Bettie Course: Milner Pass Hike

Want to meet other women who enjoy the outdoors?

This hike is a great opportunity to meet other women who are looking to get outside too!

The Ute Trail takes you on a journey to Milner Pass from the Alpine Visitor Center. The views from Forest Canyon Pass will take your breath away - literally! This route takes you on an adventure almost entirely above tree line. Hiking from point to point, this trail offers easy to moderate terrain that is mostly downhill. Enjoy the tundra and take your time soaking in the alpine views of Rocky Mountain National Park, then catch your ride back at the Milner Pass Trailhead.

This hike is about 4 miles with 243 ft of elevation gain and 1,254 ft of elevation loss.

The Conservancy provides transportation to and from the trailhead. Registration includes all Park fees and permits.

And we're excited to announce that thanks to a generous donation from the Hydro Flask Parks For All program, each unique Bettie course participant will receive a 40 oz. Hydro Flask water bottle to take along on future adventures! Thank you, Hydro Flask!

Who: This Bettie Course is offered to women and individuals that identify as female. Participants between the ages of 12 and 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

When: Saturday, August 3rd, from 8:00am - 1:00pm

Where: We will meet at the Estes Park Visitor Center at 500 Big Thompson Ave in downtown Estes Park, and travel together to the trailhead in Conservancy vehicles.

What to Bring:

• Our 10 Essentials for Field Courses is a good place to start!
• Bag lunch
• Warm layers (weather depending)
• Waterproof layer(s)
• Water (2 liters recommended)
• Sturdy tennis shoes or hiking boots

Questions? Contact us at [email protected].

These courses are offered through Rocky Mountain Conservancy, where scholarships are provided through the Magnificent Mountain Women Scholarship Fund. For more information about scholarships, please submit an application by completing the form here:

Please note that Bettie Courses are not eligible for member discounts. Limit one complimentary water bottle per person per season.

Bettie Courses are inspired by the life and work of Beatrice “Bettie” Willard, who was a foundational instructor at the Rocky Mountain Conservancy Field Institute. Her research on alpine tundra ecology has been instrumental to mountain ecology, and her advocacy all throughout the state of Colorado has left a legacy for all women who value land stewardship and conservation. Rocky Mountain Conservancy's Bettie Courses focus on accessible programs that introduce women and those that identify as women to the outdoors through a variety of programs and topics. Courses emphasize science, ecology, and building the outdoor skills and confidence needed to explore and defend wild places.

Host or Publisher Rocky Mountain Conservancy Education Team