Rocky Mountain National Park: Mount Ida and Gorge Lakes (Version 2)

From the southwest corner of Poudre Lake at Milner Pass, follow a well-defined trail tracing the Continental Divide toward Mount Ida. The trail slices through thick forest before breaking the tree-line and traversing barren, open slopes offering prime panoramas Rocky Mountain National Park’s jagged peaks. Just before reaching Mount Ida (12,880 feet), the trail swings across a saddle revealing jaw-dropping views Azure Lake below. Say goodbye to the trail as you crest Ida’s summit and begin the rugged backcountry descent through the boulder-blasted wonderland of Gorge Lakes.

After notching views of Highest Lake on your descent, you’ll skirt along the rocky, northern shore of Azure Lake before clambering through boulder fields toward spectacular vistas of Inkwell Lake. Negotiate another talus-strewn shoreline as you swing along Inkwell’s northern perimeter. Continuing downhill, you’ll descend a spine serving up views of both Arrowhead Lake and Doughnut Lake. The route along Arrowhead’s western shore is friendlier to hikers, and followed by a steep downhill through thick forest lined with downed trees.

Trace a social trail from Rock Lake to the Rock Lake Campground, the only overnight site in the Park not linked to an established trail. The route’s northern terminus is 2.1 miles to the east, but the trail vanishes completely here as you meander through stream-woven meadows toward more dense forest. The hike’s final descent culminates the floor of Forest Canyon. Follow the Big Thompson River for 0.2 mile before heading uphill for the hike’s last churn. After 1.1 miles of heavily forested climbing, you’ll emerge at the Forest Canyon Overlook.

Budget at least 10 hours for this trip, and consider bringing gear to stay overnight at Rock Lake Campground. This one-way route requires a shuttle. Overnight parking is available at both the Milner Pass and Forest Canyon trailheads.

NOTE To check out a slight variation on this route, go to backpacker.com/hikes/1518895.

INFO For information on permits, current trail and camp conditions, and wilderness guidelines, go to nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/backcountry.htm

PERMIT A wilderness permit is required for all overnight camping in the backcountry. Reservations accepted ($20 administrative fee for permits during peak season). nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/backcntry_guide.htm

CONTACT Rocky Mountain National Park, (970) 586-1206; nps.gov/romo

-Mapped by Chris Hood, Mountain Adventures

Trail Facts

• Distance: 17.1

Waypoints

MIB001

Location: 40.420096, -105.811214

Begin your hike by heading south from the parking lot at Milner Pass. You’ll hike along the Continental Divide as you trek toward Mount Ida.

MIB002

Location: 40.371855, -105.778808

Reach the route’s high point at Mount Ida (12,880 feet) before descending toward Azure Lake to the east. On the way down, you’ll catch vistas of Highest Lake to the south.

MIB003

Location: 40.372117, -105.773921

From Azure Lake, continue your descent by tracing the outlet stream from the lake’s eastern shore. Inkwell Lake comes into view as you scramble downward.

MIB004

Location: 40.37537, -105.769737

Negotiate your way through a boulder field bordered by steep rock slopes as you traverse Inkwell Lake’s northern shore.

MIB005

Location: 40.378492, -105.762012

After scrambling down from the northeastern corner of Inkwell Lake, you’ll traverse a spine serving up glimpses of Doughnut Lake to the east and Arrowhead Lake to the north. It is easier to pass Arrowhead via its western shore.

MIB006

Location: 40.387759, -105.759201

From Arrowhead Lake’s northern tip, head downhill by tracing the outlet creek to the east. The steep descent to Rock Lake, which brings you back into the forest, is peppered with fallen trees.

MIB007

Location: 40.389132, -105.749545

Follow a social trail to Rock Lake Campground.

MIB008

Location: 40.389181, -105.747464

Rock Lake Campground, the only campground in Rocky Mountain National Park not linked to an established trail, is situated 8.5 miles into the hike. This route’s eastern terminus is located 2.1 miles away.

MIB009

Location: 40.389966, -105.745876

The trail disappears after you pass Rock Rock Lake Campground. The route passes through stream-crossed meadows before re-entering thick forest for a final descent to the confluence of the Big Thompson River. Expect to encounter downed trees while trekking through the forest.

MIB010

Location: 40.396339, -105.733902

At the confluence of the Big Thompson, head downstream for 0.2 mile before forking left and up a side creek.

MIB011

Location: 40.39629, -105.728602

Hit the hike’s final climb, which pushes through 1.1 miles of forest before culminating at the Forest Canyon Overlook.

MIB012

Location: 40.395195, -105.711393

The hike culminates at the Forest Canyon Overlook.

Views of the Never Summer Wilderness

Location: 40.413508, -105.808378

As you climb toward Mount Ida, break treeline and notch views of the Never Summer Wilderness sprawling to the west just past mile 1.

Azure Lake

Location: 40.372731, -105.780375

Azure Lake is visible from the saddle just north of Mount Ida’s summit.

Azure Lake

Location: 40.370155, -105.776539

From Mount Ida, descend through talus-strewn slopes toward the barren shores of Azure Lake.

Trickle

Location: 40.375223, -105.769651

Water spills from Azure Lake into Inkwell Lake via a small creek.

Inkwell Lake

Location: 40.376794, -105.766497

Look south for a view of Inkwell Lake framed by the saddle between Cracktop and Mountain Julian.

Arrowhead Lake

Location: 40.37841, -105.761926

After descending from Inkwell Lake, you’ll descend along a spine offering panoramas of Arrowhead Lake and Doughnut Lake.

Doughnut Lake

Location: 40.378639, -105.761497

Look east for a view of Doughnut Lake.

Rock Lake

Location: 40.385964, -105.753717

After descending from Arrowhead Lake, you’ll nab a view of Rock Lake. Little Rock Lake is perched out of view to the east.

Moose

Location: 40.388064, -105.751103

Moose near Rock Lake.

Big Thompson Confluence

Location: 40.396381, -105.733939