Rocky Mountain National Park's Mill Creek

Mill Creek - Cub Lake Trail

Description:
The Mill Creek-Cub Lake Trail begins from the Mill Creek Trail at an elevation of 9,003 feet and climbs over the ridge to the north and down to the west end of Cub Lake at 8,660 feet. This trail sees low usage.

The trail crosses Mill Creek and heads northwest through Mill Creek Basin. After passing the Mill Creek Cutoff Trail intersection, the trail begins to climb the ridge through lodgepole pine and aspen. The climb gets steeper as the trail becomes more tunnel-like through close-growing lodgepole pines. There are a lot of log steps and water bars along this section. Soon you'll top the ridge and begin a descent toward the Big Thompson River Valley. Cub Lake sits on a bench above the valley.

The trail makes a moderate to steep descent along a steep slope. It is a fairly narrow ledge along the steep northeast facing slope and could be difficult to negotiate if you encounter deadfall across the trail, especially on horseback. You'll catch glimpses of Cub Lake through a few openings in the trees along the way. The trail gets very rocky as you get closer to the bottom. Horsemen may want to dismount and lead their horses through this area. It takes a little over an hour to travel from Mill Creek to Cub Lake.

Features:

Length:	1.62 miles (2.6 kilometers)
Elevation Range:	8,660' - 9,440'
Elevation change:	1,231 feet
Season:	Jun 1- Nov 1
Difficulty:	Moderate
Use:	Low to moderate
USGS maps:	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 - Cub Lake 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. Take the Mill Creek Trail for 1.7 miles to the Mill Creek - Cub Lake Trail.

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