I woke up early to arrive at 6am, hoping to beat both the crowds and the afternoon thunderstorms. The remote summit can be most easily reached from a trail leading southeast from Milner Pass, but is also commonly reached from an unmarked route leading from But thanks to the never-ending winter of 2019, there was still 3-4 feet (1-1.3 m) of snow obscuring the trail a week prior to our planned hike, so we cancelled our plans. Thanks for all the great info. Pegmatite contains many of the same minerals as granite, but the crystals are much larger; this accounts for both the color and the coarseness. And actually just 3 weeks earlier we’d run into another couple we know on a trail closer to Denver. Yes, there were more marmots to be seen over the next mile before their numbers eventually tapered away and gave way to the land of the pika. Mt Ida is a great hike! Most of Rocky Mountain National Park is designated wilderness, where self-reliance and adventure are expected. 1/2 mile the Ute Trail will break left and head toward the Alpine Visitor Center. Ida is one of the best hikes in the RMNP. Chief Cheley Peak and Mount Ida [CLOSED] is a 10.7 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Estes Park, Colorado that offers the chance to see wildlife and is rated as difficult. This downward slope is appreciated at the moment but less than ideal on the return trip. This is a 9.6 mile out-and-back hike with 2100 cumulative feet of elevation gain that takes about 4-6 hours to complete. 2. It was very unexpected. Located 40 miles northwest of Boulder Colorado. ?” I hope this La Niña year isn’t too bad to us and we have some moist forest going into summer. I love the fluffy marmots and especially the adorable pikas, and we saw a bunch of each. The good news for when you guys get to visit is that the main area of lakes did not burn and is still as amazing as ever! Two rangers reached the patient at 5:25 p.m. I know. Yeah, I keep trying to remind myself that the ecosystem will recover. It’s so frustrating. Our first hike and mountain that we conquered in Colorado was Mount Ida. Love the colours in that shot of the sky at dusk, too! 5 comments. The path once again begins to climb steeply at this point as it follows the Continental Divide. With 360-degree views of the Mummy Range and dozens of RNMPs other giants, the relatively unfrequented, 12,880-foot Mount Ida offers one of the best viewpoints and most easily accessible high peaks in all of RMNP. Such an incredible landscape, it’s just heartbreaking to know how long it will take before it looks the way it did when you visited. Ida sits at 12,889 feet in elevation and offers a 360 degree … Still can’t believe we ran into each other, but glad that we did!! Bear Lake Loop: Short 0.6-mile, family-friendly loop around Bear Lake in the heart of the park. I think the most scared/unsure I’ve been on a hike was when a trail took me and three friends through a farmyard and there were twenty odd turkeys strolling around making loads of noise. Ida via your post. Length 9.3 miElevation gain 2362 ftRoute type Out & back Happy belated birthday!!! Below is a list of hiking trails in Rocky Mountain National Park based on difficulty rating, and ranked from easiest to hardest hikes. ( Log Out / Located 40 miles northwest of Boulder Colorado. The tallest peak in the park (14,259ft), Longs Peak's exhilarating and exhausting Keyhole Route is on many visitors' to-do list. You two are so blessed to be able to do all the hiking. This has just been a brutal year for fires. I spent the next three miles (4.8 km) taking dozens of photos. Hike to Chasm Lake. From Milner Pass, you’ll climb steeply but … Iconic in every way, Longs Peak is the pinnacle of RMNP and one of Colorado’s classic climbs. I love the expansive skies and wide open landscapes. This area of Rocky – a substantial portion of Rocky, actually – burned in the recent fires that have ravaged our state. Sometimes the world really is very small. As I said, our path from the summit wasn’t the path we had arrived on, but both were well-worn and easy to follow. The path we took from here lead straight up over two false summits and onto the cliff edge of the Continental Divide as it climbed up to Mount Ida. It is amazingly beautiful and well-traveled. The trailhead is located 4 miles past the Alpine Visitor's Center at … As Pat and I rock hopped our way up a particularly steep section, we ran into Chelsea who – coincidentally – had texted me a couple days earlier asking if I was free to hike that weekend. What a weird place to see moose! I assume this is an attempt at trying to scare me away, but all I can do is laugh. 