Rocky Mountain National ParkBackcountry Wilderness Camping Guide

Planning your tripThe first step in planning your trip is to decide where you want to camp and for what length of time. We suggest you purchase a Rocky Mountain National Park topographical map to choose a destination and route. You can then use the map on the inside of this guide, to select backcountry campsites. As you plan your trip, take into consideration the physical condition of the least experienced member of your party, and the distance and elevation gain from the trailhead to your destination.

Rocky Mountain National Park is a high elevation park. If you live at sea level, it will take you several days to become acclimated to this elevation. Most trails begin above 7,000 feet (2,000 meters) and climb abruptly higher. If you are not acclimated, you can get high altitude sickness. Rangers recommend that you spend at least one night at 7,000 or 8,000 feet (2,000 or 2,500 meters) prior to setting out. This will allow your body to begin to adjust to the elevation.

When you visit or call the park, discuss your plans with a ranger. Find out whether snow has melted from the trails and destination where you wish to hike. Check the weather forecast before starting on your trip. Be aware that mountain weather changes very quickly. Within just a few hours, bright sunny skies may give way to raging storms. High winds often occur in the high country. Wind chill accelerates the lowering of body temperature which can result in hypothermia.

Proper clothing is your first line of defense against cold. Plan to dress in layers so you can regulate your temperature by bundling up or peeling down. Be sure to pack rain and storm gear.Remember, you assume complete responsibility for your own safety and that of your group while hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Welcome to the backcountry wilderness of Rocky Mountain National Park. We hope you will use this guide to plan a safe, enjoyable and memorable trip. This guide includes information on how to plan for your trip, obtain a backcountry permit, use the trails, set up camp, hike in a cross-country area, and care for the backcountry.

In addition to reading this guide, please read the following free publications: Rocky Mountain National Park Newspaper, Fishing, Bear Lake Area Hiking, Longs Peak Keyhole Route, and Hiking in the Kawuneeche valley. These are available at park visitor centers. You may also call (970) 586-1206 for general park information or to request specific brochures. You may order any of the following publications by phoning the Rocky Mountain Nature Association at (970) 586-0121:

Trails Illustrated Topographic Map of Rocky Mountain National Park; Backpacking One Step at a Time, Manning; Hiking Rocky Mountain National Park, Dannen.

There are many other excellent sources on backcountry hiking and camping. Take the time to learn the seven Leave No Trace ethics, how to backpack safely, and how to care for the environment. Always remember this is your park. Its 265,828 acres are a resource for not only you but many future generations. Because the backcountry regions of the park have greatly increased in popularity over the last few years, we need to enlist your support as “keepers of the royal lands”, the historic charge given to park rangers.

We hope you enjoy your stay in one of America’s premier backpacking destinations.

Backcountry waterfall

PERMIT PARAMETERS Designated sites • Individual sites: For parties of one to seven people. Each party is assigned one campsite. Each camping area has one to six sites. We recommend you travel in small parties as fewer people per site leave less impact on Rocky’s fragile backcountry.• Group sites: For parties of eight to 12 people. Groups must camp at special sites. Because of impact caused by group interaction in and between sites (site spread, social trails, etc.), groups over seven persons may not camp in neighboring individual sites but must use group sites or split up and camp at least one mile apart. • No more than three consecutive nights in one camp area.

Cross-country areasCross-country areas are the least traveled and least accessible places in Rocky Mountain National Park. Stock are not permitted to travel in these areas. Those who travel here must be skilled with a map and compass and must be proficient in Leave No Trace camping and hiking ethics and techniques.Cross-country areas are remote areas characterized by rugged terrain, dense forests, icy streams and wet bogs. These areas are below treeline. Fires are not allowed. There are no developed campsites, no developed trails, and no pit toilets.The following regulations and guidelines, in addition to those listed above, apply to cross-country area campers. • Have no more than seven people in your party.• Plan more hiking time to get to your destination than if you were on a trail.• Use a portable stove for cooking.• Stay within the boundaries of the cross-country area.• Camp at least 70 adult steps (200 feet/60 meters) away from any water source. • Be out of sight and sound of any other party.• Move your camp at least one mile (1.6 kilometers) each day.• No more than two consecutive nights in one cross-country area.

THE PERMITYou must have a backcountry permit to camp overnight in the backcountry of Rocky Mountain National Park. You can pick one up at the Headquarters Backcountry Office (beside the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center on Highway 36 west of Estes Park, CO) or at the Kawuneeche Visitor Center (Highway 34, north of Grand Lake, CO).

To minimize impact on the park’s resources, the number of permits issued is limited.

You may obtain day-of-trip permits in person year-round. You may make reservations by mail or in person anytime after March 1 for a permit for that calendar year. You may only make reservations by phone from March 1 to May 15 and anytime after October 1 for a permit for that calendar year.

Write: Rocky Mountain National Park Backcountry Office 1000 W. Hwy 36 Estes Park, CO 80517 Call: (970) 586-1242 TTY: (970) 586-1319

For reservations, use the attached “Trip Planning Worksheet” (page 7) or a separate piece paper: • Include your name, address, zip code and telephone number. • List an itinerary with dates corresponding to campsites or cross-country areas where you plan to stay. If you plan to stay in a cross-country area, indicate the area(s) where you wishto camp.• Specify the number of people that will be in your party. (Limit of seven per party for individual campsites and cross-country areas. Limit of eight to 12 per party for group campsites.)

There is a $20 administrative fee for permits during peak season periods (non-refundable and non-exchangeable). Fees are not to be sent when requesting reservations, but are payable (by exact cash or check or credit card) when the permit is issued.

During the winter and early spring, when the backcountry is not as frequently used, you may self-register at the Wild Basin Entrance, Longs Peak Ranger Station, Dunraven Trailhead, and Fall River and Beaver Meadows entrance stations.During the busy summer months, if you have a permit reservation, you must pick up the permit by 10 a.m. on the first day of your planned backcountry stay; otherwise, the permit will be canceled in its entirety, and given to other backpackers. If you know you will not be using your permit, please cancel your reservation as soon as possible.

June through September, campers may stay in the backcountry for a maximum of 7 nights. October through May, campers may stay in the backcountry a maximum of 14 nights with no more than a total of 21 nights per year.

How to use the permitYour permit is a contract between you and the National Park Service stating that you agree to treat the backcountry with respect and that you will take care of the wilderness.

You will see backcountry regulations on the back of each permit. Read, understand, sign, and obey them. Attach the permit in plain view on the outside of your backpack at all times when you are hiking to or from your campsite. When you reach camp, attach the permit to the outside of your tent. The permit indicates the number of people in your party, and specifies a campsite for each night you are in the backcountry. You must stick with your planned itinerary so that campsites do not become overcrowded and overused.

In addition to a permit, you will receive a dash tag, to be placed on the dashboard of your vehicle. Since overnight parking is only allowed with a backcountry permit, failure to properly display a dash tag may result in a citation and/or a towing fee.

Backcountry Guide 2

Mount Ypsilon

Climbers and bivouac campsIf you plan to bivouac, you must obtain a bivy permit. You can make reservations as described for backcountry permits.

The following rules apply for bivouacs:• You may have no more than four people in your party. • All in the party must climb. • You must bivy in the area specified on your permit. • Bivys must be on rock or snow. • Bivys must be set up at dusk and taken down by dawn. • No tents or structures are permitted.• Fires are not allowed.• Helmets are advised for climbing. • No more than three consecutive nights in one bivy area.

