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Hiking Trails, Grand Lake area and Rocky Mountain National Park
By PK | October 2, 2008
There are many trails for the hiker enthusiast, ranging from easy to moderate to difficult, and this is a great time for viewing wildlife and scenic vistas with the onset of fall colors. Listed are some of the area trails for hiking.
Just remember when viewing wildlife, elk bulls are very protective of their herds and will charge if approached. Keep your distance. It is unlawful to use artificial flash while photographing any wildlife, whether you’re inside the Rocky Mountain National Park or not. Do not attempt to call them using cow callers or buglers and is also unlawful within the RMNP. Bull elks during rut will rush forward in search of a cow call if without a herd of cows. To do so, may inflict harm to you or others nearby.
Respect any private land boundaries when hiking. Some trails listed, such as the North Inlet Trail, leads through a section of private land. Colorado has stiff fines against trespassing on private land.
Maps - these maps were created by me using Google Earth. You can download Google Earth and enjoy a fuller version of these trails, some with uploaded copyrighted photos to view. The green lines represent private land boundaries.
Remember Trail Ridge Road is seasonal and closes during the winter months. Blogging Us recommends using a GPS navigation device when hiking and always be aware of sudden changes in weather. At higher altitudes it is not unusual for snow, sleet, or ice even during the summer months. Blogging Us does not assume any responsibility for the accuracy of these maps and information provided and should only be used as a guideline. It is further recommended to visit a local forestry office or visitor center at RMNP for additional information and maps.
But, foremost, enjoy your hike and the wonderful views.
Shadow Mountain Lookout is a historic fire lookout tower with panoramic views and on the National Registry of Historic Places. Starting elevation is 8390, ending elevation is 9923′ and 4.8 miles one way making this hike moderate. Directions - driving into town, bear right at the Sombrero Stables and turn right at the first street and go until you run out of paved road.
Adams Falls and East Inlet Trail has an excellent vantage point to view Mt. Craig. The short loop stroll to Adams Falls is .3 miles. There are side trips to Lone Pine Lake (5.3 miles from falls, elevation approx. 9500′), Lake Verna (6.9 miles from falls, elevation over 10,000′), and Spirit Lake (7.5 miles from falls, elevation over 10,000′). No campfires so bring a stove. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter, no snowmobiles or pets allowed. The East Inlet Trailhead is on the west side of the Continental and the east side of Grand Lake. From Grand Lake go to West Portal Road and follow the signs for the boat launch area along the eastern shore of Grand Lake, trail is opposite of the boat launch. Hike up the East Inlet Trail until you reach a trail (loop) to the right (south) for the falls.
Cascade Falls and North Inlet Trail is a mild trail through open meadows and dense lodgepole stands to the base of Cascade Falls (3.4 miles, elevation 8840′). Further on about one mile is the Big Pond, a small but attractive waterfall that drops into a deep basin. When water is plentiful makes for a great swimming spot. Moose and Elk are commonly seen along the north inlet corridor. The North Inlet Trailhead is located near Grand Lake. Take 278 towards Grand Lake, then bear left onto a paved road. Look for the sign pointing towards Tonahutu and North Inlet Trailheads. To read and view photos of this trailhead and read about our experience, click here.
The Tonahutu Trail leads to Big Meadows and deep into the Rocky Mountain National Park, (elevation 8560′ and is 3.2 miles). It’s also designated for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Drive east on from Highway 34 to 278 toward Grand Lake. Take a left at all forks in the road until you reach the parking lot.
Green Mountain Trail is a short day hike trail connecting with The Tonahutu Trail. The trailhead is 3.5 miles north of the park entrance, (elevation 8794′). Hikes from this trailhead include the easy Valley Trail, (a 5.5 mile loop), a more moderate hike is the Granite Falls, (5.2 miles, elevation 9840′), and difficult hikes are Haynach Lakes (8.3 miles, elevation 11080′) or Flattop Mountain (10.3 miles, elevation 12324′).
Onahu Creek Trail is separated by only a half mile from the Green Mountain Trail and connects with the unmaintained Long Meadow Trail. There are discrepancies on the length of Onahu Creek Trail, park signs corroborate it being 1.6 miles, elevation 8792′. The Long Meadow Trail should only be hiked by experienced, physically fit hikers as the trail is not easily marked and is challenging.
Bowen/Baker Gulch Trail takes you to the Never Summer Wilderness Area. Trailhead is off Trail Ridge Road on your left. Road remains open past this trailhead during the winter. The destination is Parika Lake, (10.1 miles round trip, beginning elevation 8864′, ending elevation 11,360′). This is a moderate hike and hunters are allowed in some areas, so beware.
Timber Lake Trail is a moderate hike back to Timber Lake, (9.6 miles round trip beginning elevation 9000′, ending elevation 11,060′). Aspens in the beginning of this hike would make a nice fall hike. Elk, moose and deer inhabit this area.
Colorado River Trail is 9.5 miles north of the park entrance on Hwy 34, (elevation 9010′). It has a picnic area and a wealth of hiking experiences available. Shipler Cabins 2.4 miles; Lulu City, an easy hike to the site of a 1880’s mining town, 3.6 miles; Little Yellowstone is a moderate hike of 4.5 miles (elevation 10,031′) ; Hitchings Cabin 6.0 miles; Dutch Town 6.2 miles; more difficult hikes are Lake of the Clouds, 6.9 miles (elevation 11,250′) or take La Poudre Pass to cross the Continental Divide, 8.2 miles (elevation 10,511′) or Thunder Pass (6.9 miles, elevation 11,331′), a route once used by stage coaches.
