Elk Meadow Park — Attraction in Four Corners States

Elkridge Trail

Brightness alert! Brightness alert!

Should have seen this but there was no snow at home so i imagined a nice open green meadow!!

Having to keep my head bowed down and my eyes shuttered to a squeak to keep the brightness out!!

It is cold!

At the junction where the trail splits.. right continue on the Elkridge trail.. straight and then left to go on and  back to the parking lot..(there is a bench here)

Shital went towards the parking lot and i took the right..

Right and up!! Steep and unexpected climb.. Ran out of breath quickly and sitting down to write this and catch my breathe .. 1pm

Finished the hike at 3.. the path went continually uphill for sometime and with my out-of-touchness with fitness, I was out of breath quite often and would stop frequently to catch my breathe.  This slope is probably of medium difficulty for most hikers.

Walking in the snow was not the most fun... if i walked in untrodden snow i had to pull my foot as it sank in the soft snow at each step. Walking on the well trodden snow had me walking slowly in small cautious steps..

Once the incline was done the path was more or less level and long and easier to walk. I walked in the shadow of trees for a while before the path opened out into the meadow. A long walk got me back to the parking lot.. total time spent by me.. about 2 1/2...

Elk Meadow Park in Evergreen, Colorado, is a gem for dog lovers! As the owner of Wolf Pack Planet, I recently led a group of dogs on a hike here, and it was an unforgettable experience. This park is exceptionally dog-friendly, with plenty of activities to keep your pups entertained.

We had sunny, warm weather, making it a perfect day for exploring. The trail is home to vibrant wildflowers and historic old-growth Ponderosa pines, some of which are over 200 years old. This unique blend of natural beauty and history makes Elk Meadow Park a must-visit.

Our dogs enjoyed climbing on rocks, chewing on sticks, and munching on fresh mountain grass. We also had some delicious adventure-themed treats from AJ’s Dog Bakery, courtesy of one of our pet parents, adding to the fun. There are numerous spots along the trail to stop and take in the breathtaking views, ensuring your dogs stay hydrated and happy.

What sets Elk Meadow Park apart is its historic dairy ranch background, which adds an interesting layer of history to your hike. The trail is well-maintained and offers a serene environment for both dogs and their owners.

I highly recommend Elk Meadow Park for pet parents looking for a beautiful and engaging hiking experience with their dogs. It’s a fantastic place to enjoy nature and create wonderful memories with your...

My favorite trail for running in the area. Parking and traffic isn't much of an issue, even in peak season. It's a great, shorter hike for people looking to get relatively high elevation training in while still keeping things casual. I think the summit is around 9600 ft.

It's also a trail network that's easy to navigate. Not too many turns to memorize, but not so linear that when you've done it once you've seen the whole place.

It's turning out to be fun in the winter as well, with snow on the ground. I like that I can fall back on doing the flat meadow if the steeper parts turn out to be too slippery.

Of course it's also beautiful. You've got a beautiful summit with a view of Pikes Peak and also a couple nice views...