Backpack Alpine Terrain to Haynach Lakes

Begin at the Milner Pass Trailhead off of Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park. Commonly used to summit Mount Ida, this trailhead is often popular with summer hikers. The trail climbs steeply through the trees before revealing open slopes of tundra and fantastic panoramic views. Although not officially marked on the map, the trail does continue almost to the 12,889 foot summit of Mount Ida. After enjoying the expansive views of turquoise lakes and endless peaks, descend the saddle to the southeast and then climb the short rocky slope to the summit of Chief Cheley Peak (12,804 feet).

From here - proper navigation is key. Walk the ridge south from the summit of Chief Cheley Peak. The often frozen Highest Lake will be visible below you to your left. Despite its name, this lake is actually the second highest in Rocky Mountain National Park. Continue walking and scrambling across the ridge until you see a rocky slope below you to the southwest that is mild enough to descend. Once you descend this slope of talus and grass, continue walking south toward Haynach Lakes. Again, proper navigation and route finding is necessary. You will not see the lakes, but you will see the saddle between an unnamed peak and Nakai Peak which lies directly above the lakes.

Once at the saddle you can choose to either descend to Haynach Lakes or climb the ridge to Nakai Peak to the west. On our trip, we chose to drop our packs and quickly grab the summit of Nakai Peak (12,216 feet). The peak provides great views of the Onahu drainage, Haynach Lakes, and the route traversed to reach this point over Mount Ida and Chief Cheley to the north.

Whichever option you choose, you will descend from the saddle to Haynach Lakes before camping for the evening. Descend over steep grassy slopes to upper Haynach Lakes. Walk beside the lakes on the east side until you find a small trail heading south. Continue following this trail for approximately one mile until you see the sign indicating the Haynach campsite.

If you're interested in photography - definitely rise early to catch the sunrise at one of the lower Haynach Lakes!

Two vehicles are essential to complete this trip as the most enjoyable way to hike out from Haynach is to descend 7.3 miles on trail to the Green Mountain Trailhead. Therefore, leave a car at Milner Pass and Green Mountain if at all possible. This trip ranges from 16 to 18 miles round-trip depending on your selected off-trail route and whether or not you choose to summit Nakai Peak.