THE WIND RIVER, STORM PASS AND GLACIER CREEK LOOP: ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK

THE WIND RIVER, STORM PASS AND GLACIER CREEK LOOP IN RMNP
Hi Everyone,

THE WIND RIVER, STORM PASS AND GLACIER CREEK LOOP is found outside the perimeters of the park itself but still a part of Rocky Mountain National Park.

I have learned you need a permit/reservation to enter the park in addition to paying an entrance fee unless you arrive before 9 AM or after 2 PM which would be very inconvenient especially as this is a fee free day. The traffic is going to be backed up so if you did make plans for a reservation or permit, you could very well not make it on time, not to mention elk taking their sweet time crossing the road before you arrive at the Beaver Meadows Entrance.

My plan was to hike a trail which included Sprague Lake where the trailhead is located but hiking this trail from outside the park will take us to Sprague lake and we’ll do the loop. It is a beautiful hike and one of my favorites on my top 10 list of hikes.

~ THIS HIKE IS OUTSIDE THE BORDERS OF ROCKY BUT IS A PART OF ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK~
~ DOGS ARE NOT ALLOWED ON NATIONAL PARKS HIKING TRAILS.~
~ THIS HIKE IS AN EASY TO MODERATE LEVEL TRAIL WITH A 5.6 MILE DISTANCE AND 879 FT. ELEVATION GAIN~
~Members from both https://www.meetup.com/hittinthetrails/?eventOrigin=your_groups AND https://www.meetup.com/colorado-trail/?eventOrigin=your_groups will be attending.~
~Disclaimer: By signing up for and participating in this event you are acknowledging that you are aware of risks, dangers, and hazards and fully assume responsibility for your own safety, and further agree to release and discharge the organizers of this event from and against any and all liability arising from your and your guest’s participation in the group activities.~

The Wind River trail begins at the East Portal Trailhead just outside of Rocky Mountain National Park, and adjacent to the Estes Park Campground at the East Portal. But if you are not staying in the campground (which sounds like one hell of a good idea!!!), then park at the lot just outside the campground entrance. Cross the street and pick up the East Portal Trail to the Big Thompson Water Project sign.The trail begins by crossing a meadow with nice views to the east and of the Mummy Range to the north. Look for Elk in this meadow…Especially the large Bulls.
From the East Portal trailhead, we’ll start off the climb by hiking up a somewhat steep incline. Once we reach the top of the incline, it is a gentle hike along the Wind River for a good portion of the trail. At the end of this trail, we’ll be taking a right onto The Storm Pass Trail for .7 miles then taking a right onto the Glacier Creek Trail or until we come to the junction of Glacier Creek and the unknown trail for about .3 miles to Sprague Lake and the campground. There we’ll sit for a spell and have lunch, take some photos and take in the beauty you’ll be seeing in front of you.

Directions to the East Portal of Rocky Mountain National Park: Drive through the town of Estes Park until you come to a stop light (maybe the only stop light in Estes) with a art gallery called Indian Village on the corner, take a left and follow US-36 W to CO-66 in Larimer County where you'll want to take a left onto CO-66 then follow CO-66 to Tunnel Rd.

Once arriving at the Estes Park Campground, cross the street and pick up the East Portal Trail to the Big Thompson Water Project sign. The trail begins by crossing a meadow with nice views to the east and of the Mummy Range to the north. Look for Elk in this meadow...Especially that big sucker!
**https://mikejacksonphotography.com/rmnp-bull-elk-g5-split-6-atlas/**

I look forward to hiking with you.
Don