Hike the Boulder-Grand Pass in Rocky Mountain National Park | Challenge Hikes

Support Our Local Partners
Click the Link

Backpacking Light

<<< Boulder-Grand Pass >>>

18.3 miles

Trail Type: Challenge Hike
Trailhead: Wild Basin
Location: Wild Basin & Longs Peak Area
Beginning Elevation: 8,500'
Destination Elevation: 8,400 (East Inlet)/12,061(Pass)
Total Elevation Gain: 3,561'
Total Roundtrip Miles: 18.3

Boulder-Grand Pass, Rocky Mountain National Park

Looking west from The Boulder-Grand Pass

Trail Description
Portions of this hike in Rocky Mountain National Park is off the main trail and requires some backcountry navigation skills including map reading skills and an awareness of the lay of the land. These are sensitive areas, please travel carefully.

Follow the Thunder Lake trail to the lake and take the path around to the west end of the lake and on up to Lake of Many Winds. Scramble up the talus slope into the right side gully, being careful to not dislodge any boulders. Once on top, traverse above treeline to above Forth Lake and drop down through difficult and sometimes treacherous forest terrain onto a path by the lake. This path will then lead to the Lake Verna trial and Grand Lake.

How to Get There
Drive south of Estes Park on Hwy 7 13.5 miles, toward the town of Allenspark. Turn right at the Wild Basin Ranger Station sign and follow the dirt road for 2 miles to the trailhead at the end.

Trail Profile