East Shore / Continental Divide Scenic Trail

East Shore / Continental Divide Scenic Trail

The mighty Colorado River begins its long journey as a brook in the northwest corner of Rocky Mountain National Park. Gathering myriad tributaries as it goes, the river meets its first man-made barrier as it flows into Shadow Mountain Lake. Between this lake and the far larger Lake Granby to the south, the Colorado River runs free for a brief time. This wildflower hike travels along this free-running section, a segment of the Continental Divide Scenic Trail simply wonderful both in waterscapes and wildflowers. About 90 flower species may be tallied on a late June or early July hike. Once you cross the Shadow Mountain dam top, you begin a genial walk through a number of habitats along the east bank of the Colorado River. One brief elevation gain takes the trail above Grand Bay, which is the arm of Lake Granby that meets the incoming river. Lively Columbine Creek coursing down from 12,121-foot Mount Adams is the turnaround point for the hike. Wildflower Alert: Pretty pocket meadows and marshes accompany this flowery jaunt along the Colorado River in Rocky Mountain National Park.

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