Trap Park Trail is a 6.7 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Estes Park, Colorado that features a river and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, nature trips, and snowshoeing and is best used from December until May. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
FIRE CLOSURE: As of January 2021, there are closures in this park or area due to wildfire. For more information, please visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/arp/alerts-notices.
Wonderful trail - was exactly 3.1 miles to the sign at the end. A great place in the shade for a snack. To get to the trailhead, drive 2.9 miles on Long Draw, then take a right turn to a short bumpy gravel road. Wear good shoes as the first part is full of rocks, and you DO cross some streams, so don't fret if your hikers get wet a bit. We did not see any moose this time. Lots of sun exposure, so be aware.
Hiked on Aug 8. From the Trail Head took right fork and went up the ridge and down into the valley up to the beginning of the wilderness area. Then returned and took the other fork over to Trap lake. Started at 9 am on a Saturday and limited parking area not full. Had trail almost to ourselves which was great. First mile is rocky but after that smooth trails. There is a big tree down on the trail about 1/2 mile in so need to go over it. Vegetation was very green with numerous wildflowers. There are several stream crossings so waterproof boots recommended. Views of forests, meadows and mountains outstanding. Hiked 6.8 miles with frequent stops to view flowers, take photos and have lunch at the lake so took 5 hours. Can be done quicker if time is an issue but great to be out and enjoying the great outdoors in a leisurely fashion.
Similar to the writer below, we came by here at 9:15 on 6/28 and the gate was shut. I had checked USFS and the interwebs ahead of time to see if there were updates since the below review posted. No dice online. If anyone has info, please share? Trap Park looks great for a starter hike for the littles.
This isn't really a review of the trail as I wasn't able to get to it. Tried to hike this Sunday 6/14 and the gate to Long Draw Rd off CO-14 was locked so I ended up wandering around a trail about half a mile up Long Draw (would not recommend that, it was a swampy confusing mess). The gate closure might be COVID-19 related as there was no snow or road damage in the lower portion. Also, all the other gates to side roads off CO-14 (like Chambers Lake campground) were closed and all the more popular trails directly off CO-14 were absolutely PACKED. Keep that in mind for this summer.
Hardest part is the beginning, where the trail switchbacks up into the meadow. After that it's quite flat and easy. Gorgeous view of iron mountain especially in the early summer or fall when it's got some snow. About halfway down the trail we turned right, to the west. We went off trail up the steep valley wall to the top of the plateau, which was hard work. From the top you get stunning views of chambers lake, Zimmerman, and joe wright reservoir to the west. Highly recommend it.
Fun short hike into an alpine meadow. The hike runs along a drainage so be prepared for water crossings. The hike is only about 4 miles not the 11.5. It is also a couple miles south on Long Draw Road which runs south off Highway 14. There are several other connecting trails if you want to get higher then the valley floor. Look for moose.