5.4 km away
Mount Ida from Milner Pass
An eye-popping hike above the treeline, to a panoramic summit on the Continental Divide.
Difficult Hiking
- Distance
- 15 km
- Ascent
- 769 m
- Descent
- 769 m
Alpine Ridge Trail
High-altitude stair climb to an alpine vista.
Hiking Moderate
- Distance
- 993 m
- Ascent
- 61 m
- Descent
- 61 m
- Duration
- 0-1 hrs
- Low Point
- 3.6 km
- High Point
- 3.7 km
- Gradient
- 7˚
This is undoubtedly one of the most popular trails in Rocky Mountain National Park. Many people who set foot on no other trail still hike this one, or at least attempt it. That's because it starts from the Alpine Visitor Center on Trail Ridge Road, a very crowded place during summer. The hike is tantalizingly short, but quite steep, and reaches 12,000 feet elevation, making it difficult if you're not in decent shape. It's all paved, and mostly just stairs from start to finish.
Description
Even for seasoned hikers, this one's worth a quick jaunt if stopping at the visitor center anyway. Despite the crowds, you can appreciate flower-flecked alpine tundra, vistas to surrounding mountains, and you might see wildlife like marmots or mountain goats. If nothing else, it's a welcome stretch of the legs while driving Trail Ridge Road.
Difficulty
Moderate
Hiking along trails with some uneven terrain and small hills. Small rocks and roots may be present.
Low Exposure
The path is on completely flat land and potential injury is limited to falling over.
Remoteness
Close to help in case of emergency.
Best time to visit
Features
- Wildlife
- Picturesque
- Wild flowers
- Family friendly
Similar routes nearby
7.3 km away
Ute Trail to Timberline Pass
A walk through the alpine, far above treeline and away from the road.
Moderate Hiking
- Distance
- 6.1 km
- Ascent
- 132 m
- Descent
- 132 m
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Guidebooks in this area
10 routes · Alpine Climbing · Hiking