Colorado · Hiking · Near Estes Park

Stormy Peaks

6.5 mi
round trip
1,186 ft
climb
10,359 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Jun, Sep
best months

Is Stormy Peaks open right now?

Alert in the area

The Forest Service lists 4 alerts for Canyon Lakes Ranger District.

As of · Source: USFS · Canyon Lakes Ranger District. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Stormy Peaks is a hard hike in Colorado's Canyon Lakes Ranger District of the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests. The trail lies within the Cache La Poudre, Colorado Wild and Scenic River area, and the Forest Service manages the land. The out-and-back route is about 6.5 miles long, with a total elevation gain of about 1,200 feet, starting at roughly 9,000 feet and climbing to about 10,360 feet. The trail is natural-surfaced and open to horses, so the ride comes with an equestrian option. Bikes are not allowed. The trailhead is called Stormy Peaks Trailhead, and parking is also available there. The route is open year-round, though winter conditions can be severe. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical July averages from a nearby weather station run around 74°F for highs and 43°F for lows, but that station sits about 800 feet lower than the trail's high point, so temperatures on the summit run cooler. Old Morrill Trail and Sky Ranch Trail both lie about 0.4 miles away. South Fork Cache la Poudre River is about 4 miles off for paddling, and Jacks Gulch Campground is about 5.4 miles away for an overnight stay.

Around this trail

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

    Tom Bennett Campground

    Campground

    Campground · 0.4 mi from the trail
  • If it rains

    Homestead Museum

    Museum

    On your way back · 1 mi

Places © OpenStreetMap contributors

More in Estes Park

Local outfitters

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

  • Best time to go · Jun, Sep

    Best time to visit Stormy Peaks

    Best months: June and September. 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

      31° / 11°

      9 wet

    2. Feb

      33° / 10°

      9 wet

    3. Mar

      40° / 15°

      10 wet

    4. Apr

      45° / 20°

      10 wet

    5. May

      55° / 28°

      10 wet

    6. Jun

      68° / 36°

      10 wet

    7. Jul

      74° / 43°

      13 wet

    8. Aug

      72° / 41°

      14 wet

    9. Sep

      65° / 34°

      10 wet

    10. Oct

      51° / 25°

      8 wet

    11. Nov

      39° / 18°

      9 wet

    12. Dec

      31° / 11°

      9 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Hourglass Rsvr, CO, 2.4 mi away at 9,520 ft. The station sits about 800 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.