Sprague Lake Camp This is a special wheelchair accessible backcountry campsite near Sprague Lake. It is half-a-mile (one kilometer) from the trailhead to the campsite.

The camp accommodates up to 12 campers including a maximum of five wheelchair users.

If you are hearing or sight impaired and have a certified assistance dog, your dog may accompany you to this or any other campsite or trail in Rocky Mountain National Park.To make reservations please read the section entitled THE PERMIT.

Packing with horses or llamasThere are special campsites and rules for overnight camping with stock. Some trails are closed to stock use. Call (970) 586-1206 or (970) 586-1242 for information about packing with stock. Ask for the Horse and Pack Animals brochure.

“When in the wilds, we must not carry our problems with us or the joyis lost.” -Sigurd Olson

Backcountry Guide 3

THE BACKCOUNTRY TRIPSetting outBefore you leave home, always tell someone your trip itinerary and when you are planning to return.

Allow plenty of time for your trip. Consider the distance you plan to travel, the elevation of the trailhead and your destination, the amount of weight you are carrying, your physical condition, current and forecasted weather, and the hours of daylight remaining.

Remember: • Avoid taking excess foods to trailheads, as bears have been known to break into cars for food and scented items.• At trailheads store food in food storage lockers where provided.• Properly display your permit and vehicle dash tag.• Read the trailhead bulletin board.• Falling trees are an ever present hazard especially during windy or snowy conditions.• Plan to be off summits early in the day to avoid thunder and lightning storms. Note: wind is hazardous in exposed areas.• Streams, lakes and waterfalls can be dangerous and deadly at any time of year, especially during high runoff in May and June as well as after thunderstorms. Keep your distance from stream and river banks because powerful currents exist. Provide proper supervision for children. Use caution in winter when crossing rivers.• Hunting & Recreational Use of Firearms are Prohibited. Possession of Firearms must Comply with Federal & State Laws.• Pets and vehicles (including mountain bikes) are not permitted in the backcountry.• Bring insect repellent to fend off mosquitoes. Check frequently for ticks. • Hike on the trail and hike single-file. Resist the temptation to walk off the trail when it is muddy. Mud will flake off your boots much sooner than trampled plants will grow back.• Never shortcut switchbacks.• Pick up litter you find along the way.• Horses and llamas have the right-of-way. Step off the trail on the downhill side and stand quietly until the stock passes.• Never leave food unattended or unsecured from wildlife.• Never feed wildlife as this can be hazardous.• Do not disturb any flowers or plants.

Please respect the fragile tundra Alpine tundra vegetation is hardy. These plants survive extreme cold, strong winds, intense ultraviolet radiation, and very low humidity. Although these plants are tough, they cannot withstand repeated trampling. It takes 100 years for many alpine tundra plants to grow an inch.

Where there are no maintained trails and in undeveloped places, you may walk across the alpine tundra, in contrast to below treeline, in the tundra you do not walk in single file. Spread out, so that your foot prints are not concentrated on a small area, and rock-hop rather than stepping on vegetation.Trail through aspen grove

Moss Campion

Note: • A Dispersed Camping Zone (DCZ) is similar to a Cross-country Area, except that

you may stay three consecutive nights, and you do not have to move each night.

• Mileages listed are from the nearest trailhead (not all trailheads are listed).

• All sites are stoves only unless designated (WF), where wood fires are permitted in grates provided at the site and no fire ban is in effect. Use dead and

down wood only.

• The higher the elevation the later the site melts out from snow. For current conditions contact the Backcountry Office (970) 586-1242.

Rocky Mountain National Park

West Side

West Side Code Campsite Name Number of sites Distance Elevation individual /group in miles in feet

East Inlet Area East Inlet Trailhead 8,390061 East Meadow DCZ 2 1.9 8,550063 Cat’s Lair DCZ 2 3.3 9,200064 Gray Jay Group 1 4.9 9,650065 Slickrock 1 6.0 10,000066 Solitaire 1 6.2 10,120067 Upper East Inlet 1 6.6 10,200068 Lake Verna 1 6.9 10,280North Inlet Area North Inlet Trailhead 8,540069 Summerland Park 1 1 1.5 8,610071 Cascade Falls DCZ 2 3.1 8,840072 Big Pool 2 5.0 9,160073 Grouseberry (Closed) 074 North Inlet Group (stock) (WF) 1 6.5 9,290075 Foot Bridge (WF) (Closed) 076 Ptarmigan 1 6.7 9,360077 Porcupine (WF) 2 6.8 9,360078 North Inlet Junction 2 7.5 9,600079 North Inlet Falls 1 7.6 9,540080 Pine Marten 2 7.8 9,560081 July 3 1 9.7 10,760Tonahutu Area Tonahutu Trailhead 8,540 Green Mountain Trailhead 8,800082 Green Mountain 1 1.8 9,550083 Paint Brush 1 2.3 9,400084 South Meadow 1 2.0 9,450085 Big Meadows Group 1 1.9 9,400086 Sunset 1 3.0 9,550087 Sunrise 1 3.5 9,600088 Lower Granite Falls 2 5.1 9,760089 Granite Falls 2 5.4 9,840090 Tonahutu Meadows 2 6.2 10,050091 Tonahutu Group (stock) (WF) 1 6.6 10,160092 Renegade 1 7.3 10,500093 Haynach (1 llama) 2 7.2 10,760094 Timberline Group 1 7.4 10,570095 Onahu Creek 1 2.4 9,480096 Upper Onahu 1 2.8 9,600097 Onahu Bridge 1 2.9 9,650Timber Lake Area Timber Lake Trailhead 9,010098 Timber Creek 2 3.0 10,400099 Jackstraw 2 4.0 10,760100 Rockslide 1 4.5 10,960101 Snowbird 2 4.6 11,010Never Summer Area Colorado River Trailhead 9,000102 Valley View 1 3.2 10,260105 Red Gulch Group 1 5.8 10,320106 Hitchens Gulch 2 5.8 10,480107 Dutch Town 1 6.0 10,760108 Stage Road DCZ 1 4.2 9,530109 Ditch Camp (group/stock) 1 1 4.6 10,160110 Skeleton Gulch 1 6.2 10,600111 Box Canyon 1 5.5 10,480112 La Poudre Pass 1 6.7 10,200Hague Creek Area Corral Creek Trailhead 10,000113 Cache DCZ 1 5.6 10,150114 Chapin Creek Group 1 6.1 10,240115 Hague Creek (group/stock) 1 1 1.6 9,720116 Desolation (Closed) 117 Flatiron (WF) 1 2.8 9,860118 Mummy Pass Creek (WF) 2 4.6 10,640119 Koenig (stock) 1 5.2 10,680120 Mirror Lake 3 6.0 11,000

Code Name Number parties1H Cascade Creek 22H Hague Creek 53H Cache La Poudre 32J Mosquito Creek 11K Onahu Creek 11L Nakai Peak 12L Mount Patterson 31M North Inlet 42M Ptarmigan Creek 13M Upper North Inlet 24M Ptarmigan Mountain 21N Mount Enentah 13N Echo Creek 21P Columbine Creek 4

