Wind River via East Portal Trailhead Hike

The Wind River via East Portal Trailhead is an awesome wilderness excursion that the whole family can enjoy. Hike through the diverse landscapes all while enjoying views of looming Front Range peaks. Note this path is exposed in areas and with a name like Wind River, you can guarantee chilly conditions – so wear layers! Located within the boundary of the Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP), adventurers are required to purchase a park pass to utilize the trails.

The Wind River via East Portal Trailhead Hike departs from…you guessed it—the East Portal Trailhead! From here, the loop can be completed in either direction, but we prefer tracking clockwise. Hook onto the Wind River Trail and track through a meadow alongside the creek. Eventually, the path will weave you beneath sparse tree coverage and past several dispersed campsites. Hike along the route and at the first intersection, keep right. At this point you will be diverted briefly onto the Storm Pass Trail. Soon after merging onto this trail, you will encounter another intersection.

From the junction, enjoy expansive mountain vistas before turning right, onto Glacier Creek Trail. As you hike, you will notice sights of Sprague Lake on your left and Emerald Mountain towering above. Hike through an aspen grove and along the forested path until the next intersection. Stay right here and merge onto the Emerald Mountain Trail. Trek past granite outcroppings and follow this path all the way back to the trailhead.