Columbine Bay Trail

Columbine Bay is a 4.7-mile out-and-back from Green Ridge Campground to the shore where the Colorado River enters Lake Granby. The route crosses Shadow Mountain Dam, then follows the East Shore and Continental Divide corridor before dropping beside the river. It suits hikers who want a long, mostly low-gain walk with a lake at the end; the campground and dam approach is part of the trip.

Follow the campground road and gravel access through sagebrush meadows to the dam. Crossing it opens views of the Colorado River leaving Shadow Mountain Lake. At the East Shore Trail sign, take the short road connector and cross a marshy meadow. At the next junction, turn right and climb onto a bench through lodgepole forest with many dead trees. The route drops toward the river; you may hear it before the trees open to the water.

The last stretch stays close to the Colorado River as it cuts through a forested canyon and enters Lake Granby. Walk the bay shoreline before returning the same way. The dam and the water meeting the lake are the walk's best views; the trail itself has no reported food or water service.

The route gains about 300 feet and loses about the same on the return. Allow around two and a half hours for the 4.7-mile outing, including time by the water. Green Ridge Campground has toilets and drinking water, but those facilities are at the campground, not along the route. Dogs are prohibited on Rocky Mountain National Park trails, and this walk enters the park. Portions of East Shore Trail, the Colorado River corridor and Columbine Bay close each year from November 15 through March 15 to protect a bald eagle roost; follow the posted closure boundaries.