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A secluded trail paralleling cow creek.


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3.2

Miles

5.1

KM

Point to Point

8,773' 2,674 m

High

7,826' 2,385 m

Low

950' 290 m

Up

3' 1 m

Down

6%

Avg Grade (3°)

19%

Max Grade (11°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Swimming · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Parking limited to ~7 cars on roadside up from the Ranch gate.

Description

This tranquil trail climbs from McGraw Ranch Rd. all the way to the beautiful Bridal Veil Falls. Cow Creek Trail also provides connectivity between Gem Lake Trail and Black Canyon Trail. If your goal is simply to get to the Black Canyon Trail from Gem Lake, consider a detour to the falls - they're spectacular!

Contacts

Shared By:

Brian Smith

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 8 votes

#11456

Overall
  4.0 from 8 votes
5 Star
13%
4 Star
75%
3 Star
13%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#970

in Colorado

#11,456

Overall
28 Views Last Month
5,475 Since Jan 8, 2015
Intermediate Intermediate

0%
0%
88%
0%
13%
0%

Photos

Bridal Veil Falls
Jan 8, 2015 near Estes Park, CO
Larry W Jones. Bridal Veil Falls.
Aug 9, 2022 near Estes Park, CO
Above Bridal Veil Falls.
Aug 9, 2022 near Estes Park, CO
Bridal Veil Falls
Sep 20, 2025 near Estes Park, CO
Clyde Inman and Larry W Jones. Bridal Veil Falls.
Aug 9, 2022 near Estes Park, CO
Three-Nerved Fleabane
Feb 9, 2015 near Estes Park, CO

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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Sep 1, 2025
Tilman Giese
Dec 31, 2024
Mike G
Hiked this trail on the 29th.
Nov 25, 2022
E S
Aug 16, 2022
Alex Witt
Sep 18, 2021
paul schilling
Nov 22, 2020
Melissa Elizondo
3.2mi — 2h 30m
Sep 24, 2020
Meagan Fraser
Jun 30, 2020
Amy Thompson
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