National Park

Trailhead: Visitor Center Parking Lot (South Rim) Activities: Hiking, Camping Closest City / Town: Montrose, Colorado Driving Directions: Hiking Distance: 2.0 miles (roundtrip) Description:  The Oak Flat Loop Trail is a great trail for just about any hiker.  It is relatively short, easy to follow, and offers superb glimpses into the heart of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison.  However, you should be cautions while traversing the trail along a limited number of steep pitches.  Please note that pets are not allowed on this trail. The trail commences on the west side of the visitor’s center.  Initially, the trail descends to a signed junction.  Hang a left and continue along the Oak Flat Loop (taking a right will actually lead you down to the bottom of the canyon).  Next, the trail begins to head uphill as it courses its way to the west.  Finally, the trail will loop back around to the east.  Be sure to revel in the marvelous views on the return route. Worth Noting: The Views!!! The Painted Wall of the Black Canyon is the highest cliff in Colorado; from the river up to the rim it stands 2250 feet.  The Black Canyon is 53 miles long, […]

Trailhead: Bear Lake Trailhead Activities: Hiking, Skiing, Snowshoeing Closest City / Town: Estes Park, Colorado Driving Directions: The Bear Lake Trailhead is located at the end of Bear Lake Road (see map).  The easiest way to access Bear Lake Road is by entering Rocky Mountain National Park from the east at the Beaver Meadows Entrance Station. Hiking Distance: 0.6 mile loop Description: Rocky Mountain National Park is very busy during the summer.  Bear Lake is no exception.  We prefer to snowshoe in the area during the winter to avoid the crowds.  This hike is an excellent adventure for little ones who can’t tackle a long journey.  The 0.6 mile loop wraps around Bear Lake and can be enjoyed year-round. Worth Noting: Keep a keen eye out for wildlife. Additional Information: Official Rocky Mountain National Park Website

Trailhead: Fern Lake Trailhead Activities: Hiking, Camping, Skiing, Snowshoeing Closest City / Town: Estes Park, Colorado Driving Directions: Enter into Rocky Mountain National Park via the Beaver Meadows Entrance Station. From the entrance station, make a left onto Bear Lake Road. Continue on Bear Lake Road for 2 miles, and hand a right onto Moraine Park Road. Moraine Park Road will eventually dead-end at the Fern Lake Trailhead. In sum, you will travel 4.1 miles from the Beaver Meadows Entrance Station. Hiking Distance: 7.6 miles (roundtrip) Description: Making this Rocky Mountain National Park hike during the fall, winter, or spring is a great way to beat the crowds.  However, snowshoes are a requisite if you decide to make the trek in the winter and early spring. The Fern Lake Trailhead sits at 8,155′ in elevation.  The first 2.5 miles are relatively flat and easy.  You will not encounter much elevation gain until you ascend the final 1.3 miles.  Fern Lake is a marvelous high-alpine body of water.  You will gain approximately 1,350′ in elevation on this hike, topping out at 9,503′. Camping at Fern Lake is available, but only through a backcountry permitting system; contact the National Park Service for further […]

Trailhead: Longs Peak Trailhead (Longs Peak Ranger Station) Activities: Hiking, Camping Closest City / Town: Estes Park, Colorado Driving Directions: The Longs Peak Trailhead is located on the west side of Highway 7, which runs between Estes Park and Allenspark along the Peak to Peak Byway. From Estes Park, head south on Highway 7 for 7.5 miles.  The road leading up to the trailhead will be on the right side of the road.  You really can’t miss the signs that point to the Longs Peak Ranger Station and Trailhead. Hiking Distance: 14 miles (roundtrip) Description: At 14,259 feet tall, Longs Peak should not be climbed by individuals who fear heights.  This hike is probably the most classic trek in Rocky Mountain National Park.  One of this site’s authors has climbed Longs Peak five times and has seen people in dire straits.  Although the Keyhole Route isn’t terribly technical, certain portions (such as the narrows) can really scare the pants off people. You must possess basic bouldering skills to pass through the Keyhole and the chokestone in the Trough.  If you attempt Longs Peak, be sure to allocate the whole day to the climb – hit the trail early in the morning.  Moreover, bring plenty […]

Trailhead: Just about anywhere (there really are no formal trailheads used to jump onto the Great Sand Dunes, although most people begin their hike near Medano Creek) Activities: Hiking, Camping (paid campground or backpacking) Closest City / Town: Blanca, Colorado Driving Directions: From Denver, Colorado Springs, or Pueblo, the fastest route is to start by heading south on I-25 to Walsenburg. Head west on US 160. Finally, swing north on state highway 150. Colorado 150 will take you directly to the Great Sand Dunes. Hiking Distance: As short or as long as you desire.  The Great Sand Dunes — encompassing 30 square miles — offer excellent free-lance hiking. Description: We can’t provide you with too much information because there is no trail on the dunes.  What we can say is that visiting the Great Sand Dunes is a life experience that you will likely never forget. Try to visit the Great Sand Dunes during the late spring or early summer when Medano Creek is flowing full-force.  Bathing in the creek is a great way to beat the heat.  It’s also a perfect way to keep your kids happy and fully entertained. The “High Dune” is neither the highest in elevation nor […]