North Fork Trail

The North Fork Trail adventure can be completed as a challenging day hike or broken up into a backpacking excursion. Numerous designated dispersed campsites line the path, making it easy for a spontaneous set up. Pack your gear, and if you are feeling it, then set up shop and immerse yourself in nature. This adventure is a crowd favorite because of its designated sites and its several connecting trails within the Rocky Mountain National Park. Hike this route as the beginning segment of a lengthy backpacking expedition, or don’t. Either way make sure you pack plenty of water or a water filter and snacks to refuel.

Begin your journey along the North Fork Trail from the Dunraven Glade Trailhead. Take the North Fork Trail west and it will intersect with a creek before curving north. Follow the North Fork Trail as it guides you along the river’s edge, and up the forested canyon. Hike up the vale, navigating several stream crossings. You will begin to notice the dispersed campsites as you travel up the trail. Climb up the valley and through wildflower dotted meadows as you enter the Rocky Mountain National Park. As you ascend the path, the trail will become increasingly exposed as the tree coverage thins. Hike up the route and you will pass the small Kettle Tarn Lake.

You know you will have reached your turnaround point when you encounter the Ranger Cabin. If your adventure is complete, retrace your steps down the North Fork Trail all the way back to the carpark.