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Distance: | 42 miles from Estes
Park |
Difficulty:
| Moderate to more
difficult (Easier Options) |
Way-marking:
| Trail is well-marked but you do need to pay attention to the guide and map. GPS not needed. |
Trails:
| Excellent walking
underfoot. Mostly on park trails.
| Lodging Styles:
| Lodging along
the Tahosa Valley ranges from intimate B&Bs, rustic cabins,
dude ranches and historic lodges.
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Best Season:
| Late May to Early October |
Highlights:
| World-class scenery,
fun and diverse lodging and a great sense of
accomplishment.
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From Estes Park to Allenspark
Aspen Glen to East Portal
Difficulty: Moderate
The trail begins in Rocky Mountain National Park at the
Aspen Glen Campground. This is an excellent starting
place, especially for walkers arriving from the flatlands.
The day is easy to follow and moderate in length with not
too much elevation gain.
Once around Deer Mountain, the trail crosses over into
Beaver Meadows and on into Moraine Park. These beautiful
meadows are home to much of the Park's wildlife, so have
the camera ready. The WTW exits the Park via the old Park
Entrance Station onto Hwy 66. This is a good day of hiking
to savor and enjoy.
East Portal to Lily Lake
Distance: 10.1 miles from RMNP entrance
Overall Elevation Gain: 2615 ft.
Low Point: 8,035 ft.
High Point: 9,852 ft.
Difficulty: Moderate to More Difficult
On this day the WTW leaves the Estes Valley and makes its way
south over  Storm Pass to the higher
elevations of the Tahosa Valley. This is our gateway
south. Elevation gain for the day is just over 2600 feet
in 10 miles so taking it slow and steady is important. If
you've got plenty of steam, there's an opportunity to climb
Estes Cone from the Pass. The trail then descends to Lily
Lake and The Baldpate Inn.
Its too bad The Baldpate couldn't insist all its visitors
arrive by horse and carriage. The moment you walk up its
creaky steps and stand beneath the low ceilings of the old
wooden porch with its unparalleled view toward the Estes
Valley, you feel like you've stepped back in time. Neither
fast nor modern, its rustic ambiance is fun, not
withstanding the cornbread and rhubarb pie.
Lily Lake to Aspen Lodge
Distance: 5-10 miles
Overall Elevation Gain: 1.370 ft.
Low Point: 8,615 ft.
High Point: 9,823 ft.
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Today is Option Day. Some walkers will  be ready for a break so they can take the route directly to Aspen Lodge and call it a day. Others will want to follow the regular trail to the Longs Peak Ranger Station before circling back to the lodge which will make it a moderate day. For those with more steam, Twin Sisers Peak will "up" the challenge while providing unbelievable views of Longs, Meeker and Lady Washington to the west and the broad plains of Colorado to the east.
Wild Basin to Allenspark
Distance: 6-10 miles
Overall Elevation Gain: 1800 ft.
Low Point: 8,245 ft.
High Point: 9,472 ft.
Difficulty: Moderate to More Difficult
It's always fitting to save the best for last. This is a
splendid day with a great system of trails and over-the-top
rewards awaiting your arrival in Allenspark. There are several length options for the day which eventually lead to the Wild Basin Ranger Station. The trail follows a rushing torrent to beautiful
Calypso Cascade. At this point walkers have the option of a side-trip to Ouzel Falls. Then it's one more uphill climb out of
the basin and over the ridge before dropping into
Allenspark. As you make this final assault, don't forget
to turn around and soak in some of the best views in the
world. Then head for the finish line and your celebration
dinner at The Fawn Brook Inn.
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