South Lateral Moraine Trail

Description:
       The South Lateral Moraine Trail begins from the Cub Lake Trail at an elevation of 8,095 feet and travels up and down the edge of Moraine Park to its intersection with the Morain-Tuxedo Cutoff Trail at 8,078 feet. The elevation gain and loss total 247 feet. This is a popular horse trail for the nearby stables.

     The trail leaves the Cub Lake Trail just as it turns west up the valley. This trail travels east along the southern edge of Moraine Park. It is a nice level trail that gives you a different perspective of Moraine Park. There are some fenced in areas along the way that are used to measure the effects of wildlife on grazing in the Park. The trail follows a stream, offering good access to fishing. This trail is heavily used by elk, as evidenced by the numerous tracks on the trail. It tops out on a ridge above some Park Service structures. From here it is a level walk to its intersection with the Moraine-Tuxedo Cutoff Trail. Look for elk bedded down above the trail in the afternoon.

Features:

Length: 1.92 miles (3.09 kilometers)
Elevation Range:
 8,021' - 8,128'
Elevation change: 275 feet
Season: May 15 - Nov 15
Difficulty: Easy
Use: Low to moderate
USGS maps: Longs Peak
Trailheads: Cub Lake
Restrictions:
No pets are permitted
Suitable for mountain bikes: No (not permitted)
Suitable for horses: Yes

 

Vicinity Map

Altitude Profile


Directions:
    The South Lateral Moraine Trail can be reached via the Cub Lake Trailhead. Take Highway 36 from the Beaver Meadows Entrance to the Bear Lake Road. Follow Bear Lake Road for about 1.2 miles to the Moraine Park Campground Road. Turn left at the sign (half mile) and travel about 1.2 miles to the trailhead. There are three parking areas that will accommodate about 40 vehicles. Spaces fill up by mid morning in this popular area. Take the Cub Lake Trail for about a half mile to the west end of the South Lateral Moraine Trail.

Order Rocky Mountain Trails CD

 

                               Return to Rocky Mountain National Park Trails

Copyright © 1999-2004 Resource Analysis Systems
All rights reserved