NostalgicOutdoors™- Rocky Mountain National Park- Backcountry Wilderness Camping Guide

1. Rocky Mountain National Park
Backcountry Wilderness Camping Guide
Planning your trip
The first step in planning your trip is to decide where you want
to camp and for what length of time. We suggest you purchase a
Rocky Mountain National Park topographical map to choose a
destination and route. You can then use the map on the inside of
this guide, to select backcountry campsites.
As you plan your trip, take into consideration the physical
condition of the least experienced member of your party, and
the distance and elevation gain from the trailhead to your
destination.
Rocky Mountain National Park is a high elevation park. If
you live at sea level, it will take you several days to become
acclimated to this elevation. Most trails begin above 7,000
feet (2,000 meters) and climb abruptly higher. If you are
not acclimated, you can get high altitude sickness. Rangers
recommend that you spend at least one night at 7,000 or 8,000
feet (2,000 or 2,500 meters) prior to setting out. This will allow
your body to begin to adjust to the elevation.
When you visit or call the park, discuss your plans with a
ranger. Find out whether snow has melted from the trails and
destination where you wish to hike. Check the weather forecast
before starting on your trip. Be aware that mountain weather
changes very quickly. Within just a few hours, bright sunny
skies may give way to raging storms. High winds often occur in
the high country. Wind chill accelerates the lowering of body
temperature which can result in hypothermia.
Proper clothing is your first line of defense against cold. Plan
to dress in layers so you can regulate your temperature by
bundling up or peeling down. Be sure to pack rain and
storm gear.
Remember, you assume complete responsibility for your own
safety and that of your group while hiking in Rocky Mountain
National Park.
Welcome to the backcountry wilderness of Rocky Mountain
National Park. We hope you will use this guide to plan a safe,
enjoyable and memorable trip. This guide includes information
on how to plan for your trip, obtain a backcountry permit, use
the trails, set up camp, hike in a cross-country area, and care
for the backcountry.
In addition to reading this guide, please read the following
free publications: Rocky Mountain National Park Newspaper,
Fishing, Bear Lake Area Hiking, Longs Peak Keyhole Route,
and Hiking in the Kawuneeche valley. These are available
at park visitor centers. You may also call (970) 586-1206 for
general park information or to request specific brochures.
You may order any of the following publications by phoning
the Rocky Mountain Nature Association at (970) 586-0121:
Trails IllustratedTopographic Map of Rocky Mountain
National Park; Backpacking One Step at aTime, Manning;
Hiking Rocky Mountain National Park, Dannen.
There are many other excellent sources on backcountry
hiking and camping. Take the time to learn the seven Leave
No Trace ethics, how to backpack safely, and how to care for
the environment. Always remember this is your park. Its
265,828 acres are a resource for not only you but many future
generations. Because the backcountry regions of the park
have greatly increased in popularity over the last few years, we
need to enlist your support as “keepers of the royal lands”, the
historic charge given to park rangers.
We hope you enjoy your stay in one of America’s premier
backpacking destinations.
Backcountry waterfall

2. PERMIT PARAMETERS
Designated sites
• Individual sites: For parties of one to seven people. Each
party is assigned one campsite. Each camping area has one to
six sites.
We recommend you travel in small parties as fewer people per
site leave less impact on Rocky’s fragile backcountry.
• Group sites: For parties of eight to 12 people. Groups must
camp at special sites. Because of impact caused by group
interaction in and between sites (site spread, social trails,
etc.), groups over seven persons may not camp in neighboring
individual sites but must use group sites or split up and camp at
least one mile apart.
• No more than three consecutive nights in one camp area.
Cross-country areas
Cross-country areas are the least traveled and least accessible
places in Rocky Mountain National Park. Stock are not
permitted to travel in these areas. Those who travel here must
be skilled with a map and compass and must be proficient in
Leave No Trace camping and hiking ethics and techniques.
Cross-country areas are remote areas characterized by
rugged terrain, dense forests, icy streams and wet bogs. These
areas are below treeline. Fires are not allowed. There are no
developed campsites, no developed trails, and no pit toilets.
The following regulations and guidelines, in addition to those
listed above, apply to cross-country area campers.
• Have no more than seven people in your party.
• Plan more hiking time to get to your destination than if
you were on a trail.
• Use a portable stove for cooking.
• Stay within the boundaries of the cross-country area.
• Camp at least 70 adult steps (200 feet/60 meters) away
from any water source.
• Be out of sight and sound of any other party.
• Move your camp at least one mile (1.6 kilometers) each day.
• No more than two consecutive nights in one
cross-country area.
THE PERMIT
You must have a backcountry permit to camp overnight in the
backcountry of Rocky Mountain National Park. You can pick
one up at the Headquarters Backcountry Office (beside the
Beaver Meadows Visitor Center on Highway 36 west of Estes
Park, CO) or at the Kawuneeche Visitor Center (Highway 34,
north of Grand Lake, CO).
To minimize impact on the park’s resources, the number of
permits issued is limited.
You may obtain day-of-trip permits in person year‑round.
You may make reservations by mail or in person anytime
after March 1 for a permit for that calendar year. You may
only make reservations by phone from March 1 to May 15 and
anytime after October 1 for a permit for that calendar year.
Write: Rocky Mountain National Park
Backcountry Office
1000 W. Hwy 36
Estes Park, CO 80517
Call: (970) 586-1242
TTY: (970) 586-1319
For reservations, use the attached “Trip Planning Worksheet”
(page 7) or a separate piece paper:
• Include your name, address, zip code and telephone
number.
