Facing the storm in Rocky Mountains | 4K | Shot on iPhone | Calm Music | Inspired by Kraig Adams

Background Music: 'Solace' by Scott Buckley | Link: https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/library/

Mount Ida is one of those hikes, which depending upon the weather and temperature could either turn out to be a wonderful day hike or life-threatening experience. Either way, I promise it will be one of the most memorable hikes of your life.
The hike to Mount Ida in Rocky Mountain National Park begins from the Poudre Lake Trailhead (0:03s) at Milner Pass, located 15.7 miles north of the Grand Lake Entrance, and 4.2 miles south of the Alpine Visitor Center.
Once past the lake, we started climbing up from the subalpine forest. This was our first and only chance to enjoy some shade. Because, within just 0.6 miles comes the Mt. Ida trail junction. Once we turned right at the junction, in half a mile’s distance, we were above tree line and were greeted with the spectacular views of gigantic Never Summer Mountains (0:38s)
From here onwards it’s a fairly leveled terrain (with an occasional steep climb) towards the summit, with the vast Alpine Tundra and a friendly marmot on our side.
At about 3 miles into the hike, we started seeing the signs (visuals, I must add) of approaching storm (2:29s). About half a mile later, we decided to turn back. Within next 30 minutes, the weather near the summit took a 180 degree turn and we got to see the most epic view of the mount Ida summit being swallowed by the storm (2:58s).
Unfortunately, we couldn’t make it to the summit. But if you are planning to do this hike, know that the last 1.2 miles to the summit is a steep climb and requires some serious path finding skills. But when in doubt, you can simply keep climbing upwards ☺

Friendly suggestions to make your hike more enjoyable –
1. Start super early – This has twofold benefits in Colorado. First, you avoid the afternoon storms and second, you bag a parking lot closer to the trailhead. We started a bit late due to some unforeseen circumstances (9:00 AM). The parking lot was full but luckily, we got a parking spot nearby.
2. Dress in layers, carry cap, goggles – Major part of this hike is above the treeline so you are pretty much exposed to sun, wind and thunderstorms from all sides. Caps and layers would help with at least the first couple of those things.
3. Know when to turn back – Our most valuable take-away from this experience would be knowing when to turn back. I wouldn’t deny, it was painful deciding to turn back with summit within our calling distance. But I am glad to have done that, looking at the storm that engulfed the summit just 30 minutes later. Such are Colorado afternoon storms for you.
4. Carry at least 2 L (0.5 gal) water per person – it’s a 9.5-mile hike out and back, most of it over tree line.
5. Wear sturdy hiking shoes – Its not the mountains ahead that wears you out, it’s the grain of sand in your shoe. (Or inappropriate shoe in this case)
6. Leave no trace – pack in and pack out :)