The Spirit of the Rockies www.thespiritoftherockies.net

Hike Profiles for Rocky Mountain National Park and Surrounding Areas

Thunder Pass

Thunder Pass is a remote pass on the continental divide at the north end of the Never Summer Range. The pass affords commanding views of the surrounding peaks. The Colorado River Trail leads past Shipler Park and the site of Lulu City on a very moderate grade before climbing steeply to Thunder Pass.

Distance: 6.9 miles one-way Pass elevation: 11,331 feet Trailhead elevation: 9,000 feet Net elevation gain: 2,331 feet Colorado River Trailhead Rocky Mountain National Park

Thunder Pass in late May

Major Trail Landmarks Shipler Park (2.3 miles one-way from trailhead) Lulu City Site (3.7 miles one-way from trailhead)

Principal Destinations Near Thunder Pass La Poudre Pass (7.4 miles one-way from trailhead) - via La Poudre Pass Trail Michigan Lakes (7.5 miles one-way from trailhead) - via Michigan Lakes Trail past Thunder Pass

Backcountry Campsites Near Thunder Pass Stage Road (4.2 miles one-way from trailhead) - 1 individual site Ditch Camp (4.6 miles one-way from trailhead) - 2 individual sites and 1 group site Box Canyon (5.5 miles one-way from trailhead) - 2 individual sites

The Colorado River Trailhead is on the west side of the Continental Divide between Grand Lake and Milner Pass. Follow Highway 34 (Trail Ridge Road) either 10 miles north of the Kawuneeche Visitor Center or 7 miles south of Milner Pass. The large trailhead parking area is on the west side of the highway. From the trailhead, follow the trail as it heads along a very moderate grade past the former sites of Shipler Cabins and Lulu City. After crossing the Colorado River, the trail climbs steeply to the Ditch Camp area along the Grand Ditch water diversion canal. Cross the ditch on a footbridge just west of the maintenance buildings along the Grand Ditch service road, and continue north along the trail to Thunder Pass. The final approach is rather steep as it winds uphill to the pass, which marks the National Park boundary.

Sample photographs of the hike to Thunder Pass

Thunder Pass in late spring

View of Nokhu Crags from Thunder Pass

View of Static Peak from Thunder Pass

Thunder Pass

Thunder Pass topographic map

Principal summer trail marked by solid red line; unmaintained trail or route marked by dashed red line. Map is oriented with north to the top of the map

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All photographs are property of Mike Amfahr and are protected by copyright laws. Topographic map is property of and copyrighted by Maps a la carte, Inc., and is used on this site with permission.