Rocky Mountain National Park's Valley Trail

Valley Trail

Description:
The Valley Trail begins from the River Trail just north of the trailhead on County Road 491. It makes level path to the north for 2.5 miles, ending just across the road from the Green Mountain Trailhead. The trail travels northeast through a lodgepole pine forest, crossing the end of a large meadow. From here it turns north and parallels Highway 34. This is a good horse trail and is frequently used by local riding stables. The trail passes within a hundred yards of the Harbison picnic area, an alternate access point. Continuing north it crosses a sagebrush flat where it comes very close to the highway. It reenters the forest and then turns west and makes a short, moderate to steep climb up the ridge. The trail drops down the west side of the ridge and continues in a northerly direction. It ends just north of a Park Service corral, across the road from the Green Mountain Trailhead.

Features:

Length:	2.5 miles (4.0 kilometers)
Elevation Range:	8,704' - 8,873'
Elevation change:	426 feet
Season:	Jun 1 - Nov 1
Difficulty:	Easy
Use:	Low
USGS maps:	Grand Lake
Trailheads:	River, Green Mountain
Restrictions:	No pets are permitted
Suitable for mountain bikes:	No (not permitted)
Suitable for horses:	Yes

Vicinity Map

Altitude Profile

Directions:
The nearest access to this trail is via the River Trailhead. This trailhead is located about 1.4 miles west on County Road 491. This road leaves Trail Ridge Road across from the road into the Kawuneeche Vistors Center.

This trail can also be reached via the Green Mountain Trailhead. It is located on the east side of the road about three miles north of the Grand Lake Entrance. Take Trail Ridge Road for about 37.7 miles to the trailhead from the Beaver Meadows Entrance. The parking area is “L” shaped with room for 35 vehicles. There is ample room for horse trailers along the side next to the road. Restroom facilities are available at the trailhead. The trail is across the road.

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