Backpacker Trips Trips by National Park Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park: Balanced Rock via Cow Creek Trail

Trek from a golden, mountain-rimmed valley to a ponderosa and lodgepole forest with towering rock formations on this 8.3-miler in Rocky Mountain National Park.

September 20, 2013 BACKPACKERMagazine

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This out-and-back to Balanced Rock slices through a historic ranch before ascending steep grades on the northern side of Lumpy Ridge, a world-class rock climbing destination near Estes Park. From the Cow Creek trailhead, walk through a sweeping meadow of tall grass, tiny aspen groves, and old-growth ponderosas for 1.3 miles. Bald-faced mountains line the right side of the valley while Lumpy Ridge is to the left.

Turn up the Gem Lake Trail and begin a heart-pounding, 3-mile climb over extremely rocky terrain. Massive outcroppings line the trail, offering countless opportunities to scramble up a rock face and view the verdant valley and snowy peaks to the north. After slightly more than 4 miles, you’ll reach Balanced Rock where an oblong granite boulder rests precariously on top of a much smaller stone. When finished, retrace steps back to the trailhead.

INFO For information on permits, current trail and camp conditions, and wilderness guidelines, go to nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/backcountry.htm

PERMIT A wilderness permit is required for all overnight camping in the backcountry. Reservations accepted ($20 administrative fee for permits during peak season). nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/backcntry_guide.htm

CONTACT Rocky Mountain National Park, (970) 586-1206; nps.gov/romo

-Mapped by MacKenzie Ryan & Kristy Holland

TO TRAILHEAD: From Estes Park, head northeast on US 36/CO 66/Moraine Ave. Bear left at US 36/CO 66/East Elkhorn Ave. Turn left at Steamer Dr. Turn right at Black Canyon Dr. Turn right at Devils Gulch Rd. Turn left at Clara Dr. Bear right to stay on Clara Dr. Turn left at Gem Lake Trail. At 2.7 miles, turn left at McGraw Ranch Rd. Continue 1.1 miles then bear left to stay on McGraw Ranch Rd. The trailhead is on the left side of the road.