Moderate

Lulu City via Colorado River Trail

Quiet ghost town stroll along the upper Colorado with moose potential.

Distance7.4 mi

Typical time4.8 hr

DifficultyModerate

PetsNot allowed

Overview

This is a history-forward river walk on the park’s west side: about 7.4 miles round trip to the Lulu City townsite with a moderate feel. The grade is mostly gentle, but expect rolling terrain that adds more cumulative gain than you’d guess from the map. If you’re here for intact buildings, temper expectations—Lulu City’s remains are subtle. Come for the river meadows, big-tree shade, wildlife odds (moose love this corridor), and a tangible sense of the park’s mining past.

Route snapshot

Start at the Colorado River Trailhead. After a brief initial climb the path settles into easy valley cruising. Around 0.5 miles you’ll pass the Red Mountain Trail junction—stay straight toward Lulu City. You’ll meet the Colorado River early on, then pass historic mining relics and tailings. Near 2.2 miles, cross signed Crater Creek; the faint Shipler cabin remains sit just off-trail and are easy to miss. Around 3.5 miles, a spur drops left into the Lulu City meadow where low foundations and scattered cabin logs mark the ghost town.

What you’ll see (and what you won’t)

The townsite is quiet and evocative rather than showy—foundations, aged logs, and a meadow setting framed by forest. Along the way, watch for aspen pockets, mixed spruce–lodgepole forest, and frequent wildlife sign near the river. In season, wildflowers dot the meadows. If you’re feeling good, continue roughly a mile beyond Lulu City to Little Yellowstone Canyon for sweeping views of the Colorado River valley; strong hikers can push even farther toward Poudre Pass, the headwaters area, on a much longer day.

Best time to hike

June through October is the sweet spot. Mornings are best for wildlife and cooler temps, and fall color here can be excellent with glowing aspens. Summer afternoons often bring thunderstorms—start early and be off exposed openings before the rumble builds.

Tips and tradeoffs

This hike is about the journey: river scenery, wildlife, and history. The destination itself is minimal. If you want a bigger payoff, add the Little Yellowstone viewpoint.
The tread is generally wide and forgiving, but you can hit muddy sections after storms and during runoff. Sturdy footwear helps.
The ghost town area has tempting social paths—wander thoughtfully and avoid creating new tracks. Leave any historic artifacts exactly where you find them.

Length: 7.4 miles round trip. Difficulty: moderate. Dogs are not permitted. Restrooms are available at the trailhead.

Pros

Ghost-town history with mining relics en route, not just at the end
Consistently good moose habitat along the river corridor

Cons

Sparse ruins at the townsite can feel underwhelming if you expect structures
Rolling terrain creates more cumulative gain than the map suggests

Parking

Park at the Colorado River Trailhead on the park’s west side near Grand Lake; the trail begins from the north end of the lot. Restrooms are available at the trailhead.

Caution

Give moose and other wildlife extra space; do not approach. Expect muddy sections after storms and typical summer afternoon thunderstorms—start early. At the townsite, avoid social paths and do not disturb or remove historic artifacts.