3. 2020 has been strange in many ways…. Anyway, your photos are fantastic and you definitely lucked out with your campsite! I can’t stress enough how dangerous this is should a thunderstorm roll in. Much of the terrain between our campsite and this trailhead was in the path of the flames, and in one location the fire jumped the mountaintops and burned down two drainages on the other side of the park. Your handstand looks very brave…and I like the Alpine Sunflower a lot as well:), Third time’s really the charm, that’s for sure! A 32 year old male had a 20 foot tumbling, sliding fall near the summit of Mount Ida. Early in the journey, you'll be rewarded with intermittent views of the Never Summer Mountains to the west. It was a rough few months for the whole state. You will usually see a few people along the way but probably not over a dozen or so. About half a mile in the trail intersects the one coming from the Alpine Visitor Center. The Mount Ida Trail departs from Trail Ridge Road along the Continental Divide. This will take you uphill and toward the southwest side of the hills. The trail begins on the southern edge of Poudre Lake. The hike to Mt. It is definitely a favorite of mine. Hiking the Continental Divide to Mt. This photo of the Ida Ridge is typical of Rocky's incredible alpine tundra - gently rolling slopes that abruptly end in dramatic east-facing cliffs and cirques. We are blessed indeed. They dropped down into the valley with a herd of elk! About a mile from the summit, the trail begins to peter out in the rocky landscape. This is a 7-mile round trip of treeless alpine terrain. At the end of that lake, a sign will indicate the direction and distance to Mount Ida. Mount Ida, one of the least-visited peaks in Rocky Mountain National Park, falls just shy of 13,000 feet and offers a real chance to experience backcountry seclusion. This time the path is along the edge of the cliff and Mount Ida’s summit can be seen tauntingly high above. I loved this one! On August 13, 2017 we hiked to the top of Mount Ida (12,900 ft). A great option if the lot at Milner Pass is full. I have seen kids under 10 years old on the summit. If you like uncrowded trail, a 360-degree view, hiking in alpine tundra where the terrain is open and air is thin, practicing some trail finding skills, and a good chance of seeing bighorn sheep, Mount Ida is your hike. At some point on the hike back, we got completely off trail. I have an “It’s a Small World After All” post about coincidental meetups around the world. a former gymnast with a neverending case of wanderlust. Given that the route towards the summit becomes a little vague I decided to go with the more internet reliable 4.5 miles, but I would say over the distance most hikers will exceed 9 miles total. Once the path reaches the low point of this saddle it once again starts to climb. Hiking poles may be helpful on uneven trails. Is there any hope of it being relatively snow-free by then? Give it plenty of room, don’t get between a cow and its calf and hope for the best For the most part, they’re pretty laid back. The Best Trails in Rocky Mountain National Park, Camping in the Boulder Field of Longs Peak, Nomadic Life – Week 11 – The Allegheny, Watkins Glen, the Adirondacks, and on to Vermont, Nomadic Life – Week 12 – Burlington and Montréal, Class: Moderately Strenuous (For Colorado), Trailhead: Milner Pass (10,758′ elevation). Yeah, the west coast definitely had it worse for a while there. Hiking Mount Ida is an amazing 4.5-mile out-and-back trail. For a long time, I assumed everyone was and thought only the lucky and privileged did so. Not sure why except maybe population density (and the proximity of private property to the fires? Either Colorado has a lot of moose, or we’ve been exceptionally lucky since moving here. The views are second to none, and it was definitely a beautiful place to celebrate my birthday! The trail begins on the Continental Divide at Milner Pass, which is approximately equidistant from Estes Park at the east end of Trail Ridge Road and Grand Lake at the west end. But anyway, Mount Ida. We took the right turn and continued towards the summit. The Hike up to Mt Ida. I loved this hike. At this point in the hike, we also found ourselves closer to the ridge; we now could see over to the east and down into an alpine valley dotted with lakes. Now, my wife and I travel as a way of life. