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Colorado

Prater Ridge Trail

1.1 mi

Distance

19 ft

Gain

No verdict for this trail

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What we do know

Inside Mesa Verde National Park
National Park unit boundary is mapped — agency alerts for it feed this page automatically.
Boundary data

What's missing

No access route mapped
We don't yet know which road reaches this trailhead, so we can't tell you if it's gated.

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Why you'll love it

Quick trip — under 2 mi

Loop trail

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Prater Ridge Trail

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Elevation & route

Distance: 1.1 mi
Elevation gain: 19 ft
Highest point: 8,228 ft
Lowest point: 7,726 ft

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Directions & GPX

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Permits & access

Managing agency: National Park Service

About this trail

The trail traverses Prater Ridge which divides Prater and Morefield Canyons. The South Loop offers views into Prater Canyon, named for an early pioneer family. The North Loop ascends for views into Montezuma Valley and the beautiful San Juan Mountains. Trail Description The trailhead is located on the west side of Morefield Campground. The Prater Ridge Trail contains two hiking loops. You have the option of staying right toward the North Loop or taking the South Loop for a shorter hike. The North Loop is 3.6 miles (5.7 km) and the South Loop is 2.4 miles (3.9 km). If you choose to hike both loops, the entire Prater Ridge Trail is 7.8 miles (12.6 km) Please respect these places by leaving archeological sites, artifacts, plants, and animals undisturbed for all those who follow you. Be Prepared Strenuous Pets and bicycles are not allowed on the trail Trails are day-use only For Your Safety Dehydration and altitude sickness are common problems at Mesa Verde. Drink water and rest often. Avoid hiking during the hottest part of the day. While hiking, remain on the trail to avoid walking along unfenced, unstable cliff edges and fragile soil. Off-trail walking easily destroys the delicate cryptobiotic soil crusts that take decades to form and are essential to soil stability and plant growth in the deserts of the Southwest. Even the smallest impacts have big effects! Please respect wildlife by observing them from a distance. Trail Data 7.8 miles (12.6 km) to complete North and South Loops 675 ft (206 m) elevation change Allow about four hours to complete both loops

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