The Walter Tishma Way

Deer Mountain

Deer Mountain Summit and the Deer Mountain Circular are two moderate options beginning near the Aspen Glen Campground.  The Summit Trail follows a lovely set of switchback to the top of Deer Mountain with views of the Front Range to the southwest and Estes Park to the east. Walkers will enjoy the quiet solitude of descending on the North Deer Mt Trail which seldom sees much traffic.

The Deer Mountain Circular is a bit easier than the summit as it circles the mountain before climbing a final ridge and descending on the lower flanks of the North Deer Mt Trail.  Lots of solitude and beautiful views.

Summit Distance: 10 miles,  Circular: 7.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,444 ft.
High Point: 10,013 ft. to summit
Summit Difficulty: More Difficult, Circular: Moderate

Aspen Glen Meadows Day

The Aspen Glen Day is not on our normal itinerary, but we’re keeping it as we pull it out often if we need to insert an easier day somewhere.   The route begins at the northern end of the park near the Aspen Glen Campground, then winds its way south through three beautiful meadows: Little Horseshoe Park, Beaver Meadows and Moraine Park. Not only is the day fairly easy, you’ll have most of it to yourself.

Distance: 8
Elevation Gain: 1,500 ft.
High Point: 8802 ft.
Difficulty: Easy Moderate

Cub Lake/Moraine Park- this was new in 2022 and a Winner!

So many things to love about this day and so much variety.  Getting to the start is a cinch as it’s a little over a mile down the road to where you left off the day before.   The hiking takes you through long meadows before arriving at the Cub Lake Trailhead.  If doing Cub Lake, you’ll head west along a stream to the Pool before ascending and descending to Cub Lake and exiting along the southside of Moraine Park.  If you opt for an easier day, you can meander through Moraine Park stopping whenever you want.  It’s all lovely.

Distance: Cub Lake Loop: 12.2, Moraine Park Loop: 7.5
Elevation Gain: 1500 ft for Cub Lake
Difficulty: Cub Lake: moderate to more difficult, Moraine Park: Easy with 7.5 miles of distance

Storm Pass/ Estes Cone

On this day the WTW leaves the Estes Valley and makes its way south over Storm Pass to the higher elevations of the Tahosa Valley. Elevation gain for the day is just over 2600 feet in 9 miles so taking it slow and steady is important. If you’ve got plenty of steam, there’s an opportunity to climb Estes Cone from the Pass which will add an additional 700 feet of elevation gain. Views, views, views. The trail then descends to Lily Lake where the site of the van will make you happy.  We will whisk you away.

Distance: 10.5 miles with Estes Cone, 9 miles over the pass
Elevation Gain: 2,600 ft to the Pass, 3,300 ft. to the Cone
High Point: 10,300 ft. at the Pass, 11,006 ft. at the Cone
Difficulty: More Difficult

Wild Basin

This is a splendid day with a great system of trails and over-the-top rewards awaiting your arrival in Allenspark. The trail follows a rushing torrent to beautiful Calypso Cascade. At this point walkers have the option of a side-trip to Ouzel Falls. Then it’s one more uphill climb out of the basin and over the ridge before dropping into Allenspark. As you make this final assent don’t forget to turn around and soak in some of the best views in the world.

Distance: 8.2 (shorter and longer available)
Elevation Gain: 1.800 ft.
High Point: 9,472 ft.
Difficulty: Moderate

Lodging is my biggest challenge.  This year I’m only working with three lodges, but these are the ones I trust most.

Blue Door Inn in Estes Park.  We love this lodge.  It’s clean, spaceous, efficient and within walking distance of town and the Lake Estes Trail.  Has a pool and beautiful grounds.  This is a good place to start.

Alpine Trail Ridge Inn-  This simple motel-style lodge is perfect for walkers.  It has a small pool, hot-tub and newly renovated rooms.  The best thing is the location.  Bird and Jim restaurant, the best restaurant in town, is right next door.  I always know where my walkers are at 4:00.  They’re next door on the patio having a beer.  Bird and Jim Wayfinder and Dave’s BBQ round out the dinner options.  Breakfast is superb with breakfast burritos from Scratch or a sit-down at Wayfinder.

Allenspark Lodge- I’ve been working with Bill and Juanita for almost 20 years.  This is a great historical lodge and a WTW favorite.  Plenty of room to relax inside and out or talk a walk over to visit the horses and chickens.  For Wednesday nights, you’ll have pizza at the local Rock Creek Tavern.  On Thursday nights, Bill and Juanita provide a set home-cooked meal.  We did this last year and it was a big hit.  In the morning Juanita’s breakfast is huge.  There are several rooms with bathrooms down the hall.  Ensuite baths will be first-come, first-serve.