Homestead Meadows Hike

The Homestead Meadows Hikes is one of our favorite historical hikes in the area. This hike will guide you through a scenic granite gulch and over several stream crossings before opening up to the homestead plains. With moderate terrain, limited elevation gain and stimulating scenery, this trail is perfect for the family. Note the trail is lengthy, so make sure everyone has enough energy reserved for the walk back too, snacks may help! Hike it, bike it, or horseback ride the trail, either way you will be immersed in stunning meadowed scenery. Make sure to bring plenty of water and wear sunscreen on summer days, as this trail has little shade. Note that visitors will have to purchase a parking pass. These permits are typically around $6USD.

Embark on your adventure from the parking lot. Take the Moose Meadow Trail east and it will guide you through an aspen forest. Hike along the trail as it gains elevation, and you will have to navigate a few switchbacks. Continue hiking the Moose Meadow Trail while ignoring any merging paths. Hike up the gulch and you will eventually meet a clearing. Here, you will see a few homesteads just off the trail and some below in the south. Explore these homesteads before merging onto the Irvin Homestead Trail. This path will guide you across the grassy plains to the Irvin Homestead where you will be delighted by impressive views of the Mummy Range.

Check out the homestead before commencing your return. Retrace your steps back along the trail, keeping an eye out for more homesteads in the south. Walk along the meadows, over the creeks and back through the aspen forest to the trailhead.