Near Scarp Ridge Trail
View of the Elk Mountains.
Near Scarp Ridge Trail
View of the Ruby Range from top of the ridge
Near Scarp Ridge Trail
Ascending trail 421.
Near Scarp Ridge Trail
Running the ridge
Near Scarp Ridge Trail
Views from top of Scarps Ridge

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Driving Directions
Hike Trail

Scarp Ridge Trail

5.0 (6 Ratings)
Ridge hiking at its finest with incredible views of the Ruby Range and Paradise Divide.
3.2
mi
Distance
934
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
ViewsWildflowers
Access Issues
If there is parking available before the lodge you can park here. If there is not any space available please park at the lake as not to block access.

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
3.25mi
Distance
934ft
Elevation Gain
816ft
Elevation Loss
25%
Max Grade
12,307ft
High Point
11,846ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
This trail starts can be accessed from a small parking area near the old Irwin Lodge via either Trail 419 or Trail 421. Start at the signed path prior to the chain gate and ascend this trail through a wildflower-covered hillside to the ridge. Take a moment to enjoy the views and follow the primitive trail east along the ridge. If you ever get lost in some of the bushes, just remember to stay high on the ridge. When you reach the Gunsight notch you can either continue to the summit of Mt. Emmons or head north down the Gunsight road to the Slate River.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
No Condition Reports
Report Conditions

Nearby Hike Routes

Mount Emmons Summit Out and Back

Classic Hike Route

Mount Emmons Summit Out and Back

Fall Colors
strenuous
9.25 mi
+3,019 ft
The Scarp Ridge Traverse

Hike Route

The Scarp Ridge Traverse

River/Creek
strenuous
10.46 mi
+1,875 ft
Scarp Ridge Out and Back

Hike Route

Scarp Ridge Out and Back

Fall Colors
strenuous
2.79 mi
+1,161 ft
Peeler Lakes Backpack

Classic Hike Route

Peeler Lakes Backpack

Birding
strenuous
15.12 mi
+3,315 ft
Blue Lake Out and Back

Classic Hike Route

Blue Lake Out and Back

Commonly Backpacked
moderate
13.3 mi
+2,135 ft
Lake Irwin Loop Trail

Hike Route

Lake Irwin Loop Trail

Lake
easy
1.65 mi
+48 ft
Contributors
Scott Krankkala