17 replies to this topic

[Rita Johnston]

Hello all! It's been awhile since I've been in here, but I can't beleive the amount of info posted. However, none of it touches on what my question is.

My father and I have both been coming to RMNP/Estes Park for at least 20 years now. I try to make it 2 - 3 times per year. I love to hike, my dad did too. Unfortunately, my dad recently had to have 2 back surgeries. We are planning a trip together over the 4th of July weekend, altho I've been to RMNP soooo many times, I've never been able to watch the fireworks show, and I really want to. My question is this: My dad wants to do some walking, but I don't think he's going to be able to do any real hiking. We know all about the Bear Lake trail and Sprague Lake trail (easy, short, flat), my question is, what other short, flat, easy hikes would be recommended. I know he won't be able to go far, and the down hill would be really bad for him. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!!

Rita

[GLENNinPA]

There is Lily Lake, Beaver Meadows, Moraine Park, Alluvial Fan.
You could also do some small walks up on Trail Ridge Road.

The west side has some great flat hikes also, but I'll let our resident West Side Expert - Prof Hall- fill you in more on that.

Welcome Back

Glenn

[waterrat]

Well, on the west-side there's the Coyote Valley Trail which is flat and wide, made to be handicapped-accessible. Colorado River Trail has some up and down at the beginning, but then is pretty flat for a long stretch. Adams Falls is just .3 of a mile, but there is some uphill on it. What do you think, Prof?

[ProfHall]

I think you nailed it, waterrat...coyote valley is the west-side equivalent to the Sprague lake walk. Though it doesn't surround a lake, it does meander near the Colorado River (or parts of it). It is quite exposed, so the sun can be intense there. Early morning or later in the afternoon are great over there, and the wildlife viewings are better then, too. Also, the walk from the parking lot/trailhead across the valley to the Never Summer Ranch site, now called the Holzworth Historic Site, is easy and flat, too. Then you can visit the ranch buildings and take a rest if you want before walking back. At either of these, you get great views up and down the valley and to the backside of the east-side mountains and the Never Summers off to the west. Depending on your dad's "stair climbing" ability, the short walk to Adam's Falls may even test him...it is not long at all, but you do step up a bit, and then you'd have to step back down. Just past the falls, the trail becomes mostly flat and wanders along the water and out into a beautiful meadow. Again, early in the morning is great here...

Up higher on Trail Ridge, but still west side, is a picnic area at Lake Irene. This is near the hike to the Crater, which I know you won't want. But this is a great little place that is often overlooked. You need to walk past the few picnic tables to the lake, and there is a basically flat trail around it. The view at the far end (west) is amazing...Across the road almost is Milner Pass and Poudre Lake. You can walk a short ways along the trail up and away from the lake, and get a great view back across the lake and TRR without really climbing so much - it is set up in switchbacks that send you back and forth without directly stepping up and down too much, if I remember correctly. This trail will take you mostly uphill all the way across the Divide back to TRR across from the Alpine Viistors' Center, if you want to walk about 4.5 miles. Maybe the uphill would be better than the downhill, based on your post.

Hope you two have a wonderful time, and have some great walks together. Enjoy the fireworks for us all, too!

[GLENNinPA]

See I told ya Prof would know!

[retlod]

It's probably unnecessary, but I might also think about some anti-shock trekking poles for him. The stability they add would take some stiffness out of his back muscles and might make him feel a little more secure.

Then again, nothing comes free. An inexpensive set of poles would run you about $80, but you could always rent them. Like I said...just something to consider.

[ProfHall]

That's a great idea...I've only just begun to use poles, and do find them to be helpful in lots of different ways. Given the "down hill" issue you raised in your post, the trekkers could be really helpful on the way down to absorb some shock and actually reduce weight/pressure on the knees, etc. I believe there is a good discussion thread on the forum about using poles, so look there for more scoop on this topic.

I came back to this thread to suggest another west-side hike. Starting in Grand Lake itself you can walk around the lake toward the next lake, Spirit Lake, and go on and on, and even climb up to an old fire watch-tower. Just depends on how far you want to go before coming back, and how you feel about the climb. And, you'll be in GL when you start and when you finish, so you can get twice if you wish!

[Rita Johnston]

Thanks for the info, I knew you guys would come through for me. I'm going to start researching these hikes, and get with my Dad to see what he would be interested in.

He uses a cane for everyday walking now, he's trying to graduate away from it, but I think during these hikes, those poles would be a great idea. Do they rent those at the Mountain House? Does anyone know what the rental price for them would be?

I really appreciate all info. I know I could have figured out most of this myself, but I generally don't try to think of the 'easy' hikes when I make my plans, so I thought this would be the best way to get the info I needed! Obviously, I was correct.

Thank you all for your reply's! If you're ever in Kansas, let me know if I can help you out!!

[michiganhiker]

Target sold some inexpensive poles last year. Seems they weren't more than $25.00 if I remember correctly. The thing I always worry about with cheap poles is unintended collapsing, but these seemed to lock tight and hold a good bit of weight. Just a thought.

[Andy]

Trekking poles are great, even for us young bucks. I never leave home without them. My suggestion - splurge the $100 for nice poles that your dad can use on this one trip and then keep them for yourself. I like my Leki Makalu Ultralite poles. I bought 'em for about $100 but it doesn't look like they make this particular model anymore. They are light, strong, and reliable.

P.S. I've heard good things about Black Diamond poles and they seem to be cheaper than Leki.

Edited by Andy, 13 April 2005 - 10:28 AM.

[weatherbe]

I am going to suggest an easy trail, but unfortunately I don't know the name of it. Maybe some of you will know which one I am talking about and can label it. The trail is not far behind the Stanley hotel. I think it's only a few blocks. When my wife and I stayed there, we walked to the trail head. I am not sure how far the trail goes, but we only went around 2 to 3 miles in one direction and never encountered any extreme elevation gains. It was 4 years ago so I can't remember any specifics. Hope this helps though in some way.

Weather

[slowpoke]

I am going to suggest an easy trail, but unfortunately I don't know the name of it.  Maybe some of you will know which one I am talking about and can label it.  The trail is not far behind the Stanley hotel.  I think it's only a few blocks.  When my wife and I stayed there, we walked to the trail head.  I am not sure how far the trail  goes, but we only went around 2 to 3 miles in one direction and never encountered any extreme elevation gains.  It was 4 years ago so I can't remember any specifics.  Hope this helps though in some way.

Weather

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Is it the Gem Lake trail?

[Rhonda]

Bridal Veil Falls trail is pretty level for a long way and a very nice hike. There is some steep climbing and rock-scrambling right before the falls, but my suggestion would be to turn around when it starts being too steep.

My knees are bad and I always hike with a cane or a hiking pole, but I managed this hike fine last year all alone.

I don't think your father would or should attempt it at the end, though. But 90% of the hike was just walking through a beautiful meadow with wildflowers everywhere in late July. I loved the hike.

You'll find it in any of the hiking guides. Just arrive early because parking is limited.

Rhonda

[Andy]

Can't be Gem Lake Trail. I don't think that's walking distance from the Stanely, and it is significant uphill to get to the lake.


[Gem Lake 11/11/02)

[Andy]

I agree with RhondaM, the Cow Creek Trail that goes up toward Bridal Veil Falls is nice.


[Looking east along Cow Creek - 11/11/02]