Colorado · Hiking · Near Estes Park

Colorado River Trailhead

Colorado River TrailheadPhoto: olekinderhook — Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
Easy
difficulty
Jun–Aug
best months

Is Colorado River Trailhead open right now?

Road closed

US 34: Milner Pass is listed as closed by CDOT 511 (2 listed).

  • US 34: Milner Pass

    Closed · ~3.7 km from Colorado River Trailhead · CDOT 511

  • US 34: road closure

    Closed · ~0.3 km from Colorado River Trailhead · CDOT 511

  • Trail Ridge Road Status Update

    Park closure covering Rocky Mountain National Park · NPS · Rocky Mountain National Park

As of · Source: CDOT 511. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

The Colorado River Trailhead is the access point for many trails in the northwest corner of Rocky Mountain National Park. From this location, park visitors can explore a variety of trails. For a simple excursion, hike 0.5 miles to find the Colorado River. This point marks the start of its journey through the Kawnueeche Valley. Visitors interested in the history of the area can hike the 3.7 mile trail to the site of Lulu City. This location was a hopeful mining town in the 1880’s. Other popular sites include the Grand Ditch and Little Yellowstone. It is common to find wildlife such as elk, moose, coyotes, and foxes on the way to these destinations. Remember to keep your distance from wildlife. Never approach or feed wildlife. You could be hurt or issued a fine. Picnic Tables: 6 Fire Grates: 4 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. Note: Trail Ridge Road is closed from here east to Many Parks Curve mid-October to Memorial Day. Extreme weather can change the status of Trail Ridge Road at any time—be ready to adjust your travel plans if needed, and always check the weather before you start your drive.

Around this trail

Add any of these when you start a trip
  • Sleep close

    Timber Creek Campground

    Campground

    Campground · 1.6 mi from the trail
  • Eat after

    Trail Ridge Cafe

    Restaurant

    On your way back · 6 mi
  • If it rains

    Images of Rocky Mountain National Park

    Gallery

    In town

Places © OpenStreetMap contributors

More in Estes Park

Local outfitters

Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.

  • Nearby · Timber Lake Trail · Red Mountain Trail · Farview Curve Overlook
  • Best time to go · Jun–Aug

    Best time to visit Colorado River Trailhead

    Best months: June–August. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      29° / 3°

      11 wet

    2. Feb

      30° / 5°

      11 wet

    3. Mar

      38° / 12°

      10 wet

    4. Apr

      45° / 20°

      10 wet

    5. May

      55° / 27°

      9 wet

    6. Jun

      67° / 33°

      8 wet

    7. Jul

      73° / 40°

      10 wet

    8. Aug

      72° / 38°

      11 wet

    9. Sep

      64° / 31°

      9 wet

    10. Oct

      51° / 22°

      8 wet

    11. Nov

      38° / 12°

      10 wet

    12. Dec

      30° / 4°

      12 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Gould 4se Sfsp, CO, 11.1 mi away at 9,000 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

    Closures we've recorded since August 2026

    • US 34: Milner Pass closed

      closed Oct 28, 2026, no reopening recorded · State DOT

    • US 34: Milner Pass closed

      closed Oct 28, 2026 → reopened Oct 28, 2026 · State DOT

    • US 34: Milner Pass closed

      closed Oct 27, 2026 → reopened Oct 27, 2026 · State DOT

    • US 34: Milner Pass closed

      closed Oct 26, 2026 → reopened Oct 27, 2026 · State DOT

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Red Mountain Trail

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Farview Curve Overlook

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Colorado River Trail

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Holzwarth Historic Site - Bridge Over the Colorado River

~3 min drive

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