Shadow Mountain Lookout Tower

The Shadow Mountain Lookout Tower Trail is a 9.6 mile trail located in RMNP. This moderately challenging hike takes about 5 hours to complete and is popular for hiking, XC skiing, and snowshoeing. The trail is open year-round, offering views of Shadow Mountain Lake, Grand Lake, and Lake Granby from the summit. As with all trails in RMNP, Dogs aren’t allowed.

Starting in the Arapaho National Forest, the trail follows part of the Continental Divide Trail along the East Shore of Shadow Mountain Lake. There are two access points: one from Rocky Mountain National Park, which requires a timed entry, and one from the forest service, which does not. The route is mostly flat at first but intensity increases when you head uphill toward the lookout tower. While the tower is closed to the public at this time the RMNP staff have begun the process of rehabilitating the tower for the future.