North Boundary Trail

Overview

This is RMNP’s quiet, hard-edged traverse on the park’s northeast side—more about solitude, sustained climbs, and big ridge views than insta-famous lakes. You’ll start on the Cow Creek Trail by McGraw Ranch, then peel onto the North Boundary to work through airy ponderosa stands, pockets of aspen and spruce, and slabs of granite domes. Expect multiple ups and downs, including a notorious stretch that climbs roughly 1,300 feet in about 1.5 miles. Views open toward the Mummy Range on high crests, then the trail drops to creeks before rising again—classic “rollercoaster” backcountry.

Route options and distance

• Waterfalls sampler (most popular): 6.8 miles TOTAL out-and-back to West Creek Falls and Fox Creek Falls via the North Boundary corridor from Cow Creek. Plan on about 4–5 hours for most hikers. Wayfinding can be spotty in places; download an offline map. The spur to West Creek Falls is short but steep and narrow near the end. Continuing to Fox Creek crosses into Comanche Peak Wilderness.
• Full point-to-point: The trail runs from Cow Creek to the North Fork Big Thompson junction. It’s a remote, strenuous undertaking with multiple major climbs (including that ~1,300 ft in 1.5 mi section), creek crossings, and long stretches without crowds. If you don’t have a shuttle, the logistics make this a serious day.

What you’ll see

The character shifts as you go: open ponderosa with long sightlines (great for spotting wildlife), darker spruce and fir, and rocky ribs and domes that deliver those north–south views. You’ll descend to West Creek, with a worthwhile side trip to West Creek Falls, then later cross Fox Creek. Higher benches provide sweeping looks toward the Mummy Range. Farther along, the corridor passes the Silvanmere Backcountry Campsite before easing to the North Fork Big Thompson. Keep an eye out for moose in riparian stretches.

Difficulty and who it’s for

This is a strenuous hike with cumulative elevation that sneaks up on you. The tread is rocky in spots, switchbacks are tight, and signage can be limited. If you like a remote feel, sustained climbs, and don’t mind some navigational attention, you’ll love it. If you want straightforward trail and constant “wow” views, pick something else.

Regulations and logistics

No pets on any RMNP trails, including the short RMNP segment you must take before reaching National Forest; that effectively means this route is a no-dog hike. A park pass is required, and a seasonal timed-entry reservation is required for this area between roughly late May and mid-October (9 a.m.–2 p.m. window; outside Bear Lake Road system). Parts of the route enter Comanche Peak Wilderness, where hunting is permitted—stay on trail and wear bright colors in season.

Best time to hike

Spring through early summer brings the best waterfall flows. Summer offers longer days but can be warm and exposed on ridges. Shoulder seasons often mean patches of snow and ice—traction can be a day-saver. Start early for quieter miles and easier parking, and for softer, more flattering light at the falls.

Tips

• Download an offline map; junctions and signage are limited in places.
• The West Creek Falls spur is steep and narrow—watch footing, especially when wet or icy.
• If you want an easier-to-follow waterfall day, consider Ouzel Falls in Wild Basin instead.