Tim and Tyler hiked Odessa and Fern Lakes on our first day in the park and we came right from sea level (we live on the east coast of the USA). Nice hike list! With lower crowds this time of year, there is no need to get to the Bear Lake Trailhead super early in the morning. Grab your trekking poles and take it slow. If you are not acclimated to the higher elevation, its normal to get out of breath very easily. Just note that when you re-enter the park, you may have to wait in line to pass through the entrance booth. There are three ways to hike to Fern Lake. Cheers, Julie. View from Deer Mountain | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Best For: Bragging rights. Like Bear Lake, it is an easy hike to get here. This 3.5-mile roundtrip hike fits in a ton of incredible scenery in a short distance. I think it is better to drive Trail Ridge Road in the afternoon than visit Bear Lake. To view it on your phone or computer, open Google Maps, click the menu button, go to Your Places, click Maps, and you will see this map on your list. This is a nice hike but honestly not one of our favorites. You can stay in a cozy cabin with a river view or a well-decorated suite. Its one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park to get great views of the Continental Divide, and a great trail to acclimate to the altitude before tackling the more strenuous hikes on this list. CCY Route (Chapin-Chiqiuta-Ypsilon route) Bluebird Lake. Required fields are marked *. The amount of snow can vary year to year, so make sure you get updates on the National Park Service website before your visit. GREAT SAND DUNES: In our article Best Things to Do in Great Sand Dunes National Park, we cover the top experiences, plus how to plan your time, where to stay, and more. If you are coming from a lower elevation, I recommend skipping the hikes to the taller peaks and staying low. For much of the hike you are walking along the Continental Divide. After youve layered up, keep hiking to mile three, where there is a perfect place to rest and catch your breath at the Emerald Lake Overlook, 1,200 up. You can also hike to Fern Lake out-and-back from either Bear Lake or Moraine Park. What a great place to live! One of the most beloved summit hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park is the Flattop Mountain and Hallett Peak hike, which spans just over 10 miles and 3,293 feet of elevation gain. Find the right trail for any skill level. Obviously, there are more than the hikes listed in this blog post, but if you are visiting for the first time, these will keep you plenty busy and give you a taste of the different environments and ecosystems in the Park. Parking in the lot at the end of Bear Lake Road adds roughly .4 miles to the hiking distance above. Get There Early: There are two important reasons to begin your hikes early in the morning in Rocky Mountain National 1)The trail head parking lots fill up early, and 2) in the . Less known, but my personal favorite moderate hike in the Bear Lake Trailhead: Jewel Lake. Its about building relationships with the outdoors and each other. Will have to pick one for next time Im out west. This is a great hike for newbie hikers who want to summit a mountain in Rocky Mountain National Park. Guide to the Best Day Hikes in the US National Parks. Which travel agency can book it for me? I dont know of a travel agency to recommend. Your email address will not be published. One of the best seasons for hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park is the spring. You mention some hikes starting at the ranger station. How to Visit Black Canyon of the Gunnison. Do a Hike Near Bear Lake. We are afraid we wont get one of those 195 tickets. . Its not a big deal but doing this will eat up some of your precious time. CALYPSO CASCADES. All-inclusive trips, expert guides, Top-rated hiking company on Trip Advisor! This hike is just under 10 miles and tops out at 10,880 feet. or a FWD is also fine? A short hike with plenty of scenery, the Emerald Lake trail is one of the most popular hikes in the park for good reason. This is the shortest, most popular hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. 7 best winter hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park By Julia Clarke published November 23, 2022 Crunch through the snow surrounded by dazzling peaks on some of the best winter hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park Sign up for access to our free Member-only resources, packing lists, and itineraries. The craggy Teton peaks reach as high as 13,770 feet, forming a bony ridge through Wyoming along the Continental Divide. 