Looking for a short hike at high altitude that provides amazing vistas and a lot of education at the same time? Check out Tundra Communities Trail in Rocky Mountain National Park off of Trail Ridge Road on the east side of the Alpine Center.

The round trip distance is only 1.1 miles on a paved trail that takes you up to the tundra and along some amazing rock formations.

It starts with a short, steep climb, but then evens out the rest of the way.

The trail is lined with some informational plaques that tell you all about the animals and plants in this foreign-looking landscape.

Wendy Rigby, Estes Park Trail GazetteMountain views from Tundra Communities Trail.

There are breath-taking views in every single direction.

Keep an eye out for wildlife as some hikers have noted seeing marmots, pikas, ptarmigan, elk or bighorn sheep.

Related Articles

Outdoors |

7 quintessentially Colorado experiences for your summer bucket list

Outdoors |

Visitors to Golden Gate Canyon State Park can now hike the Rocky Mountain High Trail

Outdoors |

10 of our favorite Colorado campgrounds to try this summer

Outdoors |

The resale market for used outdoor gear is booming in Colorado, online and in stores

Outdoors |

The most unusual brewing program in the U.S. began 10 years ago on a Colorado Springs hike

One of the few so-called hoodoos in Rocky Mountain National …read more

Source:: The Denver Post