Moderate Plus | Fun Colorado Hikes

Herman Gulch Trail

Herman Gulch Trail (TR 98) is a popular 5 mile roundtrip hike just off I-70 before reaching Loveland Ski Area (Exit 218). It is a well-maintained trail that connects to the Continental Divide Trail.

With fantastic mountain and valley views, elevation gain, and many wildflowers, this trail is a very popular area leading to the base of the Continental Divide. Patches of snow often last throughout the summer and wildflowers line the trail and fields.

After starting out on a level jeep trail, the trail then begins to head uphill continuing to Herman Lake – the elevation gain is significant from base to summit (1,600ft gain over a 2.5 mile distance). The gulch area has is all: beautiful streams, cascades, high peaks, valleys and lush meadows surround the trail. Fireweed and marsh lily grow along the wet areas. Coming up out of the woods above treeline, the trail steepens and offers views of the surrounding peaks, sometimes snow covered, as well as the tundra-like fields and flowers. The trail steepens and brings you up to the lake.

The view from the top is fabulous! With Herman Lake (a beautiful glacial lake) and the Continental Divide at your back, it is a crisp and refreshing hike. The tundra has subalpine flowers; take a close look because they grow low to the ground – tiny white and yellow flowers.

South Park Trail (TR 600) to Square Top Lakes

A beautiful, tundra hike to two glacial lakes. The views and the wildflowers along this trail are some of Colorado’s finest. The trail begins at the west Guanella Pass parking lot and travels south above treeline. The entire trail is without trees which allows you 360 degree views the entire hike.

The trail has a slow and steady incline up toward the two small glacial lakes at the base of Square Top Mountain. The trail is well traveled and it is best to hike early before the afternoon storms roll in. There are a multitude of wild flowers in summer that bloom all along the trail adding to the fantastic surroundings.

Best time of year to hike is mid-summer when all the snow has melted. The trailhead is at the peak of Guanella Pass Rd. Restrooms available at parking area.

For Guanella Pass Road Seasonal Conditions and Closure times click Colorado Dept. of Transport

Other hikes nearby that you may enjoy:
Rosalie Trail
Silver Dollar Lake Trail (#79)
Mt. Bierstadt Trail
Sporting Times Trail

Bierstadt Lake Trail (Rocky Mountain National Park)

Rocky Mountain National Park offers so many hiking trails that you will be sure to get on at least one that really has it all!! The Bierstadt Lake trail is uphill to the top (1.2 miles). The gradual uphill climb is a workout, but well worth every switchback.

There are fabulous views all the way. Rocky peaks, Aspen groves, grassy hills, wild flowers and at the end of the trail, a small lake.

The best part of this hike is that the lake is the perfect habitat for moose to hang out. We were fortunate enough to be there at the right time – a female moose was feeding on the grass in the lake. What a treat!!
Restrooms available at trailhead.

The Lake at the end of the trail offers the best picnic area around. Views, water and wildlife!

Three Mile Creek Trail TR #635

The Three Mile Creek Trail heads northwest into the Arapaho National Forest and Mt Evans Wilderness area through beautiful shady forest and over the Three Mile Creek. You may want to register your name in the brown box at the trailhead – the U.S. Forest Service monitors trail usage with the data from these type of lists.

You will enjoy crossing over the creek more than fifteen times!! Small wooden footbridges allow you to enjoy the creek and the surroundings from both sides of the water. Children will love to throw rocks and sticks in and watch them disappear down the hill.

You will eventually emerge from the pine forests into a green meadow filled with a variety of wildflowers and Aspen tree stands. While you are in this small valley, you will be surrounded by several mountains towering above you including: Spearhead Mountain elevation: 11,244 ft; Arrowhead Mtn. 11,209 ft.; and Kataka Mtn. 12,441 ft.