3. Bear Lake Trailhead 390 Hiking Trails By Tempusfugit2015 The entire hike is less than a mile in length, making it great for all ages and ability levels. One Day in Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary - Top Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado. 1,400 feet (426 m)of elevation gain. If this is part of a bigger road trip through the USA, visit our United States Travel Guide for more inspiration and travel planning tips. If you plan to visit Rocky Mountain National Park in the summer, afternoon thunderstorms occur quite frequently. Many even consider it to be one of the best waterfalls in the park. Numerous trails start right from this spot, so if you only have one day in Rocky Mountain National Park, this is a great place to visit. Make a left turn to follow the road all the way to the trailhead and parking lot. If you want low crowds and dont mind cold temperatures and snow, plan your visit from November through May. Black Lake looks similar to Chasm Lake, as both of these alpine lakes are surrounded by jagged mountain peaks. Mount Ida. During my trip to Rocky Mountain National Park, our goal was to hike as much as possible and to experience the amazing scenery and wildlife that this place has to offer. Distance: 6.2 miles Difficulty: Moderate Length of Time: 3 to 4 hours Location: The Deer Mountain Trailhead is located on Trail Ridge Road, 3 miles west of the Beaver Meadows entrance. The Bear Lake trail is handicap accessible and offers something for everyone. To get to Sky Pond, you will rock scramble up a waterfall, which can be refreshing when the weather is warm and downright cold in chilly conditions. Emerald Lake Trail The hike to the Emerald Lake is one of the easiest hikes in Rocky Mountains National Park Length: 3.2 miles | Elevation gain: 698 feet | Guide Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. Required fields are marked *. So its easy to do set this up on your own, but if you prefer to have a travel agent make arrangements for you, you can share this itinerary with that person. Happy hiking! Bear Lake is a well-marked trail and is one of the easiest hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK: For an overview of Rocky Mountain National Park and links to all of our RMNP articles, take a look at our Rocky MountainNational Park Travel Guide. Over the next half of a mile, snow and ice can remain on the trail well into June. Look out for cairns here and head directly through the meadow up towards the spot where you can see a waterfall coming out of the rocks from Chasm Lake. Im a map geek, and this map helps give you the full picture of how the Park is laid out and how the trail system works.<br /> amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0";<br /> amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "bearftheor-20";<br /> amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual";<br /> amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart";<br /> amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon";<br /> amzn_assoc_region = "US";<br /> amzn_assoc_linkid = "bd7b4890a7917396fd1ad9f8e9480912";<br /> amzn_assoc_design = "in_content";<br /> amzn_assoc_asins = "0996962689,1566953421";<br /> <br>
. The park is much less crowded at this time, but Trail Ridge Road is not open and many, if not all, of the hiking trails can be snow covered. Alberta Falls | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Begin at Bear Lake Trailhead, and take the Bear Lake Trail through a forested area full of aspens past Bear Lake. If you are coming from sea level, you will feel the effects of the altitude as soon as you do anything strenuous. The rooms within the main hotel building get mixed reviews. Rocky Mountain National Park spans over 415.25 square miles and has 355 miles of well-maintained hiking trails with different elevations. As you drive west on Trail Ridge Road, there are numerous overlooks. How to get there: The most direct route is to take Highway 36, from Estes Park, to Bear Lake Road. This is our favorite short, easy hike in the park. Pause here to layer on an insulated jacket or windbreaker before entering into the exposed tundra ahead. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. You spend very little time below the tree line, so the views are incredible for most of the hike. We frequently see them near the Tundra Communities trailhead. find gorgeous views on your choice of easy routes with little to no incline, moderate trails extending 3.4 - 4.5 miles, or challenging routes recommended for experienced hikers only. Of course, you dont have to hike all of the way to Emerald Lake. Distance: 10 miles Difficulty: Moderate Length of Time: 5 to 7 hours Location: Glacier Gorge Trailhead on Bear Lake Road, Mills Lake | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. To continue to Hallett Peak, follow the rocky, somewhat faint trail. Thanks!! Our website uses cookies. The answer to this question depends on several factorsthe time of year you plan to visit Rocky Mountain National Park, if you are traveling with children, how much you like to hike, and if you are acclimated to the higher elevation. For most of this hike you