FunColoradoHikes Blog

Wanted to hike Mt Sherman with my two sons this weekend (Father’s Day, June 21). I posted on fourteeners.com and summitpost.com to ask about conditions up there.  I got a response and found out that there is still a significant amount of snow up there - we don’t have the gear for hiking through snow, so we’ll try that fourteener in August!

Posted by funhikes under Around Colorado, Hikes, Hiking Trails
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Trail Difficulty: Moderate.

Trail Length: Section: 2 miles round trip

Trail Description: Rocky Mountain National Park’s trail map includes the Alpine Ridge Trail (beginning at Milner Pass/Poudre Lake).  It is a gradual climb through forest with peeks of the surrounding Rockies.  The trail is reminiscent of a hike you might find in the northwestern U.S.  It is lush and green with shady sections.  Wooden stairs occasionally lead you up the mountain. 

The Alpine Ridge Trail connects the Alpine Visitor Center to the Milner Pass parking area.  Check your map. We started at the Milner Pass end and hiked in about an hour before turning back. Restrooms available at trailhead. 

 Milner Pass is on the Continental Divide (water flows to the Pacific on one side and to the Gulf of Mexico on the other).

Picnic Spot Recommendations: We would recommend eating at the picnic ground at Lake Irene, just a couple minutes down the road from Milner Pass.  It offers tables, a short trail to the lake, and restrooms.

Travel time: Approximately 45 minutes once inside Rocky Mountain National Park. How to get there: From Estes Park take Hwy 36 into the Beaver Meadows Entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park. The Visitor Center is a good stop to make too.  At the park entrance get a map and follow Hwy 36 which turns into Trail Ridge Rd. After passing the Alpine Visitor Center keep your eyes open for Poudre Lake and Milner Pass.

Posted by funhikes under Hikes, Hiking Trails, Rocky Mountain National Park Recommended Hikes
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We love to hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. We have done several trails in the park with our kids. Most are moderate to easy and all of them have wonderful scenery. Some of those that we like best are Deer Mountain Trail, Alluvial Fan Trail, Bierstadt Lake Trail (saw a moose on that one), Alberta Falls Trail, Alpine Ridge Trail (south section).

Posted by funhikes under Hikes, Hiking Trails, Rocky Mountain National Park Recommended Hikes
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Lily Pad Lake Trail is a great 3.5 round trip easy-grade trail for the whole family - fun, scenic and an area full of wildlife (namely beavers, as well as elk and perhaps moose). Less than 90 minutes drive west of Denver. The hike leads to lower Lily Pad Lake and upper Lily Pad Lake.

Experience some of Colorado’s famous wilderness; with beaver ponds along the way.

If you will be in summit county this summer, make the drive to the Lily Pad Lake Trail. Click here for more details and driving directions.

Posted by funhikes under Hikes, Hiking Trails
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