Upper Old Ute Trail/RMNP

Hike Name: Upper Old Ute Trail/RMNP Location: north CO Length: 4 Submitted by: Patrick Linton Date Submitted: 0/0/00 Rating:	more Colorado trail reviews Colorado national parks Colorado state parks
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Description
About three miles in and back: The Upper Ute trail meanders along the top of one of the most beautiful ridges in the Rocky Mountain National Park. The trailhead is near the top of the Trail Ridge Road. The parking area is small, so get there early. The trail begins above treeline at 11,600 feet, and continues on a moderately steady elevation. After about a mile, the road dissapears, and all you're left with are the most beautiful views of Long's Peak at 14,225 feet. Elk somehow find their way to this height and congregate along this trail. We encountered 3 very docile bull elk grazing. We pulled up a rock and watched them from a close proximity for about a half hour until they worked they're way down the ridge. We had them all to ourselves the entire time. I enjoyed the comment of a German couple that finally came upon our heard of Elk..."Yours?" The trail continues down the mountain for several more miles to the meadows. Unless you have alternate transportation turn around when the trail begins it's obvious descent, and head back to Trail Ridge Road. This is an excellent trail for incredible views of the Rocky Mountain National Park, away from the traffic, yet easily accessible for most enthusiastic hikers. You gotta try this hike, but don't tell everybody!

Directions to Hike
Near the top of the Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado. A park map will have exact location. Look for it closely! It has a very small parking area near a very precarious cliff!

Contact Information
Rocky Mountain National Park
Estes Park, CO 80517

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