Grand Ditch Trail

Frommer's Review

Head north along the Colorado River Trail to the junction at Red Mountain Trail, and take the road to the left, crossing the Colorado River and turning south to begin the climb up the eastern slopes of the Never Summer Mountains. The climb alternates between lush forests rich with wildflowers and open areas of rocky terrain. The sounds of songbirds serenade you, the dappled sunlight is entrancing, and the views of the Kawuneeche Valley to the south and the mountain ridges to the east are spectacular when seen through a fringe of aspens.

In the autumn, when the aspens turn a golden yellow, the vistas are even more dramatic. During summer, bright pink fireweed grows among gray rocks, producing a wildly contrasting color scheme. Once you top out, you can walk for miles along the service road for the Grand Ditch, and the views in virtually all directions are compelling. Red Mountain in the southeast and Mount Cumulus to the west seem almost close enough to touch, and Howard and Lead mountains lie in the northwest. Watch the Colorado River snake southward through the Kawuneeche Valley. The trail begins at an elevation of 9,014 feet and climbs 1,200 feet.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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