East Portal Trailhead at Estes Park

About

East Portal is the quiet back door into the Park from the south side of town, at the end of Highway 66 near the YMCA. Fewer tour buses, more forest. It's the start of trails that wander toward Wind River and Glacier Basin.

To find it, take Highway 66 west from Highway 36 toward the YMCA and follow it to the end, where there's a lot near a gate. The trails from here lead into Rocky Mountain National Park, with routes toward Wind River, Storm Pass and Glacier Basin. Hike guides describe a loop of roughly six miles, but the sources I found didn't agree on exact mileage or gain, so check the NPS trail map before you commit to a route.

This is a good pick when the main corridors are jammed and you want trees instead of a conga line. Be honest about the climb, because it's a real day, and bring a map, since junctions in the forest all look alike after the third one. Once you cross into the Park, the Park rules apply, so dogs can't come on the trail. Check nps.gov/romo for current entry requirements and trail conditions before you head out. Pack out everything, and give elk and moose a very wide berth.