Tundra Communities Trail

Visitors are hiking on the Tundra Communities Trail

NPS

• Distance: 1.2 miles round trip (2 m)
• Starting Elevation: 12,110 feet above sea level
• Elevation Gain: 176 feet
• Type of Trail: Out & Back

Feel like you're on top of the world! Take a hike on the Tundra Communities Trail and experience sweeping mountain views and the beauty of the alpine tundra ecosystem.

This is truly a land of extremes. Strong, frequent winds and cold temperatures help limit what plants can grow there. Most alpine plants are perennials. Many plants are dwarfed, but their few blossoms may be full-sized. The flowers you see blooming can take literal decades to build the energy to do so. Be sure to also check out the Mushroom Rocks – unique rock formations composed of gneiss and Silver Plume granite jutting out from the ground right off the trail. 

Tread Lightly: This fragile ecosystem requires care and sensitivity, Do Not walk off the trail! 

Repeated footsteps destroy tundra plants, allowing exposed soil to blow away. Recovery may take hundreds of years. Only use designated trails when exploring this unique area.

Altitude Warning: Altitude sickness affects many visitors every year. Symptoms include headache, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, vomiting, and even unconsciousness. Altitude can also aggravate pre-existing conditions like heart and lung disease. Take your time, drink water, eat, and rest. The only cure for altitude sickness is to go down to a lower altitude.

Note: Extreme weather can change the status of Trail Ridge Road at any time—be ready to adjust your travel plans if needed, and always check the weather before you start your drive.

Details

Activity

Hiking

Pets Allowed

No

Pets are prohibited on all trails, meadows and tundra in Rocky Mountain National Park. 

Activity Fee

No

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Location

Trail Ridge Road at Rock Cut

Reservations

Yes

Depending on what time of day you arrive, you might need a timed entry reservation. Reservations are required to access most areas of Rocky Mountain National Park between the hours of 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.

To learn more, visit the park's Timed Entry webpage at https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/timed-entry-permit-system.htm.

Season

Extreme weather can change the status of Trail Ridge Road at any time—be ready to adjust your travel plans if needed, and always check the weather before you start your drive.

Accessibility Information

Tundra Communities Trail is a narrow, paved trail that is 0.6 miles one-way. From the parking area at Rock Cut, hike up a number of stairs. There is a gradual incline in elevation, with a total elevation gain of 176 feet. At its highest point, the elevation is 12,286 feet above sea level.