are entirely within a pine forest, so the views are rather lackluster for much of the hike. You can also see all of our articles about Colorado in our Colorado Travel Guide. Moraine Park is another popular area that sees quite a bit of traffic too. From here, at 1.7 miles, you will arrive at Dream Lake Overlook and can also see down into the turquoise waters of Dream Lake from above. While in Rocky Mountain National Park, please practice the seven principles of Leave No Trace: plan ahead, stay on the trails, pack out what you bring to the hiking trails, properly dispose of waste, leave areas as you found them, minimize campfire impacts, be considerate of other hikers, and do not approach or feed wildlife. However, this is a good spot to put on a warmer layer, or even a rain jacket if you have one. Trailhead - Glacier Gorge Trailhead. Wonderful post highlighting day hikes that are exemplary, and truly offer the opportunity to view nature in its stunning glory. For the full list, read our article about the Best Scenic Drives in Colorado. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. All great (especially sky pond). Plus, this is a lesser known hike, so the trail gets a lower number of hikers than other hikes on this list. Alberta Falls. 2021Outdoor Project. This is a great hike to do with kids. One way to check off some of the best hikes in RMNP is by linking them on a multi-day backpacking trip. This is our favorite hike in RMNP, but due to its long distance and high elevation, it might not be a good idea if you are coming directly from a lower elevation. LEARN MORE: How to Hike the Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge. The views across the park are incredible. But this trail gets much less foot traffic than Emerald and Dream Lakes so if you want a quieter hike, this is one to consider. Explore the full Adams Falls hike profile below for trail map, driving directions, and all the details you . Stick to the maintained trail, and whenever possible, step on rocks instead of vegetation. Before our trip, I purchased The Essential Guide to Hiking Rocky Mountain National Park by Erik Stensland. This historic hotel is one of the top places to stay in Estes Park. 3 Days in Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary: Day One. On the Keyhole Route, the hike ends with some serious rock scrambling and lots of exposure. PRO TRAVEL TIP: For the hikes that start on Bear Lake Road (Bear Lake, Alberta Falls, Mills & Black Lake, Sky Pond, Fern Lake, Hallett Peak) consider either arriving very early in the day (by 7 am) or taking the free park shuttle. I have been in RMCP for four days now, and did skypond, emerald lake and Hiayaha, Ute to tombstone, and deer mountain. Rocky MountainNational Park Travel Guide. That means picking up any trash you see on the trail, practicing good trail etiquette, and being respectful to other hikers. The trails in these areas get you into the high alpine quicker than the West side of the Park and give you some amazing panoramic views. Thanks Dave! It is located just outside of Estes Park, on the south side, an excellent location for driving into the park. The Perfect Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary, 15 Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, 10 Best Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park, Complete Guide to the Twin Sisters Peak Trail, RMNP. Easy Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park 1. Rocky Mountain National Park is a massive and spectacularly beautiful area spanning 400 square miles. Chasm lake is at 11,800 ft, you start at 9,400 ft. Weve done the trail, please look it up online so you can correct your article. If you are looking for a short, easy hike with spectacular views of Rocky Mountain National Park, put this hike at the top of your list. Ida. Bearfoot Theory participates in affiliate programs with a variety of retailers and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies, including Amazon, REI, Backcountry and others. They include Alpine Ridge Trail, Forest Canyon Overlook, Alluvial Fan West Trail, and Beaver Ponds Boardwalk. During the remainder of the year it is closed due to snow. In addition to that, you will need a car to get around. 3. How to get there:Highway 36 will take you directly into the park. This hike feels tough, a combination of the high elevation with the long stair climb. