With fantastic mountain and valley views, elevation gain, and many wildflowers, this trail is a very popular area leading to the base of the Continental Divide. Patches of snow often last throughout the summer and wildflowers line the trail and fields.

After starting out on a level jeep trail, the trail then begins to head uphill continuing to Herman Lake – the elevation gain is significant from base to summit (1,600ft gain over a 2.5 mile distance). The gulch area has is all: beautiful streams, cascades, high peaks, valleys and lush meadows surround the trail. Fireweed and marsh lily grow along the wet areas. Coming up out of the woods above treeline, the trail steepens and offers views of the surrounding peaks, sometimes snow covered, as well as the tundra-like fields and flowers. The trail steepens and brings you up to the lake.

The view from the top is fabulous! With Herman Lake (a beautiful glacial lake) and the Continental Divide at your back, it is a crisp and refreshing hike. The tundra has subalpine flowers; take a close look because they grow low to the ground – tiny white and yellow flowers.

Rocky Mountain National Park has many, many trails that lead to mountain lakes or ponds. One of the easiest to access is Bear Lake at the northeast end of the park (entering from Estes Park). The trail is an easy .5 mile hike on a flat, natural surface. It leads through the trees along the water’s edge and there are beautiful views of the mountains that flank the lake as well as the mountains that are far in the distance.

There are a few wooden benches along the path to rest and take in the scenery (also a good spot for a family photo). Cascades of water flow down the hills around the lake as well which are lovely. This is a beautiful area to wander and to relax at the water’s edge.

This area is extremely crowded during the summer months with the high traffic. It is best to visit this hike early in the morning before the crowds or in the off-season when there are fewer park visitors. The shuttle to the Bear Lake parking lot is a very good alternative to finding your own parking place during summer months.

(Note: Major construction work on Bear Lake Road in 2012 & 2013 includes mandatory use of park shuttles May 29-Oct 9 between 9 am–4 pm, significant delays, and some night closures).

The parking lot also serves as the trailhead of other hikes like, trail(s) to Nymph Lake, Dream Lake, Emerald Lake and Lake Haiyaha. Try one of these hikes for a longer trail with a mountain lake. Restrooms available at parking area.

The beginning of the Colorado Trail is the Waterton Canyon Trail segment adjacent to Chatfield State Park on Waterton Rd. This section of the famous trail is very popular due to its proximatey to Denver and easy access to the trailhead.
Though segment-1 is 15 miles long ending in the Foxton area, many hikers and mountain bikers chose to travel in-and-out without completing the entire 15 miles from end-to-end (or 30 miles roundtrip).

The first portion of the hike travels along the water access road along the South Platte River. This is a pleasant hike that leads under huge cottonwood trees,towering canyon cliffs and near rushing water.
This trail is heavily traveled but there is plenty of space for all hikers, mountain bikers and casual day hikers who enjoy the many attributes of the area.

We traveled in one mile and out again but got a taste of the canyon scenery and the wildlife in the canyon. Big horn sheep are commonly seen on the cliffs and dogs are not allowed on this portion of the trail for that reason.
As the trail enters deeper into Waterton canyon, the trail narrows to a footpath shared by hikers and bikers.

The trail begins to the right of the restrooms where the large sign for the Continental Divide Trail is located. Follow the wide trail to the right until you are on the fire road. The fire road is the first section of the trail that leads uphill through shady, cool woods. There are a few switchbacks as the trail leads up higher and higher.

The trail is a constant uphill ascent and the high elevation may slow some hikers’ usually-quick pace. Flowers bloom along the entire trail in the low-growing grass; look for Mountain Bistort, Indian Paint Brush, Purple Aster, and Tall Chiming Bells.

The trail narrows from the wide fire road to a narrow packed trail as it passes the junction marked with a mileage sign. Mt Flora is a 2 mile hike one way. Pick your destination; whichever one you choose, you will enjoy a beautiful trail the entire way. Up on top of the ridge the views just never end!

We hiked out about 1/4 mile and stopped alongside the trail for a picnic. This was our destination with the little kids – making it a 2 mile roundtrip hike.

Because of the elevation, it’s wise to hike early before afternoon storms roll across the mountains. Lightening danger is very high.

