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


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Map Key

0.6

Miles

1.0

KM

Ascent

10,162' 3,097 m

High

9,390' 2,862 m

Low

771' 235 m

Up

0' 0 m

Down

23%

Avg Slope (13°)

70%

Max Slope (35°)
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!

Contacts

Shared By:

Jared Crockett

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 4 votes

#164

Overall
  4.0 from 4 votes
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Ascent Rankings

#39

in Colorado

#164

Overall
41 Views Last Month
2,263 Since Mar 13, 2015
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

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Photos

Ascending Juniper. Photo by Ryan Case.
May 2, 2017 near Estes Park, CO
Time to switch that foot gear.
Mar 13, 2015 near Estes Park, CO
View from the Parking Lot
May 30, 2022 near Estes Park, CO
Lower T-Bar Ascent is STEEP
Jun 19, 2018 near Estes Park, CO
Looking up, halfway down.
Dec 5, 2022 near Estes Park, CO
Adam heading up T-Bar
Jun 19, 2018 near Estes Park, CO

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