Hiking Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge in Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park has hundreds of miles of hiking trails that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. The best part is the park has trails for all levels! Whether you want an easy hike the entire family can enjoy or a challenging hike, Rocky Mountain National Park has a trail for everyone.
Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge is one of the most beautiful hikes along Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park. The trail is perfect if you want a moderate hike with stunning views! Ute Trail offers some of my favorite views in the park, so I know you will love this hike.
If you want to hike the Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge in Rocky Mountain National Park, this guide has everything you need to know about the hike!
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Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge Overview
Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge Length and Difficulty
The Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge in Rocky Mountain National Park is a moderate hike with stunning views. The 3.8-mile round-trip trail is well-maintained and easy to follow. It does not have significant elevation gain, so the trail is not overly strenuous.
One of the best parts about the Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge is the views! You have 360-degree views of the mountains in Rocky Mountain National Park, and they are breathtaking.
Ute Trail Parking
The parking for Ute Trail is along Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park between Rainbow Curve Overlook and Forest Canyon Overlook. The lot only has a handful of spots available, so I recommend arriving at the trailhead before 8 am. We visited during shoulder season and still had trouble finding parking in the morning.
Is Ute Trail Dog-friendly?
No, dogs are not allowed on trails in Rocky Mountain National Park. Dogs are only allowed in specific places in the park.
Best Time to Hike Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge
Since Trail Ridge Road is only open in the summer, you can only hike the Ute Trail between the end of May and October. Typically, Trail Ridge Road opens at the end of May or the beginning of June and then closes in October, depending on the snow accumulation.
Please note: Snow lingers on the trail through June, and the weather is unpredictable at the high elevations. It is crucial to pack the appropriate layers to stay warm. When we visited at the beginning of June, it was cold on the trail, and we were glad we packed our insulated jackets for the hike.
What to Pack for the Hike
Hiking Boots: If you want comfort and support on your trip, hiking boots are the go to.
Hiking Socks: Having moisture-wicking and comfortable hiking socks are just as important for exploring.
Hiking Backpack: You need something to carry all your food, clothes, and anything else you need while adventuring, so having a supportive hiking backpack is crucial.
Hydration Reservoir/Water Bottles: While hiking or just exploring, it is important to have enough water! I always pack a hydration reservoir.
Jackets: The weather is unpredictable, so I always pack a rain jacket and insulated jacket.
Ten Essentials: The Ten Essentials are crucial for hiking!
Where to Stay Near Ute Trail in Rocky Mountain National Park
Estes Park is the best place to stay near Rocky Mountain National Park because it is outside the east park entrances. The town has many accommodations for all budgets, restaurants, and shops.
Because Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most visited national parks in the United States, the accommodations in Estes Park might be the most expensive on the trip. But it is nice to be within a 15-minute drive of the Beaver Meadow and Fall River park entrances.
Best Hotels in Estes Park:
Best Campgrounds in Estes Park:
Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge Guide
**Always remember to leave no trace. It is crucial to pack out what you pack in and throw away your trash properly. It is also crucial to only hike on the designated trails to avoid damaging restoration areas and fragile vegetation.
The Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge is one of my favorite hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. It is a great moderate hike that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. And the best part? It is not overly strenuous and does not have many steep sections.
The Ute Trail is on the eastern half of Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park between Rainbow Curve Overlook and Forest Canyon Overlook. The parking lot is small and can only fit a handful of cars. It fills up quickly, especially during peak season, so I recommend arriving before 8 am to enjoy the beautiful hike.
Trail Ridge Road also has unpredictable weather. When we visited, the day quickly changed from a sunny day to having a large thunderstorm while we were on the Ute Trail. It is not uncommon for the higher elevations in Rocky Mountain National Park to have afternoon thunderstorms, so keep an eye on the weather as you hike. You do not want to be on an exposed ridge when a thunderstorm rolls in!
Ute Trail is a straightforward hike because it is well-maintained and does not intersect with other trails. As the Ute Trail leaves the parking lot, the first 0.3 miles begins to climb before flattening out. Once the Ute Trail flattens out, it offers incredible views of the surrounding mountains. On a clear day, you can see for miles and will be in awe of the views!
The following 0.7 miles of the Ute Trail is relatively flat and follows along on the side of the ridge. This section is a fantastic place to see wildlife, so keep an eye out! We saw elk and marmots when we were hiking the Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge, and hikers we passed said they saw some bighorn sheep. Please remember, you should never approach or feed wildlife!
The Ute Trail climbs gradually for another 0.3 miles and provides even better views before descending towards Tombstone Ridge. Before you know it, you are at Tombstone Ridge with beautiful 360-degree views! Tombstone Ridge is a great spot to enjoy a snack break before heading back the way you came towards the parking lot.
Since the trail is an out-and-back hike, you will follow the trail the same way you came. And the best part? You will not be bored because the views are spectacular!
If you want a longer hike on the Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge:
The Ute Trail continues past Tombstone Ridge to Upper Beaver Meadows on the other side of Rocky Mountain National Park. The trail is a strenuous 12-mile round-trip hike with many steep sections, but it is a great, challenging day hike.
If you want to hike other trails near Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge:
Toll Memorial Trail - 1.1 miles round trip
Alpine Ridge Trail - 0.6 miles round trip
Medicine Bow Trail - 0.7 miles round trip
Marmot Point Trail - 0.8 miles round trip
If you want to hike the Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge, you are in the right place! This guide has everything you need to know about the beautiful trail in Rocky Mountain National Park!
Hey, I’m Nichole!
I am the creator behind Nichole the Nomad, the home of my explorations around the world, mountain hikes, and beautiful pictures taken along the way. I have a deep passion for capturing the world in a beautiful light and sharing my experiences.
I created this blog to share my travels, show how beautiful the world is, provide tips and tricks for traveling, and encourage you to explore. Whether you want to travel across the world or explore what’s in your backyard, I hope this blog inspires you to get outside and find your adventure!
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