Rocky Mountain National Park's Mill Creek Trail

Mill Creek Trail

Description:
The Mill Creek Trail begins at Hollowell Park at an elevation of 8,390 feet. It follows Mill Creek for 1.7 miles to Mill Creek Basin at an elevation of 9,006 feet. This trail is relatively easy to hike and is generally un-crowded. Horses are permitted on this trail but there is room for only a few trailers at the trailhead.

As you leave the trailhead at Hollowell Park the trails takes you up a beautiful valley with Longs Peak on your left and Hallett Peak above the notch that you will head toward. The valley floor is blanketed with sagebrush. The hillsides are dotted with ponderosa and lodgepole pine. Here the trail is smooth and wide. The trail heads south and then west up a draw along Mill Creek. As you pull along side of Mill Creek, the trail begins to make a moderate climb over some log and rock steps. This part of the trail is lined with willows and aspen. The trail travels below some beautiful rock formations.

After hiking for about 1.1 miles you will come to the intersection with the Mill Creek Cutoff Trail. Turn left to cross the creek and follow the creek up to the Mill Creek-Cub Lake Trail. The Mill Creek Cutoff Trail continues on up through a large aspen stand. It makes a moderate to steep climb over the ridge and back down to intersect the Mill Creek-Cub Lake Trail in Mill Creek Basin. Mill Creek Basin is a beautiful meadow surrounded by gorgeous aspens. There is a horse hitch rack at the south end of the basin. There are several backcountry camping sites in the Mill Creek Basin area.

Features:

Length:	1.7 miles (2.74 kilometers)
Elevation Range:	8,388' - 9,006'
Elevation change:	633 feet
Season:	Jun 1- Nov 1
Difficulty:	Easy to moderate
Use:	Moderate
USGS maps:	Longs Peak, McHenrys Peak
Trailheads:	Mill Creek
Restrictions:	No pets are permitted
Suitable for mountain bikes:	No (not permitted)
Suitable for horses:	Yes

Vicinity Map

Altitude Profile

Directions:
The Mill Creek Trail is reached via the Mill Creek Trailhead at Hollowell Park. Take Highway 36 from the Beaver Meadows Entrance to the Bear Lake Road. Follow Bear Lake Road for about 3.5 miles to Hollowell Park. Turn right to the trailhead. The parking area has room for 12 to 15 vehicles and will accommodate small horse trailers. There are restrooms at this trailhead.

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