Tag: views

Bear Lake Trail

Bear Lake Trail

Bear Lake Views

Rocky Mountain National Park has many, many trails that lead to mountain lakes or ponds. One of the easiest to access is Bear Lake at the northeast end of the park (entering from Estes Park). The trail is an easy .5 mile hike on a flat, natural surface. It leads through the trees along the water’s edge and there are beautiful views of the mountains that flank the lake as well as the mountains that are far in the distance.

Bear Lake Trail

There are a few wooden benches along the path to rest and take in the scenery (also a good spot for a family photo). Cascades of water flow down the hills around the lake as well which are lovely. This is a beautiful area to wander and to relax at the water’s edge.

Bear Lake Trail View from far side

Duck at Bear Lake

This area is extremely crowded during the summer months with the high traffic. It is best to visit this hike early in the morning before the crowds or in the off-season when there are fewer park visitors. The shuttle to the Bear Lake parking lot is a very good alternative to finding your own parking place during summer months.

(Note: Major construction work on Bear Lake Road in 2012 & 2013 includes mandatory use of park shuttles May 29-Oct 9 between 9 am–4 pm, significant delays, and some night closures).

Parking Area at Bear Lake Road

The parking lot also serves as the trailhead of other hikes like, trail(s) to Nymph Lake, Dream Lake, Emerald Lake and Lake Haiyaha. Try one of these hikes for a longer trail with a mountain lake. Restrooms available at parking area.

Bear Lake Road Entrance RMNP

Views toward Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain

Berthoud Pass below US 40

Continental Divide Trail at Berthoud Pass

This trail is what anyone would expect from a Colorado hike – views, elevation, cool air, a well-defined path and wildflowers! The Continental Divide Trail at Berthoud Pass is a hike that will take you from the trailhead to above treeline offering spectacular views of the surrounding Rocky Mountains. Another great feature; it’s less than one hour from Denver!

Continental Divide trail sign

Starting up the Continental Divide trail at Berthoud Pass

Heading up the Continental Divide trail on the fire road

The trail begins to the right of the restrooms where the large sign for the Continental Divide Trail is located. Follow the wide trail to the right until you are on the fire road. The fire road is the first section of the trail that leads uphill through shady, cool woods. There are a few switchbacks as the trail leads up higher and higher.

Continental Divide trail on fire road

views from fire road on Continental Divide trail

Trail junction sign on Continental Divide Trail

The trail is a constant uphill ascent and the high elevation may slow some hikers’ usually-quick pace. Flowers bloom along the entire trail in the low-growing grass; look for Mountain Bistort, Indian Paint Brush, Purple Aster, and Tall Chiming Bells.

The trail narrows from the wide fire road to a narrow packed trail as it passes the junction marked with a mileage sign. Mt Flora is a 2 mile hike one way. Pick your destination; whichever one you choose, you will enjoy a beautiful trail the entire way. Up on top of the ridge the views just never end!

Trail toward Mt. Flora

Continental Divide Trail to Mt Flora

picnic on the Continental Divide Trail overlookinfg Winter Park

Berthoud Pass below US 40

We hiked out about 1/4 mile and stopped alongside the trail for a picnic. This was our destination with the little kids – making it a 2 mile roundtrip hike.

views looking north

hillside views from the trail looking toward Winter Park

Because of the elevation, it’s wise to hike early before afternoon storms roll across the mountains. Lightening danger is very high.
trail looking south
Return trip heading south on Continental Divide Trail

pink Indian Paintbrush flowers along the trail

Empire Colorado Main Street US 40
After descending Berthoud Pass on US Hwy 40, we stopped in Empire for some ice cream and cold drinks. Pick your place, they are all “Mom and Pop” eateries. We chose “Dairy King” and enjoyed the company of other summer travelers.
Dairy King in Empire, CO

Guanella Pass looking north

Sporting Times Trail on Guanella Pass

Silverdale Trailhead offers a series of hikes located in the beautiful Guanella Pass area just off the east side of the pass road. The area features a creek, open views of the valley, large stands of aspens, towering mountains and a scenic drive to and from the trail.

