Rocky Mountain National Park's Cow Creek Trail

Cow Creek Trail

Description:
The Cow Creek Trail begins at the Cow Creek Trailhead at an elevation of 7,808 feet. It travels west and northwest for about 3.1 miles to the base of Bridal Veil Falls (tallest falls in the park) at 8,865 feet. It intersects the North Boundary, Gem Lake, and Dark Mountain trails along the way. Parking at the trailhead is limited and out of the way so usage is low to moderate.

From the trailhead it is a short walk to the North Boundary Trail. This trail travels north for 6.1 miles to the Lost Lake Trail. The Cow Creek Trail continues west, paralleling Cow Creek for about a mile to its intersection with the Gem Lake Trail. It passes through open ponderosa pine stands and grassy meadows. After about .75 miles it turns north from its junction with the Dark Mountain Trail. It soon enters more dense forest and begins a gentle climb toward Bridal Veil Falls. The trail follows Cow Creek, crossing it over foot-bridges three times. It gets more rocky as you get closer to the falls. There is a horse hitch rack about .1 miles from the falls. Horses are not permitted beyond this point. The trail beyond this point cannot be safely negotiated on horseback. From here the trail climbs up over rocks, getting steep at times, ending at the base of the falls. Bridal Veil Falls cascades over a steep rock face offering a cool atmosphere for a rest and a picnic lunch.

Except for the last tenth of a mile, the terrain traversed by this trail is easy to hike. The last stretch may be difficult for some but the reward at the end is worth it.

Features:

Length:	3.15 miles (5.0 kilometers)
Elevation Range:	7,808' - 8,865'
Elevation change:	1,125 feet
Season:	May 15 - Nov 1
Difficulty:	Easy to moderate
Use:	High
USGS maps:	Estes Park
Trailheads:	Cow Creek
Restrictions:	No pets are permitted
Suitable for mountain bikes:	No (not permitted)
Suitable for horses:	Yes

Vicinity Map

Altitude Profile

Directions:
The Cow Creek Trailhead is the nearest trailhead to this trail. Travel west on Highway 34 toward the Fall River Entrance. Turn right on Devils Gulch Road and go about four miles to a dirt road signed “McGraw Ranch”. Turn left and travel about two miles to the end of the road and the McGraw Ranch at the bottom of hill. Parking is permitted on the west side of the road only. There is a turnaround at the end of the road.

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