West Ridge Trail, wow, what a hike! At the top of Loveland Pass. I thought I’d seen the best views before from high alpine hikes but not like this.

Think you need pine trees for an exciting Colorado hike? Well, no you really don’t. This hike is exhilarating.

 

USA hikes, best hikes in America, Loveland Pass hiking trails, Hikes near Keystone, hiking trails, Loveland Lakes, top of Loveland Pass, Colorado mountain passes, Summit County,

Note: Many of the links are affiliate links which means I receive a very small commission (at no added cost to you) 

 

TRAILHEAD

At the top of Loveland Pass is a pull-off area for parking, you can’t miss it. Across the street is a set of stairs … don’t be intimidated! They are steep but you can do it and it’s worth it. 

This is West Ridge Trail (I did not see a trail sign) but this was it.

 

Corado Hikes, West Ridge Trail, hiking trails, Loveland Pass, Loveland Lakes, Dillon hikes, Best hikes in Colorado,

 

At the top of the stairs, it gets steeper again but for a short uphill climb then levels off to an amazing hike that is easy going. 

 

 

Loveland Pass, hikes on Loveland Pass, Loveland Lakes, USA hikes, Dillon Colorado hikes, hiking, hiking trails, where to take visitors in Colorado, best day hikes,

 

SUMMIT

Just at the summit we found most turned around after taking in the views but we continued on the trail going across the ridge top.

 

 

 

Colorado hikes, West Ridge Trail, Loveland Pass hiking trails. day hikes near Dillon, Top of Loveland Pass, Keystone Hikes, Arapahoe Basin, backcountry snowboard in Colorado, Best trails in Colorado

 

Views of Keystone Ski Resort and then beyond to Breckenridge Ski Resort on our left were thrilling.

 

Loveland Pass, Colorado, West Ridge Trail, Colorado hikes

 

Views down the valley on our right were impressive, amazing, breathtaking … simply incredible. Hiking across the ridge top was an easy flat trail.

A trail you want to be prepared for with appropriate hiking gear. At high altitudes, dehydration plus fickle weather is always something to consider.

CLICK HERE> for a look at Practical gear that we love at Crazy About Colorado and have in our backpacks on every hike

 

West Ridge Trail, Colorado hikes, Loveland Pass, hiking Loveland Pass, Where to hike in Colorado, best hikes in Colorado, hikes near Denver, Dillon hikes, Keystone, Summit County hikes,

 

WINDY

But the wind was at times terrifying! Big gusts that seemed to take you right off the ground. However, we did stay rooted and keep ongoing…

 

Bring extra outdoor gear, even in summer. I actually put on my down coat, the wind was chilly.


 

Loveland Pass, Colorado hikes, West Ridge Trail

 

At the very end of the trail, we came upon this rocky area which at first we almost skipped. DON’T SKIP IT! Gotta see the other side…


 

 

West Ridge Trail, Loveland Ski Area, Loveland Pass, hiking trails, Colorado hikes, Best hikes in Summit County, Keystone, A Basin Ski Resort, Where to hike in Colorado

 

Views of the Loveland Ski Area are on the other side of the rocks. You can see the chairlifts and upper buildings. I was so excited looking down on the Loveland Ski area which holds some of my most precious memories. 

One of my favorite hikes of the season. Come on a clear day and I encourage you to go past the summit and take in all West Ridge Trail has to offer.

Even first-time hikers … West Ridge Trail can be done!

Be mindful of the high altitude on this trail if new to Colorado or visiting. Would not recommend if not acclimated to areas above 10,000 ft. 

 

Watch for ever changing Colorado weather above tree line. Comes in fast and furious at times. Head back down quickly at the earliest signs of rain, lightning, sleet, or snow. 

ADD this to your day! Loveland Lakes Trail, it’s just down the road and an easy hike around 3 alpine lakes.

LOCATED

Top of Loveland Pass, Colorado

TIDBITS

Rated: Moderate

2.8 miles out and back

Elevation: 11,990 ft

No restrooms

No trees

Dog friendly

Nearest Town: Dillon CO or Georgetown CO

TRAILS NEARBY

Herman Gulch Trail, Bakerville, CO

Mayflower Gulch, Summit County, CO

Native Lake Trail. Leadville, CO

Booth Lake Trail, Vail, CO

 

Drop a comment below for any questions. Share your adventures with me. I’d love to hear from you, HAPPY TRAILS…

Connect with me on Instagram! I enjoy hanging out there and leaving tidbits of trails I’ve hiked in Colorado. Follow me and say hi – send me a message! Follow other hikers and be inspired!

HAPPY TRAILS…

Note: Many of the links are affiliate links which means I receive a very small commission (at no added cost to you)

 

West Ridge Trail, Loveland Pass hikes, hikes on Loveland Pass, Hiking trails in Colorado, Alpine hikes, Colorado’s best hikes, Colorado hikes, hiking, trails, family friendly trails, What to do on Loveland Pass, Keystone day hikes, Things to do near Summit County, moderate hikes in Colorado. Loveland Pass hiking trails. Hikes above tree line, Best trails in Colorado

 

West Ridge Trail, Loveland Pass hikes, hikes on Loveland Pass, Hiking trails in Colorado, Alpine hikes, Colorado’s best hikes, Colorado hikes, hiking, trails, family friendly trails, What to do on Loveland Pass, Keystone day hikes, Things to do near Summit County, moderate hikes in Colorado. Loveland Pass hiking trails. Hikes above tree line, Best trails in Colorado
West Ridge Trail, Loveland Pass hikes, hikes on Loveland Pass, Hiking trails in Colorado, Alpine hikes, Colorado’s best hikes, Colorado hikes, hiking, trails, family friendly trails, What to do on Loveland Pass, Keystone day hikes, Things to do near Summit County, moderate hikes in Colorado. Loveland Pass hiking trails. Hikes above tree line, Best trails in Colorado

 

West Ridge Trail, Loveland Pass hikes, hikes on Loveland Pass, Hiking trails in Colorado, Alpine hikes, Colorado’s best hikes, Colorado hikes, hiking, trails, family friendly trails, What to do on Loveland Pass, Keystone day hikes, Things to do near Summit County, moderate hikes in Colorado. Loveland Pass hiking trails. Hikes above tree line, Best trails in Colorado
West Ridge Trail, Loveland Pass hikes, hikes on Loveland Pass, Hiking trails in Colorado, Alpine hikes, Colorado’s best hikes, Colorado hikes, hiking, trails, family friendly trails, What to do on Loveland Pass, Keystone day hikes, Things to do near Summit County, moderate hikes in Colorado. Loveland Pass hiking trails. Hikes above tree line, Best trails in Colorado