Three Hikes to Get You High in July in RMNP

Elevation defines Rocky Mountain National Park, with the world of the Alpine being an exciting place to be during the month of July. This Land-Above-the-Trees is the last place winter holds its grip in the spring and the first place it descends upon in the fall. That makes summer in the alpine zone short but spectacular. The burst of little tiny flowers can change almost daily. To truly appreciate these little gems, you really need to get on your belly. 

​Now is the time to hike some high-elevation trails. Here are three hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park to enjoy this July. 

Note: As spectacular as alpine hikes are in July, it is also a time for thunder and lightening storms. So know before you go, start super early, and always be prepared to decend! For more on lightening safety tips, read more here.

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Chasm Lake - 4.2 miles

Trail Type: Longer Hike
Trailhead: Longs Peak
Trailhead Elevation: 9,400' 
Destination Elevation: 11,797'
​Total Elevation Gain: 2,360'
​Total Roundtrip Miles: 8.4

A Rocky Mountain National Park classic, this hike will take you right up to the east face of Longs Peak, known as The Diamond. Waterfalls and wildflowers greet the hiker with a little bit of rock scramble on the final push to the lake.
 
For more on this trail, visit:  Chasm Lake trail

Alpine Avens

Columbines blooming above Columbine Falls

Chasm Lake below Longs Peak

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Mount Ida - 4.9 miles

Trail Type: Challenge Hike
Trailhead: Poudre Lake at Milner Pass
Beginning Elevation: ​​10,758'
Destination Elevation: 12,880'
​Total Elevation Gain: 2,122'
​Total Roundtrip Miles: 9.​8

Starting at Milner Pass on Trail Ridge road, this trail quickly gains in elevation and most of the hike is spent rolling across the open tundra before making a final push for the Mt Ida summit. The views are 360 with the Never Summer Range to the west.

For more on this trail, visit: Mt Ida trail

The Never Summer Range from the Mt Ida trail

Along the Mt Ida trail

Alpine Avens on the Mt Ida trail

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Chapin, Chiquita, Ypsilon - 4.2 miles

Trail Type: Challenge Hike
Trailhead: Chapin Pass
Trailhead Elevation: 11,020'
Destination Elevation: 13,514' (Ypsilon Mtn)
​Total Elevation Gain: Varies
​Total Roundtrip Miles: 8.4 miles

Ascending Mt Chiquita

Accessing this trail involves driving up the one-way Fall River Road to the Chapin Pass trailhead. The trail up these three summits is not maintained by the Park, so pay attention to where you are while you enjoy the thrill of tagging multiple summits. 

For more on this trail, visit: Chapin, Chiquita, Ypsilon trail

Hiking toward Mt Chapin

Wildflower patch on the Chapin, Chiquita, Ypsilon trail

Looking down on Spectacle Lake from Ypsilon Mtn

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Hiking in the rarefied air of the alpine is truly a rarefied experience, and July is prime time to be there. You won't want to miss this!