Backcountry Designated Campsites

Cross-country Areas

Echo Creek

Columbine Creek

3N

1P

NorthTelephoneBoat launch

Overlook

Self-guidingnature trail

Accessible

Livery

Picnic area

0 1 2

0 1 2 3 Miles

3 Kilometers

Generalized landcover inRocky Mountain National Park

Distanceindicator

Glacier

Alpine tundra

Forest or meadow

34

34

34

49

491

491

492

7

7

7

7

34

34

36

36

36

34

66

72

40 119

14

00

Corral

Will

ow

Cree

k

Chapin

Timber

Colorado River

Gor

ge

Big

Thompson

River

Lakes

GRAND

DITCH

Creek

Beav

er

Creek

Creek

Cree

k

North

Inlet

Tona

hutu

Colo

ra

do Supply Creek

Willow

Willow

Creek

Creek Pump Canal

Rive

r

Ona

hu

Cache l

a Poudre R

iver

Creek

Creek

SnowLake

LakeAgnes

Lake ofthe Clouds

ParikaLake

PoudreLake

Timber Lake

ForestLake

DoughnutLake

InkwellLake

AzureLake

JulianLake

BowenLake

BlueLake

HaynachLake

HaydenLake

LonesomeLake

RainbowLake

PtarmiganLake

BenchLake

GraniteFalls

CascadeFalls

HighestLake

Arrowhead Lake

GRAND

DITCH

MirrorLake

CrystalLake

LawnLake

SpectacleLakes

Ypsilon Lake

ChasmFalls

ChiquitaLake

Marys Lake

LilyLake

LakeLouise

LakeHusted Lost

Lake

LostFallsLake

Dunraven

Hague

Fork Thompson North

River

Big

West

Creek

Rive

r

Roarin

g

Creek

Cache la Poudre River

Bridal Veil Falls

CubLake

FernFalls

ThePool

SpruceLake

MargueriteFalls

GraceFalls

Fern Lake

OdessaLake

LakeHelene

EmeraldLake

Nymph Lake

TheLoch

SkyPond

Pettingell Lake

LakeNokoni

AdamsFalls

Falls

Lake Nanita

LakeVerna

StrawberryLake

AdamsLake

LonePineLake

WillowCreekReservoir

SpiritLake

FourthLake

FifthLake

Lake OfGlass

BlackLake

Peacock PoolChasm Lake

Columbine Falls

Copeland Lake

FrozenLake

Lion LakeNo 1

Lion LakeNo 2

Snowbank Lake

SandbeachLake

ThunderLake

PearLakeCony

Lake

FinchLake

BluebirdLake

OuzelLake

CalypsoCascades

OuzelFalls

CopelandFalls

BierstadtLake

DreamLake

AlbertaFalls

TimberlineFalls

RibbonFalls

TrioFalls

MillsLake

LakeHaiyaha

WestCreek

Falls

GemLake

Dry

Gul

ch

Fish

C

reek

Cow

Fall

River

Big

River

Thom

pson

Creek

Gla

cie

r Cre

ek

North St Vrain

Creek

Cony

Creek

Ouzel

Creek

Middle

Hutcheson

Colorado

Rive

r

Colorado River

Lakes

Roaring

Arapaho

Rain

bow

Bay

Bay

Columbine

East

Inlet

Creek

Fo

rk

St Vrain

Creek

Mill

Boul

der

Broo

k

Creek

Michigan Lakes

L A K E G R A N B Y

LONG DRAW RESERVOIR

Monarch Lake

GRAND LAKE8367ft2550m

LAKE ESTES

SHADOW MOUNTAIN

LAKE

RoweGlacier

TyndallGlacier

SpragueGlacier

AndrewsGlacier

Mills Glacier

TaylorGlacier

MoomawGlacier

St Vrain Glaciers

Alva B. Adams Tunnel

(water diversion str

ucture)

