Hidden Valley "Lower T-Bar" Ascent

3.7 ( 3 )

Trail

0.6 mile 1.0 kilometer point to point
Ascent
Intermediate

Elevation

Ascent: 771' 235 m
Descent: 0' 0 m
High: 10,162' 3,097 m
Low: 9,390' 2,862 m

Grade

Avg Slope: 23% (13°)
Max Slope: 70% (35°)

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Trail shared by Jared Crockett

Avalanche risk for Jul 10, 2019: Unknown

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Popular ski lines nearby

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Ascending Juniper. Photo by Ryan Case.

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Nick finding the good stuff near the bottom of the terrain park. See that cliff to his (skier's) left? Stick close to it.

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0.5 mi 0.8 km • -1,726 ft Descent • -526.18 m Descent

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Looking up the East Couloir from the apron.

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1.2 mi 2.0 km • -1,736 ft Descent • -529.23 m Descent

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“The old Hidden Valley lift line; a bit steep on the way up!”

— Jared Crockett

Type: Backcountry or Sidecountry

Description

This ascent is within Rocky Mountain National Park. It is at the old Hidden Valley ski area, which closed in 1991. It is a ski area no more, and is now being returned to the forest. RMNP has a great warming hut and restroom facility at the base, along with ample parking. This area is very popular for the sledding hill not far from the hut.

Beyond the sledding hill is where the old ski runs used to be cut through the trees. This track follows one of the old lift lines for the most part (the "Lower T-Bar" lift). This particular ascent is quite difficult. I did it in snowshoes with a snowboard strapped to my back. It was a real workout! It will take you a fair amount of time to climb up this, especially if there is deep powder (and if you're lucky, there will be!).

Just take your time, try not to overheat, and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Take a glance back down every now and then and just imagine how you'll be blazing back down that track before long!

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Contacts

Land Manager: National Park Service - Rocky Mountain National Park

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Mar 10, 2019

Apr 8, 2018

Nov 17, 2015

Ar Knee

Trail Ratings

3.7 from 3 votes

#1

in Hidden Valley

#241

Overall

3.7 from 3 votes

5 Star		33%
4 Star		0%
3 Star		67%
2 Star		0%
1 Star		0%

Ascent Rankings

#1

in Hidden Valley

#63

in Colorado

#241

2 Views Last Month

1,236 Since Mar 13, 2015

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Photos

Ascending Juniper. Photo by Ryan Case.

Ascending Juniper. Photo by Ryan Case.

Time to switch that foot gear.

Time to switch that foot gear.

Lower T-Bar Ascent is STEEP

Lower T-Bar Ascent is STEEP

Adam heading up T-Bar

Adam heading up T-Bar

11/17/2015. conditions decent, hazards still exist. rocks, dead fall, tree tops and the such. I'd use rock skis if you have 'em. decent turns

11/17/2015. conditions decent, hazards still e…

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