Kruger Rock Trailhead — Attraction in Four Corners States

This 4-mile trail is such a hidden gem! It’s tucked away off a dirt road at the top of a mountain in Hermit Park, and we honestly couldn’t believe how quiet and peaceful it was. We hiked it in late May and the trail was completely dry, no snow or mud to worry about, although afternoon showers are frequent in this area.

It’s all uphill on the way up, so be ready for a steady climb. Hiking poles definitely came in handy, especially for pacing ourselves. The views along the way are already pretty incredible, but once you reach the top and look out over Estes Park? Absolutely breathtaking.

We timed our hike to catch the sunset and started around 6:45 p.m., wrapping up just before 9. It was dark when we made it back to the car, so a headlamp or flashlight would've came in handy.

Once we reached the top, the sunset made the whole valley glow, and we had the place almost entirely to ourselves. We only passed one other couple the entire time, which made it feel so peaceful.

There is a short rock scramble right at the summit. Our 50lb goldendoodle made it up just fine, but coming down was a little trickier for him, and he got nervous on one section and we had to help him down.

If you’re looking to escape the crowds of Estes Park or Rocky Mountain National Park but still want those jaw-dropping views, this hike is absolutely worth it. Total stunner.

There’s a $10 parking fee at the start of the dirt road, but honestly, it’s money well spent for the experience....

Dog friendly State Park 10-15 minute drive from Estes Park. $9.00 entrance and parking fee paid at Rangers Station. Credit cards accepted. Ranger station is close to Highway 36 but after that you must drive several miles to the trails on a graded dirt road. This might be dicey without 4WD when really wet or muddy. Leash restrictions apply to all dogs. The leash signs are hard to see unless you are paying close attention and we had to withstand a stern lecture from another hiker (would have hated to find out what a Ranger would have said)! Really, I don't break rules on purpose so a gentle reminder would have been adequate but...whatever. We started out climbing one of the trails that promised some views of Estes and we were not disappointed but as it got steeper and icier we had to turn around after I fell on black ice on a rock. No damage except to my pride! To go further up the trail in mid November would have required Yaktrax or their equivalent. We turned around and got the truck and headed toward lower ground and another trail. It was also snowy and icy but flatter so we were able to manage another hour and a half of hiking before heading back home to Loveland. Barely a 30 minute drive from west Loveland on the 34. Will be back in the spring for more exploring of this...

The hike was beautiful and relatively easy. The app Alltrails rates it as moderate and I'd agree.

There is a 977ft elevation change, which is relatively small considering most surrounding trails. That said, the trail is mostly uphill with only a few flat parts. I tell you this so you can prepare for a continuous upward hike.

The hike is amazingly gorgeous. You will experience eye candy in all 360 degrees as you trek upwards. At the top there is a very narrow, 100ftish hand over foot crawling section. Just so you are prepared.

Once at the top you may just have a fun debate on which peak is which all while wondering what living in the clouds would be like. A few peaks are well into the clouds.

Our hike was near the end of July. Be prepared for rain and chills. Every hike for a week we were rained on. Now, we enjoyed this immensely. We also enjoyed the 10-20 degree temperature drop, because, its hot when hiking.

Have fun,...