Last updated: August 14, 2024
Thing to Do
Visit the Holzwarth Historic Site
NPS
Take a step back in time at the Holzwarth Historic Site, the spot where the Never Summer Ranch, Holzwarth Trout Lodge, and family homestead was operated by the Holzwarth family for multiple generations from the 1910s to the 1970's.
The Holzwarth Historic Site is located on the West Side of Rocky Mountain National Park eight miles (12.8 km) from Kawuneeche Visitor Center.
In 1917, John and Sophia Holzwarth used the Homestead Act of 1862 to make a home high in the Rocky Mountains. Immigrants from Germany, their story is like many people who have dealt with major changes in their lives, yet persevered and left a legacy of their heritage.
The grounds of the Holzwarth Historic Site are open year-round. During the summer season (Memorial Day to Labor Day), enjoy seeing the interior of several historic cabins at the site.
For more detailed information, check out the self-guided tour found in the NPS App.
Details
Activity
Hiking
Pets Allowed
No
Pets are prohibited on ALL park trails, tundra, and meadow areas. Leashed pets are only allowed in picnic areas, parking lots, campgrounds, and along roadsides.
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Location
Holzwarth Historic Site
To get to the Holzwarth Histoiric Site, drive to the parking area located along Trail Ridge Road eight miles from Kawuneeche Visitor Center. Park your vehicle and walk down a gravel trail 0.5 miles to the historic site itself.
Reservations
Yes
Depending on what time of day you would like to hike, you might need a Timed Entry reservation. Reservations are requied to access most areas of Rocky Mountain National Park between the hours of 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.
To learn more, visit the park's Timed Entry Permit Reservation webpage at https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/timed-entry-permit-system.htm
To learn more, visit the park's Timed Entry Permit Reservation webpage at https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/timed-entry-permit-system.htm
Season
The grounds of the Holzwarth Historic Site are open year-round, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. The cabins are only open during the summer season (Memorial Day-Labor Day) from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Accessibility Information
The distance from the parking area for the Holzwarth Historic Site to most of the buildings is 0.5 miles via a flat, gravel trail. Vehicles are not allowed to drive on this path.
During the winter season, the trail to the Holzwarth Historic Site is not plowed or shoveled. Access is available by snowshoes or cross-country skis.
During the winter season, the trail to the Holzwarth Historic Site is not plowed or shoveled. Access is available by snowshoes or cross-country skis.