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About this place
Looking to escape the crowds of RMNP? Sleep Lion is on the way from Lyons to Estes. The parking lot and approach road are newly constructed following the floods in 2013. The Hessie Trailhead in Nederland should take note. This is an fantastic approach and parking situation.
The trailhead is about eight tenths of a mile from the parking area. You pass some sport climbs, a man made waterfall, and some large boulders in the North St. Vrain Creek.
The trailhead is clearly marked on the left. There is some elevation gain at the beginning but nothing difficult. Once the elevation levels out you open up into this large meadow. I've made a mental note to visit it during a sunrise or sunset. Once you cross the meadow back into the trees, keep looking to the right. There are a number of overlooks that peer out over the Longmont reservation and dam. Longs Peak towers in the distance. There are many excellent views.
The trail will loop down a fire road to the dam. From there you can watch the bleed off from the dam into the creek. We simply followed the road back to the trailhead.
If you are looking to skip the crowds of the park and bring your favorite four legged hiking companion, Sleepy Lion is highly recommended. We didn't see a single person on the trail on a Sunday.