Trail of the Month: The Alluvial Fan

Trailhead: West Alluvial Fan Parking Area

Trailhead Elevation: 8,583'

Desnation Elevation: 8,621'

Total Elevation Gain: 38'

Total Roundtrip Miles: 0.2

This month we are featuring the newly reconstructed Alluvial Fan trail. This fully-accessible trail was rebuilt starting in the spring of 2019 and was completed last September.

The fan was formed after an earthen dam upriver at Lawn Lake gave way in 1982, sending a wall of water down the Roaring River that displaced the landscape. This flood brought large boulders and rocks down with it, and eventually flooded downtown Estes Park on a sunny July day. The trail travels over the boulderfield the flood left behind.

The trail suffered flood damage in 2013 when a historical storm washed away the bridge crossing the Roaring River and much of the asphalt trail. It was time to create a trail that could withstand extreme condions and be truly accessible. The trail itself makes use of FilterPave porous material allowing water to drain through yet creates a durable surface for wheelchair users.

The trail leading from the west parking lot meanders a bit, but has a grade not exceeding 8.33%

Approaching the main viewing platform from the east parking lot.

The main viewing platform for the Alluvial Fan.

A bridge over the Roaring River connects the two halves of the trail.

The trail from the west pakring lot.

From the west parking lot, the grade is steep in places; however, there are speed bumps to mitigate this for wheelchair users.

The trail connects the east and west parking areas with a bridge over the Roaring River and a side trail to an overlook area that offers spectacular views of the Horseshoe Falls, Endovalley, and the surrounding peaks. The trail grade is not as steep (max=8.33%) when starting at the West Parking area.

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