The Big Thompson River is about 78 miles long and originates in the Rocky Mountains within the Forest Canyon. Big Thompson, or “The Big T,” as it’s nicknamed, is an easy river to follow as it goes along Highway 34, right beside higher populated areas like Loveland.

The Big Thompson River begins in the Forest Canyon, inside the Rocky Mountains. It flows west towards Moraine Park inside Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park, continuing along the path of Highway 34 all the way to Loveland. It keeps going west until it merges with the South Platte River south of Greeley.

Rocky Mountain National Park in northern Colorado spans the Continental Divide and encompasses protected mountains, forests and alpine tundra. It's known for the Trail Ridge Road and the Old Fall River Road, drives that pass aspen trees and rivers. The Keyhole Route, a climb crossing vertical rock faces, leads up Longs Peak, the park’s tallest mountain. A trail surrounding Bear Lake offers views of the peaks.