We recently spent a few days in the Estes Park area, hiking and climbing. One day when weather conditions in Rocky Mountain National Park were quite inhospitable, we decided to explore one of the areas closer to town.
Frequent visitors to Estes Park will be familiar with the impressive granite domes of Lumpy Ridge – a favorite rock-climbing destination. Crosier Mountain is located to the east of Lumpy Ridge and is formed of the same rock. It provides spectacular views of the northern part of Rocky Mountain National Park, specifically the Mummy Range.
The lower elevation of this hike makes it an ideal spring or fall outing.
Hike description
From the Rainbow Trail Trailhead (waypoint “Parking”), the trail climbs steeply for the first 1.9 miles to reach the Crosier Mountain Trail. On the way you will pass a couple of points of interest: first “Table Rock,” providing a lookout point, then, just before reaching the intersection of the Crosier Mountain Trail, a faint trail taking off to the east (left) signed to a rock feature known as “Coyote Rock.”
At the Crosier Mountain Trail Junction (waypoint “Crosier Mountain Trail”) turn left (east) and follow the trail as it meanders gently for 1.2 miles to another trail junction (waypoint “Trail Junction”) on the east side of Crosier Mountain.
At this signed trail junction, turn right (west). The last half-mile to the summit of Crosier Mountain is on a steep, switchbacking trail, but the views that greet you when you emerge from the trees and reach the rocky summit make the effort worthwhile.
Dave Cooper is the author of “Colorado Scrambles: A Guide to 50 Select Climbs in Colorado’s Mountains.”
The details
Getting to the trailhead: Drive to the town of Estes Park. At the major intersection of U.S. 34 and U.S. 36, (at the eastern end of town), turn north on 34. In 0.5 miles, turn right (north) onto Macgregor Avenue (which becomes County Road 43). Stay on County Road 43 (a.k.a. Devil’s Gulch Road) as it makes a sharp right-hand turn at the entrance to Macgregor Ranch. Drive through the small town of Glenhaven and reach the Crosier Rainbow Trailhead, 9.5 miles from the intersection of U.S. 34 and 36. Park in the large parking area on the right.
Hike Statistics: Trailhead to the summit of Crosier Mountain (9,250 feet): 2,200 feet of total elevation gain in 3.6 miles one way.
Difficulty: A moderate trail hike.
USGS Quad: Glen Haven, Colo.
