How to Hike Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge in Rocky Mountain National Park
If you want to hike the Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge in Rocky Mountain National Park, you are in the right place!
Rocky Mountain National Park has hundreds of miles of hiking trails with breathtaking mountain views! And the best part is that it has trails for all levels! Whether you want an easy hike the entire family can enjoy or a challenging hike, Rocky Mountain National Park has a trail for everyone.
Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge is one of the most beautiful hikes along Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park, in my opinion. It is perfect if you want a moderate hike with stunning views! Ute Trail offers some of my favorite views in the park, so I know you will love this hike.
If you want to hike the Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge in Rocky Mountain National Park, this guide is for you! I included everything you need to know for the hike.
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What You Need to Know About Hiking Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge
Before I dive into a step-by-step hiking guide, I included a few things you should know about the hike. I found each of these incredibly helpful to know before hiking the Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge.
Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge Length and Difficulty
The Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge is a moderate 3.8-mile round-trip hike.
One of the best parts about the hike is the views! You have 360-degree views of the mountains in Rocky Mountain National Park, and they are breathtaking. You will not even realize you are hiking for almost four miles because you will be too busy enjoying the views!
Ute Trail Parking and Map
The parking lot is along Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park between Rainbow Curve Overlook and Forest Canyon Overlook. The lot has only a handful of spots available, so I recommend arriving at the trailhead before 8 am.
We visited during shoulder season and still had trouble finding parking midmorning! You cannot park along the road near the trailhead, so the earlier you can arrive to secure a parking spot, the better.
Below is a map you can save for your hike. I highly recommend having an offline map downloaded to your phone because service is spotty in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Best Time to Hike Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge
Since Trail Ridge Road is open seasonally, you can hike the Ute Trail in the summer and early fall. Typically, Trail Ridge Road opens at the end of May or beginning of June and closes in October, depending on snow accumulation.
We lucked out because we visited at the beginning of June and the Trail Ridge Road opened the weekend before we got there. It was a heavy snow year, so the road was closed for longer than normal.
Please note: Snow lingers on the trail through June, and the weather is unpredictable. When we visited at the beginning of June, it was cold on the trail, and we were glad we packed our insulated jackets for the hike.
You should have hiking boots, moisture-wicking clothes, sunscreen, a hiking backpack with food and water, and a rain jacket or insulated jacket as needed. Also, Trail Ridge Road has unpredictable weather.
When we visited, the day quickly went from sunshine to a large thunderstorm while we were on the Ute Trail. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in Rocky Mountain National Park, so keep an eye on the weather as you hike. You do not want to be on an exposed ridge when a thunderstorm rolls in!
Where to Stay in Rocky Mountain National Park
I highly recommend spending at least a few days in Rocky Mountain National Park to give yourself plenty of time to explore everything it offers. Estes Park is the best place to stay because it is outside the eastern park entrances. It also has everything you need for your trip, including accommodations for all budgets, restaurants, and shops.
Hotels in Estes Park:
Campgrounds in Estes Park:
Hiking Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge: Step-By-Step Hiking Guide
Let's dive into your step-by-step guide to hiking this beautiful trail!
The Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge is one of my favorite hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park because it is a moderate hike that offers breathtaking mountain views. And the best part? It is not overly strenuous, with minimal steep sections!
**Always remember to leave no trace. It is crucial to pack out what you pack in and leave no trash behind. Some spots have trash bins, so you can easily throw away your trash. Otherwise, you should pack out your trash and dispose of it once you find a barrel.
Ute Trail Trailhead
Ute Trail is off of the eastern side of Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park between Rainbow Curve Overlook and Forest Canyon Overlook. The parking lot is small, and it fills up quickly, especially during peak season. I recommend arriving before 8 am to secure a parking spot.
Tombstone Ridge
Ute Trail is a straightforward, easy-to-follow hike that does not intersect with other trails. But I still recommend having a map just in case!
As the Ute Trail leaves the parking lot, the first 0.3 miles climb about 100 feet before flattening out and offering incredible views of the surrounding mountains. We hiked on a clear day, and we could see for miles!
The next 0.7 miles of the Ute Trail are relatively flat, following along on the side of the ridge. This section is a fantastic place to see wildlife, so keep an eye out! We saw elk and marmots, and hikers we passed said they saw some bighorn sheep. Please remember that you should never approach or feed wildlife!
The Ute Trail climbs gradually for another 0.3 miles and provides even better views before descending towards Tombstone Ridge. And before you know it, you are at Tombstone Ridge with beautiful 360-degree views!
Tombstone Ridge to the Trailhead
Tombstone Ridge is a great spot for a snack break before heading back the way you came towards the parking lot. We could have sat there for hours, but an afternoon thunderstorm was quickly moving in.
Since the trail is an out-and-back hike, you will hike back the same way you came. The best part is that you will not be bored because the views are spectacular! We absolutely loved the views on the hike in and out.
If you want a longer hike on the Ute Trail:
The Ute Trail continues past Tombstone Ridge to Upper Beaver Meadows on the other side of Rocky Mountain National Park. The trail is a strenuous 12-mile round-trip hike with many steep sections, but it is a great, challenging day hike.
If you want to hike other trails near Ute Trail:
Rocky Mountain National Park has many fun hikes, so I am only including a few of my favorites below! These are near the Ute Trail, so you can hike them after or add them to another day in your itinerary.
Toll Memorial Trail - 1.1 miles round trip
Alpine Ridge Trail - 0.6 miles round trip
Medicine Bow Trail - 0.7 miles round trip
Marmot Point Trail - 0.8 miles round trip
Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge FAQs
Where is the Ute Trail?
The Ute Trail Trailhead is on Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park between Rainbow Curve Overlook and Forest Canyon Overlook. The parking lot is small and does not have signs, so it is easy to miss!
The parking lot only fits a handful of cars and fills up quickly, especially during peak season. I recommend arriving before 8 am to secure a spot.
How long is the hike on Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge?
The hike is about 3.8 miles with 400 feet of elevation. Since it is not overly steep or long, it is a moderate hike.
Is there a fee to hike the Ute Trail?
The only fee to hike the Ute Trail is the Rocky Mountain National Park entrance fee.
You also need to reserve your timed entry reservation ahead of time. If you do not have one, you can enter Trail Ridge Road before 9 am or after 2 pm.
Is Ute Trail Dog-friendly?
No, dogs are not allowed on trails in Rocky Mountain National Park. Dogs are only allowed in specific areas in the park.
If you want to hike the Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge, you are in the right place! I created this guide to include everything you need to know about this beautiful trail in Rocky Mountain National Park!
Hey, I’m Nichole!
I am the creator behind Nichole the Nomad, the home of my explorations around the world, mountain hikes, and beautiful pictures taken along the way. I have a deep passion for capturing the world in a beautiful light and sharing my experiences.
I created this blog to share my travels, show how beautiful the world is, provide tips and tricks for traveling, and encourage you to explore. Whether you want to travel across the world or explore what’s in your backyard, I hope this blog inspires you to get outside and find your adventure!
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