Shrine Mountain

Shrine Mountain

Shrine Mountain is a very popular family hike. The wildflowers in July are fabulous, a colorful masterpiece painted across the meadows and hills. Views from Shrine Mountain and Wingle Ridge are equally fabulous, with the Tenmile Range to the south, Gore Range to the north and east, and Mount of the Holy Cross and the Sawatch Range to the southwest. Hikers often enjoy snowball fights in July before snowbanks below the ridge finally melt. The trail to Shrine Mountain and Wingle Ridge once was known to a few people and sheepherders. Word of the colorful wildflowers and beautiful vistas made the rounds, and soon more and more people wandered along the trail. Part of the trail crosses fragile alpine wetlands and willows. Unfortunately, people trampled the area, widening the bogs, and the little single-track trail became a muddy mess. In September 2002 a weekend crew of about 175 volunteers with Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado worked on 2 miles of trail, building erosion controls to prevent further damage.

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