The trail(s) begin at Silverdale trailhead. It is located about 4 miles from Georgetown on Co Rd 381 (Guanella Pass Rd). The parking area is located just past the first reservoir and is well-marked. The trail begins just after you cross over the creek on the wooden foot bridge. Before you head out, stop at the trail map in the parking area and decide what route you will follow. There are no trail maps to take with you, and once on the trail, there are no trail markings. Plan your route before you set out because there are several trail intersections that can be confusing. You may want to print the map below and take it with you.

Trail Map - mark your route before heading out

To hike the easy Sporting Times Trail, go left at each junction. This trail is relatively wide and has some rolling hills as it heads north. Enjoy the pretty scenery that includes glimpses through the trees of the towering mountains in the pass as well as views of snow capped mountains in the distance. The other trails in the area are a little more difficult terrain but offer more fantastic views.
Trail 1

Trail 3

The trail is wide (an old fire road or jeep trail) and a very pleasant hike through the forest. About a half mile in, you will come to a steep climb. As you go up, look for the views – very nice!
Make the whole 4 mile hike in and out or just go for a portion; it’s an easy/moderate trail with pleasant views and it’s not a heavily populated trail – enjoy the peace and quiet.



Other trails in this area that you may enjoy are:
Rosalie Trail
South Park Trail to Square Top Lakes
Silver Dollar Lake Trail

Clear Creek County Trail Map

glacial lake

Silver Dollar Lake Trail #79

The trail begins at the first parking lot just off Guanella pass road (a new paved parking lot with plenty of spaces provided you get there early)- the first ¼ mile of the hike is a four-wheel drive road that leads to a second parking lot and the trail head.

This quiet hike is a continuous, gentle incline up to the lakes. It begins in an area of lodge pole pine forest, then through some willow scrub and eventually opens up with fewer trees and open hills. The surroundings are breathtaking as you come out above the forested area. The high snow-covered mountain peaks and boulder fields and forest around the lower lake are very beautiful. It can be cool and windy even in mid summer.

If you hike this trail before July, plan on hiking through some snow in shady areas. (We went in June and lost the trail several times because of the snow). One difficulty with this trail is that it is not clearly marked with signs so look for the dirt path and indicators of foot traffic if you lose the trail in the snow.

We chose to hike only to the first lake (Naylor Lake) because of the steep boulder field leading to Silver Dollar Lake. Eating on the top of the hill overlooking Naylor Lake was quite beautiful and refreshing with the sun and the brisk wind. Naylor Lake is private property so look for the signs indicating where the boundry is.

Restrooms only available at nearby campground.

Other hikes nearby that you may enjoy:
Sporting Times Trail
Rosalie Trail
Square Top Lakes Trail
Mt. Bierstadt Trail

10 Fantastic Rocky Mountain Hikes Near Denver - Mary Norton

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Looking east from Rosalie Trail

Rosalie Trail #603 at Guanella Pass

Beautiful mountains, and tundra surroundings encompass the Guanella Pass area! From the parking lot, Rosalie trail (Tr 603) heads south. The entire length of this trail is 14 miles but just hiking a short portion of 2.5 miles keeps you up above treeline until you meet Gomer Creek and its drainage (it then heads down into Abyss Trail and trailhead). We prefer the short portion of 1 mile in-and-out just for the views of the peaks, peaceful surroundings and cool air.

Its a good area to wander even if you aren’t up for a serious hike: take photographs, picnic, take-in the scenery and relax at an elevation of 11,700 ft. above sea level! If you have binoculars, you may see Rocky Mountain Big Horn sheep and/or mountain goats grazing on the side of Mt. Bierstadt!

Another short but interesting and fun trail heads east toward the valley – part of the beginning of Mt Bierstadt Trail. Hike down to the small pond or Gomer Creek and watch for wildlife; occasionally there are moose in the area.



The mountains that you will see include Mt. Bierstadt (14,060ft.), Mt. Evans (14,264 ft.), Geneva Mtn. (12,335 ft.) and others to the northwest. Straight ahead to the east is Mt. Bierstadt a very popular, “easy” fourteener. Many hikers, expert and beginner alike love this area.

