3-Day Never Summer in RMNP from Colorado River TH

Permits are required for backcountry sites in this section of RMNP, and sites are designated. Find permits for Never Summer here.

This Route & Place covers the area along the Grand Ditch and west of it, and could be used to make out-and-backs or loops using any of the 6 designated campsites in the area. The out and back will have shorter mileage, but the loop will take you through more diverse terrain with a tour of the upper Colorado River, its man-made waterways, and a ghost town. Use this Route and Place and customize your itinerary based on the campsites you book within the Activity itself. 

Out and back with Lake of the Clouds: 12.7 miles, 2800 feet gain over 3 days

Loop with Lake of the Clouds: 15.7 miles, 2900 feet over 3 days

Note: The East Troublesome fire burned the national park south of this trailhead and route, but the area of this route was not impacted by that fire. You may drive through a fire scar on the way to the trailhead. 

Suggested Backpacking Section (BPX) itinerary for 3-day trip:

Day 1:

Drive to Colorado River Trailhead north of Grand Lake, Colorado, inside RMNP. Permits may need to be picked up at visitor center, review instructions on RMNP website. 

Hike 3.4 miles with 1300 feet elevation gain along the Red Mountain Trail to the Valley View Campsite. There are two designated sites here. Water is available from the Grand Ditch creek nearby. 

Route

Day 2:

Wake early and break camp, and hike north a flat 1.75 miles and 120 feet of gain along the historic Grand Ditch Road. Enjoy views of the Never Summers and Continental Divide along this high road that follows the Grand Ditch, a man-made waterway that directs the waters of the Colorado River, which begins just north of here. At mile 1.75, you will reach a junction with the Lake of the Clouds Trail. Head west .75 miles west on this trail to the Dutch Town designated campsite. Make camp here. Optional late morning hike: If weather is clear and you arrive early enough at Dutch Town, you can continue up the trail 6/10ths of a mile to the Lake of the Clouds. Note: this is a steep hike over a talus field with no obvious trail. The least technical route is to stay to the right on the shelf as you approach the lake. This area is exposed and slow-going over rock, so prepare for 2-3 hours of hiking to reach the lake and return to camp. This optional hike adds 1.2 miles and 690 feet of gain to Day 2, reaching a high point of 11,374 feet (3.7 miles and 810 feet total on Day 2). 

Route with Lake of the Clouds out and back

Day 3: 

Break camp and hike back to the Grand Ditch, taking it south to the Red Mountain Trail and then back to the trailhead - 5.7 miles and 281 feet of gain. 

Route

Alternative exit: To make this route a loop, you hike north on the Grand Ditch rather than south, making a 9 mile day on the Grand Ditch, Skeleton Gulch, Thunder Pass, and Colorado River trails. This makes a longer Day 3, but takes you along the upper Colorado River near its source, and through the ghost town of Lulu City. 9 miles, ascend 500 feet, descend 2180 feet. 

Route

4-Day Option: To make this a 4 day trip, you could secure one of the designated campsites at the junction of Skeleton Gulch and the Grand Ditch, and hike Thunder Pass to Colorado Trail river out, making a 4 day loop. 

 

• Suitable Activities: Backpacking
• Seasons: July, August, September
• Weather: View weather forecast

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Length: 13.0 mi
• Elevation Gain: 2,800 ft
• High Point: 11,346 ft

• Land Manager: National Park Service
  Never Summer Wilderness Area
• Parking Permit Required: National Park Entrance Fees
• Recommended Party Size: 6
• Maximum Party Size: 6
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 6