If you choose to complete the entire hike, you will hike 6 miles up to meet the junction with Rosalie Trail. The 12 mile roundtrip hike gains 2,780ft. where, after steeply ascending switchbacks in the trail at treeline, there are beautiful views of the surrounding Rockies (Mt. Evans, Mt Kataka and Bierstadt among others). Serious day hikers will love this scenic hike.

We usually hike in for a couple of hours then turn back. Turn around anywhere you feel like and the trip back down to the car is just as enjoyable as the hike in!

No Restrooms available at trailhead or parking area. (There is a rest station on the road (Rd 62) about 1 mile before you reach the parking lot and trailhead- your last chance).

Bergen Peak Trail at Elk Meadow Open Space Park

In the beautiful town mountain town of Evergreen lies Bergen Peak at Elk Meadow Open Space Park. This is a popular hike spot for locals as well as vacationers. The trail offers easy access by car, ample parking and a variety of well-maintained trails. The trail that we enjoy with our family (Meadow View Trail connecting with Bergen Peak Trail) slowly ambles up the side of Bergen mountain above the expansive Elk Meadow that you will get glimpses of as you go.

The trail, shaded by huge Ponderosa Pines, offers views of the town below, Denver in the distance, Aspen tree stands, cool and lush ground coverage and the towering Bergen Peak. The climb is long and uphill with switchbacks taking you to the top of Bergen Peak – a hike well worth the effort. The top offers great views.

Some history about the area: Elk Meadow was a ranching area for cattle since the 1870’s and purchased by Jefferson County beginning in the 1970’s. Grab a map at the trailhead to take with you.

Picnic spot recommendations:
After hiking for about 35 minutes from Meadow View Trail and then onto Bergen Peak trail, and just off the side of the trail looking south, there are some beautiful views of the foothills – we like to picnic here. If you would prefer, there are also picnic tables near the parking area. Restrooms available at trailhead.

Three Challenging Hikes

An avid, out-of-state backpaker asked for some moderate-to-strenuous day hikes that he might try on a week’s visit to Colorado. Specifically, he asked for hikes around 10-12 miles long in early June. I responded with the following recommendations. Can anyone think of other day hikes that might fit this hiker’s criteria?

[My Response:] You picked an interesting year to come out and hike in early June. Colorado mountains, while plains areas are experiencing drought, have accumulated 150-200% of normal snowfall this winter. That means in early June, a lot of snow will still remain on the higher peaks and trails. Call the forest service for up to date weather information as you arrival time draws near.

U.S. Forest Service
Rocky Mountain Region
740 Simms St
Golden, CO 80401
303-275-5350

Since you’re a backpacker you probably already carry a compass, maps, high energy food, water, first aid kit, fire materials, sunscreen, rain gear and warm layers of clothing. Also, lightning is the number one threat in Colorado springtime hiking so watch the sky, know when to get cover and when to get away from lightning rods, and eject all metal while squatting low until threats pass if it gets imminently threatening. Altitude itself can be an issue as well. Drink extra water and realize that on steep ascents your hiking speed may be slowed to 1 mph (but going down makes up for it at 4+ mph).

If you were coming later in the season, I’d suggest hiking a fourteener like Mt. Bierstadt which is considerably shorter but more strenuous than other suggested hikes. But the snow will be too much of an obstacle for that in early June without snowshoes and perhaps other equipment. You don’t say how many days you are wanting to hike, but I’ll give you some options for day hikes relatively close to Denver. Since you’re looking for day hikes closer to Denver, there are a variety of close hikes of that distance where snow is minimal.

: Deer greeting at Hall Ranch.

1. Hall Ranch to Button Rock: One hike with a variety of terrain that I would suggest is in Hall Ranch Open space in Boulder County. It starts out in low desert terrain and ascends into alpine meadows. We have never failed to see herds of deer whenever we go to Hall Ranch. A challenging hike would be to take the Night Hawk trail 4.7 miles to where it joins the Button Rock Preserve trail and take the extra 2 miles to the Button Rock Reservoir for a round trip of 13.4 miles. You can always decide you’ve had enough at the 4.7 mile mark and cut the trip to a 9.4 mile hike. Toward the 4 mile mark you’ll see views of Longs Peak in the distance and it should still be snow-capped by June 7th.

