Mount Ida Trail, 9.3 total miles, out and back. Elevation: 12,880 Gain: 2130'
The trailhead to this hike is located at Milner Pass on Trail Ridge Road towards the West side of Rocky Mountain National Park. Luckily, there are quite a few forest roads west and northwest of Grand Lake which have a lot of dispersed camping.On a side note, I know that I'm late to this party, but the knowledge that it is legal to camp on any forest road unless there are posted restrictions has changed my paradigm in the past few years. You don't have to book campsites months and months in advance. Just look at a map and show up! (When I stated this new found freedom at a party last night, another hiker yelled "ROOKIE!") we found camping off of hwy 34, go N on hwy 4..about nine miles in.
The trailhead to this hike is located at Milner Pass on Trail Ridge Road towards the West side of Rocky Mountain National Park. Luckily, there are quite a few forest roads west and northwest of Grand Lake which have a lot of dispersed camping.On a side note, I know that I'm late to this party, but the knowledge that it is legal to camp on any forest road unless there are posted restrictions has changed my paradigm in the past few years. You don't have to book campsites months and months in advance. Just look at a map and show up! (When I stated this new found freedom at a party last night, another hiker yelled "ROOKIE!") we found camping off of hwy 34, go N on hwy 4..about nine miles in.
We set up camp in the dark and woke up early in the morning to attempt Mount Ida. Rocky Mountain National park is usually so well marked that I thought for sure that we would see a sign for "Mount Ida trail" at some point off of Trail Ridge Road but that was not the case. The trailhead begins at the Milner Pass parking lot. There is only one trailhead. After about a mile, the trail splits, Mount Ida trail turns to the right. The signage is very clear here.
The Good: The hike moves above treeline within one mile, so you will immediately experience the alpine views that a lot of fourteeners have to offer. The beautiful part is that you don't have to deal with crowds of people. The trail is not very well-known or traveled upon.
The Bad: For most of the hike, you are exposed above tree line. An early start is required to avoid any potential lightning danger. Also, the trail was VERY WINDY. I was prepared with my gear but I couldn't imagine if the wind was paired with rain. I was hiking on a very sunny day. You can never see the peak clearly from the trail until you are close. You will pass a couple of false summits before you reach the top. It is easy to get off trail toward the boulders at the top. The good news is that you can always see the trail where you came from in the distance. It is very hard to get lost on the return.
The Beautiful: While your standing on top of the peak, the view of Grand Lake in the distance and the lakes surrounding the peak are stunning. Rocky Mountain National Park is a precious treasure!
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