hiking
views
wildlife
wild flowers
walking
forest
nature trips
birding
no dogs
lake
river
horseback riding
waterfall
kid friendly
trail running
snowshoeing
camping
fishing
backpacking
fly fishing
wheelchair friendly
cross country skiing
dogs on leash
This section of the Rocky Mountains has ecosystems varying in elevation from the over 150 riparian lakes to Montane and subalpine forests to the alpine tundra. Large wildlife including mule deer, bighorn sheep, black bears, and cougars inhabit these igneous mountains and glacier valleys. The fourteener Longs Peak and Bear Lake are popular destinations.
Ran from Arapaho Bay campground (look for a shed and go through the big gate in the last campground loop to catch the trail) to Shadow Mountain dam and back. Very minimally-used trail it seems. About 3,000 ft elevation gain, but a pretty slow run. Around mile 6 you start getting into the burnt, messy part of the woods. I was climbing over big, downed trees, and talking out loud to myself because there were bear droppings and berries all around.
Would be a great hike for sure! I saw bald eagles, osprey, grouse, and white tailed deer.
went on this hike last october when a friend of mine from missouri visited. it was such a perfect hike to bring someone who's not used to the altitude! you pass nymph lake and then dream lake, and then the trail ends at emerald lake. theyre all beautiful in their own ways. highly recommend, escpecially if you have friends from out of town visiting
just amazing. went last summer, its truly a magical destination. explore the lake and the run-off ponds when you get to the loch
loved it!
Good easy trail with a bunch of switchbacks that can be cut across to shorten it. Next to Gem Lake there's some nice rock scrambling for views of Estes Park and the surrounding hills.