To get to Hall Ranch from Denver, take 6th Ave. West to Golden and follow CO 93 through Boulder to US 36 to Lyons to Hwy 7. (Left lane out of Lyons). Be careful driving through Lyons. The local town council prefer to derive revenue via their local constabulary rather than by the interchange of goods and services. My Dad used to drive delivery trucks through Lyons and warned me years ago and sure enough, every time we drive through Lyons some poor soul is pulled over getting a ticket. I’ve seen guide books direct people to Hall Ranch the long way up Boulder Canyon to Hwy 7 and down from the west to avoid Lyons. Anyway, just be wary driving through town if you choose to go through Lyons.

2. Gem Lake to Bridal Veil Falls: If you’re feeling a bit more ambitious and want a moderate/strenuous hike a little farther away and higher up with

: Gem Lake reflects the beauty that gives it its name.

spectacular views and a chance to see wildlife, a great 12.8 mile hike is to park at the Lumpy Ridge Trailhead (el. 7750’ see attached map) and take the Gem Lake trail to Cow Creek and follow it to Bridal Veil Falls. You can follow the Gem Lake trail which is well used and well marked to Gem Lake (a pretty mountain pond at 1.8 miles). After snapping some photos, you can continue onward 1.1 miles to a fork. Here you can take inventory of how you’re feeling and if the morning ambition has waned, you take the left fork for a mile, you’ll end up at balanced rock and can head back to your car having seen some good sites and walked a grand total of 7.8 miles. If you’re feeling good that day, take the right fork for 1.7 miles until it intersects with Cow Creek. Follow the signs and the creek for 0.8 miles to another fork, again take the right fork and go one more mile to Bridal Veil Falls (el. 8900’). You’ll have to pick your way through some rock in spots where the trail grows questionable and faint but just keep an eye out for cairns and wear and it should be no problem. After you enjoy the falls, follow the same trek back to the car for a round trip of 12.8 miles. This hike gives you a taste of Rocky Mountain National Park without having to drive into the park and pay. If you know that you’re going to do a lot of hiking in RMNP, it pays to buy the annual pass ($40 in 2011). There are numerous connecting trails of greater distance in this same area.

From Denver take I-25 north to CO 34. Stay on CO 34 all the way to the Estes Park reservoir and look for MacGregor Avenue which passes by the world famous Stanley Hotel (where The Shining was filmed) and winds past some nice estates. Look for Lumpy Ridge Trail head signs and turn right on Devils Gulch Rd (CR 43) for nearly a mile. Turn left on Lumpy Ridge Rd. (more signs point the way). Follow this into the Lumpy Ridge trailhead parking lot. Get there early because the parking lot fills up (especially on weekends). The drive time will take you about an hour and ½.

Dorothy Lake near Arapaho Pass

3.Arapaho Pass & Dorothy Lake: If we experience enough snowmelt, Arapaho Pass is a great trail. Take out insurance on the rental car and if possible, get a 4wd vehicle for this one. Passenger vehicles and sedans can make the trip but in Spring, you never know what some of the runoff is going to do to the roads. You must travel 5 miles on gravel roads west of Eldora, which normally are relatively wide and pothole-free.

Start at the Fourth of July Trailhead at an elevation of around 8,500’ and end at Lake Dorothy at 12,061’. Lake Dorothy, a glacial lake carved out of barren rock above timberline at the base of Mt. Neva. The trail climbs the north side of the creek drainage making several switchbacks along the way. It gets above the thick trees pretty fast so that hikers can view the peaks fairly readily. In summer, you’ll see abundant wildflowers here. The trail will be soggy in early June and this June it may even have some snow to negotiate.

