Knoll Willows Trail Head
- larimer.gov
- Estes Park
- Open now · open 24 hours
About
Knoll-Willows is a patch of open space right behind the shops in downtown Estes Park. Short walk, a hillside view, and the stone ruins of an old bungalow. It's what I recommend when someone has an hour and a stubborn knee.
The property is about 20 acres in the middle of town, bounded by Highway 34 on the east and north, MacGregor Avenue on the west, and municipal lots on the south. You can park in those lots and walk up. The Town of Estes Park owns it, and the Estes Valley Land Trust holds the conservation easement, so it stays open space. Larimer County lists hiking trails, no bikes, no horses, and no dogs. Restrooms and water are at the nearby Municipal Building, not on the trail.
Come for the knoll and the Birch Ruins, a burned stone bungalow and a log cabin from a former newspaper editor who built here. It's an easy loop, good in wildflower season, and a good morning when the weather turns. Leave the dog in the car or at the hotel, because the rule is firm. Stay on the trail. Since the land was saved from becoming an outlet mall, it deserves a little care.
