Rabbit Ears Pass Trail

Rabbit Ears Peak is the pair of volcanic rock columns on the Continental Divide that Rabbit Ears Pass is named for, visible from the Yampa Valley and from most of the drive up US 40 from Kremmling. The trail to their base is an old 4WD road from the Dumont Lake area, 5 miles round trip with 1,100 feet of gain, through meadows that are among the best wildflower ground in the Steamboat area in July.

From the parking area near Dumont Lake, follow Forest Road 291 north. It is a rutted two-track that climbs through lodgepole and open meadow with the ears in view most of the way. The road is muddy in early summer and shared with ATVs and jeeps on weekends.

At about 2 miles the road steepens and turns to rock as it climbs the ridge, and at 2.5 miles it ends at a saddle at the base of the formations, around 10,650 feet. The ears themselves are crumbling volcanic breccia; people scramble partway up the shorter one, and the taller one is a loose, unprotected climb that is not worth the risk. The view from the saddle takes in the Yampa Valley, the Flat Tops, and the Zirkels. Return the same way.

From Steamboat Springs, drive 19 miles southeast on US 40 over the east summit of Rabbit Ears Pass to the Dumont Lake Campground sign and turn north on Forest Road 315. In about half a mile, Forest Road 291 leaves to the left at the old Rabbit Ears Pass monument. Passenger cars should park along the road here at about 9,550 feet; high-clearance vehicles can drive up 291 a mile or so, which shortens the hike but not the experience. No fee or permit. Dumont Lake Campground, just up the road, has toilets and water in summer.

Dogs are allowed and can be off leash under voice control on the national forest, though the ATV traffic argues for a leash on summer weekends. Kids manage the distance if they are used to walking; the grade is gentle until the last half mile. The rock at the ears is loose and has hurt people who climbed higher than the obvious ledges; stay off the tall pinnacle. There is no water on the route after the Dumont Lake area. Steamboat Springs, 30 minutes away, has every service. The Park Range page covers Fish Creek Falls and the other pass trails.