The trailhead is at Deer Ridge Junction just a couple of miles from the Beaver Meadows Entrance to the Rocky Mountain National Park (entering from the Estes Park side).The space for parking is limited along the side of the road so it is best to arrive early.

The trail begins its gradual ascent up the side of Deer Mountain in pine forest. This hike offers beautiful views all the way.The forest is not thick as you make your way up the first 3/4 of the trail allowing you to see surrounding peaks in the park. Views from the trail are plenty; you will see meadows, snow covered mountains, wildflowers on the hillsides and pine forests as you amble up the side of Deer Mountain.

After a series of switchbacks near the top of the mountain, you will finish your hike at the peak (elevation 10,013 ft.) with fantastic views of all the surrounding mountains and valleys in the park including Moraine Park and Longs Peak. Well worth the hike up!

The trail is well-traveled and well-maintained. During late spring and early summer, you may find snow in shady areas and at the top depending on the winter snowfall amounts. Ask a ranger at the visitor center for trail conditions. Other hikes inthe park you may enjoy: Alpine Ridge Trail

This is a breathtaking trail all the way. The Arapaho Pass Trail to Diamond Lake begins in shady woods at the Fourth of July trailhead.

It gradually winds its way up through the canyon at a steady climb. The scenery is fantastic with wildflowers, alpine meadows, babbling streams, waterfalls (near and far), snow fields, trees, rocks, and gorges.

This trail has it all! Including an intense waterfall crossing about halfway (1.5 mi.) along the trail to the lake. It’s a tricky place to keep your feet dry (it’s best to have waterproof hiking boots for this trail but regular hikers will do).

There are wooden planks crossing over areas of creek runoff and since there is a lot of water and snow in the area, it is best to hike this trail beginning in mid summer to avoid mud and water on the trail.

Diamond Lake is 2.5 miles from the trailhead and sits at the foot of the Continental Divide with beautiful views of the water, meadow and snowy mountains.

The trail is well traveled and maintained. Opportunities for fishing and camping at the lake are available.

The moderate hike is well worth all the pains of getting there.
The Fourth of July Trailhead is located at the end of Fourth of July Rd (Co Hwy 111) at the Buckingham Campground.

The road is narrow, very rocky and crowded with cars. A high clearance vehicle is best, but our mini van did make it despite the rocks and ruts in the road.

Photo courtesy of Tony Parker

It is best to hike this trail very early on a weekend morning or on a weekday to avoid crowds and to ensure you get a parking place. Restrooms available at campground.

Photo Courtesy of Tony Parker

Photo Courtesy of Tony Parker

Spring thaw has begun.

Bridal Veil Falls at the end of the Cow Creek Trail in Rocky Mountain National Park strolls along old McGraw Ranch roads and former riding trails through grassy meadows and rolling hills around the base of Sheep Mtn until it ascends through a thick aspen grove up the rocky cleft where the fall drops creating a picturesque cascade.

Plenty of trails extend from Cow Creek.

This easy to moderate trail is a good hike for families and will only take a little over an hour or two depending on your speed.   Only at the very end when stepping up rock does one need to take caution.  Some of larger rock slabs can be icy and slippery in the non-summer months and you’ll need to take caution at those spots, but otherwise the trail is fairly easy. Be cautious and alert for lightning especially when crossing open areas during thunder storms as well.

The main ranch house from the old McGraw Ranch, now a research center.

History:

The trail head starts at the old McGraw Ranch. The main house and some other buildings date from the 1880’s as part of the original ranch.  John and Irene McGraw purchased the ranch in 1909. Many of the outer bunkhouses date from between 1836 and 1988 when it was run as a guest ranch. The government took it over in 1988 and converted into offices and residence quarters for biological researchers. The National Park Service was going to raze all buildings like they did at Grand Teton and Glacier National Parks but the National Trust for Historic Preservation saved McGraw from similar policies. So if any of you are pursuing careers in biology or forestry, and even history or related social sciences, you might want to look into research opportunities at this prime spot.

Nearby Trails: Other nearby trails in the park you may enjoy include: The North Boundary Trail, Gem Lake, Lawn Lake, Rabbit Ears, Black Canyon, Lumpy Ridge, Balanced Rock

Travel time: About 10 minutes from Estes Park, or 95 minutes from Denver.

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

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.

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!

In the Arapaho National Forest you will surely enjoy this scenic hike beginning from the Junco Lake Parking Lot and Trailhead.

The Columbine Lake Trail takes you through a beautiful area of the Indian Peaks Wilderness through varying terrain. The trail is well-maintained and lightly-traveled and takes you on a gradual uphill climb to the lake. Some areas are flat and easy while other parts of the trail require you to climb over hills and rocks. At 1.8 miles on the Caribou Pass Trail, take the right fork towards Columbine Lake.

There is beautiful scenery from beginning to end. You will begin in pine forest, then move into open marshy meadow with brilliant wildflowers, past waterfalls and on to Columbine Lake at the end of the trail. At the top you will be pleasantly surprised by the beauty of the water, the water falls, and the Rocky Mountains that form the continental divide around you. At the foot of Mt. Neva, the lake is clear, shallow and contains trout. Tent camping is allowed in the area with a permit. Stay a while and enjoy the peace and quiet of the area.

Restrooms available along the road before you arrive at the trailhead.

Picnic spot recommendations:
Pack yourself a picnic to enjoy at Columbine Lake.

Rocky Mountain National Park includes the Alpine Ridge Trail. Beginning at Milner Pass/Poudre Lake,it is a gradual uphill climb past towering rocks, the still water of Poudre Lake and then through forest with peeks of the surrounding Rockies

The trail is well maintained, moderately used and reminiscent of a hike you might find in the northwestern U.S. It is lush and green with shady sections and beautiful greenery. Wooden stairs occasionally lead you up the mountain. The climb is through pines and aspens and pleasant wooded areas. The trail will gradually come out of the trail onto the open tundra heading up toward the Apline visitor center. A fantastic trail that offers a variety of micro climates and views!

The Alpine Ridge Trail connects the Alpine Visitor Center to the Milner Pass parking area (elevation change of 1,038 ft. from end to end). Check your map. We started at the Milner Pass end and hiked in about an hour before turning back. (If you are feeling courageous, hiking the entire trail roundtrip will take a few hours).

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

Other trails in the area you may enjoy: Bridal Veil Falls Trail, Bierstadt Lake Trail, Deer Mountain Trail, Alberta Falls Trail

Restrooms available at trail head.
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.

Park Trail Map

Bierstadt Lake Trail

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).