Near Prater Ridge Trail
View into the valley.
Near Prater Ridge Trail
Top of the initial climb.
Near Prater Ridge Trail
View from the Knife Edge Trail.
Near Prater Ridge Trail
Fall colors near high point of Prater Ridge Trail.

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Hike Route

Prater Ridge Trail

4.0 (6 Ratings)
Scenic ridge-top views of a stunning desert landscape make this trail a real treat.
7.2
mi
Distance
1,077
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
Views

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
7.24mi
Distance
1,077ft
Elevation Gain
1,077ft
Elevation Loss
30%
Max Grade
8,416ft
High Point
7,733ft
Low Point
Path Type
Loop
Description
Starting at the southern end of the Morefield Campground, the trail climbs moderately for two miles before reaching the ridgeline. Atop the ridgeline, enjoy more relaxed trail gradients as you hike through verdant desert ground cover and standing dead trees, once-scorched by forest fire. Be sure to slow down and enjoy the panoramic views available in many places along the ridgetop, as they are some of the best in the park! For a shorter hike, the Prater Ridge Trail's outer loop can be cut short via the Prater Ridge Cutoff Trail located near the center of the loop.

Route Conditions

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Contributors
Hunter R