RMNP CDT Loop « Thread Started on Sept 17, 2011, 5:16pm »
The RMNP CDT Loop (Rocky Mtn Nat Park Continental Divide Trail Loop) is a 24.3-mile loop on the less crowded southwest side of the park just north of the town of Grand Lake. The loop begins and ends at the North Inlet Trailhead (8,525’), which is accessible by 2WD vehicles. The route spends approximately 6 miles above treeline and tops out at tundra-covered Ptarmigan Point (12,363). Much of the route below treeline is shaded by pines, spruce & fir and contains ample water sources that make for short water carries. An icy cold soak in Tonahutu Creek is a welcome treat to any runner having just completed the loop!
From the trailhead, the trail heads east 6.7 miles on the North Inlet Trail and gradually increases in elevation to the junction with Lake Nanita Trail (9,725’). From this point the trail climbs 2,600’ over 4.6 miles to the junction with the Flattop Mountain Trail. At this junction, the trail heads west on the Tonahutu Creek Trail 3.8 miles across tundra and descends over technical trail to the Timberline camping area (10,600’). Another 4.2 miles of shaded trail will take you to the junction with a north-heading trail to the Onahu camping area (9,450’). From this point you head south remaining on the Tonahutu Creek Trail bordering scenic Big Meadows 5.0 miles back to the North Inlet Trailhead.
In 2006 I hiked the 3,100-mile Continental Divide Trail from Canada to Mexico but skipped the RMNP CDT loop (as most thru-hikers do). I’ve been looking for an opportunity to do the loop ever since and training for an upcoming 50-miler seemed as good a reason as any. I ran the loop CCW on September 11th, 2011 starting at 7:30 AM at the North Inlet Trailhead. I used a Nathan #020 pack with a Sawyer Inline Filter, in addition to enough sports beans & Stinger waffles to get me around the loop. It took me 6 hrs 31 mins to complete the circuit and the altitude was definitely a factor for this Denver resident! Someone living at elevation that ran the uphills on this loop could likely knock 2+ hours off my time. I just want to get this loop up on the boards for those of you scenery junkies looking for a nice scenic loop with ample water sources. Frankly I’m a bit surprised this loop hasn’t already been posted. I’ll also mention that you don’t have to pay any fees or need any permits to access the North Inlet Trailhead and do the loop so long as you don’t camp overnight.
I ran this loop yesterday. I started at the North Inlet trailhead, ran up the North Inlet to the junction with Flattop. I tagged Flattop. Then down the Tonahutu trail and back to the car at North Inlet. It took me 5 hours and 37 minutes. You can go faster if you don't take photos and enjoy the views . I ran solo, carrying a UD blaze hip belt and two water bottles. Fun loop!
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. I ran solo, carrying a UD blaze hip belt and two water bottles. Fun loop!