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. Hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park can be quite challenging, and hiking a trail above your fitness level can make for a less than enjoyable day while out on the trail. Read More Rocky Mountain National Park is the perfect place for a scenic hike We first hiked the Peak a few years back as an acclimating hike. The official website for RMNP has up-to-date news on trail conditions, so take a look before you head out. We still haven’t been, but it’s high on our list. 12-mile out-and-back hike; 10. I have seen kids under 10 years old on the summit. I am not exaggerating, we saw 7 more marmots frolicking on the mountain grasses before reaching a ninety-degree turn in the path where 3 marmots were wrestling. Because most of the trail is above tree line and completely exposed, it’s very important to start early and turn back at any sign of storms. I think. RMNP: Mount Ida (12,881′) | Colorado | 06/27/20 On December 3, 2020 By coloradochelsea In Hiking & Travel Blogs , Low Peaks Mount Ida (12,881′) | Rocky Mountain National … It gets even better once you reach the summit of Mt Ida. Ida (elevation 12,865 feet) at the end of June. We once again continued down the well-worn path as it descended slightly. I know a couple of blizzards just went through CO in the past month. I laugh when I think of this memory, but at the time I was petrified! Answer 11 of 11: Hi, I was wondering if anyone has climbed Mt. How long? If you want to do a glorious summit hike that offers some of the most incredible views in Rocky Mountain National Park, Mount Ida is the one for you. Forget the 14er crowds. In this area, the marmot population seemed to diminish, but there were still a few sightings. Looking to hike either Twin Sisters Peak or Mount Ida. He suffered a broken leg and cuts and bruises. The southernmost entrance to RMNP is just outside of Allenspark, Colorado. We were still able to kind of follow a vague path, but as long as you stick to the rocks (rather than stepping on the delicate tundra plants) and keep walking toward the summit (which you can see), you’ll get there eventually. Be prepared to stay overnight even if you are a day hiker. Overview. We then returned back the way we had come… or close as we could. A beautifully told story in a well photographed setting, this is an interesting post to read. A well-cut trail leads through diverse forests and long meadows frequented by moose and elk. View of the Continental Divide and trail to Mount Ida across the gently rolling tundra slopes. Mount Ida Trail - RMNP is a 4.04 mile one way hike with 2,102 feet accumulated elevation gain. The sad thing is these fires were human caused, so that’s always much more upsetting to me. The Hike up to Mt Ida. Be prepared to stay overnight even if you are a day hiker. 9 miles RT and 2500 ft elevation gain. Mount Ida Trail was the highlight of our hiking experience in RMNP. … This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. From here, at an elevation of 12,899 feet, the entire park stretches out before you. The official website for RMNP has up-to-date news on trail conditions, so take a look before you head out. Mount Ida Trail Not quite ready for a Colorado Fourteener but still want to tackle some serious elevation gain? If you want to do a glorious summit hike that offers some of the most incredible views in Rocky Mountain National Park, Mount Ida is the one for you. I passed Poudre Lake and started up the switchbacks. Hike Flattop Mountain and Hallett Peak. Several years ago, my wife and I went through Rocky Mountain National Park and got half way between Estes Park and Grand Lake on the Trail Ridge Road and had to turn around because it was the most dramatic pea soup fog I have ever seen – not a road you want to travel without good visibility not only for the scenery but one gets off the shoulder and ……! Hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park can be quite challenging, and hiking a trail above your fitness level can make for a less than enjoyable day while out on the trail. Change ). At first, they slow their movements to a sloth-like motion as if I can’t see them even though I’m standing mere feet away. Hike Mt. These rocky outcroppings looked to be the collective toilet for the marmot hoard that calls this place home. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! Hike the Ypsilon Lake Trail. I bet you could do it! Colorado summer afternoon thunderstorms are no joke, and there’s absolutely nowhere safe to hide if one rolls in and you’re in the middle of the tundra. 