Lion Gulch Trail

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 ...

County Road 47 is between Lyons and Estes Park. It's an easy drive from Denver and is a great place to get away for the weekend. I have camped here in the summer, fall, and winter. I have to say that snow camping was my favorite. I didn't see anyone the whole weekend and had the entire area to explore on my snowshoes. I chose to sleep in a hammock (best night of sleep you will ever have) and my...

Coulson Gulch is a lightly used area of the Roosevelt National Forest which makes it perfect for a weekend getaway without the crowds. This is a great place to camp out under the stars!To get to Coulson Gulch From Lyons, head west on U.S. Highway 36 for about 9 miles. Turn southwest onto Larimer County Road 47 and drive for three miles until you veer left onto National Forest System Road 118. T...

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...

The trailhead is about eight tenths of a mile from the parking area. You pass some sport climbs, a man made waterfall, and some large boulders in the North St. Vrain Creek.The trailhead is clearly marked on the left. There is some elevation gain at the beginning but nothing difficult. Once the elevation levels out you open up into this large meadow. I've made a mental note to visit it during a ...

The trail begins on the left on a park service road before reaching a junction with the Storm Pass Trail just past .2 miles. Follow the trail as it enters the forest and continue past the private property signs and over a footbridge. Past the bridge the trail climbs more steadily for just under 2 miles before becoming more moderate again around 10,050 feet.  Just after 3 miles you'll reach ano...