When you get to Arapaho Pass you’ll see great vistas to the west. It’s worth the extra distance and elevation to visit Lake Dorothy to the southwest. The round trip is only about 7.5 miles, but because of the elevation, fighting through some possible snow and avoiding Spring runoff, it will wear you down.
Take U.S. 36 to Boulder from Denver. In Boulder, get to Broadway and turn west on Arapahoe (CO 119) and follow Boulder Canyon to Nederland. From Nederland turn west on County Road 130, following signs for Eldora Ski Resort. Go through the town of Eldora. Continue westward as the pavement ends. Go right at the fork in the road. Drive four miles to the Fourth of July Trailhead.
There are many more trails even closer to Denver proper where you could do 8-12 miles easily. I picked these for their unique scenery and wildlife viewing opportunities. I’ve seen deer and elk every time I go to the Estes Park area where Gem Lake is. Tons of deer wander Hall Ranch. You may see marmots and pica along the trail to Arapaho Pass.

Hope this helps. Enjoy Colorado!

Crosier Mountain, Garden Gate, and Glen Haven Trails

Vistas of Longs Peak and Rocky Mountain National Park are available from Crosier Mtn

Nearby Towns: Drake / Glen Haven / Loveland / Estes Park

Elevation Gain: 2,250’
Trail Type: Up and back or large loop depending on skills

Topo Map: USGS 7.5-minute, 1:24,000-scale Glen Haven quadrangle
Description: There are 3 trails that go to Crosier Mountian within 8 miles of each other along CR 43 which branches off at Drake and parallels US 34 to its north.
1. The Garden Gate trailhead is encountered first and is closest to Drake. There is no visible sign from CR 43 but you’ll see a patch of gravel just before mile marker 13 across from an Angus cow pasture where cars obviously park on the south side of the road and you’ll spot some signs on the other side of a wooden gate (i.e. The Garden Gate). From here it’s 5.1 miles to the top of Crosier Mtn or 5.8 to where all 3 trails meet together.

Crosier Mountain trail confluence

The Garden Gate trail cuts briefly across a grassy meadow and starts elevating via switchbacks in the trees until it rounds about a hill at the foot of a gully/canyon. Remains of the Bobcat fire of 2000 are seen across the gully along the ridges to the south and south east. Then you’ll go in and out of burn patches all the way up to the foot of the final ascent. As you go up the canyon, views of anciently scoured rocks loom above to the north and eventually you start the steep series of switchbacks up through some trees that shade the trail (and keep it icy in Spring). Once this levels out you’ll travel through more burn areas up to a set of boulders with great views of Longs Peak and Indian Peaks. Follow the remaining trail to the top of the mountain. You can either turn around here and head back the way you came or if you’re ambitious, return down the Rainbow/Gravel Pit trail 4 miles and then loop back another 3 miles along the private land trail (be sure and shut the gates) for a long 12 mile hike. Or if you were smart and in a larger group and had two cars you could leave one at the Rainbow / Gravel Pit trailhead and take the other to Garden Gate.

Rainbow TH sign from the 'Gravel Pit.'

2. About halfway between mile markers 10 and 9 on CR43 you’’ll find the Gravel Pit or Rainbow trailhead also on the left-hand side of the road as you’re headed toward Glen Haven. Officially, Crosier Rainbow Trail No. 981, this is a pleasant 4 mile ascent to the top of Crosier Mountain and is pretty well forested with a variety of pines , spruces, and aspens along the way. A few miles in, you’ll see a small wooden sign labeling Table Rock which has good views of the CR43 valley and sites to the east and north and some snowy peaks to the west. Soon afterward, there is

