Download Agreement, Release, and Acknowledgement of Risk:
You (the person requesting this file download) fully understand mountain climbing ("Activity") involves risks and dangers of serious bodily injury, including permanent disability, paralysis, and death ("Risks") and you fully accept and assume all such risks and all responsibility for losses, costs, and damages you incur as a result of your participation in this Activity.
You acknowledge that information in the file you have chosen to download may not be accurate and may contain errors. You agree to assume all risks when using this information and agree to release and discharge 14ers.com, 14ers Inc. and the author(s) of such information (collectively, the "Released Parties").
You hereby discharge the Released Parties from all damages, actions, claims and liabilities of any nature, specifically including, but not limited to, damages, actions, claims and liabilities arising from or related to the negligence of the Released Parties. You further agree to indemnify, hold harmless and defend 14ers.com, 14ers Inc. and each of the other Released Parties from and against any loss, damage, liability and expense, including costs and attorney fees, incurred by 14ers.com, 14ers Inc. or any of the other Released Parties as a result of you using information provided on the 14ers.com or 14ers Inc. websites.
You have read this agreement, fully understand its terms and intend it to be a complete and unconditional release of all liability to the greatest extent allowed by law and agree that if any portion of this agreement is held to be invalid the balance, notwithstanding, shall continue in full force and effect.
By clicking "OK" you agree to these terms. If you DO NOT agree, click "Cancel"...
This is an easy, but incredible hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. The hike to Ida is an easy class 1 and a fairly popular trail. Going to Chief Cheley is short addition, probably easy class 3, and definitely worth it. The hike goes down the continental divide, so you can keep going as far as you want. There's a great report on this site of somebody taking this all the way down to Bear Lake. No matter how far you go down, this is an awesome part of the park.
Trailhead
The trailhead is at Milner Pass, which is a few miles west of the alpine visitor center on Trail Ridge Road. Check the RMNP site for road conditions. When the road is open, the TH is easily accessible. From Denver, you can get there in about equal time from the Estes Park or Grand Lake side of the park.
Mt Ida
The hike to Mt Ida is along a fairly well defined trail. It gets a little faint toward the end, but you shouldn't have any problems finding your way. There are some signs saying that hikers sometimes get lost on this hike. (Of course, be sure to bring a map just in case).
Sunrise on the continental divide Awesome views of the Never Summer RangeTerrain during most of the hike View from the summit of Mt Ida Longs Peak poking out in the background. Grand Lake and Lake Granby on the right.
Chief Cheley Peak
Heading down Mt Ida is very steep, but the rock was pretty solid. It is probably considered an easy class 3 scramble. (I not particular good with the class ratings). In the picture below, just stay on the right side and head directly up the ridge.
Steep climb up to Chief Cheley Looking back at Mt Ida View from the summit of Chief Cheley Peak Giving some perspective on "Highest Lake"
Heading Back
The scramble down Chief Cheley and back up Ida was steep, but still wasn't particularly difficult. The hike back great views the entire time.
Conclusion
This hike may not have the glamour of being a 14er (or a 13er), but make no mistake: this is a really great hike. This is one of my favorites that I've done. The hike to Mt Ida is an easy (although slightly long) hike that might be a good one to take visitors on, and Chief Cheley makes for a fun addition. Like a lot of these types of hikes, this is almost entire above treeline, so be sure to start early and head back if weather is looking questionable.
Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):
I’ve done Ida before, but the weather started to build and I didn’t want
to chance going on to Chief Cheley. Looks like weather permitting it’s
well worth the effort. You got some really nice shots of the Gorge Lakes.
Well done.
Love this route....my husband and I did the Colorado Divide Traverse in July ’13. We were talking about doing Ida to Chief Cheley this summer. Glad to see you got this done, the pics are awesome. Thanks for sharing :)
Mathguy – yeah, it’s definitely worth it to head over to Chief Cheley. It doesn’t add much distance, but has really incredible views. Definitely worth another trip out there.
Barbie – thanks, it was actually your report I was referring in my summary. That was a great report and it sounds like an awesome trip. Maybe one of these days I’ll have to do the entire traverse!
I went to Cheley Camps in Estes as a kid and always wanted to do this hike since the peak is named after Frank "Chief" Cheley. Thanks for the write up; it looks like it was a great day!
Caution: The information contained in this report may not be accurate and should not be the only resource used in preparation for your climb. Failure to have the necessary experience, physical conditioning, supplies or equipment can result in injury or death. 14ers.com and the author(s) of this report provide no warranties, either express or implied, that the information provided is accurate or reliable. By using the information provided, you agree to indemnify and hold harmless 14ers.com and the report author(s) with respect to any claims and demands against them, including any attorney fees and expenses. Please read the 14ers.com Safety and Disclaimer pages for more information.
Please respect private property: 14ers.com supports the rights of private landowners to determine how and by whom their land will be used. In Colorado, it is your responsibility to determine if land is private and to obtain the appropriate permission before entering the property.