Rams Horn

Tunnel

Pros

pect

Mtn

Tun

nel

ARAPAHO NATIONAL RECREATION AREA

2mi3km

3mi5km

6mi9km

1mi2km

3mi5km

2mi3km

9mi 14km

19mi31km

12mi19km

8mi13km

2mi3km

4mi6km

5mi 8km

5mi8km

Road closed from here west to Colorado River Trailhead

mid-October to Memorial Day

One-way up only; closed in winter

Road closed from hereeast to Many Parks Curve

mid-October to JuneNE

VE

R

S

UM

ME

R

M

OU

NT

AI N

S

SHIP

LER

PARK

BOX CANYON

YELL

OWST

ONE

LITTL

E

SKELETON GULCH

BAKER GULCH

MU

M

MY

R A N G E

B L A C K

C A N Y O N

LON

G M

EAD

OW

S

BIG

M

EAD

OW

S

BLUE RID

GE

KA

WU

NE

EC

HE

VA

L L E Y

GLA

CIER

GO

RG

E

TAH

OSA

VA

LLEY BO

ULD

ER

F IEL

D

L U M P Y R I D G E HORSESHOE

PARK F OR E S T

C A N Y ON

TR

AI L R

I DG

E

HIDDEN VALLEY

CANYON

BIGHORN FLATS

SPRUCE

MORAINE PARK

PARADISE PARK

TA

BL

E M

OU

NT

AI N

GR

EE

N R

I DG

E

Mummy Pass Trail

North Fork

North

Boundary

Lawn

Lake

Tra

il

Fern

Lake Trail

Ute Trail

North Longs

Peak

Trail

Trail

Storm

Pass

East

Bluebird

Thunder Lake Trail

Lake

Lon

gs

P

eak

Trail

Trail

Trail

Timber Lake Trail

Ona

hu

Creek

Green

Tonahutu

Trail

Trail

North

Inlet Trail

East

Inlet Trail

Trail

Creek

Mountain

Shadow

Divide

Continental

National

Scenic

Trail

Divide Continental Natio

nal

Scenic

Trail

Mtn Trail

Colo

rado

Ri

ver

Ute Trail

Trai

l

Red Mtn

Trail

Flattop Mtn Trail

Continental DivideNational Scenic Trail

Divide

Continental N

ational Scenic Trail

Tonahutu SpurTrail

Trail

Knight

Ridge

Trail

Poudre R

iver

Tra

il

Devils

Marys Lake Rd

Bear Lake Rd

Gul

ch

Road

Old Fall River Road

Trail

Ridge Road

Trail Ridge Road

By-Pass

MacGregorAvenue

Beaver MeadowsVisitor Center

Moraine ParkVisitor Center

AlpineVisitor Center

Fall RiverVisitor Center

KawuneecheVisitor Center

ToFort Collins

To

ToWalden

ToGranby and To

and Nederland

Cameron Pass

ThunderPass

Site ofLulu City

HolzwarthHistoricSite

Site ofEugenia Mine

La Poudre Pass Trailhead

ThunderMountain12070 ft3679 m

Mummy Pass11440 ft3487 m

Stormy Peaks12135ft3699m

Signal Mountain11262 ft3433 m

Stormy PeaksPass

Flatiron Mountain12335 ft3760 m

Fairchild Mountain13502 ft4115 m

Mount Chiquita13069 ft3983 m

Mount Chapin12454 ft3796 m

SpecimenMountain12489 ft3807 m

JackstrawMountain11704 ft3567 m

Terra Tomah Mountain12718 ft3876 m

Stones Peak12922 ft3939 m

Mount Julian12928 ft3940 m

Thatchtop12668 ft3861 m

Powell Peak13208 ft4026 m

McHenrysPeak13327ft4062m

Storm Peak13326 ft4062 m

Granite Pass

Longs Peak14259 ft4346 m

Chiefs HeadPeak13579 ft4139 m

Copeland Mountain13176 ft4016 m

Ogalalla Peak13138ft4004m

Watanga Mountain12375 ft3772 m

Mount Adams12121 ft3694 m

Twin Peaks11957 ft3644 m

Mount Acoma10508 ft3203 m

MeadowMountain

11632 ft3545 m

St Vrain Mountain12162 ft3707 m

MountLadyWashington

Flattop Mtn12324 ft3756 m

Taylor Peak13153 ft4009 m

Ptarmigan Mountain12324 ft3756 m

Andrews Peak12565 ft3830 m

Mount Craig12007 ft3660 m

Mount Bryant11034 ft3363 m

Shadow Mountain10155 ft3095 m

Lookouttower

Isolation Peak13118 ft3998 m

Ouzel Peak12716 ft3876 m

Mount Alice13310 ft4057 m Pilot

Mountain

TanimaPeak

Boulder-GrandPass

Hallett Peak12713 ft3875 m

OtisPeak

Mount Ida12880 ft3926 m

Nakai Peak12216 ft3723 m

Mount Patterson11424 ft3482 m

Snowdrift Peak12274 ft3741 m

Green Mtn10313 ft3143 m

Apiatan Mountain10319 ft3145 m

Mount Cumulus12725 ft3879 m

Mount Nimbus12706 ft3873 m

Mount Stratus12480 ft3804 m

Baker Mountain12397 ft3779 m

Howard Mountain12810 ft3904 m

Red Mountain11605ft3537m

BowenMountain12524 ft3817 m

Mineral Point11488 ft3502 m

Sundance Mountain12466 ft3800 m

Highest pointon road12183 ft3713 m

Iceberg Pass

StormPass

Meeker Park

Allenspark

PeacefulValley

Ypsilon Mountain13514 ft4119 m

Desolation Peaks12949 ft3947m

Hagues Peak13560 ft4133 m

Mummy Mountain13425ft4092m

Dark Mountain10859 ft3310 m

The Needles10068 ft3069 m

The TwinOwls

Bighorn Mountain11463 ft3494 m

ProspectMountain

8900 ft2713 m

GianttrackMountain

9091 ft2771 m

LilyMtn

9786 ft2983 m

Estes Cone1100 6ft3355 m

Mount Meeker13911 ft4240 m

Pagoda Mountain13497 ft4114 m

Mount Orton11724 ft3573 m

Rams HornMountain9553 ft2912 m

Twin Sisters Peaks11428 ft3483 m

Deer Mtn10013 ft3052 m

ToLoveland

ToLyons and

Boulder

ToLyons and

Boulder

Dunraven / North Fork Trailhead

Cow Creek Trailhead

Lumpy Ridge Trailhead

Lawn Lake Trailhead

Deer MtnTrailhead

Upper BeaverMeadows Trailhead

Hollowell Park Trailhead

Chapin CreekTrailhead

Cub Lake Trailhead

BierstadtLake

TrailheadStorm

PassTrailhead

GlacierGorge

Trailhead

GlacierBasin

Wild BasinTrailhead

Olive Ridge

Camp Dick

PeacefulValley

Bear LakeTrailhead

Lily Lake Trailhead

Park & Ride

YMCAConference

Center

Fern LakeTrailhead

Longs PeakTrailhead

SandbeachLakeTrailhead

Wild BasinEntrance Station

FinchLakeTrailhead

LongsPeakTents only

Tundra CommunitiesTrailhead

Coyote Valley Trailhead

Timber Lake Trailhead

Bowen/Baker Trailhead

HarbisonMeadows

Beaver Ponds

Onahu Trailhead

Green MountainTrailhead

GrandLakeEntranceStation

East InletTrailhead

Tonahutu/North InletTrailheads

East ShoreTrailhead

Pine Beach

ShadowMountain

Cutthroat Bay(group campground)

Stillwater

Sunset Point

Quinette Point

RainbowBay

Arapaho Bay-Roaring Fork LoopKnight Ridge Trailhead

Willow Creek

Arapaho Bay-Big Rock Loop

Arapaho Bay-Moraine Loop

GranbyDam

GreenRidge

West Portal

SummerlandPark

GRANDLAKE

ColoradoRiver

Trailhead

Many Parks Curve

Moraine Park

Rock Cut

ForestCanyon

Lava Cliffs

Fall River Pass

Alpine Ridge Trail

Milner Pass 10758 ft 3279m

MedicineBowCurve

GoreRange

Lake Irene

Farview Curve

TimberCreek

SheepMountain

GlenHaven

Rowe Peak

Comanche Peak 12702 ft 3872 m

Mount Richthofen12940 ft3944 m

Tepee Mountain12568 ft3831 m

Lead Mountain12537 ft3821 m

Mount Cirrus12797 ft3901 m

Long Draw Road

BOWEN GULCH

ESTES PARKBeaverMeadowsEntranceStation

Aspenglen

Sheep Lakes

Endovalley

AlluvialFan

RainbowCurve

BeaverPonds West

Horseshoe Park

HOLLOWELLPARK

Deer RidgeJunction

PIERSONPARK

East Portal Trailhead

Continental

Cont

inen

tal

Divide

Cont

inen

ta

l Divide

Div

ide

NPS/USFS

Corral CreekTrailhead

Long Draw

C O N S E R V A T I O N

E A S E M E N T

ShadowMountain

Dam

8720 ft / 2658 mOpen all year

Seasonal

Open all yearPark Headquarters7840 ft / 2390 m

Fall RiverEntrance Station

8240 ft / 2511 m

SeasonalSnack bar

11796 ft3595 m

Twin Sisters Trailhead

LilyMountainTrailhead

W I L D E R N E S S

W I L D E R N E S S

WILDERNESSWILDERNESS

(SCENIC

AND W

ILD

RIV

ER)

W I L D E R N E S S

AllensparkTrailhead

Sprague Lake Trailhead

50

45

81

59 Pear Creek

6058

56

57Upper Ouzel Creek

Finch Lake (group/stock)Pear Lake

Ouzel Lake

52 51

49

55

54

464748

Pine Ridge

Tahosa

Aspen Knoll (llama)

53Siskin North St. Vrain

Thunder Lake (1 indiv/stock) Sandbeach Lake

Hunters CreekBeaver Mill

Campers Creek

Hole-in-the-Wall

6867

66

65

64

63

61

Slickrock

Gray Jay Group

Cat’s Lair (DCZ)

East Meadow (DCZ) Lake Verna

Upper East Inlet

Solitaire

8079

7877

69

71

76

74

72

44

43

42

41

40

39

38

37

36 35

A1

Summerland Park

Cascade Falls (DCZ)

Big Pool

North Inlet Group (stock)

Ptarmigan

Porcupine (WF)

North Inlet Junction

North Inlet Falls Pine Marten

July

Boulderfield

Battle Mountain Group

Goblins Forest

Moore Park

Sprague Lake Camp

Andrews Creek

Glacier Gorge

Boulder Brook

Upper Wind River

Over The Hill

Wind River Bluff

25

27

23

97

3431

32

3330

28

29

22

21

18

19

15

16

17

13

14

114

117

115

113

119 118

120

8 7

9

10

1211

6 54

3

2

1

105

102

107 106

108

110 109

111

112

100 10199

82

88

92

91

8485

86 8789

93

94

9095

96

98

Boundary Creek (WF)

Kettle Tarn

Silvanmere (WF)

Halfway (WF)

Aspen Meadow Group (WF)

