Saddle Trailhead
- larimer.gov
- Estes Park
About
Saddle Trailhead is one of the starting points inside Hermit Park Open Space, a Larimer County property south of town. It's quieter than the Park trails and it takes dogs. Just know you need a county permit, not a National Park pass.
Hermit Park Open Space is run by Larimer County, and the Saddle Trailhead is one of the trailheads on its map, off Highway 36 south of downtown. The trails here include Kruger Rock, Limber Pine, Moose Meadow, and Homestead Meadows. Elevation on the property runs roughly 8,000 to 9,300 feet. Kruger Rock is the one people climb for views toward the Continental Divide and the Mummy Range. A daily or annual county permit is required, so check larimer.gov before you drive out. Hermit Park is not part of Rocky Mountain National Park.
Dogs are welcome, on a leash no longer than ten feet, and they can't be left unattended. Keep them close, because moose, elk, and bears all use this ground.
Here's my advice. If the Park is jammed and you just want a walk, this is the place I'd send you. Go earlier than you think you need to, carry water, and check the open season, because the property doesn't run year-round.
