Western Wanderlust Chronicles

This past weekend, Bill and I set out for a fun four-wheel-drive adventure not far from home, where we could bring the dogs along. We chose Pole Hill Road, a trail located just 3 miles east of Estes Park off Highway 36 in the Roosevelt National Forest. It’s close enough for a quick escape yet remote enough to feel like a real getaway.

We started the trail alongside a power line, winding up a steep, rocky stretch. The most challenging part of the drive was right at the start—once we got past that, the trail became a lot smoother, with only the occasional bumpy stretch to keep things interesting.

Eventually, we reached a four-way intersection where we paused to consider our options. The left trail looped around through the trees, reconnecting with FR122, but we opted to head right, following FR247A toward Panorama Peak. This route guided us eastward through towering pines and golden aspens, offering a mix of shade and sunlight filtering through the trees. The trail has several pull-offs and lookout points with gorgeous vistas of the mountains and valleys around us. We paused often to take in the views, and letting the dogs stretch their legs.

Continuing along the trail, we noticed remnants of snow from a recent storm that had passed through about a week earlier. Here and there, the snow lingered in shady patches, adding a bit of charm to the trail. The cooler weather was perfect for the dogs, who loved bounding through the snowy sections with endless energy.

Eventually, we parked the Jeep and hiked up to Panorama Peak, which stands at 9,284 feet. The patches of snow made a few steep spots slick, adding a little challenge to our hike but nothing too serious. Although the summit itself was ironically devoid of the sweeping views we’d hoped for (the best views are actually from a private observation tower at the top), the journey up was still worth it. Breathing in the fresh mountain air and watching the dogs play in the snow reminded us of why we love these outdoor adventures.

After reaching the summit, we retraced our steps back to the Jeep and continued down the hill. On the way, we stumbled upon a wide meadow along Solitude Creek. Traveling through this beautiful open space on our return route gave us one final surprise: a sweeping view of the Rocky Mountain National Park mountains in the distance. It was the perfect way to end our day, with the mountains standing tall against the sky, framing a stunning scene.

Every adventure out here feels unique, and this one was no exception. The unexpected snow, the peaceful landscapes, and the dogs’ boundless excitement reminded us how refreshing it is to slow down and take it all in. If you’re considering a trip to Pole Hill or have your own trail stories to share, we’d love to hear about them. The more we explore, the more we realize there’s always something new to discover—so get out there and see what awaits you!