Description: Located along one of the highest points along Trail Ridge Road, the Tundra Communities trail is a short, informative and beautiful hike all in one. At the bottom of the trail, you’ll find a bathroom, the primary reason why most people stop here. Unfortunately, they hurriedly brush on and don’t take the time to explore the trail. A wide graveled path takes you from the parking lot up a short incline before leveling off. All along this short, half mile hike are boards explaining the complex alpine tundra and constantly telling you to stay on the trail. I can’t begin to say how many times a read the sign saying “Your foot-prints can damage the tundra for up to five years,” but upon reading up it becomes evident why. Although seemingly barren, the ecosystem at 12,000+ feet is very complex. The plants, rising only an inch above the ground do so in order to protect themselves from the high winds and as a result, grow up to five feet into the ground instead. The process of plant’s formation takes approximately five years, and when you simply place your foot on them, the plant dies, the soil is exposed, and the plant may never fertilize there again. Pressing on, the path follows on up the path until you reach two massive boulders. Cautiously climb up them to find one of the most spectacular views in the park. There are no trees to block your views, so every where you look, as far as they eyes can see, the magnificent Rocky Mountains. On top on of the boulders is a unique hidden gem, a massive compass. Although not a compass, it’s a large iron disk bolted on like a mini-table, pointing to locations around the world. For example, it points in one direction say the Statue of Liberty is … miles away. Or so many miles to the Sydney Opera house. An amusing little find all adding to the experience. I hiked this trail at noon on a Sunday of a beautiful day in August. This means that the park should be at its full capacity, and was probably the worst time to be there, by means of dealing with the crowds. However, there were very few people on the trail and most of all it was isolated and peaceful. From here, there is a perfect 360 degree view of the mountains, completely unobstructed by trees, the hum of a car engine but most of all people. Only a half a mile, informative, and easy hike with such proximity to the Trail Ridge Road, this is a hike that should not be missed by anyone traveling to the park.
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