Tenderfoot Lodge
	Hiking Tips

    Shrine Ridge Trail

lupine and paintbrush

The lower trail passes through wetlands and around a beaver pond. The immediate view is of the Tenmile and the Gore Ranges. A section through open woodlands shows off many subalpine wildflowers.  The trail crests the Shrine Ridge amid fields of additional, now more alpine wildflowers. Suddenly the mountain vista is in every direction -- the Gore Range, the Tenmile Range, and the Sawatch Range. The Mount of the Holy Cross is prominent to the west. Colorado's two highest peaks, Mount Elbert and Mount Massive are seen to the southwest. Precious few easy hikes anywhere can match the view from the top!

Reach the trail by exiting I-70 at the Vail Pass Rest Stop and proceeding directly onto the dirt Shrine Pass Road. The trailhead is located less than 3 miles in at an unmarked but obvious parking area. The trail descends gently at first but generally rises gradually, gaining 800' in elevation in about 2 miles of hiking.

This trail sees very heavy use (for good reason!). The Forest Service is attempting to keep trail erosion under reasonable control. Please stay off areas marked as "closed"; there is plenty see without trampling the vegetation any further. 

©2004