Rocky Mountain National Park's Ute Trail

Ute Trail

Description:
The Ute Trail begins from Trail Ridge Road at an elevation of 11,466 feet and crosses about 1.8 miles of tundra before descending to its intersection with the Beaver Mountain Trail at 9,044 feet. The trail leaves the pull-off area and makes a gentle climb over a rocky path across the alpine tundra to the east and southeast. You get tremendous views of the peaks and valleys to the south. The trail begins a moderate climb after about a mile of level walking. Elk are often seen grazing on the tundra in the early morning hours. After cresting a hill, the trail makes a gentle decent toward some beautiful rock outcroppings. The trail gets faint as you approach the steep descent to Ute Meadows. The view of the valley below is quite spectacular.

The descent into the valley is strenuous and rocky for about .8 miles. The slope lessens to a more moderate pace as the trail passes through Ute Meadows. The trail continues its descent through the forest before making a short, moderate climb and descending again to its intersection with the Beaver Mountain Trail.

Features:

Length:	4.4 miles (7.1 kilometers)
Elevation Range:	9,031' - 11,688'
Elevation change:	3,290 feet
Season:	Jun 15 - Nov 1
Difficulty:	Moderate to strenuous
Use:	Low to moderate
USGS maps:	McHenrys Peak, Trail Ridge
Trailheads:	Upper Beaver Meadows, Trail Ridge Road
Restrictions:	No pets are permitted
Suitable for mountain bikes:	No (not permitted)
Suitable for horses:	No

Vicinity Map

Altitude Profile

Directions:
The Ute Trail can be accessed from the Upper Beaver Meadows Trailhead. Take Highway 36 about 1.2 miles from the Beaver Meadows Entrance to the Upper Beaver Meadows Road (gravel). Follow this road about 1.4 miles to the Upper Beaver Meadows Trailhead. There is room for 15 to 20 vehicles. There are restroom facilities at this trailhead. Take the Beaver Mountain Trail for about 1.5 miles to the Ute Trail.

You can access the west end of the trail from Trail Ridge Road. There is a pull-off on the south side of the road with room for 3 or 4 vehicles. Take Highway 36 from the Beaver Meadows Entrance for about 13.1 miles to the pull-off.

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