot. Must be good fishing 🎣 guy out there was catching left and right.

Beautiful area next to the Thompson River. We went there to have a picnic lunch. There were areas along the river where the kids could get their feet wet. It is still a river, so you do have to be mindful about the rapids no matter how small they look. There are vault toilets in the area. There is no running water.

Great spot on the Big Thompson River. Cabin was open with a knowledgeable ranger there to answer any questions you may have. Lots of cool artifacts with helpful signs to explain the history. Toilets were perhaps the cleanest I’ve ever encountered in a park. Be careful of rattlesnakes; there was one lurking near the parking lot.

I'm so happy this park was reopened after it last flooded. It really is a beautiful park.
I wish that there were plaques near the buildings and things explaining the history behind each building.
There is a nice walking trail. People were fishing in the river when we were there.
This is definitely one of my favorite parks next to fairgrounds park in Loveland.
I can't wait to visit in the summer as well!

beautiful stretch along the river. very kid and dog friendly. restrooms well-kept and ample parking. kids 4&7 loved the interactive trail and we all enjoyed the history signs.

We’ve driven past it several times on the way to Estes Park / RMNP but didn’t think to stop until it was recommended to us. This was a great spot to quietly enjoy the beauty of the Big Thompson Canyon. There are several great picnic spots and we did not have any trouble finding parking between the two lots that are available. It’s open dawn to dusk seasonally. You can go down to the water and freely explore the rocks and fauna that are endemic to this part of Colorado. We did not see much wildlife or birds but I assume that other seasons will be more conducive to animals and fowl. We had a wonderful time and look forward to an opportunity to visit again.

What an amazing place to visit! There are a number of picnic and sitting areas around for public use as well as art scattered through the walking areas. I nice place to spend the day walking or just enjoying nature!

One of my favorite places to take a quick walk without going all the way up into Estes. Great place for a quick picnic for families, and educational too! I have been coming for years and I hope that trend continues.

I had so much fun! I loved the river and all the pretty rocks 🤗

Great place for a nice short hike/walk or picnic. Well maintained by the City of Loveland and Larimer County staff and volunteers. Nice historical exhibits and displays of the area.

We visited the Loveland/Fort Collins area for vacation and this was my favorite spot we found! My 6 year old bawled when we had to leave. It's so beautiful! The water is clear and beautiful. There was a decent amount of people at the park, but everyone kept there distance, plenty of room for everyone! Such a beautiful area and a great place to go to cool off. The river bed is still very sunny, but the cold water feels AMAZING! BEAUTIFUL!

What a beautuful place to hang out. We just missed the bighorn sheep by moments. Go enjoy, have a picnic, fish the big Thompson, watch for bighorn sheep. Learn a little history of the area. Enjoy the great outdoors.

I got altitude sickness as Estes, so I went back down and hung out at Loveland's Scpture Garden and then came here! Awesome spot to hang out by the water and explore a bit. I liked that they had little educational stands along the path as well. A couple I passed had the right idea, and had some camping chairs set up with some lemonade by the river.

Such a great little stop while up in the Rocky Mountains! There's great walking trails, picnic benches & restrooms.

Beautiful park. There's the thompson River flowing through it with historic buildings to check out.

What a great place to spend the afternoon. You can hang by the river, collect wildflowers, have a picnic, or just wander around. Love coming here with my family!

Beautiful area to walk around and spend some time admiring the space around you. It’s refreshing to breathe in the crisp air, especially when there’s a brief incoming rain storm. The river is calming, consistent, and certainly something worth sitting beside on a fall evening. It’s a good spot to read a book, sketch, paint, or do whatever fits your fancy :) It’s wonderful here!