Grand Ditch Trail

Grand Ditch Trail is a long-distance hiking route in northern Colorado that follows the 1890s Grand Ditch water diversion through the Never Summer Mountains inside Rocky Mountain National Park.

The route generally tracks the ditch for its length, staying relatively flat for much of the hike. The terrain is described as an old dirt service road/paralleling dirt road rather than a narrow footpath.

A common way to think about it is “ditch road” hiking for mileage—then steeper climbs on certain spurs when you leave the ditch corridor for higher country.

Long Draw Road access can be seasonal, with typical closures between December and July; peak hiking runs mid-July through October.

A practical consideration is that the area is remote, so plan on limited encounter rates and bring what you’d need for a long day or a backcountry trip.

Pet and park rules can matter on this route within park boundaries—dogs are strictly not allowed in the park area, and a standard park entry pass/fee is required.

More information: Booking, Grand Ditch Trail (from Valley View Site), Colorado River ..., Grand Ditch Trail - North Park