Colorado · Hiking · Eagles Nest Wilderness

Moniger Trail

6.8 mi
round trip
1,222 ft
climb
9,875 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Jun–Sep
best months

Is Moniger Trail open right now?

Alert in the area

The Forest Service lists 6 alerts for White River National Forest.

As of · Source: USFS · White River National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Moniger Trail is a 6.8-mile out-and-back hike in Colorado's Eagles Nest Wilderness, part of the Holy Cross Ranger District of the White River National Forest. The trail climbs from a low point of 8,373 feet to a high of 9,875 feet, with a total elevation gain of 1,222 feet. The Forest Service manages the land, and the route is rated hard. The trail is on natural surface and allows horses, but not bikes. Parking is at a site named Moniger, and the trail is open year-round. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Vail, which sits about 1,600 feet lower, show July highs around 77°F with lows near 42°F. At the trail's higher end, expect cooler temperatures. Meadow Creek is about 1.3 miles away and Rock Creek Park about 1.9 miles. The Piney River, a canoeing route, is about 2.2 miles off, and Piney Designated Dispersed Site offers camping about 3.7 miles away.

Go with a guide