At a Glance
- Distance: 3.7 mi round trip
- Difficulty: Easy
- Elevation Gain: ~150 ft
- Trailhead: Timber Creek, RMNP
About the Colorado River Trail
The Colorado River Trail follows the flat upper valley of the Colorado River from the Timber Creek Campground area inside Rocky Mountain National Park. It traces the river through willow meadows and open forest — prime habitat for moose, which feed in the willows year-round. The trail is nearly level with minimal elevation change, making it accessible for hikers of all abilities, families with young children, and dogs on leash.
The trail covers approximately 3.7 miles out and back, though it can be extended further into the park for experienced hikers. The scenery is defined by the wide valley, the braided river channels, and the dramatic mountain backdrop of the Never Summer Range.
Wildlife Viewing
The Colorado River Trail is one of the most reliable moose viewing locations in Colorado. Moose feed in the riverside willows year-round, and early morning — within the first hour after sunrise — is the best time to observe them. Elk are also common in the valley, especially during the September and October rut. Bald eagles and great blue herons are regularly spotted along the river.
Always maintain a minimum distance of 75 feet from moose and other large wildlife. Moose can be unpredictable and are faster than they appear. Observe from a safe distance and never attempt to approach or feed wildlife.
Getting There from Grand Lake Cabins
The Colorado River Trail trailhead is approximately 5 minutes from Grand Lake Cabins properties — drive to the RMNP west entrance on Highway 34, pay the park entry fee (or show your America the Beautiful pass), and follow signs to the Timber Creek area. Trailhead parking is available.
The park entry fee is required for all visitors. Timed entry permits are NOT required for the Grand Lake corridor — one of the advantages of the west-side entrance over the Estes Park side.
Up the Kawuneeche Valley First
The Colorado River Trailhead sits at roughly 9,010 feet, about 9.5 miles north of the park entrance on Highway 34. The drive up the Kawuneeche Valley to reach it is a genuine part of the outing rather than an approach to be rushed.
That valley is where moose are most reliably seen in the area, particularly within an hour of sunrise. Groups heading for this trailhead early frequently get the wildlife before they have laced their boots.
Five Objectives From One Car Park
Published figures give Lulu City at around 3.5 miles and rated easy; Little Yellowstone at roughly 5.1 miles with about 1,021 feet of gain; Lake of the Clouds at some 6.9 miles with around 2,240 feet; La Poudre Pass at about 7.4 miles with roughly 1,501 feet; and Thunder Pass at around 6.9 miles with some 2,321 feet.
Other listings give Lulu City as a 7.3-mile out-and-back, so treat these as one-direction figures and plan accordingly. The three passes are rated difficult and are full days.
The River at Its Source
This is the Colorado River before it is the Colorado River — small enough in places to step across, braiding through willow flats. For a group that has seen it further downstream, the contrast is the point of the walk.
From the cabins the drive is the park entrance plus the valley, so allow more than the trail mileage suggests. Every property has a full kitchen, and packing lunches the previous evening is the difference between leaving at six and leaving at eight.
Distances, elevation gain and difficulty above are drawn from published trail listings and are given as a guide. Published figures vary between sources, and trail conditions, closures and access change through the season. Check current conditions with the National Park Service at nps.gov/romo before setting out.