Restrooms available at parking lot.

Other hikes in this area you may enjoy:
South Park Trail
Mt. Bierstadt
Silver Dollar Lake Trail
Sporting Times Trail

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

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Devil’s Head National Recreation Trail

Devil’s Head Trail begins by passing through several large Aspen stands that are quite beautiful; especially in autumn. The hike continues to wind its way up through Evergreen forest and around huge granite boulders. Through the breaks in the trees you will be able to catch several glimpses of the Eastern plains. The trail is well established and well maintained. It is a popular hike site and sees a lot of traffic.

The trail ends atop a massive granite outcrop where Devil’s Head Fire Tower Lookout is located. It is the last operating fire lookout on the Front Range. The staircase up to the fire tower is steep and not for the faint of heart. You will need to be cautious climbing these 143 steps. From the tower you will have a full 360 degree view of the Rockies and the eastern plains. Absolutely breathtaking!!

The station is manned during the summer months by a National Forest Service Ranger. Kids really enjoy climbing the tower and seeing the ranger at work in his/her post. It is one office that literally sits on top of the world. The trail is open year round, and the tower is accessible during the off-season as well. Devil’s Head Trail and campground (at the trailhead) are very busy during the summer. It is good to arrive early to avoid crowds and the frequent afternoon storms Colorado produces.

Restrooms are available at parking lot/trailhead AND at the base of the fire tower. Picnic spot recommendation:The ideal picnic site for this hike is at the end of the trail (on top of the mountain) at the base of the stairway that leads to the fire tower. There is a picnic table and a pleasant grassy area with huge pine trees – ideal for resting or even a good game of Frisbee.

st mary;s lake big

St. Mary’s Glacier Trail

This is a very popular hike that will lead you to some of the most breathtaking scenery around!

From the parking lot you will hike about ½ mile up a gentle slope. This trail is heavily used and it is rugged because it follows a boulder field. You will wind your way in and around these rocks for about 20 minutes until you reach the glacial lake and the ice field itself (St. Mary’s glacier is actually not a glacier, but an ice field).

Spectacular views! The trail ends here, but there are many little trails that will take you around the water, and/or up to the snow itself.


Plan to take your camera, your picnic and maybe even a sled if you are daring enough to try out the snow. Also plan to spend a good 30 minutes wandering around the area just enjoying the valley, the water, and the beauty.

Picnic Site Recommendations:
Take your lunch and eat at the lake. There are many places to spread your meal and enjoy the crisp cool air.

Note: There is now ample parking, with two parking lots close to the trail head. Porta potties are there as well as dog waste bag dispenser, trash & recycle cans, and the only year round maintained legal parking for the area. DON’T PARK ON THE ROAD! You will get a $62.50 ticket so $5 parking is worth it! The charge is $5 per vehicle, per day. No change given and no ATm’s. Cash and checks only (they no longer accept credit cards).

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view from Chief mtn

Chief Mountain Trail on Squaw Pass Road

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Rimrock Trail at Castlewood Canyon State Park

This trail offers wonderful views of the canyon as well as the surrounding mountains and rolling hills of Parker and Franktown. To access the trailhead, enter at the west entry of Castlewood Canyon State Park and park at the first parking lot (the Lucas Homestead Historic site).

Take the Rimrock Trail (M). The trail begins with a gradual descend down to the canyon floor and across Cherry Creek then makes a gradual climb up the side of the canyon.

During the fall, the colors of the scrub oak and leaf trees are spectacular! There are beautiful views overlooking the canyon and all along the trail from the trailhead. It’s a pleasant hike with areas of scattered shade.

The trail leads to the Dam Ruins Historic Site; either return by the same trail (M) or hook up to the Creek Bottom Trail (G) which will take you back to the parking lot by way of the creek rather than the top of the canyon walls. Grab a map at the trailhead to guide you.

Note:You may also enjoy: Inner Canyon Trail, or Creek Bottom and Cherry Creek Trail.

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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

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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!


Photo courtesy of Tony Parker

Arapaho Pass Trail to Diamond Lake

barn on elk meadow

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.