Frommer's National Parks of the American West - Don Laine [348]
4 miles RT. Moderate. Access: Trailhead on Devil's Gulch Rd., north of Estes Park.
A relatively low-elevation trail, starting at only 7,740 feet, this route has an elevation change of 1,090 feet. It offers good views of Estes Park and Longs Peak; the destination is a pretty lake.
Mills Lake Trail
5.6 miles RT. Moderate. Access: Glacier Gorge Junction.
This trail leads to a picturesque mountain lake nestled in a valley among towering mountain peaks. Among the best spots in the park for photographing dramatic Longs Peak (the best lighting is usually in late afternoon or early evening), this is also the perfect place for a picnic. The trail has an elevation change of about 750 feet.
Ouzel Falls Trail
5.4 miles RT. Moderate. Access: Wild Basin Ranger Station.
This hike climbs about 950 feet and crosses Cony Creek on two bridges before delivering you to a picture-perfect waterfall, among the park's prettiest. The trail passes through areas that were burned in 1978—good spots to see wildlife—and also offers fine views of Longs Peak and Mount Meeker.
Tundra World Nature Trail
.5-mile loop. Easy. Access: Near Rock Cut parking area on Trail Ridge Rd.
This wheelchair-accessible nature trail has exhibits identifying various tundra plants and animals, and describing how they have adapted to the harsh tundra environment.
LONGER TRAILS
East Inlet Trail
13.8 miles RT. Moderate to strenuous. Access: West portal of Adam's Tunnel, southeast of the town of Grand Lake.
This trail is an easy walk for the first .3 mile, to scenic Adams Falls. It then wanders along some marshy areas, crosses several streams, and, becoming more strenuous, climbs sharply in elevation to Lone Pine Lake, about 5.5 miles from the trailhead. It is another 1.4 miles, partly through a subalpine forest, to Lake Verna. The trail continues, unmaintained, after the lake. Total elevation gain to Lake Verna is 1,809 feet.
East Longs Peak Trail
16 miles RT. Strenuous. Access: Longs Peak Ranger Station.
Recommended only for experienced mountain hikers and climbers in top physical condition, this trail climbs 4,855 feet along steep ledges and through a narrows to the top of 14,259-foot Longs Peak, the highest point in the park. The trek takes most hikers about 15 hours to complete and can be done in 1 or 2 days. Those planning a 1-day hike should consider starting extremely early, so they will be well off the peak before the summer afternoon thunderstorms arrive. For a 2-day hike, go 5 or 6 miles the first day, stay at a designated backcountry campsite, and complete the trip the following day. Those making the hike in early summer (usually until mid-July) should be prepared for icy conditions.
Lawn Lake Trail
12.4 miles RT. Strenuous. Access: Trailhead on Fall River Rd.
This hike, with an elevation gain of 2,249 feet, follows the Roaring River through terrain dotted with ponderosa pine. Along the way you can see all too plainly the damage done by a massive flood that occurred when the Lawn Lake Dam broke in 1982, killing three campers. At higher elevations, there are scenic views of Mummy Mountain.
Lulu City Trail
7.4 miles RT. Moderate. Access: Colorado River trailhead, near the western park boundary.
This trail gains just 350 feet in elevation as it winds along the river floodplain, through lush vegetation, past an 1880s mine and several mining cabins, and then along an old stage route into a subalpine forest before arriving at Lulu City. Founded in 1879 by prospectors hoping to strike gold and silver, it was abandoned within 10 years. Little remains except the ruins of a few cabins. An interpretative brochure ($1) is available.
Timber Lake Trail
9.6 miles RT. Strenuous. Access: East side of Trail Ridge Rd., miles north of the Grand Lake Entrance.
You'll work hard on this hike but be amply rewarded with views of timberline lakes and alpine tundra. With an elevation change of 2,060 feet, this hike takes you through a forest of lodgepole pines,