Lion Gulch Trailhead (#949)
- fs.usda.gov
- Estes Park
About
Lion Gulch is the way into Homestead Meadows, where eight old homesteads sit back in the trees about seven miles east of town. You get some real history at the end of it, but you pay with a steady climb along a creek first.
The trailhead is on U.S. Highway 36, about seven miles east of Estes Park, in Roosevelt National Forest. The lot holds around 35 vehicles, and there's a vault toilet but no drinking water. The Forest Service says the trail drops abruptly at the start, then begins a three-mile climb along a stream to Homestead Meadows. So figure about six miles round trip just to reach the meadows. Another 2.8 miles takes you past all eight homesteads, which were established between 1889 and 1923. The Forest Service rates it moderate to challenging.
That drop at the start is the sneaky part. You're going down first, which means you'll be climbing back out at the end when you're tired. Plan for it. Dogs are welcome on a hand-held leash, so this is a good one for yours. It's also winter range and a migration corridor for elk, so give them space. Bring your own water. Bikes and horses share the trail, so step aside and say hello.
