Red Mountain to Grand Ditch

The Red Mountain Trail is a 6.4-mile hike via the Grand Ditch in RMNP. This challenging out-and-back trail takes about 3 hours and 15 minutes to complete, offering an excellent opportunity for hiking, horseback riding, or running with minimal crowds. The trail is best visited between May and October, and with all RMNP trails though dogs are not allowed.

The hike begins at the Colorado River Trailhead, descending into a scenic valley at the headwaters of the Colorado River. From there, you'll ascend the Red Mountain Trail through an area called "Hell's Hip Pocket," known for its rugged beauty. Eventually, you'll reach a small pond and connect with Grand Ditch Road, an old unpaved road that skirts the boundary between Rocky Mountain National Park and the Never Summer Wilderness. Though the trail doesn’t lead to the summit of Red Mountain, it offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Never Summer Mountain Range.