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Homestead Meadows
Please note that the Homestead Meadows trail system was impacted by flooding in 2013. As a result, some portions are still closed.
The trail drops abruptly from the trailhead then begins a three mile ascent along a stream in Lion Gulch. It provides access to the area known as Homestead Meadows that is rich in the history of eight homesteads established there between 1889 and 1923. Information boards provide background stories at each location. A map of the meadows is available from the office. The Walker and Griffith Homesteads are located on the Lion Gulch Trail that terminates at Trail #971, just west of the third Griffith cabin. Just past the remains of the first Griffith cabin, a short-cut trail # 949.2 leads to the right. Trail #971-1 branches right and leads about a mile east to the Irvin Homestead and sawmill. A sign on Lion Gulch Trail at the east edge of Homestead Meadows indicates a short trail #949-1 heads to the south toward four homesteads via closed forest roads. The Big Elk fire in 2002 destroyed the Engert Homestead located on Trail 971-2 about a mile to the south. Trail #971 leads farther south to the Laycock Homestead and to trails #971-3 to the Hill Homestead and #971 continues to the Boren Homestead.
For more information, visit Poudre Wilderness Volunteers.
At a Glance
| Usage: | Heavy |
|---|---|
| Restrictions: | Trail Regulations: No motorized equipment. Leave historic artifacts as you find them. Dogs must be on a hand held leash. Certified weed-free hay is required for stock animals. |
| Closest Towns: | Estes Park |
| Water: | Water can be filtered and treated from nearby water sources. |
| Restroom: | Practice Leave No Trace principles. |
General Information
Directions: Homestead Meadows can be accessed via the Lion Gulch Trailhead. The trailhead parking lot is located 7 miles east of Estes Park and 13 miles west of Lyons on the south side of U.S. Highway 36.Activities
Day Hiking
The trail descends to a bridge that crosses the North Fork of the Little Thompson River, where there is an informational plaque about Homestead Meadows. Along the trail look for remnants of the 2002 Big Elk fire. There are eight homesteads in this area, which were built between 1889 and 1923. A map of the meadows area is available at the Canyon Lakes Ranger District office. These homesteads may also be accessed through Larimer County's Hermit Park Open Space. See Lion Gulch trail for trailhead information.
| 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: | Moderate |
|---|
Backpacking
See Lion Gulch trail for trailhead information.| 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: | Moderate |
|---|
Horse Riding
See Lion Gulch trail for trailhead information.| Size Restrictions | no |
| Corrals | no |
| Loading Ramp | no |
| Hitching Rails | no |
| Difficulty Level: | Moderate |
|---|