Milner Pass Continental Divide
Stand on the Continental Divide at Milner Pass, surrounded by expansive tundra and breathtaking mountain vistas. A high-altitude marvel.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat crowds & see wildlife
Milner Pass Continental Divide
Best Time
Beat crowds & see wildlife
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Stand on the Continental Divide at Milner Pass, surrounded by expansive tundra and breathtaking mountain vistas. A high-altitude marvel.
"It is very cool to stand on the continental divide. The water from the lakes on either side flow in different directions."
🚗 Drive Trail Ridge Road
This scenic drive offers incredible tundra views and access to Milner Pass.
🥾 Hike to Mt. Ida
Challenging but rewarding hike with abundant wildlife and summit views.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Continental Divide Sign
Milner Pass
Stand on the iconic Continental Divide and feel the significance of this natural boundary. A must-have photo op!
Poudre Lake
Adjacent to Milner Pass
A picturesque alpine lake offering stunning reflections and a peaceful spot to pause.
Alpine Visitor Center
Short drive from Milner Pass
The highest visitor center in the US, offering panoramic tundra views and educational exhibits.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything on Trail Ridge Road
Altitude and Weather Preparedness
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive Trail Ridge Road
This scenic drive offers incredible tundra views and access to Milner Pass.
🥾 Hike to Mt. Ida
Challenging but rewarding hike with abundant wildlife and summit views.
📸 Continental Divide Photo
Don't miss the iconic sign for a classic photo op!
🧥 Pack Layers
Weather changes fast at this altitude. Be prepared for sun, wind, and rain.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive Trail Ridge Road
This scenic drive offers incredible tundra views and access to Milner Pass.
🥾 Hike to Mt. Ida
Challenging but rewarding hike with abundant wildlife and summit views.
📸 Continental Divide Photo
Don't miss the iconic sign for a classic photo op!
🧥 Pack Layers
Weather changes fast at this altitude. Be prepared for sun, wind, and rain.
🦌 Wildlife Spotting
Keep an eye out for elk, moose, marmots, and pikas, especially in the early morning.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Milner Pass for its stunning alpine scenery and the unique experience of standing on the Continental Divide. The accessibility of Poudre Lake and the potential for wildlife sightings are major draws. Some note that it's a pass, not a summit, and can be crowded, but the overall beauty and significance of the location are highly valued.
"My boyfriend and I have done Rocky Mountain National Park twice now and have started at Milner Pass twice as well. You start at The Continental Divide which is 10,759ft.
At Milner Pass, you hike along Poudre Lake which is gorgeous and follows alongside the main road too.
Then after some immediate elevation gain and a lot of UP, you'll come to a crossroad where you either decide to turn right to go to Mt.Ida (which we've done and definitely recommend! 25th tallest mountain in RMNP, 2,338ft elevationgain, about 9.6 miles round trip and a TON of wildlife, moose, elk, marmots, pika)
OR
you take a left at the sign and can get to the Alpine Visitor Center, or one other trail (see photos because I know someone added one of the sign). We went to the Alpine Visitor Center, tallest visitor center in the United States! About 9 miles round trip, 1315ft elevation gain. It was early July and still had a little bit of snow (basically ice).
I would label this as moderate not difficult. Beautiful view from the alpine ridge!!!"
Kim LocalFi
"A very enjoyable hike. Starts steep but evens out and then you have great views of all sorts of stuff both in the RMNP and outside of it. It's a fairly easy hike up to the Alpine Visitors Center."
Charles Lamb
"Interesting spot. Coming from Estes Park this was our turn-around spot on 34. There is a lake and little hike area. Required picture by the Continental Divide sign."
Szymon Machajewski
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Milner Pass is located on Trail Ridge Road (US Highway 34) within Rocky Mountain National Park. You can access Trail Ridge Road from Estes Park on the east side or Grand Lake on the west side.
No, Trail Ridge Road is a seasonal road, typically open from late May to mid-October, weather permitting. Always check the park's official website for current road status.
Yes, most of the year, Rocky Mountain National Park requires a timed entry permit in addition to your park pass. However, if you enter before 9 AM or after 3 PM, you may not need a permit for certain areas. +1 Some accommodations outside the park may offer access without a timed entry.
Yes, the Bustang bus service offers affordable rides to Rocky Mountain National Park from Denver, which can be a great alternative to driving and dealing with parking.
