Rocky Mountain National Park's Milner Pass

Milner Pass - Fall River Pass Trail

Description:
The Milner Pass-Fall River Pass Trail begins at Milner Pass at an elevation of 10,730 feet and climbs to Fall River Pass at 11,800 feet in 4.1 miles. The trail passes Poudre Lake and begins a moderate climb up the ridge to the southwest. It then makes a switchback and continues climbing to the northeast. The trail gets steeper after the second switchback. It makes a long, steep climb over log and rock steps. After leveling off, it makes a gentler climb southwest to its intersection with the Mount Ida Trail. From here it turns northeast again and makes an easy climb to Forest Canyon Pass. It travels through an area of smaller spruce trees, passing above a number of small meadows. Deer and elk are often seen grazing in the meadows. From Forest Canyon Pass you can see the headwaters of the Big Thompson River as it travels down through Forest Canyon. From here it is a relatively easy climb (2.2 miles) over the tundra to Fall River Pass and Trail Ridge Road. Many hikers make this a one way trip by parking vehicles at both ends of the trail.

Features:

Length:	4.1 miles (6.7 kilometers)
Elevation Range:	10,730' - 11,800'
Elevation change:	1,372 feet
Season:	Jun 15 - Oct 15
Difficulty:	Easy to moderate
Use:	Moderate
USGS maps:	Fall River Pass
Trailheads:	Milner Pass, Alpine Center
Restrictions:	No pets are permitted
Suitable for mountain bikes:	No (not permitted)
Suitable for horses:	No

Vicinity Map

Altitude Profile

Directions:
The Milner Pass Trailhead is located about 23.8 miles on Trail Ridge Road from the Beaver Meadows Entrance or 16.9 miles from the Grand Lake Entrance. It is located on the south side of the road. There is room for about 20 vehicles. There are restroom facilities at the trailhead.

The trail can also be accessed from the Alpine Center across the road from the north end of the trail. The Alpine Center is located about 20.1 miles from the Beaver Meadows Entrance or 20.6 miles from the Grand Lake Entrance on Trail Ridge Road.

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