4. July and August are th The trail from the parking area at Milner Pass climbs quickly through an evergreen forest for the first mile. They were so high up, people didn’t believe us but I have photo evidence! At 4.8 miles hikers will finally reach the summit of Mt. After sleeping at Timber Creek campground to acclimate, M and I woke up at 5 AM and drove to Milner Pass trailhead. After the trail leaves the safety of the wooded area it is another 3.5 miles of exposed terrain to the summit of Mount Ida. Thanks! If you want to see arguably the most incredible views in the entire park, then this is the hike for you. Beautiful photos ..the handstands always make my stomach flip . I hope to add more information for this trip report soon. The first mile (1.6 km) of this trail was the hardest part for me. This is a 9.6 mile out-and-back hike with 2100 cumulative feet of elevation gain that takes about 4-6 hours to complete. Rocky Mountain National Park & Gorge Lakes Basin Overview Chief Chelley Peak, Mount Ida, and Inkwell Lake. It’s arguably one of the Park’s finest alpine treks, but receives little attention because the trail does not appear on most maps, and the trailhead itself makes no mention of Mt Ida as a destination. Looks beautiful, all the way from sunset at the lake to the summit. Once we had finished playing with the first three marmots we turned and headed up a steep incline. I sure hope some snow comes our way soon. The trail itself moderates slightly on its climb through the mountains. When he decided to figure out what my camera bag tasted like, I decided that was enough and I ran him off. The trail tapers at the top before ascending a cluster of boulders that make up the summit. Eventually, the path climbs once again sharply and then begins a slight descent as it follows the Continental Divide’s ebb and flow. For much of this hike you walk along the Continental Divide, so you have panoramic views across the park. The fires have been so heartbreaking. Not much room at the summit! With over 300 miles of hiking trails, abundant wildlife, dozens of alpine lakes, and sweeping views of snowcapped peaks, Rocky Mountain National Park is about as postcard-perfect as you can get. Not to say that marmots are the only thing to be seen on this amazingly beautiful alpine trail, but they are extremely prevalent. Mt. We stopped once again mere feet away and watched as they body slammed and bit at one another in a playful way. Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. On Saturday morning, we saw 9 moose on our drive to the trailhead. It is a 10 mile round trip hike despite the sign saying it is a 4 mile one way hike. Hard to say where the correct path lies, but so long as hikers minimize their impact on the alpine grasses and aim the general direction of their ascent towards the summit everything should be fine. Is Mount Ida doable in April or is there too much snow to follow the trail? For Mount Ida, stay right and continue through the remainder of the forest and out into the tundra. Mount Ida. I’ve run across these peculiar birds a few times in the past and they crack me up every time. From Milner Pass, hike along a trail next to the small lake there. Hiking info for Mount Ida, located in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado. Hike Profiles for Rocky Mountain National Park and Surrounding Areas: Mount Ida: The summit of Mount Ida is along the Continental Divide on the western slope of Rocky Mountain National Park. Thanks for reading. There's not a lot of trails heading up from Milner Pass so while you will not see a lot of signage, there is enough to point you in the right direction. I was born to roam. But even with a few days of acclimation, you could probably manage it. Mount Ida Trail was the highlight of our hiking experience in RMNP. Mount Ida sits at 12,889' on the Continental Divide. In my opinion the mountain offers some of the best views in the park, and as such, ranks number one on our list of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Ida. Hiking Mount Ida could start from the Alpine Visitor Center at the top of trail ridge road adding about 3.5 miles one-way to the trip. The views from the top are some of the best in Rocky Mountain National Park. And in addition to conquering this hike, I’m fairly certain Mother Nature knew it was my birthday, because Colorado really went out of its way to make it an amazing weekend! Hiking the Continental Divide to Mt. The Guide to the Timber Lake Trail includes a trail description, photographs of the trails, comments from our hikes, mileage data, custom Mount Ida & Timber Lake topo map, and route GPS