Aspens on Crosier Rainbow Trail

large aspen grove with very large old growth trees that would display nice golden leaves in the Fall. Continue onward about nearly another mile to a fork in the road where all 3 trails converge. The sign points to Crosier Mountain Trail no. 931 in both directions (left and right), it tells you that the Glen Haven trailhead is two miles to the west on your right, and finally that Garden Gate TH is 5.8 miles on your left. Fortunately, someone penciled in that fact that the route to the peak summit is also to your left. From this point it’s a little over a mile to the top of Crosier Mountain. The trail in this area is very sunken and places with ground level frequently a foot above the trail bottom. The trail trench was also narrow in some spots, which made walking difficult. Follow the lefthand trail (it also is the way 5.8 miles back to the Garden Gate trailhead so keep a close eye out for the Crosier Mountain ascent). If you start heading down and east and then northeast through a canyon, you’ll know you’ve passed Crosier Mountain and are headed to Garden Gate trailhead.

3. In the town of Glen Haven you’ll find the shortest of the 3 trails, the Glen

Typical Crosier Mtn trail terrain

Haven route. Some folks suggest parking at the small Glen Haven post office. There is a dirt road/driveway leading south just past the red horse stable. There is also a brown sign reading, “Crosier Mountain TH”. The trail starts about 150’ up this dirt road and is marked. Once away from Glen Haven, the trail is on public land, but private land, some marked by barbed wire fence, is close by. From here, it is about 4.1 miles to the summit (8.2 miles round trip) with a starting elevation of 7,700 and ending once again, at 9,250ft. The rocky trail leads up and to the right. This trail climbs generally south with some east thrown in for good measure. After awhile you’ll see Piper Meadows, then the trail climbs for about 2,000’ and four miles to the summit of Crosier Mountain. Piper Meadows, the expanse to the right of the trail about a mile up, is mostly private. Watch for elck along the trail near Piper Meadows. Not far above that, the trail switchbacks east into forest and soon reaches a saddle. There a trail comes up from the Barrow Pit Trailhead and you’re at the crossroads of the 3 trails. Follow the trail southeast until you meet up with the summit ascent. Again, keep a sharp eye out for the summit trail because if you miss it, you’ll be heading back to Garden Gate if you’re not careful.

• Time drive from Denver: About an hour and 30 minutes depending on traffic and which trailhead you take.
• Level of difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous to Difficult (the trail heads rate them difficult but as trails go, they’re not bad in terms of altitude or ruggednes), although the final hump up the mountain is steep as is the ascent from the Garden Gate meadow and canyon up onto the burned meadow just before Crosier Moutain. Parts of the trail can also be icy in Spring. Near the top of the Garden Gate trail we found remains of a mountain lion’s meal and cat tracks but saw none.

• Take I-25 S toward Loveland
Take the Loveland exit for US-34 West to Drake
Once out of Drake, take the right-hand fork known as CR 43 also known as Devil’s Gulch Road and follow the signs for Glen Haven.
Once you’re past Drake, look for the mile markers (they are small). Right around marker 13 is the Garden Gate trailhead, just past mile marker 10 a ¼ to ½ mile is the Rainbow Trailhead. And the final Glen Haven trailhead is in town behind the Post Office.

Nighthawk Trail – Hall Ranch to Button Rock

Hall Ranch to Button Rock: One hike with a variety of terrain that I would suggest is in Hall Ranch Open Space in Boulder County. It starts out in low desert terrain and ascends into alpine meadows. We have never failed to see herds of deer whenever we go to Hall Ranch. A moderate hike would be to take the Night Hawk trail 4.7 miles to where it joins the Button Rock Preserve trail. A more challenging hike would be to hike the extra 2 miles to the Button Rock Reservoir for a round trip of 13.4 miles. You can always decide you’ve had enough at the 4.7 mile mark and cut the trip to a 9.4 mile hike. Toward the 4 mile mark you’ll see views of Longs Peak in the distance and it should still be snow-capped by June 7th. Grab a map at the trailhead.

Burro Trail

Burro Trail is in Golden Gate Canyon State Park. It is one of the more challenging hikes in the park and is just a 30 minute drive from Golden and west Denver. This is a favorite hike leading to ‘Windy Peak’ where you have great 360 degree views of the mountains and the park below.

