RMNP - Mount Ida

I’ve been wanting to do this one for a while. I’m scheduling it in hopes that the weather will cooperate. If not, I will cancel the hike. And I’m keeping the group small…as parking at the trailhead is limited.

RMNP FEE: Note that for this trailhead, timed entry passes are only required if you enter after 9 am. So we are good! However there is still the National Parks fee of $30 per vehicle. If anybody would like to carpool and save on the fee, please put a comment in the event indicating where you want to carpool from so that anybody interested can reply. Trailhead parking lot is small, so carpooling is encouraged.

DIFFICULTY: about 9.5 to 10 miles with about 2,400+ feet elevation gain. Highest elevation is almost 12,900 feet.

HIKE DESCRIPTION: This hike is new for me…but it sounds absolutely fabulous…with awe-inspiring alpine views minus the crowds. It’s a tough climb but the summit rewards with breathtaking vistas of the park and Northern Colorado Mountains. This trail offers hikers an exceptional journey above treeline with panoramic views that capture the essence of Colorado’s alpine beauty. Standing at 12,880 feet, Mount Ida might not be the tallest peak in the Rockies, but its position along the Continental Divide provides a vantage point that is arguably one of the best in the park. Hikers will find themselves above the treeline relatively quickly, where the trail offers unobstructed views of the Never Summer Mountains, the Mummy Range, and even glimpses of the distant Gore Range. Along the way, the landscape is dotted with tundra flowers, and there’s a good chance of spotting wildlife like bighorn sheep, moose, elk, ptarmigan, marmot, pikas. The summit rewards with a 360-degree view encompassing Longs Peak, the Kawuneeche Valley, and several alpine lakes. The panoramic views at the summit are simply breathtaking. To the south you can see Grand Lake and Shadow Mountain Lake. Look east and you'll see several small alpine lakes and the majestic Long's Peak. To the west you'll have never ending views of the Rockies. We will do the following hike in alltrails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/mount-ida-trail

DOGS: 🚫 not allowed in RMNP.

ADDRESS/DIRECTIONS: We will meet at the Milner Pass Trailhead. To get there, you can click on the alltrails link above and click directions. If you use Apple Maps or Google maps, you can type in “Milner Pass” for directions.

We wait 5 minutes for late arrivals…but no longer as that is inconsiderate to those arriving timely. So please allow extra time to get to the trailhead.

IMPORTANT: This is a participate at your own risk event! Life is risky. I am not a professional guide and am simply hosting this event. By signing up for this hike you acknowledge that you are capable of performing this hike and that you are solely responsible for your own safety.

NO SHOWS: If you are a no-show to 2 hikes, you will be booted from this meetup group. So please change your RSVP to “not going” if you are unable to make it.

WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING: Water, snacks, layers of clothing, good hiking shoes/boots, sunscreen, bug repellant, sunglasses, hat, gloves, hiking poles (if you find them helpful), and anything else you deem essential.

WEATHER: Here is the NOAA forecast for the hike location. For hourly temps, wind, precipitation, etc., click “Hourly Weather Forecast” in the upper right. https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=40.3717&lon=-105.7792

REQUIRED WAIVER: If you have not already done so, you must sign the updated waiver with our new meetup name prior to this hike. I will have copies at the trailhead that you can sign or you may print, sign, and bring it with you from the following website: https://www.dropbox.com/s/p728z28jjuwdzws/Waiver%20Corona.pdf?dl=0
If you choose to sign at the trailhead, please arrive early so that we can depart for the hike timely.