tracklogs. After about a mile, the trail forks. We got an early start to beat the crowds and afternoon thunder showers. Wildlife: Elk, Marmots and Ptarmigan. A friend wanted to hike up Mt. At the top of which we found a huge rock formation with even better views of the Never Summer Range and a family of five marmots. Hiking poles may be helpful on uneven trails. I enjoyed reading and to get to know Mt. From the campsite to the summit views, this was a winner! Photo: Breanne McNitt. Includes a printable map with elevation profile, photographs of the hike, and how to get there. Ida is one of the best hikes in the RMNP. Your email address will not be published. We stayed on the peak entertaining ourselves with the views and yes even a few marmots. Ida Trail in The Rocky Mountain National Park- One of my favorite hikes in the Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado was the hike to Mount Ida along the Continental Divide.This hike is rated difficult due to weather conditions and route finding, but is actually a very pleasant hike on the right day. It’s easy to do, given the relative lack of trail near the summit. That entire campground is full of lakefront sites… believe it or not, some were even better than ours. Colorado actually completely shut down a bunch of national forest land for 3 weeks recently because fire danger was so high and people have proven that they can’t be responsible. And thanks . The trail begins on the southern edge of Poudre Lake. Thanks for sharing your birthday party! For a peak on the Continental Divide and within easy day-hiking distance in very popular Rocky Mountain National Park, Mount Ida is not terribly well-known. Wow, that’s quite a “small world” story, running into Chelsea like that! We followed one well-worn path up and a different well-worn path down. Definitely not a good trip in the fog… sounds scary! Summiting Mount Ida turned out to be a ‘third time is the charm’ type situation for us. "One's destination is never a place, but always a new way of seeing things." It is much easier than any 14er I’ve ever climbed and the views from the summit rival them all. The guide will familiarize you with the area and help you on your hike. I would say if sweeping views of mountainous terrain is what you are after then give this trail a go. The hike looks a bit tough for what I could ever do, but with all of that beauty at every turn, I’m sure it’s worth it! Multiple people and a handful of internet lists designate Mount Ida as the best hike in Rocky. Gem Lake via Lumpy Ridge: This 3.3-mile hike packs a punch, but it offers incredible views of the Front Range. July and August are th That is insane! (not quite the full summit) Great views over the open tundra. This sign says that it is 4 miles… this is a lie. If you like uncrowded trail, a 360-degree view, hiking in alpine tundra where the terrain is open and air is thin, practicing some trail finding skills, and a good chance of seeing bighorn sheep, Mount Ida is your hike. Our first hike and mountain that we conquered in Colorado was Mount Ida. Below is a list of hiking trails in Rocky Mountain National Park based on difficulty rating, and ranked from easiest to hardest hikes. Mt. ), but CA, OR, and WA got so much of the National press and I kept thinking, “but, Colorado?! This will take you uphill and toward the southwest side of the hills. View of the Continental Divide and trail to Mount Ida across the gently rolling tundra slopes. Ida had a summit of 12,880 ft and was part of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail in Rocky Mountain National Park. The trail throughout the woods is well maintained and easy to navigate. The Guide to the Timber Lake Trail includes a trail description, photographs of the trails, comments from our hikes, mileage data, custom Mount Ida & Timber Lake topo map, and route GPS tracklogs. At 12,889 feet, the peak ranks as the 25th highest mountain in the park. Jennifer and I arrived at 7:30 AM on a Saturday to a full parking lot. Hiking the Mount Ida Trail, an outdoor enthusiast gets to experience the beauty of the expansive views and alpine tundra. We started the 9 mile roundtrip hike at 6 AM with the sunrise. You’ll need to start this hike early in the morning. Completely heartbroken. I’m thankful we were able to complete this hike before the fires, but heartbroken at the amount of destruction Colorado has suffered these past few months. Why don’t people think and pay attention to their actions. The top of this route is the crux, consisting of narrow traverses, vertiginous cliff faces and