Contents
Kawuneche Area | Introduction
Kawuneeche is located in the western region of Rocky Mountain National Park. The area generally begins west of the Alpine Visitor Center, stretching past the Continental Divide along Trail Ridge Road to the park's western exit near Grand Lake. Most of the trails in this region run alongside the Colorado River, offering a quieter and more serene experience for visitors looking to escape the crowds and enjoy peaceful river views.
If you're planning to explore other destinations in Colorado beyond the park, the area around Grand Lake offers the best accommodation options near the western entrance of the park. Grand Lake itself is quite beautiful and worth visiting, making it a perfect addition to your Rocky Mountain trip.
How much does it cost to stay in Grand lake?
Kawuneche Area | Medicine Bow
After passing the Alpine Visitor Center, the first point of interest in the Kawuneeche region is Medicine Bow, where the road begins its steady descent. This marks the transition into the lower elevations of the area.
Medicine Bow | Milner Pass | Continental Divide
Milner Pass is where the Continental Divide crosses Trail Ridge Road. The Continental Divide separates the watersheds of North America: rivers to the east of the divide ultimately flow into the Atlantic Ocean, while rivers to the west flow towards the Pacific Ocean, via places like the Grand Canyon and the Gulf of California. From here, trails lead toward the Never Summer Mountains, offering some great hiking opportunities.
Kawuneche Area Trail | Colorado River Trailhead
For hiking enthusiasts, the Colorado River Trail in the Kawuneeche area is a must-visit. The trail is about 1 mile round-trip and takes you to the edge of the Colorado River, the same river that carved the Grand Canyon. The trailhead also connects to several other moderate-length trails, about 5 miles each, following the upper reaches of the Colorado River. While these trails are rated as moderate, the initial sections are quite flat and easy, providing pleasant views of riverside forests.
Kawuneche Area Attraction | Holzwarth Historic Site
Amidst the stunning natural scenery of Rocky Mountain National Park, Holzwarth Historic Site offers a unique glimpse into the past. When you arrive, you’ll be greeted by a small log cabin. From there, a 0.5-mile historic trail leads you to an old resort, situated right beside the Colorado River. In the early 20th century, visitors traveled here by horse-drawn carriage or Ford Model T.
In the 1920s, the German-American Holzwarth family settled in the area, and over time, they transitioned from farming to hosting tourists, capitalizing on the scenic beauty. Walking along the trail, you’ll come across seven or eight old log cabins, once part of a bustling resort, as well as the remnants of a dining hall and general store, bringing the history of this area to life.
Kawuneche Area Trail | Coyote Valley Trail
Coyote Valley Trail is a gentle, 0.5-mile trail along the banks of the Colorado River. It offers views of the river, forests, and meadows. If you’ve been to the Grand Canyon before, this trail might leave you in awe of nature’s contrasts. The peaceful, flat valley surrounding the upper Colorado River here is a stark contrast to the towering cliffs and deep gorges the river carved downstream in places like Canyonlands and the Grand Canyon. This entire valley was once covered by glaciers, and underneath is permafrost, creating a unique and diverse landscape.
Kawuneche Area Attraction | Adams Falls
Although part of Rocky Mountain National Park, the entrance to Adams Falls is located just outside the park boundary, near Grand Lake. The trail to Adams Falls is short, only 0.3 miles, but it’s a bit steep, so bringing a hiking stick is recommended. While autumn isn’t the season for the highest water flow, the waterfall is still quite powerful and makes for an impressive sight. Despite its shorter length, it’s one of the more spectacular waterfalls in the area.
Further reading
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