• List an itinerary with dates corresponding to campsites or
cross-country areas where you plan to stay. If you plan to stay
in a cross-country area, indicate the area(s) where you wish
to camp.
• Specify the number of people that will be in your party.
(Limit of seven per party for individual campsites and
cross-country areas. Limit of eight to 12 per party for group
campsites.)
There is a $20 administrative fee for permits during peak
season periods (non-refundable and non-exchangeable).
Fees are not to be sent when requesting reservations, but
are payable (by exact cash or check or credit card) when the
permit is issued.
During the winter and early spring, when the backcountry is
not as frequently used, you may self-register at the Wild Basin
Entrance, Longs Peak Ranger Station, Dunraven Trailhead,
and Fall River and Beaver Meadows entrance stations.
During the busy summer months, if you have a permit
reservation, you must pick up the permit by 10 a.m. on the first
day of your planned backcountry stay; otherwise, the permit
will be canceled in its entirety, and given to other backpackers.
If you know you will not be using your permit, please cancel
your reservation as soon as possible.
June through September, campers may stay in the backcountry
for a maximum of 7 nights. October through May, campers
may stay in the backcountry a maximum of 14 nights with no
more than a total of 21 nights per year.
How to use the permit
Your permit is a contract between you and the National Park
Service stating that you agree to treat the backcountry with
respect and that you will take care of the wilderness.
You will see backcountry regulations on the back of each
permit. Read, understand, sign, and obey them.
Attach the permit in plain view on the outside of your
backpack at all times when you are hiking to or from your
campsite. When you reach camp, attach the permit to the
outside of your tent. The permit indicates the number of
people in your party, and specifies a campsite for each night
you are in the backcountry. You must stick with your planned
itinerary so that campsites do not become overcrowded
and overused.
In addition to a permit, you will receive a dash tag, to be
placed on the dashboard of your vehicle. Since overnight
parking is only allowed with a backcountry permit, failure to
properly display a dash tag may result in a citation and/or a
towing fee.
Backcountry Guide 2
Mount Ypsilon

3. Climbers and bivouac camps
If you plan to bivouac, you must obtain a bivy permit. You can
make reservations as described for backcountry permits.
The following rules apply for bivouacs:
• You may have no more than four people in your party.
• All in the party must climb.
• You must bivy in the area specified on your permit.
• Bivys must be on rock or snow.
• Bivys must be set up at dusk and taken down by dawn.
• No tents or structures are permitted.
• Fires are not allowed.
• Helmets are advised for climbing.
• No more than three consecutive nights in one bivy area.
Sprague Lake Camp
This is a special wheelchair accessible backcountry campsite
near Sprague Lake. It is half‑a‑mile (one kilometer) from the
trailhead to the campsite.
The camp accommodates up to 12 campers including a
maximum of five wheelchair users.
If you are hearing or sight impaired and have a certified
assistance dog, your dog may accompany you to this or any
other campsite or trail in Rocky Mountain National Park.
To make reservations please read the section entitled
THE PERMIT.
Packing with horses or llamas
There are special campsites and rules for overnight camping
with stock. Some trails are closed to stock use. Call (970)
586-1206 or (970) 586-1242 for information about packing with
stock. Ask for the Horse and Pack Animals brochure.
“When in the wilds, we must not
carry our problems with us or the joy
is lost.” -Sigurd Olson
Backcountry Guide 3
THE BACKCOUNTRY TRIP
Setting out
Before you leave home, always tell someone your trip itinerary
and when you are planning to return.
Allow plenty of time for your trip. Consider the distance
you plan to travel, the elevation of the trailhead and your
destination, the amount of weight you are carrying, your
physical condition, current and forecasted weather, and the
hours of daylight remaining.
Remember:
• Avoid taking excess foods to trailheads, as bears have been
known to break into cars for food and scented items.
• At trailheads store food in food storage lockers where
provided.
• Properly display your permit and vehicle dash tag.
• Read the trailhead bulletin board.
• Falling trees are an ever present hazard especially during
windy or snowy conditions.
• Plan to be off summits early in the day to avoid thunder and
lightning storms. Note: wind is hazardous in exposed areas.
• Streams, lakes and waterfalls can be dangerous and deadly
at any time of year, especially during high runoff in May
and June as well as after thunderstorms. Keep your distance
from stream and river banks because powerful currents exist.
Provide proper supervision for children. Use caution in
winter when crossing rivers.
• Hunting & Recreational Use of Firearms are Prohibited.
Possession of Firearms must Comply with Federal &
State Laws.
• Pets and vehicles (including mountain bikes) are not
permitted in the backcountry.
• Bring insect repellent to fend off mosquitoes. Check
frequently for ticks.
• Hike on the trail and hike single-file. Resist the temptation to
walk off the trail when it is muddy. Mud will flake off your
boots much sooner than trampled plants will grow back.
• Never shortcut switchbacks.
• Pick up litter you find along the way.
• Horses and llamas have the right-of-way. Step off the trail
on the downhill side and stand quietly until the stock passes.
• Never leave food unattended or unsecured from wildlife.
• Never feed wildlife as this can be hazardous.
• Do not disturb any flowers or plants.
Please respect the fragile tundra
Alpine tundra vegetation is hardy. These plants survive extreme
cold, strong winds, intense ultraviolet radiation, and very
low humidity. Although these plants are tough, they cannot
withstand repeated trampling. It takes 100 years for many
alpine tundra plants to grow an inch.
Where there are no maintained trails and in undeveloped
places, you may walk across the alpine tundra, in contrast to
below treeline, in the tundra you do not walk in single file.
