Preview - Boulder Brook Loop - RMNP

High Country Hiker Group
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
The bus leaves at 7:00 a.m. sharp

Please note, the bus will leave one hour earlier (7:00 a.m.) than normal for this hike, due to major construction on Bear Lake Road in RMNP.  If we don't arrive before 9 a.m., we will be required to take the park shuttle bus to the trailhead.

A handful of parking spaces is all you will find at the Storm Pass TH (8,860' el.).  That's right, no toilets.  So a stop in Lyons or the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center would be a good idea.

The .3 mile spur trail dips down to Glacier Creek.  On the way, look over your right shoulder for good views of Flattop Mountain, Hallett Peak, Otis Peak, and Thatchtop.  Continue on to a junction with Glacier Creek Trail.

View from the TH of Flattop Mtn., Hallett and Otis Peaks.

Trail then gains elevation quickly as it paralells Boulder Brook.  Over the next two miles we will cross the Brook 4 times while gaining over 1,450' el.  Several waterfalls will catch your attention on this climb.

Boulder Brook Trail ends at the junction with North Long's Peak Trail.  We will follow it over a mile to Glacier Creek Trail.  On the way will be Alberts Falls.

The end of the loop will be a 2 mile hike on the Glacier Creek Trail.

Remember to pack and use sunblock (SPF 30+), a cap, and a fleece.  Weather forecast is for a high of 78 degrees and 10 mph winds in the city.  That means we can expect it to be 10 to 15 degrees cooler and windy in the park.  So dress for the day.  A fleece and hood might be a good idea.  Why a fleece...on the scouting hike, high winds ripped the door of my vehicle out of my hands, almost hitting a H3 Hummer parked next to me...Yikes!