Rocky Mountain National Park's Little Horseshoe Park Trail

Little Horseshoe Park Trail

Description:
The Little Horseshoe Park Trail begins near the Lawn Lake Trailhead. Beginning at an elevation of 8,580 feet, the trail crosses Highway 34 and travels south past the large parking area at the west end of Horseshoe Park. It then climbs to its intersection with the North Deer Mountain Trail at 8,711 feet in about 2 miles. This trail sees heavy use by horses from nearby stables.

The trail enters the forest just past the parking area and makes a fairly level path to the south, crossing several small streams along the way. Elk are often seen in the small meadows that dot this area. After about a mile, there is a moderate climb of about a tenth of a mile. The remainder of the trail is easy to hike. At one point the trail follows a road for about 70 yards before turning back into the trees. From here it travels along a ridge above Little Horseshoe Park. It then crosses the park and passes through a stand of ponderosa pines on route to its intersection with the North Deer Mountain Trail. This trail also intersects a loop trail to Aspenglen Campround along the way. Taking this loop would add about 2 miles to the hike.

Features:

Length:	2.3 miles (3.7 kilometers)
Elevation Range:	8,517' - 8,753'
Elevation change:	442 feet
Season:	May 15 - Nov 1
Difficulty:	Easy
Use:	Low to moderate
USGS maps:	Estes Park
Trailheads:	Lawn Lake, Deer Ridge
Restrictions:	No pets are permitted
Suitable for mountain bikes:	No (not permitted)
Suitable for horses:	Yes

Vicinity Map

Altitude Profile

Directions:
The Little Horseshoe Park Trail can be accessed from the Lawn Lake Trailhead or the parking area at the west end of Horseshoe Park.. Take Highway 34 north from the Fall River Entrance to the Endovalley turnoff. The trailhead is immediately on the right. The paved parking area has room for about 40 vehicles. There are restrooms at the trailhead. The parking area is just across Highway 34 from the trailhead and a little south.

Alternate access is from the Deer Ridge Trailhead. Take Highway 36 about 3.4 miles from the Beaver Meadows Entrance to the trailhead located on the north side of the road. There is parking for 15 to 20 vehicles on the both sides of Highway 36.

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