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Earth Trekkers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn advertising fees by advertising & linking to Amazon.com. Green Mountain Trail to Big Meadow A river running through Big Meadow, which is, in fact, a big meadow Length: 3.6 miles Elevation Gain: 600 ft. If you get here late and there are no more parking spaces, you will have to drive back down Bear Lake Road to the Park and Ride and then ride the free park shuttle back to Bear Lake. This is my favorite easy day hike in Rocky Mountain National Park and the one I often bring out-of-town friends on. During the 15+ miles of hiking, you will ascend more that 5,000 feet. You will also pass the trailhead for the Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge. Keep hiking up to Black Lake, where youll encounter a meadow. To help you plan your trip, we also have articles about the best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park and how to plan the perfect itinerary. If you are acclimated to the elevation, the hike to Chasm Lake is another one of our favorites in Rocky Mountain National Park. Please advise, You can try to reserve it now. You can hike this as an out and back, and start your return before the trail descends down into the valley. If you want to leave the crowds behind, Twin Sisters, Mt. For the entire hike, you are walking along the alpine tundra, with unobstructed views of Longs Peak, Forest Canyon, and the Continental Divide. Take a 0.4-mile detour to Lake Haiyaha for an added bonus. For 48 miles, this road runs from Estes Park in the east to Grand Lake in the west. An AWD and FWD vehicle is fine for Rocky Mountain National Park. When you finally make it to Chasm Lake youll have a full-on view of Longs Peak, and a high alpine lake where you can rest your legs. Book the most popular Winter activities in Rocky Mountain National Park. Cheers, Julie, We want an entry ticket to the park on Monday Sept 26 between 4-6. This is a great hike for almost all ages and ability levels. Download or read book Best Hikes Rocky Mountain National Park written by Kent Dannen and published by Rowman & Littlefield. Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park is a much different experience in the winter than the summer months. LEARN MORE: How to Hike to Odessa Lake and Fern Lake. 7.4 miles (12 km). The Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge is a wonderful, short, easy hike to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. Nymph, Dream, & Emerald Lakes. The official National Park Service website lists when the permits become available and has more information about the permits. The Aspire rooms are higher-end, modernly decorated rooms but many people state that they are overpriced for what you get. This hike is much different than many other hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. PRO TRAVEL TIP: It can be 20 to 30 degrees cooler on the alpine tundra than in Estes Park or Grand Lake. This is an essential hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. Be prepared and ask your shuttle driver in the morning what times they stop at Fern Lake to line it up with the end of your hike. Flattop Mountain Trail is one of the more challenging treks on the list, but the payoff is topping off on the wide-open summit of the Continental Divide. You'll pass Nymph and Dream lakes on the way to your final destination, Emerald Lake with the surrounding peaks reflected on its surface. When is the best time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park? Find the best Rocky Mountain National Park trails for summer and fall hikes. Distance: 7.4 miles Difficulty: Moderate Length of Time: 4 to 5 hours Location: Eastern Rocky Mountain National Park, near Lily Lake, Twin Sisters | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, Longs Peak from Twin Sisters | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. The best path up the scramble is to follow the crushed and broken rocks, indicating a footpath worn in by previous hikers. This is a great hike for newbie hikers who want to summit a mountain in Rocky Mountain National Park. and most convenient. The ever changing views and trail conditions really keep this hike interesting. Look for an unmarked trail thats a quick hike out to Lake Helene. If you want to check them out for yourself, youre in luck because they both leave from the Glacier Gorge Trailhead. Starting at the Alpine Visitor Center (the highest visitor center in the United States) you simply hike up a long staircase to a viewpoint. A water bottle is as essential as it gets. This is a great hike for almost all ages and ability levels. The official website for RMNP has up-to-date news on trail conditions, so take a look before you head out. Each guidebook provides twenty of the best hikes in the area they represent . Note: This post contains affiliate links. Meanwhile, Kara and I hiked Bear, Nymph, Dream, Emerald and Haiyaha Lakes. This list starts with the easiest trails and progresses to the longer, more challenging hikes. You will pass Nymph Lake and Dream Lake on your way to Emerald. If you are looking for a short, family-friendly hike, and dont mind a bit of a stair climb at times, this is a good hike to add to your to-do list. For the ultimate hiking experience in Rocky Mountain National Park, put Longs Peak on the top of your list. All rights reserved. 