Happily Lost (WF)Lost Falls (WF)

Sugarloaf

Stormy Peaks South

Stormy Peaks

Lost Meadow (group/stock)

Lost Lake

Lawn Lake (1 indiv/stock)

Tileston Meadows

Lower Tileston

Bighorn Mt. (group/stock) (WF)

Golden Banner

CutbankUpper Chipmunk

McGregor Mt. (WF)

Rabbit Ears

Peregrine

Ute Meadow (llama)

Old Forest InnCub Creek

Fern Lake

Spruce Lake

Odessa Lake

Sourdough

Mill Creek Basin

Upper Mill Creek

Green Mountain

South MeadowBig Meadows Group

Sunset

Sunrise

Lower Granite Falls

Granite Falls

Tonahutu Meadows

Tonahutu Group (stock) (WF)

Renegade

Haynach (1 llama)

Timberline Group

Onahu Creek

Upper OnahuOnahu Bridge

Timber Creek

Jackstraw

Rockslide

Snowbird

Valley View

Red Gulch Group

Hitchens GulchDutch Town

Stage Road (DCZ)

Ditch Camp (group/stock)Skeleton Gulch

Box Canyon

La Poudre Pass

Chapin Creek GroupCache (DCZ)

Hague Creek (group/stock)

Flatiron (WF)

Mummy Pass Creek (WF)

Koenig (stock)Mirror Lake

1P Columbine Creek

3N Echo Creek

EASTWEST

1k Onahu Creek

1L Nakai Peak

2L Mt. Patterson

1M North Inlet

1N Mt. Enentah

4M

Ptarmigan Mountain

3MUpper North Inlet

1GHunters Creek

2GCony Creek

2DUpper Forest Canyon

3DLower Forest Canyon4D Hayden Gorge

24Little Rock Lake

2J Mosquito Creek

2C Chiquita Creek

2B Cow Creek

1B Mt. Dickinson

3H Cache La Poudre

2H Hague Creek

1H Cascade Creek

1A South Cache La Poudre

Ranger station

Restrooms

Emergency telephone

Campground

Paved Road

Unpaved road

Trailhead

00Backcountry DesignatedCampsites

CrosscountryAreas

‘

83Paintbrush

East SideCode Campsite Name Number of sites Distance Elevation

individual /group in miles in feet North Fork Area

Dunraven Trailhead 7,960 001 Boundary Creek (WF) 2 4.6 9,120 002 Kettle Tarn (Temp Closed) 2 4.9 9,200 003 Silvanmere (WF) 2 5.6 9,360 004 Halfway (WF) 2 5.6 9,340 005 Aspen Meadow Group (WF) 1 5.9 9,520 006 Happily Lost (WF) 1 6.2 9,560 007 Lost Falls (WF) 2 6.7 9,600 008 Sugarloaf 1 8.2 10,290 009 Stormy Peaks South 1 8.6 10,840 010 Stormy Peaks 2 1 11.0 11,160 011 Lost Meadow (group/stock) 1 1 8.4 10,420 012 Lost Lake 4 9.7 10,710 Mummy Range Area Lawn Lake Trailhead 8,540 Lumpy Ridge/Cow Creek Trailheads 7,840 013 Rabbit Ears 1 1.4 8,100 014 Peregrine 1 2.0 8,480 015 McGregor Mt. (WF) 2 4.1 9,040 016 Bighorn Mt. (group/stock) (WF) 1 6.1 10,320 017 Lower Tileston 1 6.3 10,650 018 Tileston Meadows 2 6.0 10,800 019 Upper Chipmunk 2 4.2 10,640 021 Cutbank 1 2.4 9,620 022 Golden Banner 2 2.5 9,600 023 Lawn Lake (1 indiv/stock) 4 6.2 10,990

Gorge Lakes Area Milner Pass Trailhead 10,760 024 Little Rock Lake 1 6.0 10,280

Bear Lake Area Bear Lake Trailhead 9,475 Glacier Gorge Trailhead 9,240 Fern/Cub Lake Trailheads 8,150 025 Ute Meadow (llama) 1 2.7 9,800 026 Arch Rock (Closed) 027 Old Forest Inn 2 1.7 8,400 028 Fern Lake 4 1 3.8 9,530 029 Spruce Lake 2 4.6 9,670 030 Odessa Lake 2 4.1 10,020 031 Sourdough 1 2.5 10,600 032 Cub Creek 1 2.2 8,600 033 Mill Creek Basin 1 1.8 9,000 034 Upper Mill Creek 1 1.7 9,200 035 Wind River Bluff 1 1.0 8,800 036 Over the Hill 1 1.3 8,870 037 Upper Wind River 1 1.6 8,940 038 Boulder Brook ` 2 1 3.9 10,200 039 Glacier Gorge 1 3.8 10,000 040 Andrews Creek 1 3.6 10,560 A1 Sprague Lake Camp (WF) 1 0.5 8,730

Longs Peak Area Longs Peak Trailhead 9,404 041 Moore Park 2 1.7 9,760 042 Goblins Forest 6 1.2 10,120 043 Battle Mountain Group 1 2.8 11,000 044 Boulderfield (by tent) 9 6.0 12,760

Wild Basin Area Wild Basin/Finch Lake Trailheads 8,500 Sandbeach Lake Trailhead 8,310 045 Hole-in-the-Wall 1 1.9 9,240 046 Campers Creek 1 2.3 9,600 047 Beaver Mill 1 3.0 9,640 048 Hunters Creek 1 3.3 9,760 049 Sandbeach Lake 4 1 4.2 10,280 050 Pine Ridge 2 1.4 8,880 051 Tahosa 1 1.7 9,040 052 Aspen Knoll (llama) 1 2.3 9,400 053 Siskin 1 3.7 9,600 054 North St. Vrain 2 3.5 9,560 055 Thunder Lake (1 indiv/stock) 4 1 6.8 10,570 056 Ouzel Lake 1 4.9 10,020 057 Upper Ouzel Creek 1 5.6 10,600 058 Finch Lake (group/stock) 2 1 4.6 9,910 059 Pear Creek 3 6.4 10,550 060 Pear Lake 1 6.6 10,580

Rocky Mountain National Park

East SideCode Name Number parties1A South Cache La Poudre 1 1B Mount Dickinson 2 2B Cow Creek 2 2C Chiquita Creek 12D Upper Forest Canyon 3 3D Lower Forest Canyon 44D Hayden Gorge 11G Hunters Creek 12G Cony Creek 1

