Prater Ridge Trail,
Mesa Verde National Park

Located 9.1 miles from Cortez, Colorado (CO)
4 Stars
2,305 Steps 1  (1.1 mi)
Trails National Parks Mesa Verde Prater Ridge Trail

The Prater Ridge Trail is accessible from Morefield Campground. There is a steep climb to the top of the Prater Ridge Trail with views overlooking the campground. As you start your hike you will see a fork in the trail which leads to the Knife Edge Trail.

Prater Ridge Trail

At Prater Ridge, you can connect to the Prater Ridge Loop Trail. There are no toilets at this trailhead, but flushable toilets and showers are available at the General Store. This is a quiet trail that you can enjoy with little to no other human interaction.

Elevation

The Prater Ridge Trail has a maximum elevation of 8,231 ft., a minimum elevation of 7,718 ft. and an elevation range of 513 ft.

Metrics

[ A to B ] or [ B to A ]
Length 2Min Ele 3Max Ele 4Range 5
1.1 mi7,718 ft8,231 ft513 ft
[ A to B ]
Time 6Floors 7Gain 8Loss 9
28 min42.5510 ft0 ft
[ B to A ]
TimeFloorsGainLoss
22 min0.00 ft510 ft
Data Accuracy
5 Stars
Data Reliability
5 Stars

Calories

The following chart shows the total calories that you may expend on the trail while hiking in both directions. The chart is based on data derived from a statistical model of energy expenditure that relates gross weight, typical speed and trail topography.

Topo Maps

Download the PDF Prater Ridge Trail topo map and the adjoining quads to plan your hike. These are full-sheet, 7.5 Minute (1:24,000 scale) topographic maps.

Adjoining 7.5' Quadrangle Legend

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  1. Northwest Topo Map: Dolores West, CO
  2. North Topo Map: Dolores East, CO
  3. Northeast Topo Map: Millwood, CO
  4. West Topo Map: Cortez, CO
  5. Topo Map: Point Lookout, CO
  6. East Topo Map: Mancos, CO
  7. Southwest Topo Map: Wetherill Mesa, CO
  8. South Topo Map: Moccasin Mesa, CO
  9. Southeast Topo Map: Trail Canyon, CO

FAQ

What is the length of the Prater Ridge Trail?
The length of the trail is 1.1 miles (1.7 km) or 2,305 steps.

How long does it take to hike the Prater Ridge Trail?
A person in good physical health can hike the trail in 28 minutes in one direction and in 22 minutes in the opposite direction.

Warnings

Prevent tick bites: Treat clothing and gear, such as boots, pants, socks and tents with products containing 0.5% permethrin. (cdc.gov)

Knife Edge TrailPetroglyph Point TrailSpruce Tree Trail

Footnotes

  1. Steps is a unit of distance equal to the sum of stride lengths that vary with the terrain.
  2. Length is the distance of the trail between the two trailheads, measured on the trail.
  3. Min Ele is the minimum elevation on the trail.
  4. Max Ele is the maximum elevation on the trail.
  5. Range is the difference between maximum and minimum elevation.
  6. Time is the typical total time required to hike the trail.
  7. Floors is the gain divided by twelve feet, the height of one floor.
  8. Gain (cumulative elevation gain) is the sum of every gain in elevation.
  9. Loss (cumulative elevation loss) is the sum of every loss in elevation.