Knight Ridge Trail
Description:
The
Knight Ridge Trail begins at the Roaring Fork Loop of the Arapaho Bay Campground
at an elevation of 8,265, climbs to an elevation of 9,094 feet and back down
to the Twin Creek patrol cabin in Rocky Mountain National Park along Grand
Bay. The trail begins from the Roaring Fork Trailhead and shortly splits from
the Roaring Fork Trail and travels through the campground. It crosses a bridge
at the north end of the campground and travels along Arapaho Bay for a while.
The trail begins to climb the ridge at the beginning of a sandy beach. The
trail is a little faint here but is marked with tree blazes. You’ll reach
the wilderness boundary after about 10 minutes of hiking. Here the trail climbs
through aspens and out onto the sagebrush covered hillside. The views in the
open sagebrush areas are unrestricted and spectacular. You can see most of
Lake Granby as well as the wilderness to the south of Monarch Lake. The trail
travels up and down the hillside, steep in some places, before descending
to a cove on the lakeshore. From here it begins a long climb to the top of
the ridge, making numerous switchbacks along the way.
The
trail breaks out from an aspen grove into the sagebrush again near the top
of the ridge. As you enter the sagebrush, climbing out of a gulch, you get
the feeling of hanging out in space with spectacular views of the surrounding
area. Once on top, the trail levels off and winds its way just inside the
edge of the trees. Magnificent views are provided along a pleasant walk through
the woods. The trail turns north after about four miles and descends through
lodgepole pine stands to the cabin.
No
camping or open fires are permitted along the trail. Backcountry permits are
required to camp in Rocky Mountain National Park. The trail receives light
use and is of low to moderate difficulty.
Features:
| Length: |
5.4 miles (8.6 kilometers) |
| Elevation Range: |
8,280' - 9,094' |
| Elevation change: |
2,642 feet |
| Season: |
June 1 - Sept 30 |
| Difficulty: |
Moderate |
| Use: |
Moderate |
| USGS maps: |
Shadow Mountain |
| Trailheads: |
Roaring Fork |
| Restrictions: |
Pets must be on a leash, no camping,
no campfires |
| Suitable for mountain bikes: |
No |
| Suitable for horses: |
Yes |
Vicinity Map
Altitude Profile
Other Nearby Resources:
Directions:
Take Highway 34 north from Granby to the entrance of the
Arapaho National Recreation Area. Travel east on Forest Road 125 for about
10 miles to the Arapaho Bay Campground. Turn left and go about a half mile
to the trailhead on the right.
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