Backcountry Designated Campsites

Cross-country Areas

Echo Creek

Columbine Creek

3N

1P

NorthTelephoneBoat launch

Overlook

Self-guidingnature trail

Accessible

Livery

Picnic area

0 1 2

0 1 2 3 Miles

3 Kilometers

Generalized landcover inRocky Mountain National Park

Distanceindicator

Glacier

Alpine tundra

Forest or meadow

34

34

34

49

491

491

492

7

7

7

7

34

34

36

36

36

34

66

72

40 119

14

00

Corral

Will

ow

Cree

k

Chapin

Timber

Colorado River

Gor

ge

Big

Thompson

River

Lakes

GRAND

DITCH

Creek

Beav

er

Creek

Creek

Cree

k

North

Inlet

Tona

hutu

Colo

ra

do Supply Creek

Willow

Willow

Creek

Creek Pump Canal

Rive

r

Ona

hu

Cache l

a Poudre R

iver

Creek

Creek

SnowLake

LakeAgnes

Lake ofthe Clouds

ParikaLake

PoudreLake

Timber Lake

ForestLake

DoughnutLake

InkwellLake

AzureLake

JulianLake

BowenLake

BlueLake

HaynachLake

HaydenLake

LonesomeLake

RainbowLake

PtarmiganLake

BenchLake

GraniteFalls

CascadeFalls

HighestLake

Arrowhead Lake

GRAND

DITCH

MirrorLake

CrystalLake

LawnLake

SpectacleLakes

Ypsilon Lake

ChasmFalls

ChiquitaLake

Marys Lake

LilyLake

LakeLouise

LakeHusted Lost

Lake

LostFallsLake

Dunraven

Hague

Fork Thompson North

River

Big

West

Creek

Rive

r

Roarin

g

Creek

Cache la Poudre River

Bridal Veil Falls

CubLake

FernFalls

ThePool

SpruceLake

MargueriteFalls

GraceFalls

Fern Lake

OdessaLake

LakeHelene

EmeraldLake

Nymph Lake

TheLoch

SkyPond

Pettingell Lake

LakeNokoni

AdamsFalls

Falls

Lake Nanita

LakeVerna

StrawberryLake

AdamsLake

LonePineLake

WillowCreekReservoir

SpiritLake

FourthLake

FifthLake

Lake OfGlass

BlackLake

Peacock PoolChasm Lake

Columbine Falls

Copeland Lake

FrozenLake

Lion LakeNo 1

Lion LakeNo 2

Snowbank Lake

SandbeachLake

ThunderLake

PearLakeCony

Lake

FinchLake

BluebirdLake

OuzelLake

CalypsoCascades

OuzelFalls

CopelandFalls

BierstadtLake

DreamLake

AlbertaFalls

TimberlineFalls

RibbonFalls

TrioFalls

MillsLake

LakeHaiyaha

WestCreek

Falls

GemLake

Dry

Gul

ch

Fish

C

reek

Cow

Fall

River

Big

River

Thom

pson

Creek

Gla

cie

r Cre

ek

North St Vrain

Creek

Cony

Creek

Ouzel

Creek

Middle

Hutcheson

Colorado

Rive

r

Colorado River

Lakes

Roaring

Arapaho

Rain

bow

Bay

Bay

Columbine

East

Inlet

Creek

Fo

rk

St Vrain

Creek

Mill

Boul

der

Broo

k

Creek

Michigan Lakes

L A K E G R A N B Y

LONG DRAW RESERVOIR

Monarch Lake

GRAND LAKE8367ft2550m

LAKE ESTES

SHADOW MOUNTAIN

LAKE

RoweGlacier

TyndallGlacier

SpragueGlacier

AndrewsGlacier

Mills Glacier

TaylorGlacier

MoomawGlacier

St Vrain Glaciers

Alva B. Adams Tunnel

(water diversion str

ucture)

