Crown Point

This hike to Crown Point in the Comanche Peak Wilderness begins at the Browns Lake trailhead, following the trail through alpine meadows and scattered forest, gradually gaining elevation with expansive views of the Mummy Range. At the summit, hikers are rewarded with panoramic vistas across Rocky Mountain National Park and the surrounding wilderness. An optional off-trail detour to the nearby B-17 crash site adds a somber historical element, requiring navigation skills to locate the wreckage in a remote basin to the south.

The hike to Crown Point in the Comanche Peak Wilderness begins at the Browns Lake Trailhead, accessible via Crown Point Road off Pingree Park Road. The trail ascends through alpine meadows and sparse forests, reaching a ridge just west of the Crown Point summit at the boundary of the Comanche Peak Wilderness and the northern edge of the Browns Lake travel zone. From this vantage point, hikers can enjoy panoramic views of the Mummy Range to the south, the Medicine Bow Range to the west, and the Snowy Range in Wyoming to the north. The round-trip distance to Crown Point is approximately 4 miles with an elevation gain of about 1,000 feet.

For those interested in extending their hike, an optional off-trail detour leads to the site of a 1943 B-17 bomber crash near Stormy Peaks. This additional trek adds about 8.5 miles round trip and 1,400 feet of elevation gain, requiring strong navigation skills and is best suited for experienced hikers. The crash site is located just off the Flowers Trail, about 2.75 miles east of the Browns Lake Trail junction, and is marked by a monument to the B-17 crash victims.

Please note that the area was affected by the Cameron Peak Fire in 2020, and hikers should be cautious of potential hazards such as falling trees, stump holes, and difficult-to-follow trails in burned areas.

Addition information can be found at: Public_Flowers.pdf

  • Suitable Activities: Hiking, Snowshoeing
  • Snowshoeing Category: Intermediate
  • Seasons: Year-round
  • Weather: View weather forecast
  • Difficulty: Challenging
  • Length: 12.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 2,400 ft
  • 11,403 ft
  • Land Manager: U.S. Forest Service
    Comanche Peak Wilderness Area, Canyon Lakes Ranger District (ARNF)
  • Parking Permit Required: USFS Permits & Passes
  • Recommended Party Size: 8
  • Maximum Party Size: 12
  • Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12
Map
  • Trails Illustrated 112
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  • Crown Point B-17 Crash Site
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