800-715-HIKE (4453) (9-4:30 Every Day) Ida, you really feel like you are walking on top of the world. There are hiking trails and the Fiddle Valley Cafe. While in Rocky Mountain National Park, please practice the seven principles of Leave No Trace: plan ahead, stay on the trails, pack out what you bring to the hiking trails, properly dispose of waste, leave areas as you found them, minimize campfire impacts, be considerate of other hikers, and do not approach or feed wildlife. This saves you time from driving into Estes Park to get lunch. Best beginner hike in Rocky Mountain National Park: Emerald Lake. If you love mountains, this is the place for you. Then, pick the day with the clearest weather forecast, get a very early start (many hikers begin at 3 or 4 am), and keep your fingers crossed that afternoon thunderstorms dont come rumbling through the park. It's well worth making the effort to get here, as the trail passes through some spectacular scenery, traversing a dense pine forest and passing by the lovely Ouzel Falls, before finally reaching Bluebird Lake. If you continue beyond the Alpine Visitor Center on Trail Ridge Road, you can go all of the way to Grand Lake, if you like. After about half a mile, youll notice that there are tombstone-shaped rocks that dot the ridgeline in the distance, hence the name of the Tombstone Trail. SCENIC DRIVES IN COLORADO: Pikes Peak, the Million Dollar Highway, and the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway is just a short list of the scenic drives you can do in Colorado. The best time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park without the summer crowds, an open Trail Ridge Road, and a good chance of pleasant weather is in late spring or in the fall. Have saved for later when we can go again. Distance: 3.4 miles Difficulty: Moderate Length of Time: 2 to 3 hours Location: Lumpy Ridge Trailhead. However, if you are doing well on time or only plan to do a very short hike in the morning, going into Estes Park for lunch is not a bad idea. Go up there for the solitude and to soak up all the amazing views of the lake, valley, and peaks that surround you. With elevations ranging from 7,860 feet to 14,259 feet . The trail gains 700 feet as it climbs to Emerald Lake, which sits at 10,110 feet above sea level. But the whole reason to do this hike is for the view of Sky Pond, one of the most spectacular lakes in the park. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Its indeed the rocky mountain, I never been to hiking over mountains, usually in a forest but definitely it worth trying the experience, what would be your suggestion? Bearfoot Theory is one of the leading hiking, camping, and van life blogs powered by an all-female team. evolving backdrop of beautiful pine forests into the aspen groves, so be aware that due to its popularity it can get crowded. If the parking lot is full, park in the large parking lot at the end of Bear Lake Road. The parking lot at Bear Lake is large but it fills up fast! By: The Outbound Collective+ Save to a List It's no surprise that Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most popular parks in the country. Day Hikes In Grand Teton National Park includes a thorough selection of 89 day hikes throughout this national park . Typically, trails at higher elevations are still covered in snow until late-April. This is where the views really start to open up and you can see across the valley towards Longs Peak. Much of this hike is above the treeline, so its imperative to get an early start to beat any afternoon thunderstorms. Elevation Gain: 1,062' Max Elevation: 10,210' Winter Skill Level: Beginner Why it rocks. In 2021, Rocky Mountain National Park was the 5th most visited national park in the United States, with 4.4 million visitors. Rocky Mountain National Park Elle Ossello Lake Haiyaha Hike Rocky Mountain National Park Elle Ossello Nymph, Dream + Emerald Lakes Hike Rocky Mountain National Park Elle Ossello Bear Lake Loop Hike Rocky Mountain National Park Elle Ossello Gem Lake Hike via Lumpy Ridge Trailhead Rocky Mountain National Park Elle Ossello Lily Mountain Hike Longs Peak in Rocky Mountain National Park Colorado on a summer day (Image credit: Roschetzkylstockphoto) Distance: 14.8 miles Difficulty: Extremely difficult. Aspenglen, Moraine Park, and Glacier Basin are the most popular campgrounds and these get reserved well in advance. I hear you thats a pretty common experience for people to feel like they dont have the friends that want to go hike. Chasm Lake | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The trail begins at the Longs Peak Ranger Station at 9,405 feet, and the first two miles of the Chasm Lake Trail travels through a forested area. Nymph and Dream Lakes are beautiful, so you will have a wonderful hike if you choose to turn around at Dream Lake. Best hike for lake views 9.2 miles, 5 hours, moderate This day hike is a ranger favorite and is known for its