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Crosier Mountain Garden Gate (#931)
Crosier Mountain can be approached from three trailheads on the south side of County Road 43. The first is Garden Gate (#931) trailhead located 2.2 miles from Drake. Rainbow (#981) trailhead is 5.5 miles from Drake, where you'll find a gravel cut on the south side of the road. A trail sign sits just above the hill from a gate. The third, Glen Haven(#931-2) trailhead, is located behind the stables at the west end of the community of Glen Haven. Although the Rainbow trail is shorter, it is steeper and is the least used of the three approaches. At two miles it joins the trail from Glen Haven. The Glen Haven and Garden Gate approaches pass through expansive meadows before they junction at the beginning of the steep ½-mile trail to the summit. The views from Crosier Mountain are beautiful. Bring your own water since this trail is dry. Crosier Mountain Garden Gate trailhead accommodates approximately 6 vehicles. (No trailer parking.)
You can find more information on the Poudre Wilderness Volunteers website. Dowload trail summary here.
At a Glance
| Usage: | Light-Medium |
|---|---|
| Restrictions: | Trail Regulations: No motorized equipment. 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: Travel 8 miles past the Dam Store on U.S. Highway 34 up Big Thompson Canyon west of Loveland to Drake, and turn right on County Road 43, Glen Haven Road. Crosier Mountain can be approached from three trailheads on the south side of CR 43. The first is Garden Gate Trailhead located 2.2 miles from Drake. Rainbow trailhead is 5.5 miles from Drake, and the third is located behind the stables at the west end of the community of Glen Haven.Activities
Mountain Biking
Mountain BikingDay Hiking
Of the three access trails to the summit of Crosier Mountain, the Garden Gate trail is the longest. The habitat variety ranges from rabbit brush filled meadows, ponderosa pine and fir forests, small aspen groves, granite outcroppings, large meadows, and gulches. From the top, you will have view of Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park peaks. Try this hike in the spring, when wildflowers are abundant. Be sure to carry plenty of water. Crosier Mountain Garden Gate trailhead accommodates approximately 6 vehicles. (no trailer parking)
| Fire Information | Check for any seasonal fire restrictions before your hike. Campfires must be at least 100 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: | More Difficult |
|---|
Backpacking
Crosier Mountain Garden Gate trailhead accommodates approximately 6 vehicles.| Fire Information | Check for any seasonal fire restrictions before your hike. Campfires must be at least 100 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: | More Difficult |
|---|
Horse Riding
Crosier Mountain Garden Gate trailhead accommodates approximately 6 vehicles. (no trailer parking)| Size Restrictions | no |
| Corrals | no |
| Loading Ramp | no |
| Hitching Rails | no |