Mount Ida Trail
Description:
The Mount Ida
Trail begins from the Milner Pass-Fall River Pass Trail at an elevation of
11,057 feet and climbs for 4.2 miles over the alpine tundra to Mount Ida at
12,809 feet. The trail winds its way up through the spruce forest to the south.
It soon breaks out onto the tundra where you get a good view of Trail Ridge
Road below. It makes a steep climb to the top of the first ridge to the southeast
and then levels off some, following the contours of the slope. You get great
views of the peaks along the western border of the park (Mt. Richthofen, Lead
Mtn., Mt. Cirrus, Howard Mtn., Mt. Nimbus, Mt. Cumulus, Mt. Stratus, and Baker
Mtn.). The trail climbs up the west face of a rocky knoll, making a fork after
cresting the top. Take the trail to the right. There is a false peak on the
horizon ahead. Mount Ida is beyond that peak. The trail makes a gentle descent
to the base of a rocky ridge above a cirque. This is a great place for a rest
as the views are tremendous in all directions.
From this point on the trail
is very faint. You must pick your way up through the rocks and on to Mount
Ida. There are a lot of grassy areas between the rocks making it an easy climb.
Mount Ida comes into view after cresting this false peak. Just follow the
ridgeline south and east to the summit. You get great views the Gorge Lakes
below Mount Ida.
Features:
| Length: |
4.2 miles (6.7 kilometers) |
|
Elevation Range:
|
11,057' - 12,809' |
| Elevation change: |
2,132 feet |
| Season: |
Jun 15 - Oct 15 |
| Difficulty: |
Moderate |
| Use: |
Moderate |
| USGS maps: |
Fall River Pass |
| Trailheads: |
Milner Pass |
| 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. Take the Milner Pass - Fall
River Pass Trail for about .7 miles to the Mount Ida Trail.
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