If you live in Northern Colorado, there's a good chance you've explored some of the trails in our area. We are so fortunate to have countless trails for every season and every skillset. You're probably also no stranger to our beloved Rocky Mountain National Park. Today, I'd like to share Chapin Pass Trail with you. This stunning trail sits off Old Fall River Road and it does not disappoint. Its unique geological features, diverse wildlife, and stunning views stand in contrast to the park's more traveled paths. I chose this hike today because it is far less traveled than some of the other RMNP hikes, offering solitude and a chance to connect with nature on a deeper level.
In addition to bringing you top-notch local skincare, another one of my goals with NoCo Apothecary is to bring awareness to some of our amazing trails and all that Northern has to offer. Few things in life give me greater joy than being out in the middle of nowhere with nature. No traffic, no city noise, just peace.
The Trail at a Glance
The Chapin Pass Trail is located in Rocky Mountain National Park. When you enter the park, follow the signs to Old Fall River Road and head up. About 7 miles in, and on the right, you will see the Chapin Pass Trailhead. There isn't a true "parking lot", but you will see other cars parked on the side of the road. Be careful when parking, because there are several steep drop-offs. Old Fall River Road is one of my favorite places on the planet,Â
This trail is about 4 miles, out and back. An "out and back" trail simply means that you will follow the same trail on your way back as opposed to hiking a looped trail. 4 miles might not seem like much to some seasoned hikers, but Chapin Pass also has 1,473 feet of elevation gain. It's not too long, but the elevation gain will get your heart pumping.
You'll notice this sign on the trail stating that it's not maintained. The trail has enough foot traffic that you should have no trouble finding the trail on your trek up.
Preparing for the Hike
The key to a successful hike is preparation.
Chapin Pass is nestled in RMNP, so it's important to show up early or have an entry permit. I like to hit the trails early, so I'm at the RMNP entrance gate before timed entry begins at 9 am. If you are planning a sunset hike, have an entry permit and bring a flashlight or a headlamp to make sure you aren't caught in the dark.
Plan your hike by checking the weather ahead of time. This hike is best done after the majority of snow has melted, in the midst of summer, and before fall. At this elevation, the seasons shorten, so your window for a great hike is much shorter than some of our trails close to town.
You might consider trekking poles. If you are someone who appreciates that stability, and there is still snow in places, you will appreciate these.Â
Sun protection is crucial, so bring a hat and sunscreen. Chapin Trail tops out at 12,455 feet above sea level which is above tree line. This means there is far less atmosphere to protect your skin from UV light and there is less protection from shade.
The weather can change quickly at this altitude so wear layers. Even in August, I will wear a tank-top, hoodie, and bring a jacket. When you get to the open summit area, the wind will be chilly and you will probably notice patches of snow.
Shoes. This is not a hike for flipflops (so I leave mine in the car :-) ) You need good hiking shoes.
Food and water. It's smart to carry water and snacks with you. I haul around an Osprey backpack with a 3-liter water reservoir. My husband and I always pack a lunch, too. One of my favorite parts of our hikes is finding the perfect rock to relax and eat lunch on.
Be prepared for animals on the trail and keep your distance. On this hike, we have encountered a lot of elk blocking the trail. It is best to keep your distance and give them time to move. And speaking of animals, your dog will have to sit this one out. Dogs aren't allowed in RMNP.
Lastly - tell someone when and where you're going. My daughter is 18, and doesn't always join us on longer hikes. That's ok, but I always let her know where we are going and when to expect us home.
The Trek Through Chapin Pass
As the trail starts steep, it's a reminder that the best views often come after the hardest climbs. The initial ascent is always the busiest part of any trail, but get past it and most of the crowd will thin. I've found, especially at RMNP, that a lot of folks want to explore the first part of the trail as they're passing through the park. They're often not as interested in hiking the whole thing.
You'll pass through lush forests that give way to the stark beauty of the alpine tundra. At approximately 11,500 feet, you'll find the tree line, a natural boundary above which the climate is too harsh for trees to grow. It's a fascinating shift in the landscape. While it's not entirely unique to our high-altitude region, it's definitely something we are lucky to have. Interestingly, tree line is different in other parts of the world based on latitude. In the Swiss Alps, tree line is at only 7,500 feet (Browning, 2021).
After you cross tree line, you'll come to a section of the trail that is mostly rock scramble and it's steep. Be careful with your footing and watch out for slippery rocks. The last time we hiked this trail was in July 2023 and many of the rocks were still covered in snow. I didn't bring them, but for this part, I wish I had brought my trekking poles for balance. There was a lot of snow and ice, and I'm a wimp, so I was close to a crawl as I crossed parts.
Nature's Bounty Along Chapin Pass
This trail is a showcase for the hardy alpine flowers that color the landscape.
Alpine Poppy: Bright yellow flowers that stand out against the rocky backdrop. They're a reminder of nature's ability to thrive even in less-than-ideal conditions.
King's Crown: This plant with red flowers and succulent leaves can often be found nestled between rocks, showing off the diversity of the trail's plant life. I found these along the rock scramble towards the end of the hike. Â
Phlox: Offering a contrast with their delicate blue flowers, Phlox plants cover sections of the trail with a soft hue, adding to the trail's picturesque quality.
Elk: Encountering elk is common along this trail. It's amazing to watch them, but it's important to maintain a safe distance. These guys blocked the trail in several places so we were forced to pause our ascent. (Check out the velvet on this one!)
Marmot: These creatures are a common sight, and if you're lucky, you may catch one sunning on a rock. Here is a video of one running past us in the wind:
Chapin Pass and the Spirit of Colorado
The essence of Colorado's wilderness is perfectly captured along Chapin Pass Trail. The trail offers a sense of freedom and an escape from the everyday, embodying the rugged and independent spirit of our state. Here, the vistas are unspoiled, the air is pure, and the connection to nature is undeniable.Â
Conclusion
After completing the hike, you'll pass by the visitor's center at the top of Old Fall River Road. It's a great spot to relax, grab some coffee, or use a restroom before you begin your drive back down into Estes. The views from up here are phenomenal and people travel the earth to see it. How fortunate we are to have this in our own back yard!
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Sources:
Browning, M. (2021, November 1). Get wild: What determines tree line?. SummitDaily.com. Â https://www.summitdaily.com/opinion/columns/get-wild-what-determines-tree-line/
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