Place · 0.8 mi away
Overview
Hollowell Park is a mellow meadow-and-creek picnic area off Bear Lake Road with big-sky views into Mill Creek Basin and toward Longs Peak. It’s the kind of spot you pull into when Bear Lake feels chaotic—spread out lunch at one of the 10 picnic tables, listen to Mill Creek, and decide how much hiking your day needs. Vault toilets are on site, but there’s no water and no trash service, so come prepared to pack everything out.
Trails from Here
- Hollowell Park & Mill Creek Basin Loop (3.6 miles, ~692 ft gain): Follows Mill Creek to airy meadows, with wildflowers in season. Expect a few steeper grades; the back half can be overgrown and slick and passes through a burned area. It’s popular in winter too—traction helps when it’s icy. You can detour to the Upper Mill Creek backcountry campsite if you’re making a short overnight.
- Connections and Longer Options: From this trailhead you can link to Bierstadt Lake, Bear Lake, and Cub Lake, or tackle a longer loop that threads the Tuxedo–Hollowell Park, bridle, South Lateral Moraine, and Mill Creek trails. That bigger circuit serves up Moraine Park, wetlands, and Continental Divide vistas, and passes fire-affected Cub Lake.
Logistics
- Facilities: Vault toilets; 10 first-come picnic tables; portable grills allowed. No water fill or trash cans.
- Parking & Shuttle: Parking is typically easier here than at the Bear Lake hot spots, and the summer shuttle serves this stop.
- Seasonality: Open year-round. In winter, plan for snow/ice and carry microspikes or snowshoes as conditions dictate.
- Elevation: Around 8,300 feet—take it easy if you’re new to altitude.
- Permits: A park entrance pass is required. During reservation periods, you’ll need the appropriate timed-entry permit for this corridor.
Wildlife
Deer commonly use the meadows here, and moose are occasionally seen along the creek. Enjoy the sightings, give all animals space, and never feed wildlife.
Best Time to Visit
- Morning: Cool temps, soft side-light on the meadows and Longs Peak, and fewer bugs.
- Weekdays: Generally quieter than the marquee trailheads at midday.
- Clear Evenings: Peaceful wind-down spot, and the small lot can be pleasant for stargazing when skies cooperate.
Pros
- 10 picnic tables with portable grills allowed
- Quieter meadow setting with views toward Longs Peak and Mill Creek Basin
- Trail access to Mill Creek Basin, Bierstadt, Cub Lake, and more
Cons
- No water or trash cans; pack in/out
- Some nearby trail sections can be overgrown, slick, and have horse droppings
Tips
- Bring all the water you need—there’s no fill station—and pack out all trash.
- Picnic tables are first-come; portable grills are allowed.
- Expect overgrown, slick sections and horse use on the back half of the loop.
- In winter, carry microspikes or snowshoes and check conditions before you go.
- During timed-entry season, reserve Park Access+; the summer shuttle stops here.
