Colorado · Hiking

Rocky Fork

21.5 mi
round trip
3,342 ft
climb
10,920 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Jun–Aug
best months

Is Rocky Fork 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.

Rocky Fork is a hard out-and-back hike of about 21.5 miles on the Sopris Ranger District of the White River National Forest in Colorado. The route climbs from a low of about 7,578 feet to a high of about 10,920 feet, a gain of roughly 3,342 feet one way. The trail is on natural surface and is open to both horses and bikes. The Forest Service manages the land, and the Rocky Fork Trailhead parking area serves as the trail's starting point. The trail is open year-round. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station run to highs around 73°F in July, with July and August bringing the most wet days. That station sits about 1,200 feet lower than the trail's high point, so temperatures on the route run cooler. Ruedi Marina Campground and Little Mattie Campground are both within about 3 miles, and the Ruedi Overlook and Red Canyon hikes sit close by as well.

Go with a guide

  • Best time to go · Jun–Aug

    Best time to visit Rocky Fork

    Best months: June–August. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      31° / 3°

      8 wet

    2. Feb

      33° / 3°

      8 wet

    3. Mar

      39° / 9°

      8 wet

    4. Apr

      44° / 18°

      8 wet

    5. May

      55° / 27°

      9 wet

    6. Jun

      68° / 34°

      9 wet

    7. Jul

      73° / 39°

      12 wet

    8. Aug

      70° / 38°

      12 wet

    9. Sep

      62° / 31°

      8 wet

    10. Oct

      51° / 23°

      6 wet

    11. Nov

      39° / 14°

      7 wet

    12. Dec

      31° / 6°

      7 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Sugarloaf Rsvr, CO, 23.9 mi away at 9,738 ft. The station sits about 1,200 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.