Shadow Mountain Trail
Description:
The Shadow Mountain
Trail begins from the East Shore Trail at an elevation of 8,415 feet. It climbs
up the west slope of Shadow Mountain to the fire lookout tower at about 9,900
feet in about 3.5 miles. The trail begins about 1.5 miles south of the East
Shore Trailhead and about 1.3 miles north of the Shadow Mountain Dam. It immediately
begins a moderate to steep climb to the southeast through lodgepole pine.
At the end of this climb, it makes a sharp switchback to the northwest and
climbs up a narrow ridge. There are not many views along its path as the forest
is dense. It continues to wind its way up the slope through a forest that
has previously been burned (trunks of trees show signs of charring). The trail
gets steeper as it turns northeast and north for the final ascent to the lookout
tower. It makes numerous switchbacks along the way. There is a hitch rack
for horses just below the tower. The tower is a massive stone structure with
a sturdy stairway leading to the observation platform. The views from the
platform are quite spectacular. You get a great view of the lakes.
Features:
| Length: |
3.5 miles (5.6 kilometers) |
|
Elevation Range:
|
8,399' - 9,903' |
| Elevation change: |
1,801 feet |
| Season: |
Jun 1- Nov 1 |
| Difficulty: |
Moderate |
| Use: |
Moderate |
| USGS maps: |
Shadow Mountain |
| Trailheads: |
East Shore, Shadow Mountain
Dam |
| Restrictions: |
No pets are permitted
|
| Suitable for mountain bikes: |
No (not permitted) |
| Suitable for horses: |
Yes |
Vicinity Map
Altitude Profile
Directions:
T ake
Trail Ridge Road to the west entrance to the Park. Continue south to the road
leading into Grand Lake. Turn left toward Grand Lake and then turn right onto
Center Drive (just before the stables). Turn left on Marina Drive just past
the school. Follow the signs to Hilltop Park. Turn right on Lakeside Drive.
Turn right on Jericho Drive and travel about .4 miles to the East Shore trailhead.
To get to the Shadow Mountain
Dam Trailhead, continue south on US 34 for about 3 miles to the entrance to
the Shadow Mountain Recreation Area. Turn left and drive about .5 miles to
the Green Ridge campground. The trailhead is located on the other side of
the Shadow Mountain Dam.
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