Rocky Mountain National Park
Overview
from left to right, Mt Meeker (13,911), Longs Peak (14,259), Mt. Lady Washington (13,281). Looking West from Hwy 7 just south of Estes Park.
This mountain may not seem to impressive at first glance. But don't be fooled. It's a wonderful mountain.
It is nothing more than a tundra walk to the base, then a long boulder hopping scramble to the summit. From the top, there are unmatched views of the Diamond of Longs Peak. Everytime I rise over the crest of the summit, this view takes my breath away. The Diamond is HUGE, and makes you feel so tiny.
Not only do you have great views of the Diamond, but the views to the East, of the high plains, are great as well.
This is a pretty heavily climbed mountain, but a lot of people climb it on the way to other peaks, such as Storm Peak, and Longs Peak. This is one of the mountains included in the infamous "Grand Slam" (Meeker, Longs, Pagoda, Storm, and Lady Washington).
Round trip: 11 miles
Elevation gain: 3,881ft.
To get to the trailhead, drive south on highway 7 from Estes Park (north on 7 from Nederland) to the "Longs Peak Area" of Rocky Mountain National Park. Park at the trail head, and follow the trail toward Longs Peak. Once you hit treeline, Lady Washington is easily visible as the mountain immediately northeast (to the right) of the Diamond of Longs Peak. Very easy to find.
There is little red tape here. Although in the National Park, you do not have to pass through an entrance station, so having a pass is not neccessary. Although the 'responsible and ethical' outdoorsman in us all should probably have a pass, I have never needed one to use this trailhead.
If you plan on doing a long hike in a day, and want an early start, make sure you don't park in the lot before midnight. For this you will need a permit. The Rangers understand that a lot of people arrive at this trailhead very early, and tolerate parking from midnight and on with no overnight permit.
If you plan on camping in the area, you will need to contact the Backcountry Office at 970-586-1242. Fees for camping vary, depending on the season, and the number in your party. A parking pass will only be required when parking overnight. A pass is included in the price of you backcountry camping permit.
Fees for admission.
Basic Rules/Regulations
This mountain can be climbed any time of the year. It is obviously more difficult in the Winter. Crampons and/or an ax are not needed. Snowshoes would help.
Camping is allowed in this area of the Park. There are a few campsites in the area. Call 970-586-1242 to make reservations. Fees will vary depending on season and the number in your party. These will ALL be STOVES ONLY campsites.
Backcountry Camping Info.
More Info. and maps of designated Backcountry Sites.
Here is the form to request a backcountry permit:
Backcountry Campsite Request Form
To get the most accurate conditions on this mountain, it would be best to call Rocky Mountain National Park directly. 970-586-1206.
It is nothing more than a tundra walk to the base, then a long boulder hopping scramble to the summit. From the top, there are unmatched views of the Diamond of Longs Peak. Everytime I rise over the crest of the summit, this view takes my breath away. The Diamond is HUGE, and makes you feel so tiny.
Not only do you have great views of the Diamond, but the views to the East, of the high plains, are great as well.
This is a pretty heavily climbed mountain, but a lot of people climb it on the way to other peaks, such as Storm Peak, and Longs Peak. This is one of the mountains included in the infamous "Grand Slam" (Meeker, Longs, Pagoda, Storm, and Lady Washington).
Round trip: 11 miles
Elevation gain: 3,881ft.
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Getting There
To get to the trailhead, drive south on highway 7 from Estes Park (north on 7 from Nederland) to the "Longs Peak Area" of Rocky Mountain National Park. Park at the trail head, and follow the trail toward Longs Peak. Once you hit treeline, Lady Washington is easily visible as the mountain immediately northeast (to the right) of the Diamond of Longs Peak. Very easy to find.
 |  |  |  |
Red Tape
There is little red tape here. Although in the National Park, you do not have to pass through an entrance station, so having a pass is not neccessary. Although the 'responsible and ethical' outdoorsman in us all should probably have a pass, I have never needed one to use this trailhead.
If you plan on doing a long hike in a day, and want an early start, make sure you don't park in the lot before midnight. For this you will need a permit. The Rangers understand that a lot of people arrive at this trailhead very early, and tolerate parking from midnight and on with no overnight permit.
If you plan on camping in the area, you will need to contact the Backcountry Office at 970-586-1242. Fees for camping vary, depending on the season, and the number in your party. A parking pass will only be required when parking overnight. A pass is included in the price of you backcountry camping permit.
Fees for admission.
Basic Rules/Regulations
When To Climb
This mountain can be climbed any time of the year. It is obviously more difficult in the Winter. Crampons and/or an ax are not needed. Snowshoes would help.
 |
Camping
Camping is allowed in this area of the Park. There are a few campsites in the area. Call 970-586-1242 to make reservations. Fees will vary depending on season and the number in your party. These will ALL be STOVES ONLY campsites.
Backcountry Camping Info.
More Info. and maps of designated Backcountry Sites.
Here is the form to request a backcountry permit:
Backcountry Campsite Request Form
Mountain Conditions
To get the most accurate conditions on this mountain, it would be best to call Rocky Mountain National Park directly. 970-586-1206.
