Bulwark Ridge (#928-1)

Area Status: Open
A view from the beginning of Bulwark Ridge trail. Directional sign on the left side of the photo.

Bulwark Ridge trail climbs steeply from the trailhead for a mile and passes the Indian Trail (#927), which is a steep connector down to the Miller Fork Trail (#997). Bulwark Ridge Trail then follows the boundary of, and occasionally enters, the Comanche Peak Wilderness before meeting the Signal Mountain Trail near the summit of Signal Mountain. Access this trail from the Dunraven graveled parking lot. You will find room room for 23 vehicles and a vault toilet.

You can find more information on the Poudre Wilderness Volunteers website. Download trail summary here.

At a Glance

Usage: Light
Restrictions: General Wilderness Regulations: Dogs must be on a hand held leash. No motorized or mechanized equipment. Camps, campfires and stock, where allowed, at least 200 feet from water and trails. Group size limited to 12 people or stock animals combined. Certified weed-free hay is required for stock.
Closest Towns: Glen Haven, Estes Park
Water: None
Restroom: Practice Leave No Trace principles.

General Information

Directions: To access Bulwark Ridge Trail, travel 8 miles past the Dam Store on U.S. Highway 34 up Big Thompson Canyon west of Loveland to Drake. Turn right on County Road 43, Glen Haven road, and continue for 6 miles to Dunraven Glade road. Turn right and travel 3 miles to the trailhead parking at the of this gravel road.

Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Day Hiking

This trail is the southern entrance to South Signal Mountain and North Signal Mountain. Since this is a southerly facing slope, it can be quite dry and hot during the summer months. No water is available, so carry plenty. The views from the peaks are spectacular in all directions. For parking information see Dunraven trailhead.

Fire Information Check for any seasonal fire restrictions before your hike. Portions of this trail are within the Comanche Peak Wilderness Area, where campfires must be at least 200 feet from water and trails. You may collect dead and down wood; do not break branches from standing trees for firewood. Please attend to campfires at all times. Touch any remaining coals with the bare hand to insure campfire is cold and dead out. Remember, if it is too hot to touch, it is too hot to leave!
Difficulty Level: Most Difficult

Backpacking

See Dunraven trailhead.
Fire Information Check for any seasonal fire restrictions before your hike. Portions of this trail are within the Comanche Peak Wilderness Area, where campfires must be at least 200 feet from water and trails. You may collect dead and down wood; do not break branches from standing trees for firewood. Please attend to campfires at all times. Touch any remaining coals with the bare hand to insure campfire is cold and dead out. Remember, if it is too hot to touch, it is too hot to leave!
Difficulty Level: Most Difficult

Horse Riding

See Dunraven trailhead.
Size Restrictions no
Corrals no
Loading Ramp no
Hitching Rails no
Difficulty Level: Most Difficult

Know Before You Go

Recreation Areas

Recreation Activities

Related Links

Campgrounds At-A-Glance

Featured Events

Location

 
  Area/Length : 
5.3 miles one-way

  Latitude : 
40.47553332250

  Longitude : 
-105.45990706600

  Elevation : 
Beginning Elevation: 8,080' - Peak Elevation: 11,260