Rocky Mountain National Park's Boulder Brook Trail

Boulder Brook Trail

Description:
The Boulder Brook Trail leaves the junction of the Glacier Creek and Storm Pass trails at 8,860 feet and climbs 1,451 feet in two miles to the North Longs Peak Trail. Horses are not permitted on this trail.

The trail leaves the junction and climbs along side of Boulder Brook through lodgepole pine. The trail surface is somewhat rocky due to water erosion. The trail crosses Boulder Brook several times. There are lots of beautiful cascades and small waterfalls in this stream. The lodgepole pines give way to spruce as you climb higher. There are not many opportunities for great views along this trail as it stays mainly in the forest.

The trail gets less steep as you climb higher up the ridge. After crossing the stream in an open area, the trail enters a wide valley. Here the trees are smaller, offering better views. You start getting views back toward Bear Lake as you climb higher. You can see the remnants of a spruce beetle attack on the ridge to the east. Stark standing dead trees blanket the hillside. You'll pass some backcountry campsites just before intersecting the North Longs Peak Trail. Turn right to travel to the Loch Vale Trail and Alberta Falls. Going left will take you to the boulder field below Longs Peak.

Features:

Length:	2.01 miles (3.24 kilometers)
Elevation Range:	8,860' - 10,311'
Elevation change:	1,451 feet
Season:	Jun 15 - Oct 1
Difficulty:	Moderate to strenuous
Use:	Low to moderate
USGS maps:	Longs Peak
Trailheads:	Storm Pass, Bierstadt Lake
Restrictions:	No pets are permitted
Suitable for mountain bikes:	No (not permitted)
Suitable for horses:	No

Vicinity Map

Altitude Profile

Directions:
The Boulder Brook Trail begins from the Storm Pass Trail. The west end of the Storm Pass Trail begins about .45 miles south of a small parking area on Bear Lake Road. Take the Bear Lake Road for about 6.5 miles to the Storm Pass Trailhead. This is a very small parking area (3 cars) on the right side of the road. The Bierstadt Lake parking area is a short distance to the west. Take a cutoff trail and the Storm Pass Trail about .6 miles to the Boulder Brook Trail.

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