Hike Description:

The Knolls-Willow Open Space park is a small natural area in the heart of Estes Park.  A ¾ mile trail takes you past some historical relics and climbs to the top of the wooded hill with a great viewpoint looking west into Rocky Mountain National Park.  The view is terrific and it makes this short little hike worthwhile on its own or as part of a visit to Estes Park.  

From the parking area just off of Elkhorn Ave, the trail follows Black Canyon Creek north to the historic Birch Cabin.  Behind the cabin a trail takes you up to the top of the hill and to the Birch Bungalow ruins and viewpoint. The stone structure is interesting to walk through and explore and the view is awesome with iconic peaks such as Longs Peak, Hallett Peak, and Flattop Mountain on full display.  

From the Birch ruins, there are two trail options. We took the right hand trail which goes straight over the top of the hill, mostly because the kids wanted to get a good view of the Stanley Hotel. The trail takes you up over the hill and down the northern slopes.  When you reach the north trailhead, turn left and follow the trail back through the forest and back to the Birch Cabin and the trailhead beyond.