Bowen-Baker Trailhead

Managing agency

National Park Service

Located on the west side of RMNP, the Bowen-Baker Trail is blanketed with snow in the winter and provides easy access to great cross-country skiing and snowshoeing January through March. On the far side of the meadow sits the Never Summer Range. This forested mountain range is the only volcanic mountain range in Rocky Mountain National Park. It’s rolling mountainsides are covered in Lodgepole Pines and Aspens, which provide shade for Elk during the hot summer months. The Bowen-Baker Trailhead also sits next to the Colorado River, making it a convenient location for visitors who would like to fish. During hunting season, Bowen-Baker provides an entry point to Arapaho National Forest. A dirt road, only open to vehicles during hunting season, crosses the meadow for access to the National Forest. Visitors are welcome to walk along this road at any time of the year to enter the meadow and observe wildlife. Follow all posted instructions at the trailhead if you are using this area for entry to the National Forest. Picnic Tables: 3 Fire Grates: 0 Use of Portable Grills*: Yes * The use of disposable or portable charcoal grills, wood fuel camp stoves, and gas grills is allowed for food preparation as adjuncts to fire grates provided by the park in auto campgrounds and picnic areas. Where portable grills are allowed, the used charcoal and ash must be completely extinguished and disposed of in trash receptacle. Help keep wildlife wild. Never approach or feed wildlife. Animals that learn people are a source of food can become aggressive or stop hunting or foraging on their own. Keep your distance - it's the law! You could be hurt or issued a fine.