Trails in the northwest area of Rocky Mountain National Park
by Jesse Speer
|
by Jesse Speer
|
by Jesse Speer
|
Trails on the Grand Lake side of the Park are accessed from Trail Ridge Road (during the summer) or Colorado Highway 14 (year-round). Grand Lake is the nearest town to most trailheads.
- Baker Pass
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- Blue Lake (Cameron Pass)
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- Cache La Poudre River
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This trail ranges from "easy," to "difficult" depending on how far you feel like walking.
- Cameron Connection
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This trail connects the Cameron Pass parking area with the Zimmerman Lake parking area. From Cameron pass, ski or snowshoe from the northeast corner of the parking area following the blue diamonds. From the Zimmerman Lake parking area, carefully cross Highway 14 near the eastern parking lot entrance to find... [more]
- Chapin Pass
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- Green Ridge Road - Winter
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The trail (also used by snowmobiles) passes Lost, Laramie and Twin Lakes as it winds through the trees and old timber cuts. Views to the west are excellent. This trail eventually ends at the Deadman Road west of Red Feather Lakes. [http://www.fs.fed.us/r2/arnf/recreation/winter-rec/xcskisnowshoe/clrd/index.shtml]
- Joe Wright - Winter
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Easy figure-eight trail around Joe Wright Reservoir.
- La Poudre Pass
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- Lake Irene
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The Lake Irene area allows visitors access to a close-in picnic and scenic recreation area as they traverse Trail Ridge Road. There's a trail to an overlook past Lake Irene, eight picnic sites (three are accessible for people with disabilities) and a weather station that reports the temperature.... [more]
- Lake of the Clouds
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This trail offers a barren and rocky landscape, and the last section is difficult to access.
- Laramie River Road - Winter
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Laramie River Road, also known as County Road 103, is heavily used by snowmobiles. The road climbs the first couple miles then drops into the Laramie River Valley. [http://www.fs.fed.us/r2/arnf/recreation/winter-rec/xcskisnowshoe/clrd/index.shtml]
- Little Yellowstone
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This area has unique geological features, and resembles the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.
- LuLu City
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Follows a gentle grade to the site of the old 1880's gold mining camp of Lulu City. Not much remains now, but this historic area is written up in a trail booklet available at visitor centers for a nominal price. Keep an eye out for moose.... [more]
- Michigan Ditch - Winter
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This trail is great for beginners as well as providing beautiful scenery. The trail starts on Routt National Forest and crosses into Colorado State Forest State Park. Follow the ditch road as far as you wish, but at the 3 mile mark you will be faced with a... [more]
- Montgomery Pass - Winter
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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]
- Mount Ida
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- Parika Lake
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Parika Lake lies outside of the park boundary and is one of the classic tundra lake hikes.
- Sawmill Creek - Winter
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This drainage offers unique skiing for most ability levels Follow the old logging road 1.5 miles into a giant clearcut. This area is good for skiing and snowshoeing only if there is adequate snow - otherwise there are logs and stumps. The trail forks here. For the more adventurous, continue... [more]
- Skeleton Gulch
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- Specimen Mountain
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This trail is short, but high and steep and offers chance glimpses of wildlife such as marmots and bighorn sheep. The trail closes early.
- The Meadows - Winter
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This trail offers a unique connection between the Zimmerman Lake Trail and the Long Draw Road. If you travel it one way a vehicle shuttle will need to be arranged in advance. Pick up the Meadows Trail on the northwest side of the Zimmerman Lake loop. The trail soon begins... [more]
- Thunder Pass
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Once used by stage coaches, Thunder Pass is now an excellent trail, with the Michigan Lakes beyond it a must see.
- Timber Lake
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- Trap Park - Winter
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The trail is mainly used by snowmobiles and has some avalanche danger.
- Zimmerman Lake - Winter
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Follow a wide, but occasionally steep, road 1 mile to Zimmerman Lake itself. From here the views of the Montgomery Pass area are excellent. A nice 1.5 mile loop trail winds around the lake and is well marked, however do not confuse the loop trail with the Meadows Trail or... [more]
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