Rams Horn

Tunnel

Pros

pect

Mtn

Tun

nel

ARAPAHO NATIONAL RECREATION AREA

2mi3km

3mi5km

6mi9km

1mi2km

3mi5km

2mi3km

9mi 14km

19mi31km

12mi19km

8mi13km

2mi3km

4mi6km

5mi 8km

5mi8km

Road closed from here west to Colorado River Trailhead

mid-October to Memorial Day

One-way up only; closed in winter

Road closed from hereeast to Many Parks Curve

mid-October to JuneNE

VE

R

S

UM

ME

R

M

OU

NT

AI N

S

SHIP

LER

PARK

BOX CANYON

YELL

OWST

ONE

LITTL

E

SKELETON GULCH

BAKER GULCH

MU

M

MY

R A N G E

B L A C K

C A N Y O N

LON

G M

EAD

OW

S

BIG

M

EAD

OW

S

BLUE RID

GE

KA

WU

NE

EC

HE

VA

L L E Y

GLA

CIER

GO

RG

E

TAH

OSA

VA

LLEY BO

ULD

ER

F IEL

D

L U M P Y R I D G E HORSESHOE

PARK F OR E S T

C A N Y ON

TR

AI L R

I DG

E

HIDDEN VALLEY

CANYON

BIGHORN FLATS

SPRUCE

MORAINE PARK

PARADISE PARK

TA

BL

E M

OU

NT

AI N

GR

EE

N R

I DG

E

Mummy Pass Trail

North Fork

North

Boundary

Lawn

Lake

Tra

il

Fern

Lake Trail

Ute Trail

North Longs

Peak

Trail

Trail

Storm

Pass

East

Bluebird

Thunder Lake Trail

Lake

Lon

gs

P

eak

Trail

Trail

Trail

Timber Lake Trail

Ona

hu

Creek

Green

Tonahutu

Trail

Trail

North

Inlet Trail

East

Inlet Trail

Trail

Creek

Mountain

Shadow

Divide

Continental

National

Scenic

Trail

Divide Continental Natio

nal

Scenic

Trail

Mtn Trail

Colo

rado

Ri

ver

Ute Trail

Trai

l

Red Mtn

Trail

Flattop Mtn Trail

Continental DivideNational Scenic Trail

Divide

Continental N

ational Scenic Trail

Tonahutu SpurTrail

Trail

Knight

Ridge

Trail

Poudre R

iver

Tra

il

Devils

Marys Lake Rd

Bear Lake Rd

Gul

ch

Road

Old Fall River Road

Trail

Ridge Road

Trail Ridge Road

By-Pass

MacGregorAvenue

Beaver MeadowsVisitor Center

Moraine ParkVisitor Center

AlpineVisitor Center

Fall RiverVisitor Center

KawuneecheVisitor Center

ToFort Collins

To

ToWalden

ToGranby and To

and Nederland

Cameron Pass

ThunderPass

Site ofLulu City

HolzwarthHistoricSite

Site ofEugenia Mine

La Poudre Pass Trailhead

ThunderMountain12070 ft3679 m

Mummy Pass11440 ft3487 m

Stormy Peaks12135ft3699m

Signal Mountain11262 ft3433 m

Stormy PeaksPass

Flatiron Mountain12335 ft3760 m

Fairchild Mountain13502 ft4115 m

Mount Chiquita13069 ft3983 m

Mount Chapin12454 ft3796 m

SpecimenMountain12489 ft3807 m

JackstrawMountain11704 ft3567 m

Terra Tomah Mountain12718 ft3876 m

Stones Peak12922 ft3939 m

Mount Julian12928 ft3940 m

Thatchtop12668 ft3861 m

Powell Peak13208 ft4026 m

McHenrysPeak13327ft4062m

Storm Peak13326 ft4062 m

Granite Pass

Longs Peak14259 ft4346 m

Chiefs HeadPeak13579 ft4139 m

Copeland Mountain13176 ft4016 m

Ogalalla Peak13138ft4004m

Watanga Mountain12375 ft3772 m

Mount Adams12121 ft3694 m

Twin Peaks11957 ft3644 m

Mount Acoma10508 ft3203 m

MeadowMountain

11632 ft3545 m

St Vrain Mountain12162 ft3707 m

MountLadyWashington

Flattop Mtn12324 ft3756 m

Taylor Peak13153 ft4009 m

Ptarmigan Mountain12324 ft3756 m

Andrews Peak12565 ft3830 m

Mount Craig12007 ft3660 m

Mount Bryant11034 ft3363 m

Shadow Mountain10155 ft3095 m

Lookouttower

Isolation Peak13118 ft3998 m

Ouzel Peak12716 ft3876 m

Mount Alice13310 ft4057 m Pilot

Mountain

TanimaPeak

Boulder-GrandPass

Hallett Peak12713 ft3875 m

OtisPeak

Mount Ida12880 ft3926 m

Nakai Peak12216 ft3723 m

Mount Patterson11424 ft3482 m

Snowdrift Peak12274 ft3741 m

Green Mtn10313 ft3143 m

Apiatan Mountain10319 ft3145 m

Mount Cumulus12725 ft3879 m

Mount Nimbus12706 ft3873 m

Mount Stratus12480 ft3804 m

Baker Mountain12397 ft3779 m

Howard Mountain12810 ft3904 m

Red Mountain11605ft3537m

BowenMountain12524 ft3817 m

Mineral Point11488 ft3502 m

Sundance Mountain12466 ft3800 m

Highest pointon road12183 ft3713 m

Iceberg Pass

StormPass

Meeker Park

Allenspark

PeacefulValley

Ypsilon Mountain13514 ft4119 m

Desolation Peaks12949 ft3947m

Hagues Peak13560 ft4133 m

Mummy Mountain13425ft4092m

Dark Mountain10859 ft3310 m

The Needles10068 ft3069 m

The TwinOwls

Bighorn Mountain11463 ft3494 m

ProspectMountain

8900 ft2713 m

GianttrackMountain

9091 ft2771 m

LilyMtn

9786 ft2983 m

Estes Cone1100 6ft3355 m

Mount Meeker13911 ft4240 m

Pagoda Mountain13497 ft4114 m

Mount Orton11724 ft3573 m

Rams HornMountain9553 ft2912 m

Twin Sisters Peaks11428 ft3483 m

Deer Mtn10013 ft3052 m

ToLoveland

ToLyons and

Boulder

ToLyons and

Boulder

Dunraven / North Fork Trailhead

Cow Creek Trailhead

Lumpy Ridge Trailhead

Lawn Lake Trailhead

Deer MtnTrailhead

Upper BeaverMeadows Trailhead

Hollowell Park Trailhead

Chapin CreekTrailhead

Cub Lake Trailhead

BierstadtLake

TrailheadStorm

PassTrailhead

GlacierGorge

Trailhead

GlacierBasin

Wild BasinTrailhead

Olive Ridge

Camp Dick

PeacefulValley

Bear LakeTrailhead

Lily Lake Trailhead

Park & Ride

YMCAConference

Center

Fern LakeTrailhead

Longs PeakTrailhead

SandbeachLakeTrailhead

Wild BasinEntrance Station

FinchLakeTrailhead

LongsPeakTents only

Tundra CommunitiesTrailhead

Coyote Valley Trailhead

Timber Lake Trailhead

Bowen/Baker Trailhead

HarbisonMeadows

Beaver Ponds

Onahu Trailhead

Green MountainTrailhead

GrandLakeEntranceStation

East InletTrailhead

Tonahutu/North InletTrailheads

East ShoreTrailhead

Pine Beach

ShadowMountain

Cutthroat Bay(group campground)

Stillwater

Sunset Point

Quinette Point

RainbowBay

Arapaho Bay-Roaring Fork LoopKnight Ridge Trailhead

Willow Creek

Arapaho Bay-Big Rock Loop

Arapaho Bay-Moraine Loop

GranbyDam

GreenRidge

West Portal

SummerlandPark

GRANDLAKE

ColoradoRiver

Trailhead

Many Parks Curve

Moraine Park

Rock Cut

ForestCanyon

Lava Cliffs

Fall River Pass

Alpine Ridge Trail

Milner Pass 10758 ft 3279m

MedicineBowCurve

GoreRange

Lake Irene

Farview Curve

TimberCreek

SheepMountain

GlenHaven

Rowe Peak

Comanche Peak 12702 ft 3872 m

Mount Richthofen12940 ft3944 m

Tepee Mountain12568 ft3831 m

Lead Mountain12537 ft3821 m

Mount Cirrus12797 ft3901 m

Long Draw Road

BOWEN GULCH

ESTES PARKBeaverMeadowsEntranceStation

Aspenglen

Sheep Lakes

Endovalley

AlluvialFan

RainbowCurve

BeaverPonds West

Horseshoe Park

HOLLOWELLPARK

Deer RidgeJunction

PIERSONPARK

East Portal Trailhead

Continental

Cont

inen

tal

Divide

Cont

inen

ta

l Divide

Div

ide

NPS/USFS

Corral CreekTrailhead

Long Draw

C O N S E R V A T I O N

E A S E M E N T

ShadowMountain

Dam

8720 ft / 2658 mOpen all year

Seasonal

Open all yearPark Headquarters7840 ft / 2390 m

Fall RiverEntrance Station

8240 ft / 2511 m

SeasonalSnack bar

11796 ft3595 m

Twin Sisters Trailhead

LilyMountainTrailhead

W I L D E R N E S S

W I L D E R N E S S

WILDERNESSWILDERNESS

(SCENIC

AND W

ILD

RIV

ER)

W I L D E R N E S S

AllensparkTrailhead

Sprague Lake Trailhead

50

45

81

59 Pear Creek

6058

56

57Upper Ouzel Creek

Finch Lake (group/stock)Pear Lake

Ouzel Lake

52 51

49

55

54

464748

Pine Ridge

Tahosa

Aspen Knoll (llama)

53Siskin North St. Vrain

Thunder Lake (1 indiv/stock) Sandbeach Lake

Hunters CreekBeaver Mill

Campers Creek

Hole-in-the-Wall

6867

66

65

64

63

61

Slickrock

Gray Jay Group

Cat’s Lair (DCZ)

East Meadow (DCZ) Lake Verna

Upper East Inlet

Solitaire

8079

7877

69

71

76

74

72

44

43

42

41

40

39

38

37

36 35

A1

Summerland Park

Cascade Falls (DCZ)

Big Pool

North Inlet Group (stock)

Ptarmigan

Porcupine (WF)

North Inlet Junction

North Inlet Falls Pine Marten

July

Boulderfield

Battle Mountain Group

Goblins Forest

Moore Park

Sprague Lake Camp

Andrews Creek

Glacier Gorge

Boulder Brook

Upper Wind River

Over The Hill

Wind River Bluff

25

27

23

97

3431

32

3330

28

29

22

21

18

19

15

16

17

13

14

114

117

115

113

119 118

120

8 7

9

10

1211

6 54

3

2

1

105

102

107 106

108

110 109

111

112

100 10199

82

88

92

91

8485

86 8789

93

94

9095

96

98

Boundary Creek (WF)

Kettle Tarn

Silvanmere (WF)

Halfway (WF)

Aspen Meadow Group (WF)

Happily Lost (WF)Lost Falls (WF)

Sugarloaf

Stormy Peaks South

Stormy Peaks

Lost Meadow (group/stock)

Lost Lake

Lawn Lake (1 indiv/stock)

Tileston Meadows

Lower Tileston

Bighorn Mt. (group/stock) (WF)

Golden Banner

CutbankUpper Chipmunk

McGregor Mt. (WF)

Rabbit Ears

Peregrine

Ute Meadow (llama)

Old Forest InnCub Creek

Fern Lake

Spruce Lake

Odessa Lake

Sourdough

Mill Creek Basin

Upper Mill Creek

Green Mountain

South MeadowBig Meadows Group

Sunset

Sunrise

Lower Granite Falls

Granite Falls

Tonahutu Meadows

Tonahutu Group (stock) (WF)