Alpine Ridge Trail is located at the Alpine Visitor Center on top of Trail Ridge Road. A short climb of 200′ to reach a high point of 12, 005′. Keep in mind that the extra climb is strenuous at this altitude. The trail continues past this high point to some incredible views.
Milner Pass - Fall River Pass Trail is located about 18 miles from Grand Lake on Trail Ridge Road. From Estes Park, drive through the entrance to RMNP and it is located about 4 miles from entrance. Milner Pass is where Trail Ridge Road crosses the Continental Divide. Access to this trailhead is closed when Trail Ridge Road closes from autumn through late spring.
Crater Trail is located near upper section of Poudre River Trail off the Trail Ridge Road. Beginning elevation is 11,480 feet, elevation gain is 730 feet and is 1 mile long. The hike ends above timberline at the rim of an enormous concavity shaped like the crater of a volcano.
Poudre River Trail is located off the Trail Ridge Road in the RMNP. This lightly traveled trail is moderate to difficult with a round-trip length of 18 miles. Beginning elevation is 10,750 feet and ending is 9,750 feet. Portions of this trail is un-maintained and unmarked.
Grand Ditch Trail is accessible from the Colorado River Trailhead on the west side of the Park. Take the Lulu City Trail for about .5 miles to its intersection with the Red Mountain Trail, then 3.2 miles to the Grand Ditch Trail. Overall elevation is 10,200 feet, elevation change is 2,254 feet. This trail is 11.4 miles in length and is considered an easy hike with a minimal usage by hikers.
Coyote Valley Trail is located about 33.9 miles on Trail Ridge Road from the Beaver Meadows Entrance on the eastern side of the RMNP or 6.8 miles from the Grand Lake Entrance on the west side of the road. Length is only .5 miles with an elevation of 8,850 feet and an elevation change of 40 feet.
Facts to Remember when hiking in RMNP
The Rocky Mountain National Park is a designated natural area and its purpose is to preserve and protect the park’s natural conditions and scenic beauties, and wildlife.
Dogs are predators. Dogs can chase, scare and transmit diseases to wild animals. Dogs leave behind a ‘predator’ scent typical of all wild animals like coyotes. This scent can linger in the area for long periods of time and can disrupt or alter behavior of the native animals this park protects. Pets may dig or trample fragile vegetation. Your pet could become prey for wildlife, including coyotes, mountain lions, bobcats and owls.
Pet owners violating park regulations will be cited, fined, and/or issued a mandatory appearance before the United States Magistrate Court in Denver.
Pets are prohibited in all areas of the Rocky Mountain National Park not accessible by motor vehicles, including all trails and meadows.
Pets may accompany you in the following areas of the park: Along established roads or in parking areas and within established campgrounds and picnic areas. Pets must be kept on leashes no longer than six feet. Pet owners must pick up and dispose of pet excrement in trash receptacles. Pets may not make noise that impacts visitors or wildlife. Owners must be with pets at all times. Pets may not be left unattended in vehicles, left tied to vehicles, trees or other objects.
Leashed pets are permitted on some RMNP roads when those roads are closed in winter to motor vehicles. Check with a visitor center or call 970-586-1206 for current status.
Service animals that have been individually trained to perform specific tasks for the benefit of persons with disabilities are allowed in the park.
Doggy daycare, boarding facilities and veterinary clinics are available in nearby communities.
(The Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forest surrounds the RMNP on all sides. All trails in the national forest are open to pets. Some trails require pets to be leashed. Always check for local conditions.)
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Topics: Colorado, Hiking, Camping, Fishing, |
6 Responses to “Hiking Trails, Grand Lake area and Rocky Mountain National Park”
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October 2nd, 2008 at 10:06 pm
There is a lot of work that has gone into this with good sound advice and suggestions all round. The technolical advanced mapped pictures are a crucial element to the suggested trails.
October 4th, 2008 at 6:06 am
I enjoyed reading this article, in fact, I read it all. The photos are so beautiful. I hope some day I can hike in the Rocky Mountain Natinal Park. This looks like it should be on everyone’s “bucket list”. Can’t wait to see your next post.
October 4th, 2008 at 9:08 am
Oh how interesting! I enjoy your stories and pictures so much. I didn’t know it was against the law to use flash.
October 7th, 2008 at 4:08 pm
Hey PK! You sure get to see a lot of country! Hope you are bundled up and staying warm! (couse, all that hiking, you probably have to peel off layers as you go
)
I never knew that about flashes for photos of wildlife! Learn something new today! Thanks.
Barb
October 8th, 2008 at 7:58 am
Martin, thanks for visiting. You are right, a lot of research goes into an article about hiking. When I hiked in that area, it inspired me to write about the trails there. I truly didn’t know what I had bit off until I got started, and then I just had to finish it!
Karen from Campergoods, thanks for visiting. I also hope you get the chance to visit this wonderful state. There are many trails and you never tire of the scenery. Good luck to you!!
Karen from Karensroad, glad you stopped by again and have enjoyed the pics and stories. I’ve been slacking lately in writing, too many other duties calling to me.
Barb, That was unusual on Sunday. Started out bundled up, then as the sun rose, peeled off. The snow/ice surprised us, all the layers went back on, then 20 minutes later, off again. You know the saying, “If you don’t like the weather in Colorado, wait five minutes. It’ll change!” How true!! Thanks for visiting!
December 12th, 2008 at 1:50 pm
You have to be ready for the weather to change in a blink of an eye. Isn’t amazing how quick it can change! Although, I love it much more when it starts cold and Then the sun comes out, not the other way around, especially during the shoulder seasons! Check out these pictures of some sweet Estes Park Central Photo Gallery