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 Reporter |
Summary: The first two miles of this hike are along Cow Creek Trail, meandering through a lovely open meadow area along the banks of Cow Creek. While on this hike I saw numerous deer, elk, and even big horn sheep (a first for me!). The open setting provided for easy hiking and great views of the cliffs along Lumpy Ridge. When you come to the trailhead for Bridal Veil Falls bear right. The woods get thicker, and the trail steepens a bit. The falls are considered to be one of the loveliest in the park. During the fall, when I went on this hike, there were wonderful ice formations where the water from the falls had frozen. If you cross the stream at the falls, you can scramble above the falls to a lovely cascade, as well as a series of pools above the cascade. Assuming you can get access to this area after a snowfall, it would be a joy to snow shoe the first 2 mile section of this trail. Trailhead: From highway 34 in Estes Park, follow MacGregor Avenue North for about a mile, then turn right onto Devils Gulch Road at the entrance to MacGregor Ranch. Follow Devils Gulch Road for about 4 miles, turning left onto the dirt McGraw Ranch Road. Follow this road a little over 2 miles and park at the turnouts just before the entrance to McGraw ranch. You need to walk past the ranch buildings to reach the Cow Creek Trailhead. (Lat:40.42979 Lon:-105.50068) Trail Guides for Bridal Veil Falls: RMNP - Best Easy Day Hikes by Kent Dannen and Donna Dannen (Globe Pequot Press) RMNP - Panoramic Hiking Map by Unknown (Trail Tracks) Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Summer, User Groups: Hikers, Horses, Ranger Contact: RMNP Information (970) 586-1206 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Jim Zuber, who has posted 104 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Submit your own review 
Reviewed by MB on 6/30/2008 This was a gorgeous hike. Stating off by a historic ranch, where we saw beavers busy in their ponds. Across a beautiful meadow with 100's of butterflies, the most amazing wild flowers(wild roses even grew on the path itself!), A path that led to an enchanting woodland area that would make any fairytale look pale in comparison. We followed the stream most of the way, it was crystal clear and the sound was soothing to the soul. Once up to the rocky area, and then to the falls, you can cross the stream bed and climb up to see the rest of the falls. It is SPLENDID. Thanks for this site which is what spurred us to go. We'll be back.
Reviewed by MB on 6/30/2008 This was a gorgeous hike. Stating off by a historic ranch, where we saw beavers busy in their ponds. Across a beautiful meadow with 100's of butterflies, the most amazing wild flowers(wild roses even grew on the path itself!), A path that led to an enchanting woodland area that would make any fairytale look pale in comparison. We followed the stream most of the way, it was crystal clear and the sound was soothing to the soul. Once up to the rocky area, and then to the falls, you can cross the stream bed and climb up to see the rest of the falls. It is SPLENDID. Thanks for this site which is what spurred us to go. We'll be back. 
Reviewed by Lola on 6/23/2008 The hike was great and the scenery beautiful. Had to wait 15 minutes for a parking spot about 12:30pm on a nice summer Saturday as the parking is limited and controlled.
Reviewed by Laura on 3/11/2008 On Thursday Mar 6 2008 My boyfriend took me on this hike...it was snowy, beautiful, fun, and a little challenging at the end. The frozen falls were absolutely gorgeous...There, at the falls, he proposed to me! He had a ring, champagne in his bag, and everything! Best hike EVER! See if you can find the champagne cork at the top, we lost it in the snow =)
Reviewed by BL on 3/15/2007 Great scenery, not too strenuous. a really nice small pool along the way. We loved it!
Reviewed by Fred on 5/27/2006 There is no way that this hike is 6 miles roundtrip. It is closer to 9 miles
Reviewed by Larson on 11/27/2004 Very scenic. Not too difficult. Beautiful in winter time. Only exception is that rocks in the trail will have ice on them making them slippery. A good trail to take the family on. Last section may be tough.
Reviewed by Judy on 5/31/2003 I've been up to Bridal Veil Falls twice now during the summer and its a lovely, lovely hike, especially for those of us who are not especially young and fit. You get a great bang for your buck with wide open meadows, some forest and a gentle grade for most of the hike. The last section around the falls is a bit of a scramble, which shouldn't be difficult unless you're my 70 y.o. mother who found it challenging. The falls themselves are great. The trail is not over-used and is a wonderful way to escape the crowds in RMNP.Take the kids and a picnic (or dive off the trail with your sweetheart!) and have a wonderful time. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Colorado Hiking, Colorado Trails, Colorado Hikes, Larimer County Hiking, Larimer County Trails, Larimer County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