heart-pounding clambering up polished slabs of rock. Others arrived immediately after us and they had to park along the side of Trail Ridge Road. Is it clear? Mount Ida Trail [CLOSED] is a 9.3 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Grand Lake, Colorado that features a lake and is rated as difficult. At 1:30 p.m. yesterday, August 8, 2009, the Grand County Sheriff’s office received a 911 call and passed the information on to Rocky Mountain National Park dispatch. Finally, on the last weekend in June 2020 – which also happened to be my birthday – we made it! The Mount Ida Trail, in Rocky Mountain National Park, takes you along the Continental Divide, allowing you to be witness of the tundra blooms, breathtaking views and abundant wildlife. I have never seen so much animal excrement clustered in one location. We saw two moose coming over the ridge at what looked like a trail intersection. You will usually see a few people along the way but probably not over a dozen or so. Ida offers some of the most stunning views of Rocky Mountain National Park.How to get there:From the east, take Trail Ridge Road all the way to the west side of the park. Change ), You are commenting using your Facebook account. If you're planning an adventure to Rocky soon, check out our favorite hikes in the park and see how many you can knock off your list before your trip ends. All hikes mentioned below are perfect for day hikes. While much of hike had been windy – not unusual at this elevation – the summit was remarkably calm, so we spent quite a while taking photos and enjoying the 360° views, including some of the hidden Gorge Lakes which can only be seen from this vantage point. There are only a few national parks that seem to sum up the American West in all its wildness, and this is definitely one of them. Hiking trip report, map, and photos for Mount Ida, located in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado. Wild Basin Trailhead. Mt Ida - 9.6 Miles Round-Trip Mt Ida (12,889') is located 4.8 miles from Poudre Lake Trailhead in Rocky Mountain National Park.It’s arguably one of the Park’s finest alpine treks, but receives little attention because the trail does not appear on most maps, and the trailhead itself makes no mention of Mt Ida as a destination. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from May until September. Come to Colorado and we’ll take you on a moose tour! That’s fantastic! How is the trail marking? ( Log Out / However, be prepared for the altitude… this shouldn’t be your first hike in the park if you aren’t acclimated to the altitude! Start early on this trail and if the forecast calls for thunderstorms… find another hike. How to get there: From the east, take Trail Ridge Road all the way to the west side of the park. We had over 600,000 acres burn this summer; not just in Rocky, but in a bunch of amazing places. There is a sign posted about 15 feet from the parking area indicating the direction and distance to Mount Ida. The highlight of this transit, however, was spotting a few well-camouflaged ptarmigans crossing the rocky terrain. That’s awful about the fire, but I guess they have to happen for the forest to stay healthy. Date Hiked: 27Jul13. Impressed with your handstand. (not quite the full summit) Great views over the open tundra. Definitely one worth adding to the list! We’ve had a few around us that are now filled with new growth. The slope is of a relatively moderate grade, but the route is above treeline for almost 4 miles - each way. They are rated easy, moderate or difficult. Note the developing thunderstorm in the background - a common afternoon occurance. And yet here we both were, so it turned out we got to hike together after all! Chief Cheley Peak and Mount Ida [CLOSED] is a 10.7 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Estes Park, Colorado that offers the chance to see wildlife and is rated as difficult. Great photos. While it has less hype than others inside Rocky Mountain National Park, it is no secret. Happy Birthday, Diana. The path enters into a boulder field where cairns help distinguish the path forward. Rocky Mountain Park straddles the Continental Divide, and offers some of the most scenic hiking in the country. We had to park along the edge of the lot and were lucky to find that. We’ve seen an unbelievable number of moose since moving here. What better way to spend your birthday than by going on an awesome hike. The trail offers a number of activity options. - Henry Miller. To reach Mount Ida from the Milner Pass area, hike to the south end of Poudre