Little Yellowstone Canyon Trail

Little Yellowstone Canyon Trail is a 10.8-mile out-and-back from Colorado River Trailhead to a perch above the canyon. The river-side approach is mostly gentle; the climb comes near the far end. Plan about five and a half hours, plus time to stop. It is moderate overall, but the distance makes this a full-day outing for many hikers.

The route follows the Colorado River through woods and small meadows, then crosses the river and climbs through forest. At the Lulu Creek junction, take the right branch toward the canyon; cross the cascading creek and keep climbing. After Lady Creek, the trail wraps around a drainage to a small waterfall spilling into the canyon and a rocky perch with views up and down the colorful walls. Turn around where the trail starts heading away from the canyon. On the return, stay left after crossing Lulu Creek and follow it down toward the Colorado River.

The route passes the site of Lulu City, an 1880s mining settlement, along with traces of old mines and cabins. The forest opens into small meadows beside the river, so there is more to notice on the walk in than just the distant canyon. Elk, moose, coyotes and foxes are among the mammals found in this valley; keep an eye on meadow edges and the river corridor. At the final perch, look both ways along the canyon; including the creek against the colored rock helps show the scale.

Use the signed Colorado River Trailhead, 9.5 miles north of the Grand Lake Entrance on Trail Ridge Road. The trailhead has toilets, picnic tables and fire grates, but no drinking water. The road east of the trailhead usually closes for winter from mid-October through Memorial Day. Pets are prohibited on all Rocky Mountain National Park trails.