Hiking Circuits in Rocky Mountain National Park

by Hailman, Jack Parker

• ISBN13: 9780870817212
• ISBN10: 0870817213
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2003-06-01
• Publisher: Univ Pr of Colorado

Summary

This is the first guide dedicated entirely to the loop trails of Rocky Mountain National Park, trails that return hikers to their starting point without the necessity of retracing steps or walking on roads. Having explored the park extensively for over 30 years, Jack and Elizabeth Hailman describe and map 33 circuits and component loops, with detailed driving instructions to the access points. Circuits range from a 15-minute stroll around a lake to strenuous all-day outings in the high country and even a few multi-day backpacking trips. Side trips are often recommended for viewing a scenic waterfall, summit, lake, or other natural feature. A convenient table lists circuits by walking time, allowing hikers to choose loops designed to fit their schedules.

Author Biography

Jack P. Hailman has been a backpacker for more than forty years and, with Elizabeth D. Hailman, has hiked extensively in Rocky Mountain National Park

Table of Contents

Preface	ix
Acknowledgments	xi
Map of Access Points for Circuit Hikes in RMNP	xii
Table of Circuits in Order of Hiking Times	xiii
Introduction	1	(1)
Types of Hikes Included	2	(2)
Types of Trail Ratings	4	(2)
More About Trails	6	(1)
Health, Safety, and Comfort	7	(4)
Equipment and Its Use	11	(3)
Fees and Permits	14	(1)
A Few Relevant Park Regulations	15	(1)
Final Words	15	(2)
About the Circuit Accounts	17	(6)
Account Contents	17	(3)
Account Maps	20	(3)
Circuit Hikes From Access Points on the East Side	23	(48)
Introduction to East Side Circuits	23	(2)
Lumpy Ridge Circuit (Twin Owls Trailhead)	25	(6)
Deer Mountain Loops (Deer Ridge Junction Trailhead)	31	(8)
Beaver Brook Circuit (Upper Beaver Meadows Trailhead)	39	(6)
Wind River Circuit (East Portal)	45	(6)
Lily Lake Loops (Lily Lake Trailhead)	51	(6)
Longs Flank Circuit (Longs Peak Trailhead)	57	(8)
Wild Basin Loops (Wild Basin Trailhead or Finch Lake Trailhead)	65	(4)
Combining East Side Circuits	69	(2)
Circuit Hikes From Access Points Along Bear Lake Road	71	(64)
Introduction to Bear Lake Road Circuits	71	(2)
Moraine Park Circuit (Cub Lake Trailhead)	73	(6)
Cab Lake Circuit (Fern Lake Trailhead or Cub Lake Trailhead)	79	(6)
Steep Mountain Circuit (Mill Creek Basin Trailhead)	85	(6)
Sprague Lake Circuit (Sprague Lake Picnic Area)	91	(4)
Glacier Basin Loops (Sprague Lake Picnic Area)	95	(4)
Bierstadt Moraine Loops (Bierstadt Lake Trailhead)	99	(6)
Boulder Brook Circuit (Glacier Gorge Junction Trailhead)	105	(6)
Alpine Lakes Circuit (Glacier Gorge Junction Trailhead or Bear Lake Trailhead)	111	(6)
Bear Lake Circuit (Bear Lake Trailhead)	117	(4)
Mount Wuh Circuit (Bear Lake Trailhead)	121	(6)
Tundra & Glaciers Circuit (Glacier Gorge Junction Trailhead or Bear Lake Trailhead)	127	(6)
Combining Bear Lake Road Circuits and Using the Shuttle Bus to Complete a Circuit	133	(2)
Circuit Hikes From Access Points on the West Side	135	(40)
Introduction to West Side Circuits	135	(2)
Grand Ditch Circuit (Colorado River Trailhead)	137	(4)
Red Mountain Circuit (Colorado River Trailhead)	141	(6)
Big Meadows Circuit (Green Mountain Trailhead or Onahu Creek Trailhead)	147	(6)
Kawuneeche Valley Loops (Harbison Picnic Area)	153	(4)
Green Mountain Circuit (Kawuneeche Visitor Center or Green Mountain Trailhead)	157	(4)
Continental Divide Circuit (North Inlet Trailhead)	161	(6)
Shadow Shore Circuit (East Shore Trailhead)	167	(6)
Combining West Side Circuits	173	(2)
Natural History Appendix	175	(20)
Fee Schedules	195	(2)
Local Hiking Equipment Stores	197	(2)
Organizations You Can Join	199	(2)
Suggested Reading and Reference	201	(8)
Index	209