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The Tundra Communities Trailhead at Rock Cut is the start of the Toll Memorial Trail.
It was partly cloudy when we started the hike, but we kept an eye on the clouds; the
trail is completely exposed so it's one of the worst places to be in a thunderstorm
(and afternoon thunderstorms are common).
View of the parking area from the trail
View of parking area and Trail Ridge Road from the trail
The trail is basically paved (crushed gravel) all the way to the top. There are
interpretive signs all along the trail. On either side of the trail are various types
of colorful tundra flowers. It's a gently sloping trail, and because of its length you'll
find it filled with hikers.
Elk crossing the tundra
As we started our hike, we saw an elk feeding on the grasses. It went up as we went
up, and started to accelerate as it approached the trail. Eventually it ran across
(apparently a bit skittish around people), and went down the other side of the mountain.
Rock formations halfway from the end of the trail
There's a short side trail to the right to some interesting rock formations. We passed
that trail and continued on up to the Toll Memorial, which is on some larger rocks at the
end of the trail. It's relatively easy to scramble up to the top of them, but we stayed
down below. We did scramble up a small rock to get some nice views over the side, where
a snow field plunged steeply downhill.
Rock formations at the end of the trail
Snow fields
Snow field tumbling over the edge
Looking back at the trail
Wild flowers
Wild flowers
If anyone wants to identify any of these flowers, feel free
Lichen on rocks
Green plants
Lichen on rocks
The clouds were taking over so we turned around and headed back the way we came. As we
approached the trailhead, it started to rain, and thunder followed soon after we returned to
our car. Be prepared for changing weather. Also, please note that the tundra takes
years to grow in this harsh environment, so please stay on the path (or the rocks).
Alpine Avens (Acomastylis rossii turbinata)
I believe these are Alpine Forget-Me-Not (Eritrichum aretioides)
Moss Campion (Silene acaulis subacaulescens)
Hiking back along the trail
Some sort of alpine sunflower
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