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Trip 5

HIDDEN VALLEY

THE ESSENTIALS

Nearest Town Estes Park

Distance 1.8 miles max.

Vertical 2200’

Season December to April

Elevation Range 9400’ to 11,600’

Difficulty Rating Moderate

Skiing Rating

SNOTEL Station Bear Lake (322)

Forest Zone Rocky Mountain National Park

CAIC Zone Front Range Mountains

USGS Quad Trail Ridge

Weather COZ033

THE HISTORY

The Hidden Valley ski area, as with many others, got its start with hearty backcountry skiers who schussed its slopes before lifts ever came to town. An above-treeline area along Trail Ridge known as the Big Drift was their first target. Soon, there was a rope tow, and by the 1940s, three rope tows (each powered by old auto engines). Ranger Jack Moomaw (of Fern Lake fame), reportedly cut a trail discreetly, one tree at a time. His project—the Federation Internationale du Ski, also known as “Suicide”—supposedly dropped 1200 feet in less than a mile, and was just wider than a bridle path.

In 1949, a lift ticket cost just 50 cents. Then, in the 1950s, surplus military buses were used to shuttle skiers up Trail Ridge Road, and a basic lodge was installed at the base of the ski area. Ski Hidden Valley officially opened in 1955 with a combination of T-bars and Poma lifts. The Estes Park Recreation District operated the area, which flourished throughout the 1960s, despite having a reputation for the worst record in medical emergencies (mostly broken bones and knee injuries).

In December 1971, the ski area finally succeeded in convincing the national park to permit the installation of a double-chairlift. But Rocky Mountain National Park didn’t like it. Sometime during the 1970s, the park took over ownership and operation of the ski area. By 1977, the double-chairlift had been removed. The tows and other lifts soon followed, and the buildings were demolished. Ski Hidden Valley closed down in 1991.

Since that time, the national park has built a new base lodge, which today serves as a ranger station, warming hut, and restroom facility for the winter sports sledding area nearby. It’s also a launching point for backcountry skiers intent on schussing the old runs of Hidden Valley.

THE TRAILHEAD

Begin at the Hidden Valley winter use recreation area (UTM: 13 444349 4471630), located within Rocky Mountain National Park. From downtown Estes Park, follow Route 36 to the Beaver Meadows Entrance. From the gate, continue west on Route 36, which becomes Trail Ridge Road. Shortly after the Beaver Pond Trailhead, the road makes a switchback where it turns back sharply to the east. At the apex of the switchback, turn right, follow the signs for Hidden Valley, and park in the lot at the National Park Service ranger station. The station has public restrooms, a warming room, and historic photos of the old Hidden Valley ski area.

Alternatively, from downtown Estes Park, follow Route 34 to the Fall River Entrance. From the gate, continue west on Route 34 through Horseshoe Park. Route 34 ends at a T intersection with Trail Ridge Road. Turn right and continue past the Beaver Pond Trailhead, joining the directions above.

The “Buzz”

Hidden Valley is great when there’s high avalanche danger elsewhere. It has a low enough angle that it doesn’t present a lot of risk. The warming hut at the base, and its proximity to the Front Range are great. Navigation is easy—you can’t make many wrong turns here. On the other side of the coin, it gets a lot of traffic, and on the way in you have to dodge tourists taking pictures of the elk. The top—where the best skiing is—can be exposed to the wind, but it’s great for laps if conditions are good.

—Tom H.

THE APPROACH

Begin at the Hidden Valley winter use recreation area. From the lodge, start out west up the floor of the valley. Almost immediately you’ll pass a small sledding hill on your left. At mile 0.1, you’ll see the lift line for Lower T-Bar and the ski trail, Spruce, on your left (UTM: 13 444213 4471566). Turn left here if you intend to ski these runs. Otherwise, continue west up the main ski trail, Columbine, which by now is well-defined.

At mile 0.35, you’ll come to a prominent fork in the trail (UTM: 13 443810 4471422). The left fork is the ski trail, Aspen. You can ascend it all the way to Trail Ridge Road, where it intersects the top of the Lower T-Bar lift line. Do so if you plan to ski it. Otherwise, continue on Columbine.

At mile 1.1, you’ll reach Trail Ridge Road (UTM: 13 442699 4471187). This is the top of Columbine. If conditions look good, cross Trail Ridge Road and continue your ascent up the “Big Drift,” also known as Upper Main Slope.

THE DESCENTS

The descents are most easily seen on the topo map and aerial photo. However, the following major landmarks will serve to orient you to the possibilities:

Spruce and Lower T-Bar: the first runs encountered on climber’s left as you ascend the ski area (beware of three large fallen trees across the bottom section of Lower T-Bar—either make sure there’s enough snow coverage, or watch for them);

Aspen: the first major left-hand fork beyond Spruce and Lower T-Bar;

Columbine: the main run that leads all the way up to Trail Ridge Road at the head of the valley;

Upper Main Slope: the above-treeline terrain beyond Trail Ridge Road.

Keep in mind that there are other runs that create a network on the mountain. Most of the additional runs are tight, and some are partially overgrown. They are visible on the aerial photo, and I leave it to you to explore them at your leisure.

Looking up the Spruce and Lower T-Bar runs at Hidden Valley

THE APRÈS SKI

The nearest town, Estes Park, is littered with restaurant options. Visit www.estesparkcvb.com/dining.cfm.

When you’re ready for dessert, the caramel apples at Laura’s are divine (129 East Elkhorn Avenue, 866-586-4004, www.laurasfudgeofestes.com).