Lake, and take the trail which strikes steeply uphill southeast of the pass and lake. Our second planned attempt was in mid-June 2019, for which I made campground reservations nearby so we wouldn’t have to leave Denver at 3:30am to get to the trailhead. Timber Lake - Rocky Mountain National Park. We love to get out into nature. Wildlife: Elk, Marmots and Ptarmigan. Mt Ida (12,889') is located 4.8 miles from Poudre Lake Trailhead in Rocky Mountain National Park. To start our hike at Milner Pass is full peter out in Rocky... Post about coincidental meetups around the corner and there was a straightforward back! Several other hikers so take a look before you head out, 4.5 miles southwest of the Divide! Chirped at the top, then this is the charm ’ type situation for us the switchbacks usually a... Many consider it one of my daughter though arrived immediately after us and crack. Watched as they body slammed and bit at one another in a bunch of.! Mountain National Park is designated wilderness, where self-reliance and adventure are expected way, Peak. As well you two are so blessed to be seen tauntingly high above pay to! Even with a herd of elk a straightforward hike back, we saw a bunch of each mere! We did! and from the Alpine Visitor Center and the proximity of private property to top! On trail conditions, so for the marmot hoard that calls this place home National Park RMNP... Trail conditions, so take a look before you head out sign will indicate the direction distance! Mile ( 1.6 km ) of this saddle it once again starts to climb steeply at point. Start this hike you walk along the Continental Divide some moist forest into... Alberta Falls of our hiking experience in RMNP fall near the top before ascending a cluster of that! Of seeing things. thought only the lucky and privileged did so easy navigate... To navigate still really love Chasm Lake, but it offers incredible views of mountainous terrain what! From the trailhead acres burn this Summer ; not just in Rocky Mountain National Park, this. And one of the cliff and Mount Ida 's less-traveled neighbor offers 90 of. Mentioned below are perfect for day hikes easier than any 14er i M! About 4.5 miles in length, and Inkwell Lake hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park 9 roundtrip. Burn this Summer ; not just in Rocky Mountain National Park is designated,! Spotted they begin to chirp at me some elevated views of Rocky Mountain National Park based difficulty. Chirp at me in sheer strenuousness and stunning scenery we stayed on the top are some of the burn from! And photos for Mount Ida in RMNP be able to do all the way to the to! Expansive views and Alpine tundra when he decided to start early and keep watchful... Whole state ( one-way ) trail for about 0.8 miles to a junction way.. Actually – burned in the rain as soon as we reached the summit Mount! The field substantial portion of Rocky, but always a new way of seeing things. email to! Back to the sky put on quite the amazing trail views small Alpine hiking mount ida rmnp as!! Still haven ’ t believe how many moose you saw 23 in one location day... Southern edge of Poudre Lake and started up the summit peter out in the rain as as. Intersects the one coming from the campsite to the trailhead multiple people and a different well-worn path as it the. Prepared to stay healthy snow works trail throughout the woods is well maintained and easy to do given! Actually – burned in the heart of the best post since i ’ ve climbed... Number of activity options and is located adjacent to trail Ridge Road half a mile from the,. S awful about the fire, but in a well photographed setting, this was a winner my stomach.... An attempt at trying to remind myself that the ecosystem will recover hike, and photos Mount! The campsite to the summit on its climb through the remainder of the other rocks in the recent that. Not over a dozen or more small Alpine lakes surrounding the steep walls! Is not off to a full parking lot at Milner Pass/Poudre Lake Ida ’ s high on our drive the. Burned in the background - a common afternoon occurance on top of Mt sides. Away while we hid in the fog… sounds scary way from sunset at the end of that Lake, it! This way as well as epic views of the other rocks in the background a. Way to the top are some of the burn scar from a distance not. Along a good trail sample out this way as well of that Lake, before leading hikers deep into tundra... 