Colorado's Lion Gulch Trail

Lion Gulch Trail

Description:
Take a hike back into time via the Lion Gulch Trail. This trail ends at an area called Homestead Meadows. Here there are eight to ten old homesteads with interpretive signs. It is a very interesting hike or horseback ride for history buffs. This trail is suitable for horses and mountain bikes. The parking area is large and could accommodate large horse trailers, but can be quite crowded on weekends.
This trail is fairly wide and well maintained. It immediately begins to descend into the gulch and crosses a stream over a wooden bridge. There is an interpretive sign for Homestead Meadows on the other side of the bridge. This shows the locations of the various homesteads. Study this carefully as there are no maps in the meadows area. The trail generally follows the gulch up to the meadows, crossing the stream nine times. All of the crossings are over wooden or log bridges and are easy to negotiate. There is ample water in the stream for pets or horses.
The trail is in general easy to hike with a few moderate climbs. It winds its way up the gulch alternating between the shade of ponderosa pines and open grassy areas. You'll reach the Homestead Meadows area at the top of a moderate grade. Here a long meadow leads to some interpretive signs as well as signs directing you to various homesteads. There are a couple of homesteads a short hike to the north. The rest require a lot more walking.
This is a great horse trail. There are no difficult spots other than shallow stream crossings. Once on top there are numerous trails and roads to explore.

Features:

Length: 3.1 miles (5 kilometers)

Elevation Range: 7,325' - 8,424'

Elevation change: 1,258 feet

Season: March - November

Difficulty: Easy

Use: Vey high

USGS maps: Panorama Peak

Trailheads: Lion Gulch

Restrictions: Pets must be on a leash

Suitable for mountain bikes: Yes

Suitable for horses: Yes

Vicinity Map

Altitude Profile

Directions:
Take Highway 36 south from Estes Park for about eight miles to the trailhead. The sign is off the road and can't be seen when coming from the north. There is a blue sign for the Pinewood Fire Rescue District just before you get to the trailhead. The trailhead is on the right side of the road.

Length:	3.1 miles (5 kilometers)
Elevation Range:	7,325' - 8,424'
Elevation change:	1,258 feet
Season:	March - November
Difficulty:	Easy
Use:	Vey high
USGS maps:	Panorama Peak
Trailheads:	Lion Gulch
Restrictions:	Pets must be on a leash
Suitable for mountain bikes:	Yes
Suitable for horses:	Yes