North Boundary Trail

Description:
The North Boundary trail begins at the Cow Creek Trailhead in Rocky Mountain National Park at 7860 feet, climbs up and down three drainages, ending at its intersection with the North Fork Trail, 6.1 miles to the north. It passes through an elevation of 9660 feet along its path. Parking at the Cow Creek Trailhead is limited to along the side of the road. Although there is a place to turn vehicles around, it is not large enough for trailers or motorhomes.
The first part of the trail makes a moderately steep climb up a draw to a saddle overlooking the West Creek Drainage. From here it descends a steep aspen and fir filled gulch using many switchbacks along the way. At the bottom of the drainage it crosses West Creek via a log bridge. It then continues up a grassy valley containing blue spruce until shortly reaching the junction with the trail to West Creek Falls. There is a sign marking the way. At this point the trail begins a steep climb out of the drainage. This stretch of the trail is badly eroded from runoff water. Much of the surface is crumbling sandstone, making footing difficult. At the top of the drainage it levels off for a short distance before descending into the next drainage. Here it travels through a lodgepole pine forest and crosses a small stream at the bottom.
The trail enters Rocky Mountain National Park a short distance from the stream. Up until this point the trail has been in the Comanche Peak Wilderness. From the park boundary the trail makes a long steep ascent to the next drainage. It is about 2 miles of steady climbing until you reach the North Fork Drainage. The trail descends into the drainage along its southern face. It is quite rocky in places. The trail crosses a small stream at the bottom of the descent then travels another quarter mile to the North Fork Trail. Just before reaching the North Fork Trail it crosses the North Fork of the Big Thompson River via a wooden bridge.
This trail is difficult to hike because of the many steep gains and losses in elevation. It takes between 3.5 and 4 hours to hike.


Features:

Length:	6.1 miles (9.8 kilometers)
Elevation Range:	7,861' - 9,645'
Elevation change:	3,632 feet
Season:	June 1 - Oct 15
Difficulty:	Moderate - Difficult
Use:	Low
USGS maps:	Estes Park
Trailheads:	Cow Creek
Restrictions:	No pets are allowed on that portion of the trail that is in Rocky Mountain National Park, backcountry permit required for camping in the park
Suitable for mountain bikes:	No (not permitted in the wilderness or park)
Suitable for horses:	Yes (parking limited)

Vicinity Map

Altitude Profile

Directions:
The North Boundary Trail is located in the Comanche Peak Wilderness and Rocky Mountain National Park. It can be reached from the Cow Creek Trailhead. Take Highway 34 from Loveland to Drake. Turn right on County Road 43 and travel about 11.5 miles (3.5 miles past Glen Haven). Turn right on the McGraw Ranch Road and go about two miles to the Cow Creek Trailhead and the south end of the trail.

 

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