Lulu City From The Colorado River Trailhead

From USHikingtrails

Lulu City From The Colorado River Trailhead
Following the route of an old wagon road to the Shipler Mine and Lulu City, this hiking trail follows the Colorado River up the Kawuneeche Valley through Lodgepole Pine and Spruce forests on this family friendly hike to Lulu City.

For an more difficult hike to Lulu City (a similar distance, but more elevation gain/loss), try the Lulu City From Long Draw Road trail. The trailhead is located at the end of Long Draw Road off of the Poudre River (Hwy 14) northwest of Fort Collins, and offers a different route through the "back door" of Rocky Mountain National Park.

Fast Facts
Distance(Miles):	3.7 miles one-way
Trail Surface & Condition:	Dirt
Other Trail Users:
Ownership:	National Parks
Best Seasons:	Year Around, skis or snowshoes in Winter
Type:	Out-and-Back
Beginning Elev (Feet):	9,050
Ending Elev (Feet):	9,350
Elevation Gain (Feet):	+350
Difficulty Rating:	8.1
Colorado River Trail Trailhead GPS Coordinates:	Latitude: 40.40163 Longitude: -105.8484
Junction of Lulu City & Red Mountain Trails:	Latitude: 40.40804 Longitude: -105.84888
Shipler Mine GPS Coordinates:	Latitude: 40.42779 Longitude: -105.84917
Shipler Cabin Ruins GPS Coordinates:	Latitude: 40.43112 Longitude: -105.850
Junction of Lulu City & La Poudre Pass Trails:	Latitude: 40.44389 Longitude: -105.84528
Lulu City GPS Coordinates:	Latitude: 40.44613 Longitude: -105.84695

Lulu City Townsite in Rocky Mountain National Park

Trailhead Information

Colorado River Trail Trailhead
Near To: RMNP Alpine Visitors Center and Grand Lake, Colorado

Driving Directions To Trailhead From Grand Lake, drive north on US Hwy 34 about 2 miles to the Rocky Mountain National Park entrance station. From the entrance station, drive another 9.5 miles to the Colorado River Trail Trailhead and parking lot on the left (west) side of the road. Restrooms are available at the trailhead, no water. Water is available at the Timber Creek Campground about 1.8 miles south, or at the Kawuneeche Visitors Center, 1.3 miles north of the entrance station.

Colorado River Trail Trailhead

Elevation: 10,175'

Maps & Images Lat: 40.40163 Long: -105.8484

Street map from Google Maps or Yahoo! Maps

Satellite image from Google Maps or Microsoft Virtual Earth

Aerial image or topographic map from TerraServer-USA

Trail & Hike Description

For the first mile or so, the trail parallels US Hwy 34, winding though Lodgepole pine and Spruce forests. At about 0.6 miles, the trail crosses a large meadow, where it intersects with the Red Mountain Trail. You'll want to continue going straight (north); the Red Mountain Trail turns to the left (west). This meadow is the location of the Phantom Valley Ranch, a resort that operated until the 1960s, when the National Park Service purchased it, and tore it down to let the area revert to its original state.

At about 1.8 miles, look for the tailings of the Shipler Mine, and about 4/10 of a mile further (2.2 miles from the trailhead) for the remains of the Shipler cabins.

At 3.5 miles, the trail intersects with the La Poudre Pass Trail. take the trail to the left, and head down the hill to Lulu City, about 2/10 of a mile further in a large meadow area.

For more details on the history of Joel Shipler, the Shipler Mine, and of Lulu City, see the History Of Lulu City in the alternate trail description Lulu City From Long Draw Road.

External Links & References

Suggested hike list on National Park Service Rocky Mountain National Park web site