Spread out, so that your foot prints are not concentrated on a
small area, and rock-hop rather than stepping on vegetation.Trail through aspen grove
Moss Campion

4. Note:
• A Dispersed Camping Zone (DCZ) is similar to a Cross-country Area, except that
you may stay three consecutive nights, and you do not have to move each night.
• Mileages listed are from the nearest trailhead (not all trailheads are listed).
• All sites are stoves only unless designated (WF), where wood fires are
permitted in grates provided at the site and no fire ban is in effect. Use dead and
down wood only.
• The higher the elevation the later the site melts out from snow. For
current conditions contact the Backcountry Office (970) 586-1242.
Rocky Mountain N
West Side
West Side
Code Campsite Name Number of sites Distance Elevation
individual /group in miles in feet
East Inlet Area
East Inlet Trailhead 8,390
061 East Meadow DCZ 2 1.9 8,550
063 Cat’s Lair DCZ 2 3.3 9,200
064 Gray Jay Group 1 4.9 9,650
065 Slickrock 1 6.0 10,000
066 Solitaire 1 6.2 10,120
067 Upper East Inlet 1 6.6 10,200
068 Lake Verna 1 6.9 10,280
North Inlet Area
North Inlet Trailhead 8,540
069 Summerland Park 1 1 1.5 8,610
071 Cascade Falls DCZ 2 3.1 8,840
072 Big Pool 2 5.0 9,160
073 Grouseberry (Closed)
074 North Inlet Group (stock) (WF) 1 6.5 9,290
075 Foot Bridge (WF) (Closed)
076 Ptarmigan 1 6.7 9,360
077 Porcupine (WF) 2 6.8 9,360
078 North Inlet Junction 2 7.5 9,600
079 North Inlet Falls 1 7.6 9,540
080 Pine Marten 2 7.8 9,560
081 July 3 1 9.7 10,760
Tonahutu Area
Tonahutu Trailhead 8,540
Green Mountain Trailhead 8,800
082 Green Mountain 1 1.8 9,550
083 Paint Brush 1 2.3 9,400
084 South Meadow 1 2.0 9,450
085 Big Meadows Group 1 1.9 9,400
086 Sunset 1 3.0 9,550
087 Sunrise 1 3.5 9,600
088 Lower Granite Falls 2 5.1 9,760
089 Granite Falls 2 5.4 9,840
090 Tonahutu Meadows 2 6.2 10,050
091 Tonahutu Group (stock) (WF) 1 6.6 10,160
092 Renegade 1 7.3 10,500
093 Haynach (1 llama) 2 7.2 10,760
094 Timberline Group 1 7.4 10,570
095 Onahu Creek 1 2.4 9,480
096 Upper Onahu 1 2.8 9,600
097 Onahu Bridge 1 2.9 9,650
Timber Lake Area
Timber Lake Trailhead 9,010
098 Timber Creek 2 3.0 10,400
099 Jackstraw 2 4.0 10,760
100 Rockslide 1 4.5 10,960
101 Snowbird 2 4.6 11,010
Never Summer Area
Colorado River Trailhead 9,000
102 Valley View 1 3.2 10,260
105 Red Gulch Group 1 5.8 10,320
106 Hitchens Gulch 2 5.8 10,480
107 Dutch Town 1 6.0 10,760
108 Stage Road DCZ 1 4.2 9,530
109 Ditch Camp (group/stock) 1 1 4.6 10,160
110 Skeleton Gulch 1 6.2 10,600
111 Box Canyon 1 5.5 10,480
112 La Poudre Pass 1 6.7 10,200
Hague Creek Area
Corral Creek Trailhead 10,000
113 Cache DCZ 1 5.6 10,150
114 Chapin Creek Group 1 6.1 10,240
115 Hague Creek(group/stock) 1 1 1.6 9,720
116 Desolation (Closed)
117 Flatiron (WF) 1 2.8 9,860
118 Mummy Pass Creek (WF) 2 4.6 10,640
119 Koenig (stock) 1 5.2 10,680
120 Mirror Lake 3 6.0 11,000
Code Name Number parties
1H Cascade Creek 2
2H Hague Creek 5
3H Cache La Poudre 3
2J Mosquito Creek 1
1K Onahu Creek 1
1L Nakai Peak 1
2L Mount Patterson 3
1M North Inlet 4
2M Ptarmigan Creek 1
3M Upper North Inlet 2
4M Ptarmigan Mountain 2
1N Mount Enentah 1
3N Echo Creek 2
1P Columbine Creek 4
Backcountry Desi
Cross-cou
Echo Creek
Columbine Creek
3N
1P
North
0 1 2
0 1 2 3 Miles
3 Kilometers
34
34
34
49
491
491
492
40
14
00
Corral
W
illow
Creek
Chapin
Timber
ColoradoRiver
Gorg
e
Bi
g
Thom
pson
River
La
kes
GRAND
DITCH
Creek
Beaver
Creek
Creek
Creek
North
Inlet
Tonahutu
Colorad
o
Supply
Creek
W
illow
Willow
Creek
C
reek
Pump
Canal
River
Onahu
Cache
la
Poudre
River
Creek
Creek
Snow
Lake
Lake
Agnes
Lake of
the Clouds
Parika
Lake
Poudre
