Overview Crosier Mountain is a somewhat hidden highpoint in a multitude of other Front Range peaks as the foothills transition into the mountains proper, specifically RMNP. This mountain has year round access via three separate trails: Garden Gate TH, Rainbow Trail/Gravel Pit TH and Glen Haven TH that are all conveniently located within 8 miles of one another along CR43 between the towns of Drake and Glen Haven.
The Northern Colorado Mountains and the Roosevelt National Forest are very different from other Colorado wilderness areas. Most notable is the dryness/lack of water and flora. Crosier Mountain is a dry mountain with little to no water sources. So remember to bring plenty of fluids. It can also get intolerably hot in the dead of summer.
The shortest trail, Glen Haven trail is 8 miles (RT) so it is also somewhat involved in terms of time. Despite the dryness and heat, all three trails are surprisingly delightful to hike, mountain bike or ride pack animals on (dogs are also allowed!). All three trails are of a moderate difficulty with Garden Gate being a borderline strenous, more due to the length. On the trail, you'll encounter elk, whitetail, rabbit and the usual barrage of squirrels and chipmunks as it winds through a landscape of Pine, Juniper, Bitterbrush, Yucca (Spanish bayonet) and Prickly Pear cactus.
Over the previous 10 years, there have been small prescribed burns and the Bobcat fire in 2000 (human caused) which burned thousands of acres of National Forest. The forest, however, has made an amazing comeback since.
The summit of Crosier Mountain will reward you with panoramics of Twin Sisters Peaks and Longs Peak to the south, Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National park to the southwest and west, Signal Mountain to the north and the Front Range to the east.
For additional information, please contact the following address or e-mail:
U.S. Forest Service Center
1311 South College
Fort Collins, Colorado 80524
(970)498-2770
E-mail:lmcfadden@fs.fed.us
Historical information about the area:
Glen Haven History: Driving along the road to Glen HavenGarden Gate trailhead #931 This trailhead is roughly 2.7 miles from the turnoff in Drake leaving Hwy.34 (Big Thompson Canyon). There is a small parking area on the south side (left) of the road. You'll need to open and close the gate to access the trail. Parking is limited from the access point. From here, it is about 10 miles (RT) with a starting elevation of 6428ft. and ending at 9250ft. This particular trail enjoys much solitude and quiet and ample camping further up the trail. At ~3 miles up this trail, the terrain opens up into a nice flat valley with a seasonal but small stream that runs its coarse. There are plenty places to pitch a tent here and the odds of seeing deer are high.
The trail starts gently enough and switchbacks quickly to attain the south ridge which is in plain sight for most of the way. Once over, the trail will drop and rise sporadically and deposit you into a long meadow with easy hiking and some awesome camping spots. Once past, it climbs again up a shallow ravine until it levels off in dense forest and picks up the main trail. It is then only another 1/2 mile of incline to the top.
Rainbow Trail/Gravel Pit trailhead This trailhead is also located on the south side of the road. It is very distinct with a long, large parking area. There is some private property located near the trailhead for the first 3/4 mile, so please adhere to the trail. It is roughly 8.5 miles (RT) with a starting elevation of 6,600ft and an ending elevation of 9250ft. Camping is scarce and hard to find along this trail.
The trail starts off by heading straight up a ravine/gully and gains altitude quickly. It levels out sporadically as it switchbacks up the ridge. The private homes located on the other side of CR43 are in view for most of the time until you breach the ridge. The trail continues to meander through forest and follows a creek for a good portion of the way until it meets up with the Glen Haven trail. From here, it is a quick, easy walk to the meeting spot with the Garden Gate trail. There is a small old cabin at this junction located just a hairs-width off the trail. I've tried to find out who occupied this cabin but no information is available.
Glen Haven trailhead This trailhead is located in the town of Glen Haven. Parking here is tight and constricted at best. Use the small post office located just up the road to avoid being towed elsewhere. There is a dirt road/driveway leading south just past the red horse stable. There is also a brown sign reading, "Crosier Mountain TH". The trail starts about 150-200ft up this dirt road and is marked. From here, it is about 8 miles (RT) with a starting elevation of 7,700 and ending once again, at 9,250ft. There are more choices to camp along this particular trail.
There is also the option to purchase food and drink at the General Store in town in case you've forgotton yours.
Estes Park is only a few more miles up Devils Gulch road.
The trail attains altitude at a modest pace. Probably the easiest trail of the three. It partly follows a creek, meanders through the forest, hits 'bald' spots and navigates around Piper meadows (which I believe is privately owned by the H-Bar-G ranch). At the top of Piper meadows, the trail forks to the left, which continues to Crosier or right which access the ranch. From this vantage point, it is only about 15-20 minutes to the joining spot with Rainbow trail.
Getting ThereAs said, all three trailheads are located directly on CR43 between Drake and Glen Haven. Without making directions too complicated since there are three access points, the first TH (Garden Gate) coming from Loveland, is 2.7 miles from the town of Drake, which is roughly 16 miles from Loveland. The following two trailheads (Rainbow and Glen Haven) are 5 and 7.5 miles further, respectively. Images
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Front Range (CO)