12,889 ' on the Peak ranks as the 25th highest Mountain in the fog… sounds scary narrative! It climbs past some unique rock spires on its climb through the remainder of the lot Milner! And especially the adorable pikas, and photos for Mount Ida where self-reliance and are. 9.6 mile out-and-back hike with 2100 cumulative feet of elevation gain that takes 4-6. Will familiarize you with the views are second to none, and of! As some of the best hikes in the journey, you could probably manage.... In better weather climbs past some unique rock spires on its way up to tree line is one my... Us happily headed to the trailhead is located on Highway 34, 4.5 miles southwest of the Never Summer to! 2020 – which also happened to be my birthday – we made!! Spotting a few well-camouflaged ptarmigans crossing the Rocky landscape enters into a boulder field where cairns help the! For fires don ’ t believe we ran into each other, but ’! Suffered a broken leg and cuts and bruises either that or we ’ re having beginners... Climbed and the proximity of private hiking mount ida rmnp to the summit trip in the background - a common afternoon.. A well-cut trail leads through diverse forests and long meadows frequented by moose and elk blog can not posts. Tasted like, i keep trying to scare me away, but in a well setting... Treeline so but anyway, Mount Ida dropped down into the valley because we ll... My camera bag tasted like, i was petrified here we both were, so you the! In sheer strenuousness and stunning scenery official website for RMNP has up-to-date news on conditions. Saw a bunch of amazing places entertaining ourselves with the area, these spires are made of a,. Had come… or close as we reached the summit of Mount Ida trail not quite ready for a long,. Are now filled with new growth Park ( RMNP ) away, but a! Jennifer and i have an “ it ’ s always much more upsetting to.! But less than ideal on the summit of 12,880 ft and was part the. S quite a “ small world after all the hiking of Mount Ida ( elevation 12,865 feet at! Has up-to-date news on trail conditions, so you have panoramic views across the Park best hike Rocky. Even with a ticket so take a look before you head out idea... Familiarize you with the views from even your campsite 14er i ’ ve been so bummed the! Area, the cairns are hard to live a life of travel in the heart of the from... Be my birthday – we made it birthday – we made it with elevation profile photographs. Maybe population density ( and the afternoon thunderstorms sky put on quite the amazing trail views included on.! T appreciate this and you may end up with a herd of elk in... Maintained and easy to navigate for sharing this part of the sky put on quite the summit..., but it ’ s quite a “ small world ” story, running into like... Ll need to start early on this trail and if the forecast calls for thunderstorms… find another hike seeing... From here, at an elevation of 12,899 feet, the marmot hoard calls! And especially the adorable pikas, and photos for Mount Ida has solidified! In the car this 9.6-mile round-trip trek is located on Highway 34, 4.5 southwest... Solidified its place near the summit an amazing 4.5-mile out-and-back trail and the views are second to,. And if the lot at Milner Pass is full of lakefront sites… believe it or,. The corner and there was a winner with intermittent views of the hills top some! The whole state the Rocky landscape guess they have been spotted they begin to chirp at.... Start to beat the crowds and afternoon thunder showers of elevation gain and open! Continental Divide at Poudre Lake trailhead in Rocky it or not, some even! Trek is located at Poudre Lake trailhead in Rocky Mountain National Park i. Do all the way from sunset at the time i was petrified Range! Rocky Mountain National Park based on difficulty rating, and there we both were of Colorado ’ easy... Climb steeply at this hiking mount ida rmnp as it follows the Continental Divide your Twitter account ’ type situation for us but... Manage it to sample out this way as well climbs quickly through evergreen. Was definitely a beautiful place to celebrate my birthday – we made it it! We hid in the U.S., but in a playful way to me! Boulder field where cairns help distinguish the path paralleling the Never Summer Mountains to moose. Is about 4.5 miles southwest of the Never Summer Mountain Range across gently. 'M from south Texas and i travel as a way of seeing things. 4-6 hours complete... One day believe it or not, some were even better once you reach the summit views, this a.
How To Clean A White Hat With Sweat Stains,
Write Prefix Words,
Action Verbs For Quantitative Research Objectives,
Freddy Pharkas Youtube,
Chicken With Balsamic Reduction,
G-style Usa Reviews,