Shortly past Deer Ridge Junction you will come to a picnic area and then,
shortly thereafter, parking for a boardwalk. Both of these areas give you
good views of a former beaver habitat. Just ahead is you will pass a turnoff
to the right. This is the road to Hidden Valley (elev. 9,240'). A ski lift and
related buildings were formerly located here, but the lift has been closed for
many years. The buildings were deconstructed, and Hidden Valley has now
been returned to a more natural habitat. The area was reopened for use in
the fall of 2004.
Moraine Park from Many Parks Curve
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As you continue driving through the subalpine forest of spruce
and fir, it may be hard to believe that there was actually a ski run
here - nature has done an excellent job of disguising any traces.
The one relatively clear opening in the trees is directly above
Hidden Valley. Once you pass it, the trees start thinning out
again. You will soon see a sign marking the elevation - 2 miles
above sea level.
The next large curve in the road is Rainbow Curve (elev.
10,829'). From here, you can look back on the road you have
just traveled and on a vista of all of Horseshoe Park. The rubble
you can see to the left is the Alluvial Fan. This 44 foot deep
boulder field was created when Lawn Lake Dam failed on July 15,
1982, releasing a flood that damaged buidlings all the way
through Estes Park. The lake you can see next to it was also
created then. Besides the view, there are also toilets here, which
have been upgraded recently, though be prepared - you are a
long way from running water.
Alluvial Fan, Horseshoe Park and Trail Ridge Road from Rainbow Curve
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The road doubles back on itself and begins snaking its way up the
mountain as the real climbing begins. Don't worry if you're too busy
driving to gaze off at the vista - you have two opportunites to park and
look to your heart's content just ahead. The first is Many Parks Curve
(elev. 9,620'). There are two parking lots here, one for uphill traffic and the
other for those coming back down. You will need to park in the second
one, on the far side of the curve. There is a pedestrian walk lining the
curve, allowing you a magnificent panorama view of your route to this
point, including both Moraine Park and Horseshoe Park.
