Colorado · Hiking
Hiking in Glen Haven, Colorado
Glen Haven sits in a narrow canyon along the North Fork of the Big Thompson River, tucked between Estes Park and Drake at the edge of Roosevelt National Forest.
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Glen Haven sits in a narrow canyon along the North Fork of the Big Thompson River, tucked between Estes Park and Drake at the edge of Roosevelt National Forest. It is a small community with a disproportionately large trail network radiating out from it, and most of those trails see a fraction of the foot traffic that hits Rocky Mountain National Park a few miles to the west. The 21 hiking options accessible from here range from flat canyon-bottom walks like the North Fork Trail and West Creek Trail to the genuine grunt of Fox Creek Trail, which is rated hard and earns it. In between you have moderate ridge routes like Bulwark Ridge Trail and Signal Mountain Trail, where you gain enough elevation to get views without committing to a full alpine day. Crosier Mountain Rainbow Trail and H Bar G Ranch Trail are popular with families and newer hikers. Indian Trail and Knapp's Knob Trail have a more exploratory feel with less signage, so they reward people who are comfortable with a map. The canyon orientation means morning shade on some west-facing slopes and afternoon shade on others, which matters more than you might think on a hot July day. If you are driving from Fort Collins or Loveland, the approach through Drake on County Road 43 is the main access corridor and worth knowing before you go.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time of year to hike around Glen Haven?
Late May through early October covers the reliable window. Snow can linger on higher routes like Bulwark Ridge Trail and Fox Creek Trail into June, and the canyon roads can ice up early in fall. July and August bring afternoon thunderstorms most days, so starting before 8 a.m. and planning to be off exposed ridges by noon is a practical rule, not just a suggestion.
Are there easy trails suitable for beginners or families?
Yes, a good portion of the network here is rated easy. North Fork Trail, West Creek Trail, Miller Fork Trail, Crosier Mountain Rainbow Trail, and H Bar G Ranch Trail are all listed as easy and work well for families with kids or hikers who want a lower-stakes outing. West Creek Road is also an easy-rated option that follows a gentler grade.
How hard is Fox Creek Trail, and what should I know before attempting it?
Fox Creek Trail is the hardest-rated hike in this area and should be treated accordingly. Bring more water than you think you need, wear sturdy footwear with ankle support, and do not start late in the day. The trail is not a loop, so factor in the return trip when you are planning your turnaround time.
Do I need a permit or pass to hike these trails?
Most of the trails here fall within Roosevelt National Forest rather than Rocky Mountain National Park, so you generally do not need a timed-entry permit. That said, regulations can change, and some trailheads may require a parking pass or have specific rules around dogs and campfires. Check with the Canyon Lakes Ranger District before your trip for current requirements.
What gear should I bring for a day hike out of Glen Haven?
At minimum: water (at least two liters per person for anything beyond a short walk), a layer for wind and sudden temperature drops, sun protection, and a trail map you can use offline since cell service in the canyon is unreliable. For harder routes like Fox Creek Trail or the ridge trails, trekking poles and a first-aid kit are worth adding. Trails like Indian Trail and Knapp's Knob have less consistent signage, so a downloaded GPS track is genuinely useful there.