Parking is available at Milner Pass, but it can fill up quickly, especially during peak season. Arriving early is highly recommended.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Rocky Mountain National Park has an entrance fee per vehicle. An America the Beautiful Pass covers entry to national parks.
Milner Pass is within Rocky Mountain National Park, so your park entrance fee or pass covers access. No separate ticket is required for the pass itself.
Milner Pass is accessible whenever Trail Ridge Road is open. The Alpine Visitor Center has specific operating hours, usually from late May through mid-October.
During peak times, a timed entry reservation is generally required for Rocky Mountain National Park. However, if you enter before 9 AM or after 3 PM, you might bypass this requirement for certain areas. +1
Various passes are available, including the America the Beautiful Pass, which grants access to all national parks for a year. Senior and military passes are also options.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
At Milner Pass, you can stand on the Continental Divide, admire Poudre Lake, and take short walks. Hiking trails like the one to Mt. Ida or the Alpine Visitor Center start nearby.
You have a good chance of spotting elk, moose, marmots, and pikas in the tundra areas around Milner Pass, especially in the early morning or late afternoon.
The Continental Divide sign and Poudre Lake are easily accessible from the parking area. Some short, paved paths are available, but longer hikes involve elevation gain.
Expect expansive tundra landscapes, panoramic valley views, and the striking presence of Poudre Lake. The views are breathtaking and characteristic of the high Rockies. 
Restroom facilities are typically available at the Milner Pass area and the nearby Alpine Visitor Center.
📸 📸 Photography
The Continental Divide sign, Poudre Lake with its reflections, and the vast tundra landscapes are prime photography locations. Capture the dramatic mountain backdrops.
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. This is also when wildlife is most active.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive tundra and mountain vistas. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife photography.
Drone usage is restricted in all national parks, including Rocky Mountain National Park. Check NPS regulations for specific rules.
Photographing the Continental Divide itself, where water flows to different oceans, is a unique experience. Also, capturing the stark beauty of the alpine tundra is a highlight.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep in mind the high altitude; ensure children stay hydrated and watch for signs of altitude sickness. Shorter, flatter sections of trails near the pass can be manageable for younger children, but always assess their stamina. Wildlife spotting is a huge hit with kids, so encourage them to look for marmots and elk.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts
Consider exploring longer trails that branch off from the main routes, such as those leading to Black Lake or Chasm Lake, for a more immersive wilderness experience.
🚗 Scenic Drivers
Numerous overlooks along Trail Ridge Road provide opportunities to pull over, stretch your legs, and soak in the breathtaking scenery. The drive is best enjoyed at a leisurely pace, allowing ample time for stops and short walks. Be aware of the road's seasonal closure and potential for traffic congestion during peak times.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Trail Ridge Road
Driving Trail Ridge Road provides access to numerous pull-offs, overlooks, and trailheads, including Milner Pass. The scenery transforms from montane forests to alpine tundra, offering dramatic vistas at every turn. Wildlife sightings are common, especially elk and marmots, particularly in the early morning and late afternoon.
Key points to remember when driving Trail Ridge Road include adhering to speed limits, being mindful of other drivers and cyclists, and respecting wildlife by maintaining a safe distance. Pull over at designated areas to enjoy the views and take photos. The road itself is an attraction, offering a unique perspective on the park's diverse ecosystems.
Wildlife Encounters at Milner Pass
Beyond the larger mammals, keep an eye out for smaller, equally fascinating creatures. Marmots are commonly seen basking on rocks, and pikas, small, energetic mammals, can be heard and seen darting among the talus slopes. Birdwatchers will also find opportunities to spot various alpine species. Remember to always maintain a safe and respectful distance from all wildlife, never feed them, and stay on designated trails to minimize disturbance to their habitat.
Several trails originating near Milner Pass, such as the hike towards Mt. Ida, offer excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. The open tundra provides fewer places for animals to hide, increasing your chances of a memorable encounter.
Hiking Opportunities from Milner Pass
Another popular option is the trail leading to the Alpine Visitor Center. This hike is generally considered moderate, with a steady climb that rewards hikers with stunning views of the surrounding alpine landscape. The visitor center itself is the highest in the U.S. National Park System and offers educational exhibits and breathtaking vistas.
For a more immersive alpine lake experience, consider trails that lead to destinations like Black Lake or Chasm Lake, though these are longer and more strenuous hikes that may require starting from different trailheads. Regardless of your chosen trail, always be prepared for changing weather conditions, carry plenty of water, and practice Leave No Trace principles.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit