Difficult Trails
Difficult trails are steep and/or long, and require good physical conditioning,
and acclimation to the high altitude in the park.
- Boulder Field
-
- Boulder-Grand Pass
-
Past the Lake of the Winds, it's a windy walk on the tundra, trail faint
- Bowen Lake
-
A long, gradual climb through thick forest to the lake.
- Bowen Pass
-
Bowen Pass is part of the Arapahoe National Forest, and is a steep, short hike from Bowen Lake.
- Butler Gulch
-
Snowshoe, telemark and cross-country ski.
- Continental Divide National Scenic Trail
-
On November 10,1978, the President signed the "National Parks and Recreation Act" amending the "National Trails Act of 1968." The amended legislation addressed the proposed Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDNST). Congress directed the Forest Service to prepare and submit a comprehensive plan for the management and use of the... [more]
- Crystal Lake
-
- Deer Mountain in the Winter
-
"The route up Deer Mountain begins in a stand of mature ponderosa pine and winds upward past lodgepole pine, aspen, and limber pine to the summit plateau, which offers spectacular views of the Continental Divide. While the lower trail generally has little snow, you can expect packed and drifted snow... [more]
- Eugenia Mine
-
Site of an old mining operation. Look around for old equipment.
- Flattop Mountain
-
Easiest hike to the Continental Divide.
- Flattop Mountain (from Green Mountain)
-
- Hallet Peak
-
- Haynach Lakes
-
Long, beautiful hike on a trail mostly used by backpackers.
- La Poudre Pass
-
- Lake Nanita
-
- Lake Nokoni
-
- Lake of the Clouds
-
This trail offers a barren and rocky landscape, and the last section is difficult to access.
- Lion Lake No. 1
-
Awesome views of high peaks, remote, well worth the long hike
- Lion Lake No. 2
-
Snowbanks last late into the summer
- Longs Peak
-
The crown jewel of Rocky hiking, start EARLY (beat the weather and get a parking spot), and buy the guide book or download the Park's brochure. Make a virtual visit to Longs - check out these videos and images!... [more]
- Montgomery Pass - Winter
-
The trail rises steeply through the trees for two miles, then breaks out of the trees just below Montgomery Pass itself. There is considerable avalanche danger on the steeper slopes in this area above tree line serious backcountry skiers can be seen on most slopes. On the descent be wary... [more]
- North Inlet Falls
-
- Pear Lake
-
Copeland Mountain rises dramatically from the edge of the lake.
- Potts Puddle
-
- Skeleton Gulch
-
- Snowbank Lake
-
No established trail, best views from tall rock outcrops nearby
- The Keyhole
-
- Thunder Pass
-
Once used by stage coaches, Thunder Pass is now an excellent trail, with the Michigan Lakes beyond it a must see.
- Trio Falls
-
Three different waterfalls in one area, great wildflowers
Explore!