Lake
Timber
Lake
Forest
Lake
Doughnut
Lake
Inkwell
Lake
Azure
Lake
Julian
Lake
Bowen
Lake
Blue
Lake
Haynach
Lake
Hayden
Lake
Lonesome
Lake
Rainbow
Lake
Ptarm
Lake
Bench
Lake
Granite
Falls
Cascade
Falls
Highest
Lake
Arrowhead
Lake
GRAND
DITCH
CachelaPoudreRiver
Pettingell
Lake
Lake
Nokoni
Adams
Falls
Falls
Lake
Nan
La
Ve
Strawberry
Lake
Adams
Lake
Lone
Pine
Lake
Willow
Creek
Reservoir
Colorado
River
Col
orado
River
Roaring
Arap
aho
Rainbow
Bay
Bay
Columbine
East
Inlet
Creek
Fork
Michigan Lakes
L A K E
G R A N B Y
LONG
DRAW
RESERVOIR
Monarch
Lake
GRAND LAKE
8367ft
2550m
SHADOW
MOUNTAIN
LAKE
Sprague
Glacier
Alva B. Adams Tunnel
(w
ater diversion structure)
ARAPAHO NATIONAL RECREATION AREA
9mi
14km
12mi
19km
8mi
13km
One-w
Road closed from here
east to Many Parks Curve
mid-October to June
NEVERSUMMERMOUNTAINS
SHIPLER
PARK
BOX CANYON
YELLOW
STONE
LITTLE
SKELETON
GULCH
BAKER GULCH
LONG
M
EADOW
S
BIGMEADOWS
BLUE
RIDGE
KAWUNEECHE
VALLEY
F O
R E S T
C
BIGHORN
FLAT
PARADISE
PARK
TABLE
MOUNTAIN
GREEN
RIDGE
Mummy
Timber
Lake
Trail
Onah
u
Creek
Green
Tonahutu
Trail
Trail
North
Inlet
Trail
East
I
nlet
Trail
Trail
Creek
Mountain
Shadow
Divid
e
Continental
NationalSceni
c
Trail
Divide
Continental
National
Scenic
Trail
M
tn
Trail
ColoradoRiver
Ut
e
Trail
Trail
RedMtn
Trail
Continental Divide
National Scenic Trail
Divide
Continen
tal
National
Scenic
Trail
Tonahutu Spur
Trail
Knight
Ridge
Trail
Poudre
Ri
ver
Trail
Trail
Ridge Road
Alpine
VisitorCenter
Kawuneeche
Visitor Center
To
Fort Collins
To
To
Walden
To
Granby and
Cameron Pass
Thunder
Pass
Site of
Lulu City
Holzwarth
Historic
Site
La Poudre Pass Trailhead
Thunder
Mountain
12070ft
3679m Flatiron Mountain
12335ft
3760m
Mount
1
3
Specimen
Mountain
12489ft
3807m
Jackstraw
Mountain
11704ft
3567m
Terra Tomah Mountain
12718ft
3876m
Stones Pe
12922ft
3939m
Mount Julian
12928ft
3940m
Watanga Mountain
12375ft
3772m
Mount Adams
12121 ft
3694 m
Twin Peaks
11957ft
3644m
Mount Acoma
10508ft
3203m
Ptarmigan Mountain
12324ft
3756 m
Andrews Peak
12565 ft
3830 m
Mount Craig
12007ft
3660m
Mount Bryant
11034 ft
3363 m
Shadow Mountain
10155ft
3095m
Lookout
tower
Mount Ida
12880 ft
3926 m
Nakai Peak
12216ft
3723m
Mount Patterson
11424ft
3482m
Snowdrift Peak
12274ft
3741m
Green Mtn
10313ft
3143 m
Apiatan Mountain
10319ft
3145m
Mount Cumulus
12725ft
3879m
Mount Nimbus
12706ft
3873m
Mount Stratus
12480ft
3804m
Baker Mountain
12397ft
3779m
Howard Mountain
12810ft
3904m
Red Mountain
11605ft
3537m
Bowen
Mountain
12524ft
3817m
Mineral Point
11488ft
3502m
S
1
3
Highest point
on road
12183ft
3713m
Iceberg Pass
Chapin Creek
Trailhead
Tundra Comm
Trailhead
Coyote Valley Trailhead
Timber Lake Trailhead
Bowen/Baker Trailhead
Harbison
Meadows
Beaver Ponds
Onahu Trailhead
Green Mountain
Trailhead
Grand
Lake
Entrance
Station
East Inlet
Trailhead
Tonahutu/
North Inlet
Trailheads
East Shore
Trailhead
Pine Beach
Shadow
Mountain
Cutthroat Bay
(group campground)
Stillwater
Sunset Point
Quinette Point
Rainbow
Bay
Arapaho Bay-Roaring Fork Loop
Knight Ridge Trailhead
Willow Creek
Arapaho Bay-Big Rock Loop
Arapaho Bay-Moraine Loop
Granby
Dam
Green
Ridge
West Portal
Summerland
Park
GRAND
LAKE
Colorado
River
Trailhead
Rock Cut
Forest
Canyon
Lava Cliffs
Fall River Pass
Alpine Ridge Trail
Milner Pass
10758ft
3279m
Medicine
Bow
Curve
Gore
Range
Lake Irene
Farview Curve
Timber
Creek
Mount Richthofen
12940ft
3944m
Tepee Mountain
12568ft
3831m
Lead Mountain
12537ft
3821m
Mount Cirrus
12797ft
3901m
Long
Draw
Road
BOWEN GULCH
Continental
Continental
Divide
Divide
NPS/USFS
Corral Creek
Trailhead
Long Draw
Shadow
Mountain
Dam
8720ft/2658m
Open all year
Seasonal
Snackbar
11796ft
3595m
