Lulu City

Lulu City – 7.4mi / 11.9km

Follow the Colorado River up past an old mine and historic cabins to the former site of Lulu City.

The mostly level trail cruises along the humble beginnings of the Colorado River. Keep your eyes peeled for deer, elk, and moose as you pass through pocket meadows. Rust-colored mine tailings let you know you are passing the Shipler Mine located uphill from the trail on Shipler Mountain. Old mining equipment sits rusting just below the trail. Beyond Crater Creek, a couple of dilapidated log cabins harken back to the days of the hopeful miners.

The trail leaves the river and meadows for awhile as it gains some elevation through the forest. It switchbacks down to a meadow where a sign lets you know that you’ve arrived at the old Lulu City site. The keen eye might notice the last of some log walls of a cabin, but very little evidence remains of the old town of 200 people. The meadow is a peaceful place to relax along the river.

Trailhead: Turn into the signed Colorado River Trailhead parking area 9.5mi/15.2km north of the Grand Lake Entrance off the Trail Ridge Road.

Elevation Gain: 750ft / 225m – Elevation Loss: 750ft / 225m

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