19 replies to this topic

[ProfHall]

Ok, here's a real RMNP question! I'm thinking we might do the hike up to the Crater this year, hoping to see some bighorns. I read somewhere else on here from waterrat that the hike is short (about 1 mile) but it is almost straight up. I've read on explore-rocky (way previously) that it is doable with kids and that the pay-off is great for the hike up.

What information about this hike can you forum folks provide? What's the TV index on this one? Are the views (bighorns or just the mountains) going to be a good "reward" to the kiddos for the climb? Or will that have to be no matter what?!?

Help!

[SandyP]

Professor, Bill and I hiked that one last year. I remember that it was pretty vertical. I wonder how tough are your kids. I kind of think if they've done hikes with you before, and are more or less used to the Rocky Mountain experience they could handle it. And it's true, we did peak over the top of the hill down into the crater and find 3 bighorn's just enjoying the day. We only stayed a minute because it was unBELIEVABLY windy and cold up there. Bill was about ready to head down as soon as we got there, but of course when a good photo op presents itself, I kind of turn off my discomfort button and go for the pictures.

I say go for it. How old are your kids ???

SandyP

Here's a windy picture of our find once we got there.

Attached Thumbnails

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[ProfHall]

When we get there this summer the kids will be 11, 11, and 9. I think they can do it...it's just convincing them to get out and go!

[SandyP]

I think so too. It really does go by pretty fast. It's very pretty on the way up, and it's not that long. It will be worth it

[ProfHall]

Thanks for the picture...that will help me "sell" this one, 'cause we haven't seen these guys in our prior trips. Deer, elk, moose, porcupine, jays, hummingbirds, osprey, assorted varieties of ground critters...but no bighorns.

Who else has done this one?

[growski]

My wife and I "almost" did this trail last August. "Almost" meaning that we were about 1.5 miles into the trail and a sign was sitting there telling us that the remaining part of the trail was closed.

According to my RMNP map, the Crater area is closed every May 1st through sometime in July, but could go longer, in order to not disturb the sheep.

Traill gains some elevation quickly but should be no problem for kids.

I might have some pictures of the trail on my home PC. I'll check later and post if them if I do.

-ken

[CDeb]

Forgive my ignorance, but where is the Crater?

[DeeCeeM]

Forgive my ignorance, but where is the Crater?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Check here for a map showing the trail. It's on the middle left. (Not the one marked in red.)

[DeeCeeM]

Or will that have to be no matter what?!?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

What kind of fool question is that?!?

--
(Got to be a case of identity theft!)

[Veik]

I hiked up to the Crater July 2001 and was hoping to continue on to the top of Specimen Mountain. There was a sign at the top of the Crater trail saying not to continue on to Specimen though so I didn't. The TV Index is 3.7

There were big horn sheep there but not real close. Bring some binoculars. Here are a couple pictures.
The Crater

[Rita Johnston]

My husband and I hiked the Crater when we were in Estes in late September. I remember it was pretty vertical, but once we got there, it was awesome. We made it on a perfect day, a little windy, but otherwise nice. We were the only ones on the trail & we stayed up there for probably about 2 -3 hours, with no interuptions from the outside world! There were no Big Horns, but we had a great time watching the marmots and other small animals running around. We finally met some people on the trail on our way down. I would highly recommend this hike, I want to do it again, hopefully when there might be some Big Horns around!
The scenery was beautiful.

[greg126]

We always try to hit that one if its open while we're there, done it two or 3 times now, most recently last summer. Definitely bring optics of some kind - first time we did it had forgotten the binos but another hiker with a spotting scope let us look through that.

I recall a fairly short steep climb early on then a more moderate uphill. If I get ambitous AND remember I'll run an elevation profile when I get home. I don't think the elevation gain is too bad but its close to the Divide so your starting elevation will be considerable higher than Estes - oxygen (or lack thereof) is a factor. Also - depending on ages/energy of kids don't let them get too far ahead - I seem to recall a couple of switchbacks there that aren't marked well and it would be real easy to keep going instead of turning to follow the trail.

Greg

[waterrat]

I checked Topozone, and it looks like the elevation gain is around 1000' from the pass to the Crater.

[junkie]

Prof you can definitely do it with your kids. I drug my 5 year old up it last year. She whined a little, and it took some encouragement and lots of rest stops (for both of us), but we made it.

About 1/2 way up we lost the trail and the only 'trail looking' thing went STRAIGHT UP a very steep hill about 150 yards. After about 150 yards we hit the trail again. Not sure how we lost it - it was very clear on the way back down and the alternative was a couple switchbacks that would have been much easier.

My understanding is this trail is always open, its just that you are supposed to stay off specimen mountain.

We saw mountain lions from a far distance chasing marmots up on specimen. Plus sheep down in the crater. Very cool hike... we will redo this one! You also have a nice view of the visitors center and surrounding tundra.

Chris

[waterrat]

The Crater itself is closed during lambing season, which I think is during June. Someone who knows more should confirm, though. I've actually seen a wooden barricade across the trail before, but I can't remember when or why.