After descending Berthoud Pass on US Hwy 40, we stopped in Empire for some ice cream and cold drinks. Pick your place, they are all “Mom and Pop” eateries. We chose “Dairy King” and enjoyed the company of other summer travelers.

There is little shade on this trail so the best time to hike it is early in the day before it gets too hot. The openness of the trail allows you to see views of the cliffs near Castlewood Canyon.

A good route from the parking area is to go left on Chuck’s Trail. The terrain is flat with the trail crossing over packed dirt and large, flat rock. It leads out to a bluff where you have nice views of Franktown and Parker to the east. The trail has plenty of trail markers (stacked rocks) to guide you over the rocky areas. Pay attention so you don’t lose the trail.

When you get to the trail junction (marked with a large map), go right to head back to the parking lot to complete the Chuck’s Trail loop (1.8 miles).

Another option is to go straight on Mitchell Creek Canyon Trail for a short way until you reach the bluffs overlooking the lush gulch where the creek keeps the trees a brilliant green. You will have beautiful views of the cliffs, creek and pond below, and the hawks flying in this beautiful gully. If you follow Mitchell Creek Canyon trail to the end (.75 miles), it dead-ends at the head of the gulch. Turn around and go back the way you came until you reach the trail junction again. Go left back to the parking lot to complete a 3.3 mile hike. Below are Mitchell Creek Canyon Trail views:

The trail(s) begin at Silverdale trailhead. It is located about 4 miles from Georgetown on Co Rd 381 (Guanella Pass Rd). The parking area is located just past the first reservoir and is well-marked. The trail begins just after you cross over the creek on the wooden foot bridge. Before you head out, stop at the trail map in the parking area and decide what route you will follow. There are no trail maps to take with you, and once on the trail, there are no trail markings. Plan your route before you set out because there are several trail intersections that can be confusing. You may want to print the map below and take it with you.

To hike the easy Sporting Times Trail, go left at each junction. This trail is relatively wide and has some rolling hills as it heads north. Enjoy the pretty scenery that includes glimpses through the trees of the towering mountains in the pass as well as views of snow capped mountains in the distance. The other trails in the area are a little more difficult terrain but offer more fantastic views.

The trail is wide (an old fire road or jeep trail) and a very pleasant hike through the forest. About a half mile in, you will come to a steep climb. As you go up, look for the views – very nice!
Make the whole 4 mile hike in and out or just go for a portion; it’s an easy/moderate trail with pleasant views and it’s not a heavily populated trail – enjoy the peace and quiet.

Other trails in this area that you may enjoy are:
Rosalie Trail
South Park Trail to Square Top Lakes
Silver Dollar Lake Trail

Clear Creek County Trail Map

The trail begins at the first parking lot just off Guanella pass road (a new paved parking lot with plenty of spaces provided you get there early)- the first ¼ mile of the hike is a four-wheel drive road that leads to a second parking lot and the trail head.

This quiet hike is a continuous, gentle incline up to the lakes. It begins in an area of lodge pole pine forest, then through some willow scrub and eventually opens up with fewer trees and open hills. The surroundings are breathtaking as you come out above the forested area. The high snow-covered mountain peaks and boulder fields and forest around the lower lake are very beautiful. It can be cool and windy even in mid summer.

If you hike this trail before July, plan on hiking through some snow in shady areas. (We went in June and lost the trail several times because of the snow). One difficulty with this trail is that it is not clearly marked with signs so look for the dirt path and indicators of foot traffic if you lose the trail in the snow.

We chose to hike only to the first lake (Naylor Lake) because of the steep boulder field leading to Silver Dollar Lake. Eating on the top of the hill overlooking Naylor Lake was quite beautiful and refreshing with the sun and the brisk wind. Naylor Lake is private property so look for the signs indicating where the boundry is.

Restrooms only available at nearby campground.

Other hikes nearby that you may enjoy:
Sporting Times Trail
Rosalie Trail
Square Top Lakes Trail
Mt. Bierstadt Trail

Beautiful mountains, and tundra surroundings encompass the Guanella Pass area! From the parking lot, Rosalie trail (Tr 603) heads south. The entire length of this trail is 14 miles but just hiking a short portion of 2.5 miles keeps you up above treeline until you meet Gomer Creek and its drainage (it then heads down into Abyss Trail and trailhead). We prefer the short portion of 1 mile in-and-out just for the views of the peaks, peaceful surroundings and cool air.

