Cow Creek to Gem Lake

Begin by parking at the Lumpy Ridge trailhead, which is a couple miles outside of Estes Park on McGregor Avenue. At the trailhead, there are numerous signs indicating hiking trails, climbing routes, and other information about the area. After parking start hiking on the trail to the right of the bathrooms. The trail continues for approximately ~1.8 miles to Gem Lake. The trail climbs steadily ...

Lumpy Ridge is mostly a traditional climbing area with most climbs being two or more pitches after a mile to 3+ miles of mostly flat walking.  From climbers left to right the larger areas consist of Sundance Buttress, The Bookend, The Bookmark, The Book, and Twin Owls.  There are smaller formations between these that are worth exploring as well. Sundance Buttress is the highest of the cliffs a...

Oldman Mountain trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Estes Park, Colorado.

This sign is on the mountainous decline just before you reach town. There's a small parking lot that fills up quick in peak season, but most people only spend a few minutes here on their way in to Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. It is easy enough to have people take your picture, just make sure you return the favor and offer to take the next group's picture. From here, you have a g...

Aspenglen is one of the four main campgrounds within the park boundaries. The campground is for car camping and there are areas just for tents and then broader areas for tents and campers. There are 53 sites at this campground and it fills up quickly each year. Reservations are available six months in advance of dates to book and they are gone quickly for all of summer, so plan ahead and click ...

Cutting through the forested hills surrounding Estes Valley, the Kruger Rock Trail is a well-marked 4 mile loop to the top of Kruger Rock. The trail begins in Hermit Park Open Space, located just a few miles southeast of Estes Park and is a moderate hike with around 1000 feet of elevation gain. Climbing gradually up a hill, the trail dips and climbs several times before ending in several steep ...