Ute Trail West

Ute Trail West – 4.1mi / 6.5km

This trail connecting Fall River Pass to Milner Pass is a wonderful exploration of Rocky Mountain’s alpine and subalpine areas.

The trail begins as a gradual descent through the flowering, alpine meadows with views across the valley to Specimen Mountain. Keep an eye out for the marmots, pikas, alpine birds, and common elk herds.

The trail briefly levels out at Forest Canyon Pass where small ponds dot the landscape. Subalpine forests get thicker as you continue to descend across steep aspects. Take a right at the junction to begin steep switchbacks down. As you approach Poudre Lake and Milner Pass, you’ll pass wonderful, crumbling cliffs.

A private shuttle will need to be arranged to do this as a one way trip.

Trailhead: The trailhead is located across the Trail Ridge Road from the Alpine Visitor Center parking lot.

Elevation Gain: 150ft / 45m – Elevation Loss: 1,200ft / 360m

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