Rocky Mountain National Park's Lookout Mountain Trail

Lookout MountainTrail

Description:
The Lookout Mountain Trail, also known as Horsetooth Peak Trail, begins from the Sandbeach Lake-Meeker Park Trail at an elevation of 8,820 feet. It makes a moderate to steep climb to a saddle at 10,450 feet just west of Lookout Mountain. From there it is cross-country for about a quarter-mile and a 265' elevation gain to Lookout Mountain.

The trail makes a short descent to Horse Creek. After crossing the creek, it begins to climb the ridge to the northwest. It makes moderate climbs with a few level stretches between climbs. You get a good view of Mount Meeker along this section of the trail. The trail travels through a wet area and crosses Horse Creek again. From here it makes a moderate to steep climb to a saddle west of Lookout Mountain. The trail makes several long switchbacks in route. It gets faint after turning east in the saddle. Follow the rock cairns or pick your own way up the ridge to Lookout Mountain. You get great views of Mount Meeker to the north and Wild Basin to the southwest from the summit. Horses are not permitted on this trail.

Features:

Length:	2.41 miles (3.88 kilometers)
Elevation Range:	8,742' - 10,682'
Elevation change:	1,940 feet
Season:	Jun 1 - Nov 1
Difficulty:	Moderate
Use:	Low
USGS maps:	Allenspark
Trailheads:	Sandbeach Lake
Restrictions:	No pets are permitted
Suitable for mountain bikes:	No (not permitted)
Suitable for horses:	No

Vicinity Map

Altitude Profile

Directions:
The Lookout Mountain Trail begins from the Meeker Park - Sandbeach Trail. The nearest access to this trail in the Park is via the Sandbeach Lake Trailhead. Take Highway 7 south from Estes Park for about 10.8 miles to the Wild Basin Area turnoff (about 3.8 miles south of the Longs Peak access road). Turn right and follow the road for about .4 miles to the Wild Basin Entrance (just past the Wild Basin Lodge). The trailhead is next to the entrance station. Take the Sandbeach Lake Trail for about 1.3 miles to the Meeker Park - Sandbeach Trail. Follow this trail north for about 2.2 miles to the Lookout Mountain Trail.

You can also reach the trail from Meeker Park via CR 113N. It is about .7 miles on CR 113N to the beginning of the trail.

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