Ute Trail

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

This is a very popular section of trail that can be used as an out-and-back or a shuttle (except during winter when US 34 is closed). The trail climbs to an elevation of over 11,600 feet and features beautiful high-alpine meadow.

You can start this hike from either the Ute Crossing Trailhead along Trail Ridge road or from the Upper Beaver Meadows area. It is mapped here starting from the Upper Beaver Meadows zone so it is a big ascent on the way out. From a three-way junction with Ute - Beaver Mountain Junction Trail and the Beaver Mountain Trail, start up Ute Trail.

Ute Trail starts climbing to the southwest before turning to the north and leveling out for a brief jaunt. The trail then climbs steeply up a gulch on the south side of Beaver Mountain for the next 1.8 miles. At Timberline Pass, just below Tombstone Ridge, the trail levels out significantly and stays that way as it traverses this beautiful 11,500+ foot ridge through a stunning high-alpine meadow. Views from this ridge are incredible as they are unobstructed by any trees.

Eventually, after about two miles on the ridge, you'll descend to Trail Ridge Road at Ute Crossing.