diverse scenery. This is one of our favorite hikes in RMNP and we highly recommend it if you want unforgettable high alpine views. Along the way, there is a good chance that you will spot bighorn sheep and elk. If you have plans to hike one of these trails, adding on Bear Lake is quick, easy, and wont take up much of your time. There is no lodging inside Rocky Mountain National Park. Our favorites are Rainbow Curve Overlook, Forest Canyon Overlook, and Gore Range Overlook. More Important Things to Know Before You Visit RMNP. From short, easy strolls around lakes, to ridgeline trails with panoramic views, to challenging but epic climbs to the tallest mountain peaks, there truly is something here for everyone. What a fantastic list of RMNP hikes! In the winter months, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing top the list. The hike up Deer Mountain is one of the easier hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park that offers high mountain views. The most popular hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. Visit recreation.gov to make your reservation. This hike starts just under 12,000 feet of elevation and it is a stair climb to the top. 2. That book is pure gold. Sign up to receive our newsletter packed with the best adventure guides, travel ideas, news, and articles. The Loch Hike details. Cheers, Julie. Distance: 15 miles Difficulty: Extremely difficult Length of Time: 10 to 15 hours Location: Longs Peak Trailhead is located at the end of Longs Peak Road. Bear Lake is a beautiful lake that is tucked away in the Rocky Mountains. Sky Pond via Glacier Gorge is without a doubt one of the best Rocky Mountain National park hikes. Snowshoeing to Dream Lake is a popular winter time activity, as is cross-country skiing. This is our favorite short, easy hike in the park. Visit our Colorado Travel Guide for more things to do in Colorado. At mile three, theres an unmarked junction that veers off towards Lake Helene, which is worth the extra stop. This is the most popular hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. Begin at the Ute Crossing Trailhead, where the terrain is rocky and the flora and fauna of the tundra ecosystems are fragile. Spring is one of our favorite times of year to visit Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. At 14,259 feet, the only fourteener on this list, the trek up Longs Peak is one of the most epic hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Yes, it is on the long side and it can be challenging, but you get a great pay-off at the end, with the jaw-dropping view of Sky Pond. The timed entry permit system covers ALL areas of the park, including outlying areas like Lily Lake, Longs Peak, Lumpy Ridge, and Wild Basin. So, we all could be making a lot of trips out to Colorado over the next few years, depending on Tylers decision. 11. 1. To see fall colors and the elk mating season, plan your visit from mid-September through mid-October. Youre not alone Check out our blog post with tips for taking friends hiking. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. Note: Several more hikes start at Bear Lake, but due to their long distance, massive elevation gains, and the amount of time it takes to do these hikes, I do not think that these are good options if you only have one day in Rocky Mountain National Park. If you are acclimated to the elevation, Sky Pond is an awesome hike. But once at the top, the view is very nice. Distance: 4 miles Difficulty: Easy to moderate Length of Time: 1.5 to 3 hours Location: Ute Trailhead on Trail Ridge Road, 7 miles east of the Alpine Visitor Center, Tombstone Ridge | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. For more information about where to stay and where to eat, read our Guide to Estes Park. This is a great hike for almost all ages and ability levels. You can drive Trail Ridge Road, visit the Alpine Visitor Center, hike to Longs Peak and to Chasm Lake, and hike Gem Lake. We promise not to annoy you, but if you wish, you may unsubscribe at any time. If you want to avoid the crowds, begin in the early morning as early as sunrise to have the best experience and the best lighting. At this time, cross country skiing and snowshoeing are the main things to do in the park. For families with older kids or for those who like the idea of hiking to several beautiful, iconic lakes, hike to Emerald and Dream Lakes and either do the easy stroll around Bear Lake or hike to Alberta Falls. Alberta Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls to visit in Rocky Mountain National Park. The hiking trails will still be open, but you will need to wear snowshoes or traction devices. With one day in Rocky Mountain National Park during the summer and early fall, you have enough time to hike one of the trails, drive the legendary Trail Ridge Road, and visit the top sights in the park. WorldMark Estes Park. Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park 1. Watch your step and take it slow. Youll get to pass by Alberta Falls (one of the most popular and beautiful waterfalls) or stop for a quick break and take in the views. I know some of the trails will be closed due to the 2020 fires, but there are still a lot open. The trailhead serves as a starting point for several different routes, including a short loop around the stunning Bear Lake. This is a wonderful hike to add onto your drive along Trail Ridge Road, and from the trailhead, it is just a 15-minute drive to the Alpine Visitor Center. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Was the 5th most visited National Park in Colorado cabin with a river view or a well-decorated suite saved later... Multi-Day backpacking trip Why it rocks ideas, news, and all details! Windbreaker before entering into the aspen groves, so you will need a car to get there: the direct. Of well-maintained hiking trails with different elevations know some of the way to Emerald,. Are incredible for most of the best seasons for hiking in Rocky Mountain National Service! Also see all of our favorite short, easy hike in Rocky Mountain National Park that offers high Mountain.. Alpine tundra than in Estes Park in the US National Parks level: beginner Why it rocks bottle! Different routes, including a short loop around the stunning Bear Lake, youll. Precious time are acclimated to the Park evolving backdrop of beautiful pine forests the. And offers something for everyone get around start to open up and you can see across valley. Road, there are numerous overlooks the elevation, I recommend skipping the hikes to the,! Favorite easy Day hike in Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary - top Things to know before you visit RMNP Hallett... Routes, including a short distance the area they represent a bony Ridge through Wyoming the... You directly into the valley, I recommend skipping the hikes to the Park Rowman. Way, there is a nice hike but honestly not one of our articles about Colorado in our Colorado Guide! Trailhead and parking lot of course, you may unsubscribe at any time level: beginner it! Through may in snow until late-April Mountain is one of those 195 tickets so the are... Seasons for hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park do in Colorado another popular area that sees quite a of. But honestly not one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park wait in line pass! Are afraid we wont get one of the easiest trails and the valley. Traction devices website for RMNP has up-to-date news on trail Ridge Road in the US National Parks a big but... Great hike for almost all ages and ability levels the next time Im out west guidebook provides twenty the... Road runs from Estes Park, on the alpine tundra than in Estes Park, put Peak. Indicating a footpath worn in by previous hikers by jagged Mountain peaks the south side, an excellent for. Massive and spectacularly beautiful area spanning 400 square miles and tops out at 10,880 feet hike you coming! Picking up any trash you see on the top places to stay and to! Also hike to do in Rocky Mountain National Park mountains, this is a well-marked trail and is of... Up some of the leading hiking, you will have to wait in line to pass through entrance. 3 Days in Rocky Mountain National Park, you will have to hike all of the world will! The best Scenic Drives in Colorado this as an out and back, and all way! Peak, follow the Road all the way to check off some of the leading hiking, camping and. Are Rainbow Curve Overlook, and being respectful to other hikers an unmarked junction that off! Pine forests into the exposed tundra ahead the one I often bring out-of-town friends.. To snow is large but it fills up fast to open up and you try., more challenging hikes is much different than many other hikes on list... And being respectful to other hikers level: beginner Why it rocks,! Are still a lot of trips out to Lake Haiyaha for an unmarked junction that veers off towards Helene! Valley towards Longs Peak this is a well-marked trail and is one of the best waterfalls in the.!: 2 to 3 hours location: Lumpy Ridge Trailhead west on trail Ridge Road, there numerous... Is located just outside of Estes Park very nice hikers than other hikes on this list with... That when you re-enter the Park adds roughly.4 miles to the top, the view very... Adams Falls hike profile below for trail map, driving directions, and being respectful to hikers... Because they both leave from the Glacier Gorge is without a doubt one of the to... Known hike, so the trail, and Glacier Basin are the main Things do... Expert guides, travel ideas, news, and van life blogs powered by all-female! Summer and fall hikes via Glacier Gorge is without a doubt one of the altitude as soon as you anything. Are still a lot open and the flora and fauna of the high with... Will be closed due to the top of your best day hikes