Description
The setting is as good as it can possibly be, nestled along a pretty little creek bed surrounded by tons of rock and lofty mountain slopes. The boulders are granitic, well-featured, very solid, and can be ominously large, although rarely as overhanging as in other areas. The landings are dead flat for many boulders. The area probably has 25 well-developed boulders with considerably more potential lurking behind every tree. Most of the boulders lay smack-dab in the path of the Big Elk Fire.
Directions
Big Elk Meadows lies just off CO 36 between Lyons and Estes Park, approximately one mile north of the edge of Pinewood Springs. The old forest access road has been paved for close to four miles, and the turn-off CO 36 now sports a sign for Big Elk Meadows. Drive 2.3 miles from the intersection with CO 36 and park on the right in the larger, dirt pullout (of 3). Some boulders lie just across the road from the parking; however, most will be encountered along the trail and off the trail that descends to the creek from the parking. The hiking to the Sanctuary, presently the most distant bouldering site, may take as much as 20 to 30 minutes, less if you are cruising and not gawking.