Renegade

Haynach (1 llama)

Timberline Group

Onahu Creek

Upper OnahuOnahu Bridge

Timber Creek

Jackstraw

Rockslide

Snowbird

Valley View

Red Gulch Group

Hitchens GulchDutch Town

Stage Road (DCZ)

Ditch Camp (group/stock)Skeleton Gulch

Box Canyon

La Poudre Pass

Chapin Creek GroupCache (DCZ)

Hague Creek (group/stock)

Flatiron (WF)

Mummy Pass Creek (WF)

Koenig (stock)Mirror Lake

1P Columbine Creek

3N Echo Creek

EASTWEST

1k Onahu Creek

1L Nakai Peak

2L Mt. Patterson

1M North Inlet

1N Mt. Enentah

4M

Ptarmigan Mountain

3MUpper North Inlet

1GHunters Creek

2GCony Creek

2DUpper Forest Canyon

3DLower Forest Canyon4D Hayden Gorge

24Little Rock Lake

2J Mosquito Creek

2C Chiquita Creek

2B Cow Creek

1B Mt. Dickinson

3H Cache La Poudre

2H Hague Creek

1H Cascade Creek

1A South Cache La Poudre

Ranger station

Restrooms

Emergency telephone

Campground

Paved Road

Unpaved road

Trailhead

00Backcountry DesignatedCampsites

CrosscountryAreas

‘

83Paintbrush

C - BC Camping Guide - 1/2012 5000 K

At campWhen you arrive at your destination, you will see trail signs that show where to find campsites. Pitch your tent in designated areas. Never dig or trench around a tent.

There are no grizzly bears in Rocky Mountain National Park, but black bears do live here. Help park rangers keep bears and other animals (including mice, marmots, martens, porcupines, elk and deer) from becoming a problem, by carefully securing your food and garbage. A carry-in/carry-out bear resistant food storage canister is required May - October for backcountry camping below treeline and the Boulderfield on Longs Peak. All food, scented items, and trash must be kept in the canister, and placed 70 adult steps away from campsite. Keep a clean camp!

Camp safely away from standing dead trees as near as is safely possible to the silver metal arrowhead that marks the site.

Bear and mountain lion encounters can be potentially dangerous and can occur anywhere in the park. Ask for park information regarding proper wildlife interaction procedures. Keep your group close together, protect small children by picking them up, and never run.

Preparing meals at campCook meals with a portable stove. Do not plan to build a fire. Fires are comforting and aesthetically pleasing, but they cause considerable impact on the backcountry. Wood is better used as habitat for wild creatures than as fuel for campers whose lives do not depend upon forest resources.

Campfires have potential to get out of control if not well tended. For these reasons, fires are allowed in only a few designated campsites which have metal fire rings.

Never take food in the sleeping area. Separate where you cook and eat from where you sleep. Keep all scented items out of your tent including soap, deodorant, and toothpaste.

Seal uneaten food scraps and all garbage in airtight containers or storage bags and secure in bear canister. Carry all garbage out of the backcountry.

Drinking waterAlways purify the drinking water you get in the backcountry by using one of the following methods:• Filter water with a water filter system that eliminates giardia. • Boil water for 1 minute and add an additional minute for each 1000 ft above sea level (example: 10,000 feet = 11 minutes).• Use water purifying tablets or drops that eliminate giardia.

70 A

dult

Step

s

70 Adult Steps

Wash waterCarry water at least 70 adult steps (200 feet/60 meters) from a lake or stream to wash yourself or your dishes. Use biodegradable soap. When disposing of wash water, first filter out all food scraps with a small screen. Pack the food scraps into an airtight container, secure in bear canister to be carried out later. Toss out the wash water by throwing it over a wide area. • Never wash directly in a lake or stream.• Do not scatter food scraps in the water or on the ground. • Do not throw food into pit toilets.• Pack out all food scraps, trash and uneaten food.

Backcountry sanitationThere are pit toilets at many backcountry campsites. When a pit toilet is not available, do the following:• Urinate in rocky places that won’t be damaged by animals who dig for salts and minerals found in urine.• Dig a hole, 6 inches (15 centimeters) deep, for fecal waste using a small trowel or pack out waste and paper. • Be sure that you defecate at least 70 adult steps (200 feet/ 60 meters) from camp, water or trails. • Do not bury sanitary napkins, tampons, or paper wipes. Dispose of them in an airtight container and pack them out.• Wash hands with biodegradable soap. Giardia and other diseases are frequently spread by unsanitary practices.

FishingTo fish in Rocky Mountain National Park, you must have a Colorado state fishing license. You may purchase licenses at local sporting goods stores.

Check at Rocky Mountain National Park visitor centers for fishing regulations, which vary at different lakes and streams in the park.

Backcountry Guide 6

Quiet backcountry campsite

Leaving the backcountryIf you end a trip early, notify the backcountry office to cancel the permit, so other backpackers may use your site.

Please report all unusual wildlife sightings, trail conditions, or incidents to a ranger.

Pack out all your garbage and that of others less considerate.

If you see any violations of rules and regulations, please report them to a ranger as soon as possible.

You can find showers and laundry facilities in Estes Park and in Grand Lake.

These lands were set aside for you by our foreparents. It is our most sincere hope that you have an inspiring, refreshing and renewing backcountry wilderness experience in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Last Name ___________________________First Name___________________________Address_________________________________________________________________City_________________________________State_____________ Zip________________Phone_______________________________

First ChoiceDate Campsite(s)______ ______________________________ ______________________________ ______________________________ ______________________________ ______________________________ ______________________________ ________________________

# In Party_________ # of Stock________

Trailhead In____________________________Trailhead Out__________________________

Vehicle License #_____________________State_______________________________

Second ChoiceDate Campsite(s)______ ______________________________ ______________________________ ______________________________ ______________________________ ______________________________ ______________________________ ________________________

TRIP PLANNING WORKSHEETRocky Mountain National Park - Backcountry Office

1000 W. Hwy 36Estes Park CO 80517

(970) 586-1242 This is NOT a Permit. Send no money with this request.

Leave No TraceJoin park rangers in protecting the natural conditions of the backcountry while hiking and camping.

Ask a park ranger how you can Leave No Trace on your backcountry visit or contact: Leave No Trace Inc. P.O. Box 997 Boulder, CO 80306 or www.lnt.org.

Plan ahead and prepare

Travel and camp on durable surfaces

Dispose of waste properly

Leave what you find

Minimize campfire impacts

Respect wildlife

Be considerate of other visitors

Please complete fully and mail to the address above.

Cut here

Backcountry Guide 7

“Something will have gone out of us as a people if we ever let the remaining wilderness be destroyed; if we permit the last virgin forests to be turned into comic books; if we drive the few remaining wild species into zoos or extinction; if we pollute the last clear air and dirty the last clear streams and push our paved roads through the last of silences.” -Wallace Stegner

Backcountry Guide 8

It is the hope of the Park Rangers of Rocky Mountain National Park that you have the trip of a lifetime while you are here. Safety is the foundation of having the trip a lifetime. It is our desire that you leave with wonderful memories rather than a tragic story.

Any planning that you can do to prevent an injury, accident or the separation of members of your party while in the wilderness is wise and will help make for a successful vacation.

Risks in the backcountry are remote risks. Please take extra time to come out of the wilderness safely.