Cow Creek Trailhead
- nps.gov
- Estes Park
About
Cow Creek is the north side trailhead most visitors never find, out at the old McGraw Ranch at the end of a dirt road. When Bear Lake is a parking lot, this is where I'd point you. Meadows, ponderosas and a lot more room.
From Bond Park in downtown Estes, take MacGregor Avenue, which turns into Devils Gulch Road, about 3.5 miles to McGraw Ranch Road. Then it's roughly 2.5 miles on dirt to the parking by the ranch, inside Rocky Mountain National Park. Parking is parallel along the road near the trailhead, and there are no toilets or drinking water. Cow Creek, Dark Mountain and North Boundary trails all start here. One popular day goes out to Balanced Rock, and Backpacker lists that trip at 8.3 miles out and back.
It's inside the Park, so Park rules apply. No dogs on trails, an entrance pass is required, and you should check nps.gov/romo for road status and any reservation rules. Take it slow on the dirt road and watch for wildlife. The ranch buildings are historic and the ranch is used to house researchers, so look from the road and leave them alone. Bring water and food in with you, and pack everything out.
