National Park Free Pass Day: November 11th-13th: Lulu City

When:
Wheat Ridge, Colorado, United States,

Where:
Saturday, November 12.

I haven't hiked this trail for 30 years but I remember it being special. I have a great love for the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park and the Grand Lake area. I always thought of the Estes Park side as the touristy part and Grand Lake as a sportsmans paradise. Please note though this is a free pass weekend it isn't a free camping weekend. Though Lulu City was a small community it wasn't really a city. A population of between 50-200 residents until the community's complete abandonment in 1884. All that remains are a few logs and stone foundations. It was a vain hope that silver deposits in the Never Summer Range would be profitable but weren't. This is a Out-and-back trail that covers a total distance of 7.4 miles. It is a low moderate hike through some of the most scenic places in Rocky Mountain National Park. We'll begin at the Colorado River Trailhead at the elevation of 9,010 feet and will reach Lulu City at the elevation of 9,360 feet. Please take the time to photograph this area. Trailhead: The Colorado River Trailhead is on the west side of Trail Ridge Road, 9.6 miles north of the Grand Lake entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park and 10.7 miles southwest of Fall River Pass. If you arrive late here are the directions to where you'll find us. Remember that communities were near bodies of water so find the Colorado River. At 0.6 mile from the trailhead is the site of the old Phantom Valley guest ranch where a trail to Red Mountain splits left from the trail to Lulu City and La Poudre Pass. The Colorado River is right next to you! Beyond this split lies the remnants of an old mine. At 2.5 miles you'll see the Shipler Mine. PLEASE STAY OUT OF THE MINES! Passing on a level grade beyond the cabins, the trail follows a stage road that ran to Lulu City. The trail forks at a junction 3.5 miles from the trailhead. We'll take the left hand fork and stroll for about .2 miles to the meadow that was once Lulu City. There are many other trails that we could explore from this point. Little Yellowstone Canyon which has an elevation climb of over 1,000 feet within a couple miles. I think I'm good hanging out in the meadow! Have a great week and I'll talk too you soon! Sincerely, DN