WILDERNESSWILDERNESS
(SCEN
IC
A
ND
W
ILD
RIVER)
W I L D E R N E
67
66
65
64
63
61
Slickrock
Gray Jay Group
Cat’s Lair (DCZ)
East Meadow (DCZ)
Upp
Solitaire
80
79
78
77
69
71
76
74
72
Summerland Park
Cascade Falls
(DCZ)
Big Pool
North Inlet Group (stock)
Ptarmigan
Porcupin
North Inlet Falls P
97
114
1
115
113
105
102
107 106
108
110 109
111
112
100
101
99
82
88
92
91
84
85
86 87
89
93
94
9095
96
98
Sp
Green Mountain
South MeadowBig Meadows Group
Sunset
Sunrise
Lower Granite Falls
Granite Falls
Tonahutu Meadows
Tonahutu Grou
Renegade
Haynach (1 llama)
Timberline G
Onahu Creek
Upper Onahu
Onahu Bridge
Timber Creek
Jackstraw
Rockslide
Snowbird
Valley View
Red Gulch Group
Hitchens GulchDutch Town
Stage Road (DCZ)
Ditch Camp (group/stock)Skeleton Gulch
Box Canyon
La Poudre Pass
Chapin
Cache (DCZ)
Hague Creek (group/stock)
Koenig (stock)
1P
Columbine Creek
3N
Echo Creek
WEST
1k
Onahu Creek
1L
Nakai Peak
2L
Mt. Patterson
1M
North Inlet
1N
Mt. Enentah
4M
Ptarmigan Mountain
2D
UpperForestCanyon
Lo
4D
HaydenGorge
24Little Rock Lake
2J
Mosquito
Creek
3HCacheLaPoudre
1H Cascade Creek
‘
83
Paintbrush

5. East Side
Code Campsite Name Number of sites Distance Elevation
individual /group in miles in feet
North Fork Area
Dunraven Trailhead 7,960
001 Boundary Creek (WF) 2 4.6 9,120
002 Kettle Tarn (Temp Closed) 2 4.9 9,200
003 Silvanmere (WF) 2 5.6 9,360
004 Halfway (WF) 2 5.6 9,340
005 Aspen Meadow Group (WF) 1 5.9 9,520
006 Happily Lost (WF) 1 6.2 9,560
007 Lost Falls (WF) 2 6.7 9,600
008 Sugarloaf 1 8.2 10,290
009 Stormy Peaks South 1 8.6 10,840
010 Stormy Peaks 2 1 11.0 11,160
011 Lost Meadow (group/stock) 1 1 8.4 10,420
012 Lost Lake 4 9.7 10,710
Mummy Range Area
Lawn Lake Trailhead 8,540
Lumpy Ridge/Cow Creek Trailheads 7,840
013 Rabbit Ears 1 1.4 8,100
014 Peregrine 1 2.0 8,480
015 McGregor Mt. (WF) 2 4.1 9,040
016 Bighorn Mt. (group/stock) (WF) 1 6.1 10,320
017 Lower Tileston 1 6.3 10,650
018 Tileston Meadows 2 6.0 10,800
019 Upper Chipmunk 2 4.2 10,640
021 Cutbank 1 2.4 9,620
022 Golden Banner 2 2.5 9,600
023 Lawn Lake (1 indiv/stock) 4 6.2 10,990
Gorge Lakes Area
Milner Pass Trailhead 10,760
024 Little Rock Lake 1 6.0 10,280
Bear Lake Area
Bear Lake Trailhead 9,475
Glacier Gorge Trailhead 9,240
Fern/Cub Lake Trailheads 8,150
025 Ute Meadow (llama) 1 2.7 9,800
026 Arch Rock (Closed)
027 Old Forest Inn 2 1.7 8,400
028 Fern Lake 4 1 3.8 9,530
029 Spruce Lake 2 4.6 9,670
030 Odessa Lake 2 4.1 10,020
031 Sourdough 1 2.5 10,600
032 Cub Creek 1 2.2 8,600
033 Mill Creek Basin 1 1.8 9,000
034 Upper Mill Creek 1 1.7 9,200
035 Wind River Bluff 1 1.0 8,800
036 Over the Hill 1 1.3 8,870
037 Upper Wind River 1 1.6 8,940
038 Boulder Brook ` 2 1 3.9 10,200
039 Glacier Gorge 1 3.8 10,000
040 Andrews Creek 1 3.6 10,560
A1 Sprague Lake Camp (WF) 1 0.5 8,730
Longs Peak Area
Longs Peak Trailhead 9,404
041 Moore Park 2 1.7 9,760
042 Goblins Forest 6 1.2 10,120
043 Battle Mountain Group 1 2.8 11,000
044 Boulderfield (by tent) 9 6.0 12,760
Wild Basin Area
Wild Basin/Finch Lake Trailheads 8,500
Sandbeach Lake Trailhead 8,310
045 Hole-in-the-Wall 1 1.9 9,240
046 Campers Creek 1 2.3 9,600
047 Beaver Mill 1 3.0 9,640
048 Hunters Creek 1 3.3 9,760
049 Sandbeach Lake 4 1 4.2 10,280
050 Pine Ridge 2 1.4 8,880
051 Tahosa 1 1.7 9,040
052 Aspen Knoll (llama) 1 2.3 9,400
053 Siskin 1 3.7 9,600
054 North St. Vrain 2 3.5 9,560
055 Thunder Lake (1 indiv/stock) 4 1 6.8 10,570
056 Ouzel Lake 1 4.9 10,020
057 Upper Ouzel Creek 1 5.6 10,600
058 Finch Lake (group/stock) 2 1 4.6 9,910
059 Pear Creek 3 6.4 10,550
060 Pear Lake 1 6.6 10,580
National Park
East Side
Code Name Number parties
1A South Cache La Poudre 1
