RMNP - Continental Divide Hike
 

In late June we are planning a back country hiking trip starting on the west end of the park near Grand Lake (East Inlet trailhead) and hiking across the Continental Divide - Boulder Grand Pass and existing at Wild Basin - east end of park.

Looking to see what conditions are generally like at the continental divide June 27th. Also looking for options in transportation from Allenpark to Grand Lake area so we can leave our rental car where we will exit and avoid having to rent two cars.

Based on lots of experience year round hiking, I’d say your odds are good regarding trail conditions. You might be stomping through some snow at higher elevations. But it should be consolidated soft, not icy. Note words like “odds”, “might”, “should”. Good judgement is always the best condition.

Been years since I’ve been over that pass, maybe 2007 & 2013 most recently, so my info is dated, but I recall a typical loose rock beaten path as the trail. Do be aware of afternoon thunderstorms in the forecast and time that day accordingly.

Sorry, don’t know of any convenient public transportation to get you from one to the other side. My experience has been go back from the starting point or have friend or family drive around. There are shuttles between Grand Lake & Denver /DIA. Maybe drive a car to Wild Basin, uber back to Denver, shuttle to Grand Lake, walk back to car?

Try calling Neptune Mountaineering in Boulder. Maybe they have better info.

It’s a beautiful trip, though lots of beetle kill and fire damage in recent years.

Good luck.

"It’s a beautiful trip, though lots of beetle kill and fire damage in recent years."

Yes, when I saw all of the dead pine forests on the west side three years ago, it depressed me.