Trail Description

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This unassuming and lightly traveled trail closely follows Boulder Brook through the upper-montane zone into archetypal subalpine terrain. Solitude seekers will enjoy its lively waters, deep-green streamside, diverse riparian vegetation, terrific autumn foliage and good views of the Continental Divide and Mummy Range.

The Boulder Brook Trail connects Rocky Mountain’s Bear Lake Road corridor with the North Longs Peak Trail, offering an alternative and seldom used overnight route to Longs Peak.

From the trailhead the trail drops to the brook, crosses a bridge (.12 miles) and gradually rises away through tall lodgepole forest. It bypasses the Sprague Lake connector (.25 miles) and Glacier Creek - Storm Pass trail junctions (.37 miles), continuing due south and officially becoming the Boulder Brook Trail after the latter junction. No horses are allowed beyond this point.

The trail rejoins Boulder Brook after .55 miles (9,095’) and turns sharply uphill. A steep incline is abated by the brook’s rushing water, countless waterfalls and richly appointed streamside. Aspen stands, mosses and lush ground vegetation illuminate the dark forest with bright colors in the fall.

The grade noticeably eases after .75 miles (9,430’): a few steps off trail into one of the many pocket meadows now lining it yield good views of Hallet Peak (12,713’), Flattop Mountain (12,324’), Otis Peak (12,486’) and ‘Thatchtop’ (12,668’) to the east, glimpses of Longs Peak (14,259’) and Storm Peak (13,326’) to the south and sweeping views of the distant Mummy Range to the north. These water lined meadows are also good places to look for signs of wildlife activity, particularly elk and deer.

Successive stream crossings (see GPS notes below for precise locations) lead to Boulder Brook Backcountry Campsites #2 and #1 (2.05 miles and 2.15 miles, respectively). The trail ends rather unceremoniously upon reaching its intersection with the North Longs Peak Trail (2.4 miles : 10.311’). A few steps along it to the west is a bridge spanning an attractive section of the brook, a good place to rest before retracing your steps back to the trailhead.

GPS Coordinates - DATUM WGS84

• N40 19.008 W105 36.944 - Start of Boulder Brook Trail

• N40 18.845 W105 37.001 - First sounds and sight of the Boulder Brook

• N40 18.685 W105 37.015 - Brook crossing #1

• N40 18.490 W105 37.057 - Brook crossing #2

• N40 18.362 W105 37.040 - Brook crossing #3

• N40 17.644 W105 37.044 - Brook crossing #4

• N40 17.610 W105 37.045 - Boulder Brook Backcountry Campsite #2

• N40 17.520 W105 37.047 - Boulder Brook Backcountry Campsite #1

• N40 17.341 W105 37.044 - End of Boulder Brook Trail ? Backcountry group site

Worth Noting

• No dogs or horses are allowed on the Boulder Brook Trail.



• Mosquitoes can be a nuisance - bring insect repellant.



• There's a privy at the Boulder Brook Group Backcountry Campsite, located at the trail's intersection with the North Longs Peak Trail.



• Parking is very limited at the Storm Pass Trailhead so arrive early to ensure a spot.



• Permits are required for backcountry camping.



• This trail is also accessible from the Bierstadt Lake Trailhead.

Camping and Backpacking Information

There are 3 backcountry campsites along the Boulder Brook Trail:

Fishing Information

There is no suitable fishing along the Boulder Brook Trail

Directions to Trailhead

The Boulder Brook Trail begins from the Storm Pass Trailhead off Bear Lake Road in Rocky Mountain National Park. Shortly after the Beaver Meadows Entrance Station near Estes Park, turn left on Bear Lake Road and drive for about 6.5 miles to the Storm Pass Trailhead which will be on your left. This is a very small parking area and is marked only by a small green sign stating "Storm Pass Trail". Park in the lot and take the Storm Pass Trail about .3 miles to the start of the Boulder Brook Trail which will veer off to the west.

Contact Information

Rocky Mountain National Park
1000 Highway 36
Estes Park, CO 80517-8397

Visitor Information:
970-586-1206

Backcountry:
970-586-1242

Campground Reservations:
800-365-2267