Little Yellowstone Trail

Route Description for Little Yellowstone Trail

The Little Yellowstone Trail is a lengthy but scenic secluded hike in the Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP). Hike through luxuriant meadows, through Coyote Valley alongside the Colorado River and to the Lulu City Historic Site. Explore the remnants of the historic mining town before continuing to summit Little Yellowstone. From atop the mountain, you will be rewarded with expansive views of the No Summer Mountain Range. Note this hike is almost entirely exposed to the elements, so prepare accordingly. Located within the boundaries of the RMNP, visitors are required to purchase a park pass.

Begin your adventure along the Little Yellowstone Trail from the Colorado River Trailhead. From here, track north on the Colorado River Trail. This path will guide you through the meadowed Coyote Valley and near the banks of the Colorado River. Hike this path as it intersects multiple times with draining creeks. Also, keep an eye out for elk, moose, and bears, as they are commonly spotted grazing the grass plains along the river. Eventually you will pass the Lulu City Site and Cemetery. Explore the remains of log cabins that used to house the miners.

When you are done exploring, hook back onto the Colorado River Trail and you will meet a junction. From here, veer right and you will be diverted onto the La Poudre Pass Trail. Hike this path through towering pines and up the steep terrain to Little Yellowstone’s summit. You will know if you have passed the summit if you intersect with the Grand Ditch Creek. From the peak, revel in the expansive vistas of the Colorado wilderness and the Never Summer Mountains in the west. Enjoy the panoramic views, and when you are ready, retrace your steps along the path back to the trailhead.