1B Mount Dickinson 2
2B Cow Creek 2
2C Chiquita Creek 1
2D Upper Forest Canyon 3
3D Lower Forest Canyon 4
4D Hayden Gorge 1
1G Hunters Creek 1
2G Cony Creek 1
ignated Campsites
untry Areas
TelephoneBoat launch
Overlook
Self-guiding
nature trail
Accessible
Livery
Picnic area
Generalized landcover in
Rocky Mountain National Park
Distance
indicator
Glacier
Alpine tundra
Forest or meadow
7
7
7
7
34
34
36
36
36
34
66
72
119
migan
Mirror
Lake
Crystal
Lake
Lawn
Lake
Spectacle
Lakes
Ypsilon
Lake
Chasm
Falls
Chiquita
Lake
Marys
Lake
Lily
Lake
Lake
Louise
Lake
Husted Lost
Lake
Lost
FallsLake
Dunraven
Hague
Fork ThompsonNorth
River
Big
West
Creek
River
Roari
ng
Creek
Bridal Veil Falls
Cub
Lake
Fern
Falls
The
Pool
Spruce
Lake
Marguerite
Falls
Grace
Falls
Fern
Lake
Odessa
Lake
Lake
Helene
Emerald
Lake
Nymph Lake
The
Loch
Sky
Pond
e
nita
ake
rna
Spirit
Lake
Fourth
Lake
Fifth
Lake
Lake Of
Glass
Black
Lake
Peacock PoolChasm
Lake
Columbine Falls
Copeland Lake
Frozen
Lake
Lion Lake
No 1
Lion Lake
No 2
Snowbank
Lake
Sandbeach
Lake
Thunder
Lake
Pear
LakeCony
Lake
Finch
Lake
Bluebird
Lake
Ouzel
Lake
Calypso
Cascades
Ouzel
Falls
Copeland
Falls
Bierstadt
Lake
Dream
Lake
Alberta
Falls
Timberline
Falls
Ribbon
Falls
Trio
Falls
Mills
Lake
Lake
Haiyaha
West
Creek
Falls
Gem
Lake
Dry
Gulch
FishCreek
Cow
Fall
River
Big
River
Thompson
Creek
Glacier
C
reek
North
St Vrain
Creek
Cony
Creek
Ouzel
Creek
Middle
Hutcheso
n
Lakes
St Vrain
Creek
M
ill
BoulderBrook
Creek
LAKE ESTES
Rowe
Glacier
Tyndall
Glacier
Andrews
Glacier
Mills Glacier
Taylor
Glacier
Moomaw
Glacier
St
Vrain
G
laciers
Ram
s
Horn
Tunnel
Prospect
M
tn
Tunnel
2mi
3km
3mi
5km
6mi
9km
1mi
2km
3mi
5km
2mi
3km
19mi
31km
2mi
3km
4mi
6km
5mi
8km
5mi
8km
Road closed from here west
to Colorado River Trailhead
mid-October to Memorial Day
way up only; closed in winter
M
U
M
M
Y
R
A
N
G
E
B L A C K
C A N Y O N
GLACIERGORGE
TAHOSAVALLEY
BOULDERFIELD
L U M P Y
R I D G EHORSESHOE
PARK
A
N
Y
O
N
T
R
A
I
L
R
I D
G
E
HIDDEN VALLEY
CANYON
TS
SPRUCE
MORAINE PARK
Pass Trail
North Fork
North
Boun
dary
Law
n
Lake
Trail
Fern
Lake
Trail
Ut
e
Tra
il
Nor
th
Longs
Peak
Trail
Trail
St
orm
Pass
Ea
st
Bluebird
Thunder
Lake
Trail
Lake
LongsP
eak
Trail
Trail
Trail
Flattop Mtn Trail
Trail
Devils
MarysLakeRd
Bear Lake Rd
Gulch
Roa
d
Old Fall River Road
Trail
Ridge
Road
By-Pass
MacGregor
Avenue
Beaver Meadows
Visitor Center
Moraine Park
Visitor Center
Fall River
VisitorCenter
To
and Nederland
Site of
Eugenia Mine
Mummy Pass
11440ft
3487m
Stormy Peaks
12135ft
3699m
Signal Mountain
11262ft
3433m
Stormy Peaks
Pass
Fairchild Mountain
13502ft
4115m
Mount Chiquita
13069ft
3983m
Chapin
12454ft
3796m
eak
Thatchtop
12668ft
3861m
Powell Peak
13208 ft
4026 m
McHenrys
Peak
13327ft
4062m
Storm Peak
13326ft
4062m
Granite Pass
Longs Peak
14259ft
4346m
Chiefs Head
Peak
13579ft
4139m
Copeland Mountain
13176ft
4016m
Ogalalla Peak
13138ft
4004m
Meadow
Mountain
11632ft
3545m
St Vrain Mountain
12162ft
3707m
Mount
Lady
Washington
Flattop Mtn
12324ft
3756m
Taylor Peak
13153 ft
4009 m
k
Isolation Peak
13118 ft
3998m
Ouzel Peak
12716ft
3876m
Mount Alice
13310ft
4057m Pilot
Mountain
Tanima
Peak
Boulder-Grand
Pass
Hallett Peak
12713ft
3875m
Otis
Peak
Sundance Mountain
12466ft
3800m
Storm
Pass
Meeker Park
Allenspark
Peaceful
Valley
Ypsilon Mountain
13514ft
4119m
Desolation Peaks
12949ft
3947m
Hagues Peak
13560ft
4133m
Mummy Mountain
13425ft
4092m
Dark Mountain
10859ft
3310m
The Needles
10068ft
3069m
The Twin
Owls
Bighorn Mountain
11463ft
3494m
Prospect
Mountain
8900ft
2713m
Gianttrack
Mountain
9091ft
2771m
Lily
Mtn
9786ft
2983m
Estes Cone
11006ft
3355m
Mount Meeker
13911ft
4240m
Pagoda Mountain
13497ft
