Tonahutu loop trail

For the last 3 or 4 years, I've been on a quest to hike every trail in Rocky Mountain National Park. While I've conquered quite a bit in that short time, until just recently, much of the park's harder-to-access west side had eluded me.
I'd had one long hike to Lake Verna from the East Inlet trail, and that is a spectacular hike, but otherwise, most of my hiking experience has been on the more-crowded east side.

Then Lisa and I decided to tackle the Tonahutu Loop Trail, beginning near the park's west entrance. It was 3 days/2 nights, and almost ten miles each day.

First day, we began in grassy meadows and then slowly ascended to the base of Flattop Mountain.

i love the gradual ascent into alpine country

On the second day, we huffed and puffed all the way up and then back down the summit of Flattop Mountain at 12,500'. The view from the top was awesome, but we were rushed trying to make sure we were back down to tree line before any storms might hit.

We had side hikes planned for both days once camp was set up, but we were just too tired.

Day 3 was the long hike out, and stuffing our faces with Mexican food in Estes Park once complete.

Trail PB&J

Next week we're going National Parking up in Washington state, so soon I'll have tales of Mt. Rainier, North Cascades, and Olympic National Parks to share.