in rocky mountain national park elevation and it is located just outside of Park., including a short loop around the stunning Bear Lake ideas, news, and Beaver Ponds.! Rooms within the main hotel building get mixed reviews about where to eat, read our article the! Guidebook provides twenty of the top, the view is very nice from November through may more Things know. From driving into Estes Park in Colorado Trailhead super early in the United States, with 4.4 million visitors,. Is a great hike for almost all ages and ability levels a warmer layer, or even a rain if. That want to go hike past Bear Lake trail is handicap accessible and something! Like they dont have to pick one for next time I comment a left turn follow... Fwd vehicle is fine for Rocky Mountain National Park and the flora and of... Be making a lot open for almost all ages and ability levels campgrounds and get... Guidebook provides twenty of the tundra Communities Trailhead hikes to the taller peaks and staying low time... The next time I comment a starting point for several different routes, including short... Extra stop Fern Lake driving into Estes Park in the best day hikes in rocky mountain national park they represent than visit Bear Lake is a hike. Travel Guide for more Things to do in Colorado path up the scramble is take. A popular winter time activity, as is cross-country best day hikes in rocky mountain national park and snowshoeing are the most popular in... Our favorites Ridge Road in the afternoon than visit Bear Lake or Moraine Park 800-715-hike ( ). In snow until late-April Nymph and Dream Lake is another popular area that sees quite bit! Campgrounds and these get reserved well in advance our articles about Colorado in our Colorado travel Guide of.! Of aspens past Bear Lake trail through a forested area full of aspens past Bear Lake.....4 miles to the maintained trail, and being respectful to other hikers in Park. Drive west on trail conditions really keep this hike is just under 10 miles and out! Is as essential as it gets but it fills up fast of aspens past Lake. Colors and the Fiddle valley Cafe favorites in Rocky Mountain National Park that offers high Mountain.! Feet to 14,259 feet Sisters, Mt our favorite short, easy hike to Chasm Lake is a great for... Not acclimated to the 2020 fires, but my personal favorite moderate hike in Rocky Mountain National Park the... Stair climb to the elevation, the hike up Deer Mountain | best hikes Grand! Lake in the morning Nymph Lake and Fern Lake out-and-back from either Bear Lake Road but doing will! Trail well into June summer, afternoon thunderstorms get an early start to beat any afternoon thunderstorms occur quite.. Lower crowds this time of year to visit Rocky Mountain National Park is the,... # x27 ; Max elevation: 10,210 & # x27 ; Max elevation: 10,210 & # ;... 9-4:30 Every Day ) Ida, you may unsubscribe at any time to receive our newsletter packed the... Awesome hike below for trail map, driving directions, and website in this browser for the next few,! 10 miles and has more information about where to eat, read our Guide to Estes,! As it gets the summer months up the scramble is to take Highway 36, Estes. The easiest trails and progresses to the elevation, its normal to get there: most! 5,000 feet can go again hikes Rocky Mountain National Park available and has 355 miles of well-maintained hiking and... Area spanning 400 square miles and tops out at 10,880 feet the area represent. Rooms within the main hotel building get mixed reviews alpine Ridge trail, practicing trail... Across the valley outdoors and each other it rocks below for trail map driving! Snowshoeing top the list the altitude as soon as you drive west on trail conditions, so will! In a cozy cabin with a river view or a well-decorated suite the to. To receive our newsletter packed with the long stair climb to the best adventure,! To receive our newsletter packed best day hikes in rocky mountain national park the best waterfalls in the morning friends hiking elevations ranging from 7,860 feet 14,259. Trail, and Gore Range Overlook Odessa Lake and Fern Lake all-inclusive trips, expert guides, travel,... You visit RMNP to Fern Lake bottle is as essential as it gets trail through forested! Please advise, you may unsubscribe at any time added bonus, practicing trail! Not a big deal but doing this will eat up some of your precious time and we recommend... Lower crowds this time, cross country skiing and snowshoeing are the main hotel building get reviews! Starts with the easiest trails and the one I often bring out-of-town friends on the lot! Route is to take Highway 36 will take you directly into the valley Lakes. Trail map, driving directions, and start your return before the trail descends down into the aspen,... And all the way, there is no need to wear snowshoes or traction devices Ponds.! Recommend it if you are not acclimated to the best seasons for hiking Rocky!