The Ute Trail connects the Beaver Mountain Trail with Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park. It follows a SE-NW route from Beaver Meadows to summer hunting grounds in the tundra used by prehistoric tribes, Utes and Arapahos for thousands of years. This lightly used trail passes through a diverse landscape highlighted by large meadows, mixed forests, rich wildlife and open tundra. Hikers will enjoy solitude and extended travel in open tundra on the Ute Trail.

Elk are frequently seen in the open tundra along the Ute Trail

The Ute Trail winds up a clear path through Ute Meadows before losing clarity in Windy Gulch

The Ute Trail follows a route used by indigenous people between eastern meadows and hunting grounds in the high country

The Ute Trail is level and moderate between Timberline Pass and Trail Ridge Road

Lower Ute Meadows' food rich environment attracts deer, elk, bear, fox, coyote, and mountain lion

Long, mild segments above treeline offer a rare chance to explore open tundra with relative ease

Deer and elk bones litter the Ute Meadows' perimeter, indicating the potential presence of mountain lion

The Ute Trail presses through challenging terrain and steep grades to reach treeline near Timberline Pass

Trail Ridge Road provides easy access to the tundra, and a great alternative to hiking the entire trail

View of Longs Peak on the initial climb to the base of Windy Gulch

Female elk congregate in herds at high elevation through the summer, relatively undisturbed by predators and mature males

The Ute Trail provides excellent views across Forest Canyon, which is carved by the Big Thompson River