Dunraven Trailhead
- recreation.gov
- Estes Park
About
Dunraven is the trailhead for people who want the North Fork country without the Park crowds. It's a long dirt road north of town, a lot, a toilet, and a trail that goes a long way. Most destinations from here are big days.
Dunraven Trailhead is in the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests near Glen Haven, reached by Dunraven Glade Road, which is dirt. The lot has room for about 23 vehicles and a vault toilet, and it's first come, first served. No reservations through Recreation.gov. The North Fork Trail and the Bulwark Ridge Trail toward Signal Mountain both start here. Most places worth reaching from this trailhead are ten miles or more, so this is a long day or a backpacking start.
Plan for distance. Bring water, because there isn't any at the trailhead, and start early. Check with the Forest Service about current fees, road conditions and dog rules before you go, because I couldn't find the dog rules on the official page. The trail leads toward Rocky Mountain National Park land, where dogs aren't allowed on trails, so know where the boundary is. Tell someone your plan before you head out. It's quiet, and that's the whole point.
