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Rugged, steep, and rocky: pick three.


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Map Key

3.5

Miles

5.6

KM

Point to Point

8,568' 2,612 m

High

7,299' 2,225 m

Low

1,304' 397 m

Up

89' 27 m

Down

8%

Avg Grade (4°)

28%

Max Grade (16°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views

Description

This trail was destroyed in the flooding of 2013. It was finally rebuilt and reopened in July, 2017. It was rough before the flood and is still difficult now!

Hikers begin by dropping down from the parking lot to a creek crossing. Then you start climbing up the gulch. The trail crosses the creek several times, most of these are without a bridge. There are stretches of the trail where it gets steep and a good portion of the trail is rather rocky. There are other stretches of tight and twisty singletrack through the trees that provide a great backcountry feel.

You'll feel the grade on the climb for sure. Towards the top of the gulch, the trail finally breaks into more open terrain and it's pretty smooth sailing on this end of the trail. It crosses through a large meadow (the beginning of Homestead Meadows) that offers beautiful scenery and pleasant hiking.

It's a tough trail, but a worthwhile adventure!

Contacts

Shared By:

Jared Crockett

Trail Ratings

  4.2 from 19 votes

#3

in Estes Park

#1087

Overall
  4.2 from 19 votes
5 Star
32%
4 Star
53%
3 Star
16%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#3

in Estes Park

#159

in Colorado

#1,087

Overall
13 Views Last Month
3,667 Since Jul 24, 2017
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

0%
5%
37%
21%
37%
0%

Photos

One of many creek crossings.
Jun 7, 2021 near Estes Park, CO
First creek crossing.
Jun 7, 2021 near Estes Park, CO
Griffith Homestead
Jul 24, 2017 near Estes Park, CO
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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Jul 24, 2024
Marjorie Gomez
May 16, 2024
Patrick Wolf
Jun 19, 2023
Justin Greenidge
Sep 2, 2022
Daphne Dubach
Did lions trail, the little extra loop and back. Great conditions and hardly any people. Good to have water for the dog 7.9mi — 3h 30m
Apr 9, 2022
Stacey Nicholls
7mi
Jun 5, 2021
Devin Quince
First real hike at Lion gulch 5.2mi — 2h 32m
Aug 15, 2020
Saman K
7.6mi — 3h 26m
Jun 18, 2020
Carol Espinoza
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