DIRECTIONS: When you enter Rocky Mountain National Park, from any entrance, follow the signs for Trail Ridge Road. Drive to the top of Trail Ridge Road to the Alpine Visitor Center. Easy peasy…but be prepared for driving at very high elevation.

HIKE DESCRIPTION:

Trail Ridge Road is probably the biggest draw for visitors to Rocky Mountain National Park. The scenic drive takes you high upon the tundra above 11,000 ft for a long time. At the top of Trail Ridge Road is the Alpine Visitor Center at 11,796 ft of elevation. The Visitor is a popular stop along the road and a must see for any first time visitors. Across the parking lot from the visitor center is the Alpine Ridge Trail, also a must see for any first time visitors.

The Alpine Ridge Trail is by all means an easy trail. The trail climbs up steps and gravel for a little more than a quarter mile each way. The views are incredible the entire way and give you a birds eye introduction to the majesty of Rocky Mountain National Park. You will not be alone on this short adventure but will find visitors and hikers of all skill levels and all walks of life. My five year old had no problems making it to the top.

While this is an easy hike/attraction in the Park, don’t be fooled, it is still an alpine climb at very high altitude. You must be prepared. In the summer the temperatures can get to the low 40s during the day, the weather can move in very fast, the thin air can stop you dead in your tracks. Take precautions and please be safe.

When I hiked this trail with my kiddo, the weather was stormy but stable. Rain and thunderstorms were moving in at lower elevations of the park but I felt safe hiking this short trail. We had planned to hike the longer Ute Trail along Tombstone Ridge, but I did not feel comfortable with even a 2 mile hike above treeline on this day. The short climb up Alpine Ridge felt just about right. It was very cold and a cloud moved in on us almost immediately. Our views were cut off so we never got the 360 degree view from the top but my little one got a kick out of hiking in a cloud…so is hiking above treeline…