4114m
Mount Orton
11724ft
3573m
Rams Horn
Mountain
9553ft
2912m
Twin Sisters Peaks
11428ft
3483m
Deer Mtn
10013ft
3052m
To
Loveland
To
Lyons and
Boulder
To
Lyons and
Boulder
Dunraven/North
ForkTrailhead
Cow Creek Trailhead
Lumpy Ridge Trailhead
Lawn Lake Trailhead
Deer Mtn
Trailhead
Upper Beaver
Meadows Trailhead
Hollowell Park Trailhead
Cub Lake Trailhead
Bierstadt
Lake
Trailhead
Storm
Pass
Trailhead
Glacier
Gorge
Trailhead
Glacier
Basin
Wild Basin
Trailhead
Olive Ridge
Camp Dick
Peaceful
Valley
Bear Lake
Trailhead
Lily Lake Trailhead
Park & Ride
YMCA
Conference
Center
Fern Lake
Trailhead
Longs Peak
Trailhead
Sandbeach
Lake
Trailhead
Wild Basin
Entrance Station
Finch
Lake
Trailhead
Longs
Peak
Tents only
munities
Many Parks Curve
Moraine Park
Sheep
Mountain
Glen
Haven
Rowe Peak
Comanche Peak
12702ft
3872m
ESTES PARK
Beaver
Meadows
Entrance
Station
Aspenglen
Sheep Lakes
Endovalley
Alluvial
Fan
Rainbow
Curve
Beaver
Ponds West
Horseshoe Park
HOLLOWELL
PARK
Deer Ridge
Junction
PIERSON
PARK
East Portal Trailhead
Continenta
l
Divide
C O N S E R V A T I O N
E A S E M E N T
Seasonal
Open all year
Park Headquarters
7840ft/2390m
Fall River
Entrance Station
8240ft/2511m
Twin SistersTrailhead
Lily
Mountain
Trailhead
W I L D E R N E S S
W I L D E R N E S S
E S S
Allenspark
Trailhead
Sprague Lake Trailhead
50
45
81
59 Pear Creek
60
58
56
57Upper Ouzel Creek
Finch Lake (group/stock)
Pear Lake
Ouzel Lake
52 51
49
55
54
46
47
48
Pine Ridge
Tahosa
Aspen Knoll (llama)
53
Siskin North St.Vrain
Thunder Lake (1 indiv/stock) Sandbeach Lake
Hunters Creek
Beaver Mill
Campers Creek
Hole-in-the-Wall
68
k
Lake Verna
per East Inlet
44
43
42
41
40
39
38
37
36 35
A1
ne (WF)
North Inlet Junction
Pine Marten
July
Boulderfield
Battle Mountain Group
Goblins Forest
Moore Park
Sprague Lake
Camp
Andrews Creek
Glacier Gorge
Boulder Brook
Upper Wind River
Over The Hill
Wind River Bluff
25
27
23
34
31
32
3330
28
29
22
21
18
19
15
16
17
13
14
117
119 118
120
8
7
9
10
12
11
6 5
4
3
2
1 Boundary Creek (WF)
Kettle Tarn
Silvanmere (WF)
Halfway (WF)
Aspen Meadow Group (WF)
Happily Lost (WF)
Lost Falls (WF)
Sugarloaf
Stormy Peaks South
Stormy Peaks
Lost Meadow (group/stock)
Lost Lake
Lawn Lake (1 indiv/stock)
Tileston Meadows
Lower Tileston
Bighorn Mt. (group/stock) (WF)
Golden Banner
Cutbank
Upper Chipmunk
McGregor Mt. (WF)
Rabbit Ears
Peregrine
Ute Meadow (llama)
Old Forest Inn
Cub Creek
Fern Lake
pruce Lake
Odessa Lake
Sourdough
Mill Creek Basin
Upper Mill Creek
up (stock) (WF)
Group
n Creek Group
Flatiron (WF)
Mummy Pass Creek (WF)
Mirror Lake
EAST
3M
Upper North Inlet
1G
Hunters Creek
2G
Cony Creek
3D
ow
erForestCanyon
2C Chiquita Creek
2B Cow Creek
1B Mt. Dickinson
2H Hague Creek
1A South Cache La Poudre
Ranger station
Restrooms
Emergency telephone
Campground
Paved Road
Unpaved road
Trailhead
00
Backcountry Designated
Campsites
Crosscountry
Areas
C - BC Camping Guide - 1/2012 5000 K

6. At camp
When you arrive at your destination, you will see trail
signs that show where to find campsites. Pitch your tent in
designated areas. Never dig or trench around a tent.
There are no grizzly bears in Rocky Mountain National
Park, but black bears do live here. Help park rangers keep
bears and other animals (including mice, marmots, martens,
porcupines, elk and deer) from becoming a problem, by
carefully securing your food and garbage.
A carry‑in/carry‑out bear resistant food storage canister is
required May - October for backcountry camping below treeline
and the Boulderfield on Longs Peak. All food, scented items, and
trash must be kept in the canister, and placed 70 adult steps away
from campsite. Keep a clean camp!
