Trek the Thompson
Sunday, July 12th 2026
An annual community celebration of the Big Thompson River
Join us to celebrate the Big Thompson River
Sunday, July 12th
9am-1pm
Loveland Farmer's Market at Fairgrounds Park (700 S Railroad Ave)
Visit the Trek the Thompson website for more event details!
From its sparkling headwaters
in Rocky Mountain National Park to its confluence with the South Platte, the Big Thompson watershed provides the water we drink, the food we grow, the wood we harvest, the fishing and wildlife habitat we enjoy, and the beauty we treasure. Whether you are a resident within the watershed, a downstream water user, or one of millions who visit and explore the Big Thompson River every year, this waterway holds special value to the livelihoods and lifestyles of those connected to it.
Trek the Thompson is a free community celebration of the Big Thompson watershed located along the Big T River at Fairgrounds Park right next to the Loveland Farmer’s Market. The event features interactive stations where community members and watershed visitors can learn about the river, watersheds, wildlife, recreation, and all that the Big T provides for Northern Colorado.
In addition to interactive education stations, attendees can also sign up for a guided river trek, including bird watching, collecting river bugs, and a river systems walk and talk, plus you can spin our prize wheel to win some market bucks to spend at the Famer’s Market!
So, bring your kids, dogs, and friends and join us to celebrate one of Loveland’s most treasured resources!
Event Details
Trek attendees are welcome to arrive anytime during the event which starts at 9am and ends at 1pm. Upon arrival you will receive a Trek tote bag with more information about the event and educational activities. Attendees can visit the interactive watershed education stations, join a guided trek, and stop by the Farmer’s Market to grab all your market goodies.
What you get for attending:
- A free Trek the Thompson tote bag
- Interactive education about the Big T River and watershed
- Free educational resources and swag from our exhibitors
- Opportunity to snag market bucks to use at the Farmer’s Market
Education Stations
Ready for Anything: Emergency Preparedness & Recreational Safety
meet your local firefighters, check out their rescue boat and fire engines, and learn about how you can be prepared for emergency situations with Loveland Fire Rescue Authority.
From Fire to Fresh Growth: Wildfire Recovery
check out our interactive enviroscape and how wildfires can impact our waterways and lands for years after the flames are extinguished. Led by Big Thompson Watershed Coalition and Larimer Conservation District.
What’s new in Loveland’s Natural Areas
looking to find new recreational opportunities in the watershed? Learn about Loveland’s trail systems and upcoming river and trail projects with the City’s Open Lands & Trails department.
Watershed Watch: Loveland’s Role in Keeping Water Clean
Stormwater can bring pollutants into our waterways, learn how the City manages and treats our stormwater. Led by the City of Loveland’s Public Works department.
Where Water Goes: River Systems & Storage
Water is everywhere from our taps, to our reservoirs, to ditches and fields – learn about how we manage this important natural resource and how it gets from point A to B to Z with Northern Water.
How Native Plants Benefit Our Watershed
learn about Colorado’s native plants, make native seed balls, and go on a scavenger hunt to ID native plants with Wildlands Restoration Volunteers!
Bugs & the Big T: What Aquatic Insects Tell Us
see live macroinvertebrates and learn how to flycast from local experts with Rocky Mountain Flycasters.
Fire on the Land: Adapting Forests to Wildfire
see how fire moves differently through treated vs untreated forests with our burn board and learn why forests are so important for watershed health. Led by Big Thompson Watershed Coalition, The Ember Alliance, and Colorado State Forest Service.
Meet Northern Colorado's Wildlife
learn about Northern Colorado’s wildlife, where you can find them and more from the City of Loveland’s Open Lands and Trails department.
Growing in the Big T
The Big T supports all kinds of agriculture from backyard gardens to large-scale growing operations. Learn about agriculture in the Big T and tips and tricks for gardening at home with CSU Extension and the Master Gardeners!
Event Details
Trek the Thompson: 9am-1pm
♥ Full schedule coming soon!
Follow the Trek the Thompson Facebook page to stay up to date on all the event details including raffle prizes and to learn more about the event hosts
Trek the Thompson Sponsors and Planning Committee Members
