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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 Glen Haven roadside parking in Glen Haven.
You can find more information on the Poudre Wilderness Volunteers website. Download 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.
Beginning in the Glen Haven community the trail parallels the County Road 43 briefly road briefly before turning and climbing to the south, ponderosa pine, fir, and juniper forest. At one point, you will drop into a canyon and again start climbing to a large meadow called Piper Meadow. Old foundations hold of times in the 1930s. (Please note this trail passes through private land.) Eventually this trail joins with the Crosier’s Mountain Rainbow Trail. The views from the summit are worth the effort. Remember to bring plenty of water, as you will not fine any mountain streams on this hike. Crosier Mountain Glen Haven roadside parking in Glen Haven.
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 Glen Haven roadside parking in Glen Haven.
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 Glen Haven roadside parking in Glen Haven.