Frommer's National Parks of the American West - Don Laine [349]
Ute Trail
6 miles one-way. Moderate. Access: Ute Trail turnout on Trail Ridge Rd.
An excellent way to see the tundra, this moderate hike can become fairly easy if you can get a ride to the top and walk down the 3,300-foot descent. The hike down the side of a canyon provides great views.
Exploring the Backcountry
The park allows numerous opportunities for backpacking and technical climbing, and hikers and climbers will generally find that the farther they go into the backcountry, the fewer humans they see. Some of the day hikes discussed above can also be done as overnight hikes; for example, the East Longs Peak Trail, which takes most people about 15 hours round-trip, is often completed over 2 days. Hikers can also combine various shorter trails to produce loops that can keep them in the park's backcountry for up to a week.
The park has well over 100 small backcountry campsites, which may be reserved. Backpackers should carry portable stoves, because wood fires are permitted at only a few sites with metal fire rings. In addition to the designated backcountry campsites, there are two dozen cross-country zones, in some of the least accessible sections of the park, which are recommended only for those with good map and compass skills.
The park's Backcountry Office should be the first stop for those planning backpacking trips. Rangers there know the trails and camping areas well and are happy to advise hikers on the best choices for their abilities and expectations. Backcountry permits are required for all overnight hikes. Technical climbers who expect to be out overnight usually set up a bivouac—a temporary open-air encampment that is normally at or near the base of a route or on the face of a climb. Designated bivouac zones have been established; permits are required.
Backcountry and bivouac permits are available at park headquarters and ranger stations. They cost $20 from May through October and are free from November through April. For information, call ☎ 970/586-1242.
Other Sports & Activities
In addition to the businesses discussed below, Estes Park Mountain Shop, 2050 Big Thompson Ave., Estes Park (☎ 866/303-6548 or 970/586-6548; www.estesparkmountainshop.com), sells and rents equipment and has an indoor climbing gym. The company offers fly-fishing and climbing instruction and guided trips in and around the national park. It also offers a kids' outdoor adventure program in half- and full-day sessions.
Biking. As in most national parks, bikes are not permitted off established roads. Bicyclists here will in most cases share space with motor vehicles along narrow roads with 5% to 7% grades. However, bikers still enjoy the challenge and scenery. A free park brochure provides information on safety, regulations, and suggested routes. One popular 16-mile ride, with plenty of beautiful mountain views, is the Horseshoe Park/Estes Park Loop. It goes from Estes Park west on U.S. 34 past Aspenglen Campground and the park's Fall River Entrance, and then back east at the Deer Ridge Junction, following U.S. 36 through the Beaver Meadows Entrance.
Tours, rentals, and repairs are available at Colorado Bicycling Adventures, 184 E. Elkhorn Ave., Estes Park (☎ 970/ 586-4241; www.coloradobicycling.com). Bike rentals are about $15 to $40 for a half day and $23 to $60 for a full day, depending on type of bike. The company offers guided downhill trips in the park for about $65 per person, and it leads a variety of free group bike rides in the Estes Park area from May through September (call or check the website for the current schedule).
Climbing & Mountaineering. The Colorado Mountain School, 341 Moraine Ave. (P.O. Box 1846), Estes Park, CO 80517 (☎ 888/267-7783 or 970/586-5758; www.cmschool.com), is an AMGA accredited year-round guide service, and the sole concessionaire for technical climbing and instruction in Rocky Mountain National Park. The school