Near North Fork Trail
The biggest intersection on the North Fork Trail.
Near North Fork Trail
Trail near Sugarloaf camp
Near North Fork Trail
Lost Meadow 09/27/2018
Near North Fork Trail
Trail near Sugarloaf camp.
Near North Fork Trail
Halfway means 1400 ft. of elevation gain completed and 1400 ft. of elevation gain to Lost Lake

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Driving Directions
Hike Trail

North Fork Trail

4.3 (20 Ratings)
A long approach into the northern reaches of RMNP.
9.9
mi
Distance
3,421
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
BirdingCaveFall ColorsLakeRiver/CreekViewsWaterfallWildflowersWildlife
Access Issues
Dogs are not allowed in Rocky Mountain National Park. The trail crosses into the park around mile 4.

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
9.92mi
Distance
3,421ft
Elevation Gain
182ft
Elevation Loss
20%
Max Grade
11,030ft
High Point
7,638ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
This trail crosses through the Comanche Peak Wilderness and into Rocky Mountain National Park. Access the North Fork Trail from the Dunraven Trailhead graveled parking lot, there you'll find room room for 23 vehicles and a vault toilet. From the parking area the trail drops into a canyon and follows the North Fork of the Big Thompson for several miles. Bridges have been placed at some of the stream crossings. The trail briefly passes through the private Cheley Camp, please do not trespass. Before the trail departs from the river it passes through large open meadows with historic cabins (which were nearly destroyed in 2013 flood) commonly known as Deserted Village and then ascends to the border of Rocky Mountain National Park. After the flood the trail was relocated to north of the river and no longer passes by the remains of the cabin. Upon entering the park, the trail continues paralleling the North Fork of the Big Thompson as it gains elevation. Around five miles into the trail, the North Boundary Trail will branch off to the south (left). Enjoy the views of the North Fork of the Big Thompson and its associated wetlands as you travel another mile and a quarter to a junction with the Stormy Peaks Trail, which splits off to the north (right). A final stretch of two and a quarter miles of trail will lead you to the beautiful Lost Lake. The lake's name will come as no surprise given the journey that you have undertaken to reach this point.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
Anonymous Adventurer
All Clear
Anonymous Adventurer
All Clear
Anonymous Adventurer
All Clear
Anonymous Adventurer
All Clear
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Contributors
Brian Smith