Kruger Rock 1-Way Hike - Hermit Park Open Space

I think the hike to Kruger Rock is a fun little hike…with a 360 view from the top of Kruger Rock. It requires a little scramble to get to the top, but it shouldn’t be a problem for most people. This time, let’s do a one-way hike through the park and hit some trails I’ve never done.

CARPOOL WITHIN THE PARK REQUIRED FOR THIS HIKE.

Difficulty: about 8.5 miles with somewhere between1,350 & 1,550 feet elevation gain. This is a self-created trail to mileage and elevation gain are estimated.

Hikes scheduled months in advance are always subject to date/time change or cancellation due to weather, trail conditions or closures, or other unforeseen circumstances. We hike as a group at a moving pace of about 2.5 mph. Although the group may split up due to different hiking paces, everyone is expected to wait at all intersections, creek crossings & periodically otherwise so that we can regroup and so no one is left behind or hiking on their own for safety purposes.

FEE: $10 per vehicle to enter park. Pay at entrance station.

HIKE DESCRIPTION: This is a stunning nature hike through diverse landscapes to a breathtaking overlook. On this unique trail will will hike through meadows, aspen groves, past granite outcroppings, and up to Kruger Rock…where there is an impressive lookout over Estes Park from high above. We will take a break here…assuming weather conditions permit before completing the hike. This exact hike is not in alltrails, but here is a link to my self-made alltrails: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/map-january-23-2026-6c9b6c0?u=i&sh=ittjkn

DOGS: Dogs allowed on a leash. Please be sure your dog is well behaved and can handle the length of the walk. Dog owners must clean up pet excrement.

ADDRESS/DIRECTIONS: We will meet at the Saddle Trailhead parking area for the carpool. Here is a link to the open space map which shows the Saddle Trailhead: https://www.larimer.gov/sites/default/files/hermit_park_map_2019_1.pdf
To get there, you can click on the following alltrails link above and click Directions: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/limber-pine-trail
If you use Google maps, you can type in “Saddle Trailhead” for directions. From here, we will carpool to the Homestead Meadows Trailhead to begin the hike.

We wait 5 minutes for late arrivals…but no longer as that is inconsiderate to those arriving timely. So please allow extra time to get to the trailhead.

IMPORTANT: This is a participate at your own risk event! Life is risky. I am not a professional guide and am simply hosting this event. By signing up for this hike you acknowledge that you are capable of performing this hike and that you are solely responsible for your own safety.

NO SHOWS: If you are a no-show to 2 hikes, you will be booted from this meetup group. So please change your RSVP to “not going” if you are unable to make it.

WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING: Water, snacks, layers of clothing, good hiking shoes/boots, sunscreen, sunglasses, bug repellant, hat, gloves, hiking poles (if you find them helpful), and anything else you deem essential.

WEATHER: Here is the NOAA forecast for the hike location. For hourly temps, wind, precipitation, etc., click “Hourly Weather Forecast” in the upper right. https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=40.33832000000007&lon=-105.48554999999999

REQUIRED WAIVER: If you have not already done so, you must sign the updated waiver with our new meetup name prior to this hike. I will have copies at the trailhead that you can sign or you may print, sign, and bring it with you from the following website: https://www.dropbox.com/s/p728z28jjuwdzws/Waiver%20Corona.pdf?dl=0
If you choose to sign at the trailhead, please arrive early so that we can depart for the hike timely.