North Ridge

Managing agency

Rio Grande NF — Saguache RD

North Ridge is a 4.0-mile loop trail located in Colorado that gains 1,111 feet of elevation. The trail offers a moderate hiking experience suitable for those looking to gain elevation while maintaining a loop format that returns to the starting point. The route traverses terrain managed by the local agency overseeing this wilderness area. Hikers can expect consistent elevation gain distributed throughout the loop, making it a steady climb rather than steep sections concentrated in one area. The loop configuration provides a natural flow to the hike without requiring backtracking. At approximately 4 miles round trip with over 1,100 feet of elevation gain, the trail typically takes 2-3 hours to complete depending on pace and fitness level. This trail is ideal for hikers seeking a half-day outing with moderate physical demands. The combination of distance and elevation gain makes it accessible to intermediate hikers while remaining engaging enough to satisfy those with more experience.