Burro Trail has areas of pines, small meadows with aspens, wildflowers and rock outcrops at ‘Windy Peak’. There are also areas where the trail is rugged with rocks and fairly steep. It’s good to wear sturdy hiking shoes and plan for some places where the trail has loose dirt and rock. The trailhead is located at Bridge Creek – grab a map at the park entrance for reference.

You may also be interested in Raccoon Trail or Mountain Lion Trail - both in Golden Gate Canyon State Park.

Picnic Spot Recommendations:
We enjoy eating lunch up at Windy Peak or at one of the picnic grounds within the park (there are many).

Evergreen Mountain Trail

Evergreen Mountain Trail West offers a pleasant hike through pine forest with great views of the surrounding mountains including Mt. Evans and the town of Evergreen. This trail begins at the Alderfer Three Sisters Park (Jefferson County Open Space). Park at the west lot to begin your hike up Evergreen Mountain. The trail is on the south side of Buffalo Park Rd. (opposite side than the parking lot).

photo courtesy Tony Parker

The trail will take you through the forest on a well maintained and well traveled dirt trail. Stop along the way for views through the trees, and wildlife, or to picnic. The long uphill hike is worth every effort when you reach the rocky summit because the views are fantastic!
Another great hike at Alderfer Three Sisters Open Space Park is: Sisters Trail.

For a more detailed map of the park click here Jefferson County Open Space Alderfer Three Sisters

photo courtesy of Tony Parker

photo courtesy of Tony Parker

Photo courtesy of Tony Parker

Photo courtesy of Tony Parker

Hoosier Pass – Mt. Lincoln Trail

This scenic hike up the side of Mt. Lincoln begins at Hoosier Pass (elevation 11,540). Just getting to the pass is a scenic drive through the famous ski town of Breckenridge, along the winding State Route 9. As you stand on top of Hoosier Pass, you are in a truly unique setting because here you are surrounded by 3 of Colorado’s Fourteeners: Mount Cameron, Quandry Peak and Mount Bross.

The parking lot on the southwest side of Rt. 9 is where the trail begins. You will recognize it by the Mt. Lincoln elevation sign (a great place to take a family photo) and the jeep trail ruts. Follow the trail through the trees and begin your ascent along the jeep trail. It will come to a branch and you will need to follow the left branch along the dirt road. You will hike out of the trees and begin up the mountain.

On the left side of the trail, down a huge slope, is the beautiful water of Montgomery Reservoir. Depending on the time of year that you visit, you may see icebergs in the water. You will also catch glimpses of the valley to the east toward the town of Alma.

There are fantastic 360 degree view of the Rockies as you reach the top of the trail. The alpine terrain is beautiful with lush short grass and dwarflike flowers. Follow the #208 trail up past the shed, to the gate/fence and loop back down 208 to the main trail for your descent. A rigorous trail up, but it’s worth the views!

No restrooms available at trailhead or parking lot.

photo from Hoosier pass parking lot

Hell’s Hole Trail (TR #53)

Hell’s Hole (trail #53) is a hiking trail that begins at the Chicago Creek picnic ground (west of Idaho Springs). The trail is a 4 1/2 mile hike to the base of Gray Wolf Mountain – a place called Hell’s Hole. The trail ends at the base of the mountain in an open meadow. The area is gorgeous! With an open alpine meadow and small creek surrounded by high peaks, this place is worth the long hike!

The trail is well-maitained by the U.S. Forest Service and is moderately traveled. The trailhead begins in the Chicago Creek picnic area then passes through tall aspen stands, steep slopes, and pine forest. It is mostly an uphill climb and will take you a better part of the day to hike in and back out again. We had a picnic at the end of the trail (in Hell’s Hole) and just spent time taking in the beauty. A fantastic hike with great views!

Restrooms Available at trailhead.