- 1
Poudre Lake at the Milner Pass trailhead
Find the Milner Pass trailhead, which is located along Highway 34 (Trail Ridge Road) on Rocky Mountain National Park's western fringe, approximately 3 miles below the Alpine Visitor Center, or 17 miles north of the Kawuneeche Visitor Center. At this point, placid Poudre Lake marks the headwaters of the Cache la Poudre River, and rainfall here is diverted either east to the Atlantic Ocean, or south and west to the Gulf of Mexico. Ample parking and restrooms are available. - 2). Stretch out in the parking lot and warm up quickly. Much of the this trail's 2,000-plus feet of elevation gain comes right at the start, as the path switchbacks through spruce and fir forest to a junction at 0.8 miles. Here the Ute Trail leads northeast to Forest Canyon and the Alpine Visitor Center. Turn right and hike southeast, catching glimpses of the Never Summer range to the west, and a great look at Specimen Mountain to the northwest.
- 3
On the trail
After one last steep section, the trail emerges to the open tundra, with outstanding views of the Never Summers to the west. The path is well-maintained and easy to follow, along the gentle contours of the ridge. The steady, but manageable, uphill grade stays tantalizingly close to the crest of the Continental Divide, always just far enough below to hide the view of what's on the other side. - 4
Follow the trail southeast toward a massive cirque wall, with a nearly vertical, and very steep, drop to the verdant Gorge Lakes basin far below. The path becomes faint as it enters a field of scattered talus and scolding pika among the rocks. Wildflowers burst with color here in late summer, a fine accompaniment on the final climb to the summit. Simply continue a southeastern route, heading to Mt. Ida's summit, and soak in some of the best views in the park. Chief Cheley Peak is visible in the near distance from Ida's summit, and is a popular alternative, or additional, destination. - 5). Return via the same trail to Milner Pass, or take a longer point-to-point route to the Timber Lake trailhead. Keep an eye out for the hometown elk that frequent the area, and be alert for afternoon thunderstorms that develop nearly every day in summer. The temperature can drop 20 or more degrees in a very short time, and lightning is a threat on the exposed tundra.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Sign up here to get the latest news, updates and special offers delivered directly to your inbox.
You can unsubscribe at any time
Prev Post
Article Writing Made Simple - How to Write Articles That Grab Your Reader and Won't Let Go!
Next Post