Length:  9.5 Miles (Round Trip)
Trailhead(s):  Milner Pass at Poudre Lake
Elevation Gain:  2,238
Trail Type:  Out and Back
Dogs:  Not Allowed
Difficulty:  Moderate
Permit Required?  Yes – National Park Pass
Considerations:  Snow early or late season; Thunderstorms
Season:  Spring – Fall

Overview

Hike to Mt Ida in Rocky Mountain National Park for a bucket list, view and rock-filled adventure – complete with delightful wildlife.

Hike to Mt Ida – Poudre Lake Trailhead at Milner Pass

Start the hike to Mt Ida from the Poudre Lake Trailhead at Milner Pass.  Begin ascending on the trail which routes around the lake and climbs via a couple of switchbacks.  At the junction a little over a half mile up, the trail to Mt Ida veers to the right.

Endless Views and Rolling Terrain

Once it breaks free of the forest after around a mile of hiking, the trail rolls through open terrain with incredible, seemingly endless views of the surrounding mountains.  Not only are they eye-popping, but they also continue all the way to the summit of Mt Ida.

After the views arrive the trail as it makes its way through a rolling landscape.  Another fork in the trail appears after nearly 3 miles of hiking.  Once again, take a right to head to Mt Ida.

Hike to Mt Ida – Route Finding through the Rocks

The hike to Mt Ida is on a well-defined trail – right up to the point where it reaches the base of Mt Ida.  At this point the hike becomes an exercise in route finding through the rocks.  Seriously, the trail seems to just disappear into the rocky base of Mt Ida.  Even though cairns mark the trail, just know it is very easy to get off track.  Fortunately, doing so isn’t unusual here and doesn’t bust the hike.  To stay on the trail, pause and look for the large boulder field.  The trail lies to the right of it, and this is the easiest route.  As it is, many find themselves off trail, so if this happens simply follow the path of least resistance to get to the summit.

Mt Ida Summit – Views All Around

After nearly 5 miles of hiking, the 360 degree all-around views from the Mt Ida summit are a fantastic reward.  Consequently, definitely scramble around the huge rocks up top to take it all in.  Then grab a hunk of unoccupied rock, have a sit, and hang out awhile to enjoy this special place.  Gawk at the rocky valleys, glistening lakes, and distant mountain peaks while respectfully sharing this spot with the marmots that live here.

Hike to Mt Ida – Final Thoughts

• Parking & Lightning Advisory

Arrive early for this hike, because as with many other hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, this trailhead gets many visitors and fills quickly.   Additionally, and critical to safety here, is recognizing that hiking at higher elevations in the Rocky Mountains brings with it the risk of lightning.  The hike to Mt Ida is exactly this situation.  The trail is extremely exposed, and there is absolutely no safe place to hide should a lightning storm arrive.  Afternoon thunderstorms with lightning are a known and frequent hazard here in the summer, so an early start will not only help snag a parking spot, but it will also (hopefully) get the hike done before any foul weather does roll in.

• Clouds & Patience

This hike is filled with remarkable views starting just a little over a mile from the trailhead.  However, if there are low clouds around, these views will be obscured.  As such, a day with clear blue skies is the goal.  If the day starts off partly cloudy, don’t bag the hike.  Views on the way up may be suboptimal, and the summit of Mt Ida may be engulfed in clouds, but don’t give up!  So long as storms are not anticipated, hike up, hang out, and wait.  Very often the clouds will lift and move away.  When they do, all the views emerge, and not only is the summit spectacular, so is the whole hike back down.

• Rocks & Trekking Poles

Navigating steep sections of trail and rock is safer and more enjoyable (for most) with a pair of trekking poles.  The hike to Mt Ida, especially from the base of the peak to the summit, is both steep and rocky.  As such, trekking poles are advised for this hike.

• Exposure

Lastly, be prepared for anything when it comes to the weather on the hike to Mt Ida.  Sun exposure, heat, cold, wind, and rapidly changing weather are all possible on this hike.  Bring extra clothing (think layers – jackets, hats, gloves), and whatever food suits the mood.  Lastly, don’t forget to bring plenty of water since there are no water sources on this hike.

Scroll down to learn about the GEAR WE USE and OTHER OUTVENTURES in this area.

Additional Information (Click below to follow links.)

• Rocky Mountain National Park Information Link