Rocky Mountain National Park's Little Yellowstone Trail

Little Yellowstone Trail

Description:
The Little Yellowstone Trail begins from the Grand Ditch Trail at an elevation of 10,247 feet. It descends along the rim of Little Yellowstone Canyon to 9,490 feet before climbing to its intersection with the Lulu City Trail. Most of the trail travels through dense forest, but the sections offering good views of the canyon are well worth the hike.

The trail makes a moderate descent from the Grand Ditch Trail and crosses a lush meadow. It continues around the ridge before turning in a southwesterly direction. The trail pulls along side of the canyon rim after about a half-mile. The views here are quite striking. The light colored canyon walls really do remind you of Yellowstone. The trail continues to descend along the west face of the canyon, crossing several small streams over wooden bridges. At one point it crosses above a tall waterfall. The trail narrows as it approaches Lulu Creek. It intersects the north end of the Lulu City Trail just after crossing the creek. Continuing on, the trail crosses the Colorado River and climbs to another intersection with the Lulu City Trail south of the Lulu City site.

Features:

Length:	2.1 miles (3.4 kilometers)
Elevation Range:	9,490' - 10,247'
Elevation change:	1,259 feet
Season:	Jun 15 - Nov 1
Difficulty:	Moderate
Use:	Low to moderate
USGS maps:	Fall River Pass
Trailheads:	Never Summer, Colorado River
Restrictions:	No pets are permitted
Suitable for mountain bikes:	No (not permitted)
Suitable for horses:	Yes

Vicinity Map

Altitude Profile

Directions:
The nearest trailhead to this trail is the Never Summer Trailhead on the Long Draw Road. Take Highway 287 north from Fort Collins to La Porte. Continue on 287 north to Highway 14. Travel west on 14 for 52 miles to the Long Draw Road. Turn left and travel 12.5 miles to the trailhead at the end of the road. The Little Yellowstone Trail is about 1.3 miles from the trailhead.

You can also access the trail from the Colorado River Trailhead on the west side of the Park. The trailhead is just west of Trail Ridge Road about 10.2 miles north of the Grand Lake Entrance and about 31 miles from the Beaver Meadows Entrance. Take the Lulu City Trail for about 3.2 miles to its intersection with the Little Yellowstone Trail.

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