Its a good area to wander even if you aren’t up for a serious hike: take photographs, picnic, take-in the scenery and relax at an elevation of 11,700 ft. above sea level! If you have binoculars, you may see Rocky Mountain Big Horn sheep and/or mountain goats grazing on the side of Mt. Bierstadt!

Another short but interesting and fun trail heads east toward the valley – part of the beginning of Mt Bierstadt Trail. Hike down to the small pond or Gomer Creek and watch for wildlife; occasionally there are moose in the area.

The mountains that you will see include Mt. Bierstadt (14,060ft.), Mt. Evans (14,264 ft.), Geneva Mtn. (12,335 ft.) and others to the northwest. Straight ahead to the east is Mt. Bierstadt a very popular, “easy” fourteener. Many hikers, expert and beginner alike love this area.

Restrooms available at parking lot.

Other hikes in this area you may enjoy:
South Park Trail
Mt. Bierstadt
Silver Dollar Lake Trail
Sporting Times Trail

For Guanella Pass Seasonal Road Conditions and Closure times click Colorado Dept. of Transport

Two easy trails from the west entrance of Mt. Falcon Park are Meadow Trail and Castle Trail offering level terrain and views of the mountains as well as the city. One of the best perks of this park is that it is close to Denver just bordering Indian Hills, Colorado (west entry from Hwy 285 to Parmalee Gulch Rd.)

These two trails together offer meadows filled with wildflowers, views of the city and foothills, and plenty of tall Scotch and Ponderosa Pines.

The park offers many more trails that are easy to moderate and offer a multitude of views of the mountains and city. See Trail Map.

Castle Trail offers a unique destination of old homestead ruins that once belonged to a wealthy Denverite in the early 1900′s. Kids love to explore the old castle ruins at the end of the hike and enjoy the view of the eastern plains over Denver.

Our family has visited this park for many years and have always enjoyed its open meadows and pine forests. Pack a picnic and dine at one of the many picnic tables in this mountain setting! Enjoy Your hike or your picnic.

Nestled in the foothills just 11 miles west of Sedalia, sits this pleasant and surprisingly pretty trail. The south end of the Indian Creek Trail #800 in Pike National Forest offers a three mile loop trail that begins and ends at the Indian Creek Campground.

The trail begins at the south end of the parking lot just past the rest station. But before heading out on the trail be sure to register and pay the day fee for parking ($6) – the National Forest Service has collection boxes at the parking lot where you can pay with cash or check. (We saw a car parked out on CO-67; obviously parking out there allowed them a free day of biking or hiking).

The trail begins on a gentle incline through pine and aspen trees. It is a well-traveled and well-maintained trail that winds through shady forest up over several ridges. Wildflowers are scattered alongside the trail for the entire 3 miles. Look for redish Indian Paintbrush, pink Wild Rose, yellow Milkweed, pale purple Columbine, and dark purple Larkspur.

The hike is a moderate climb. Not too steep but enough to bring you up to some wonderful vantage points where the views of the western mountains will surprise you!

Looking west towards the mountains, you will see the Deckers area as well as Devil’s Head to the south. Further south you can glimpse Pikes Peak on a clear day. These views are the big payoff of the hike.

As you continue past the first lookout on the first ridge, you can catch glimpses of the views to the northern mountains as well. Keep looking, you will see several areas where views of the mountains will awe you.

After hiking for about 40 minutes (1.6 miles) the trail comes to a junction. It is a busy crossing where we encountered many mountain bikers and horseback riders. You will see signs for the Ringtail Trail to the north and a sign for the Indian Creek Trail #800. Do not continue on the Indian Creek Trail (unless you are planning a 14 mile loop hike out to Roxburough Park). Instead, go right (south) on the fire road. This will take you back to the Indian Creek campground and parking lot to finish this three-mile loop hike.
As you head down to your car, you will enjoy the scenery along the rough fire road as well as the lush grasses and wildflowers. When you reach the campground on your right, cut through it to get back to the parking lot/trailhead where you began.

Fire road heads south to the Indian Creek campground and trailhead.