Camp safely away from standing dead trees as near as is safely
possible to the silver metal arrowhead that marks the site.
Bear and mountain lion encounters can be potentially
dangerous and can occur anywhere in the park. Ask for park
information regarding proper wildlife interaction procedures.
Keep your group close together, protect small children by
picking them up, and never run.
Preparing meals at camp
Cook meals with a portable stove. Do not plan to build a fire.
Fires are comforting and aesthetically pleasing, but they cause
considerable impact on the backcountry. Wood is better used
as habitat for wild creatures than as fuel for campers whose
lives do not depend upon forest resources.
Campfires have potential to get out of control if not well
tended. For these reasons, fires are allowed in only a few
designated campsites which have metal fire rings.
Never take food in the sleeping area. Separate where you cook
and eat from where you sleep. Keep all scented items out of
your tent including soap, deodorant, and toothpaste.
Seal uneaten food scraps and all garbage in airtight containers
or storage bags and secure in bear canister. Carry all garbage
out of the backcountry.
Drinking water
Always purify the drinking water you get in the backcountry
by using one of the following methods:
• Filter water with a water filter system that eliminates giardia.
• Boil water for 1 minute and add an additional minute for each
1000 ft above sea level (example: 10,000 feet = 11 minutes).
• Use water purifying tablets or drops that eliminate giardia.
70AdultSteps
70 Adult Steps
Wash water
Carry water at least 70 adult steps (200 feet/60 meters)
from a lake or stream to wash yourself or your dishes. Use
biodegradable soap. When disposing of wash water, first filter
out all food scraps with a small screen. Pack the food scraps
into an airtight container, secure in bear canister to be carried
out later. Toss out the wash water by throwing it over a
wide area.
• Never wash directly in a lake or stream.
• Do not scatter food scraps in the water or on the ground.
• Do not throw food into pit toilets.
• Pack out all food scraps, trash and uneaten food.
Backcountry sanitation
There are pit toilets at many backcountry campsites. When a
pit toilet is not available, do the following:
• Urinate in rocky places that won’t be damaged by animals
who dig for salts and minerals found in urine.
• Dig a hole, 6 inches (15 centimeters) deep, for fecal waste
using a small trowel or pack out waste and paper.
• Be sure that you defecate at least 70 adult steps (200 feet/
60 meters) from camp, water or trails.
• Do not bury sanitary napkins, tampons, or paper wipes.
Dispose of them in an airtight container and pack them out.
• Wash hands with biodegradable soap. Giardia and other
diseases are frequently spread by unsanitary practices.
Fishing
To fish in Rocky Mountain National Park, you must have a
Colorado state fishing license. You may purchase licenses at
local sporting goods stores.
Check at Rocky Mountain National Park visitor centers for
fishing regulations, which vary at different lakes and streams
in the park.
Backcountry Guide 6
Quiet backcountry campsite

7. Leaving the backcountry
If you end a trip early, notify the backcountry office to cancel
the permit, so other backpackers may use your site.
Please report all unusual wildlife sightings, trail conditions, or
incidents to a ranger.
Pack out all your garbage and that of others less considerate.
If you see any violations of rules and regulations, please report
them to a ranger as soon as possible.
You can find showers and laundry facilities in Estes Park and
in Grand Lake.
These lands were set aside for you by our foreparents. It is
our most sincere hope that you have an inspiring, refreshing
and renewing backcountry wilderness experience in Rocky
Mountain National Park.
Last Name ___________________________
First Name___________________________
Address_____________________________
____________________________________
City_________________________________
State_____________ Zip________________
Phone_______________________________
First Choice
Date Campsite(s)
______ ________________________
______ ________________________
______ ________________________
______ ________________________
______ ________________________
______ ________________________
______ ________________________
# In Party_________ # of Stock________
Trailhead In____________________________
Trailhead Out__________________________
Vehicle License #_____________________
State_______________________________
Second Choice
Date Campsite(s)
______ ________________________
______ ________________________
______ ________________________
______ ________________________
______ ________________________
______ ________________________
______ ________________________
TRIP PLANNING WORKSHEET
Rocky Mountain National Park - Backcountry Office
1000 W. Hwy 36
Estes Park CO 80517
(970) 586-1242
This is NOT a Permit. Send no money with this request.
Leave No Trace
Join park rangers in protecting the natural
conditions of the backcountry while hiking
and camping.
Ask a park ranger how you can Leave No Trace
on your backcountry visit or contact:
Leave No Trace Inc. P.O. Box 997 Boulder, CO
80306 or www.lnt.org.
Plan ahead and prepare
Travel and camp on durable surfaces
Dispose of waste properly
Leave what you find
Minimize campfire impacts
Respect wildlife
Be considerate of other visitors
Please complete fully and mail to the address above.
Cut here
Backcountry Guide 7

8. “Something will have gone out of us as a people if we ever let the remaining
wilderness be destroyed; if we permit the last virgin forests to be turned into
comic books; if we drive the few remaining wild species into zoos or extinction;
if we pollute the last clear air and dirty the last clear streams and push our
paved roads through the last of silences.” -Wallace Stegner
Backcountry Guide 8
It is the hope of the Park Rangers of Rocky Mountain National Park that you have the trip of a lifetime while you are here. Safety
is the foundation of having the trip a lifetime. It is our desire that you leave with wonderful memories rather than a tragic story.
Any planning that you can do to prevent an injury, accident or the separation of members of your party while in the wilderness is
wise and will help make for a successful vacation.
Risks in the backcountry are remote risks.
Please take extra time to come out of the wilderness safely.