Hike- Kruger Rock

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My fiancé and I's favorite hike is called Kruger Rock outside Estes, CO. We have done it several times and the views amaze us every time. It is a 4-mile out-and-back with 977 ft elevation gain. 
 
To get to the trailhead, you can take highway 34 headed towards Estes or take highway 36 into Estes then get onto 34. Take the turn into Hermit Park and it's a dirt/gravel road, however, any vehicle would be fine on this road. The gate can be seen below. The first thing you'll see is a park office and a pay station. It is $9 to get into the park but there is an annual pass available here. You will then follow the road up the hill (with some switchbacks) and follow the signs to Kruger Rock. There is a decent-sized parking lot with about 20 available parking spots, but I would recommend getting there early, anywhere from 6am-8am, no matter the season.

You start the hike in a valley and the elevation gain is very gradual. There are a lot of aspen trees around that would look beautiful in the fall. The path itself is well maintained and has gravel. There are a couple of fun viewpoints from the lower half of the hike that overlooks Estes. Pictures from these viewpoints can be seen below:


One thing I love about this hike is that the terrain changes from dense forest, to rocky hillside, to open spaces. Towards the end of the hike are a couple more switchbacks and rock stairs. Once you get to the top, you can climb between the rocks to reach the top of Kruger! The climb is very easy. There are good places for footing and hands to grip.

The view from the top is absolutely beautiful. It's a full 360-degree painting of the mountains, Estes, and out towards the plains. The mountains look stunning and crisp against the sky any season. From this past summer, you can see some fire damage out in the distance but only if you know what to look for. 

Overall, it is a great hike with amazing news. It does get busy but if you go early, you'll just see a few other hikers and runners. Personally, I do not break a sweat hiking this one but it's still great exercise and always nice to be outside. Here is the AllTrails link to it. Let me know in the comments if you have done this hike and if you love it too!

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