Here is an older trip report that I forgot to post. For a big hiking payoff with a short time commitment Emerald Mountain is the hike for you. This mountain located West of Ramshorn Mtn off of hwy 66 has fantastic views of the entire Rocky Mountain National Park.   You can park in the cul-de-sac at the end of the hwy and start at the trailhead.  We hiked this the first week of March on a sunny day.

sign post on the trail-go left

It’s maybe a mile and a half hike to the summit, but very steep.  I was huffing and puffing the entire way.  I just can’t stand hiking slow so I was pretty miserable trying to catch my breath, but the reward at the summit is spectacular.

Continental Divide

Mummy Range

You pretty much have wrap around views from Twin Sisters West to the Longs Peak around to the Continental Divide and finishing with the Mummy Range.  Absolutely gorgeous.  It was pretty windy that day on the summit, but the high altitude sun warms you.  I still had several layers on, but my husband just wore a t-shirt.  Snowshoes were not needed as it was windswept except for one drift near the summit.  See you on the trails!

My husband and I on the summit