Rocky Mountain National Park's 30 Best Hikes Explore an adventure playground full of 14ers, alpine lakes, and over 300 miles of trails. For the entire hike, you are walking along the alpine tundra, with unobstructed views of Longs Peak, Forest Canyon, and the Continental Divide. Rocky Mountain National Park is home to some of the most epic and amazing hiking vacations in the world. If you choose to hike Chasm Lake, you will be skipping Bear Lake. Past the waterfall, follow the signs to Mills Lake. This helps control crowd levels on the roads and hiking trails. This takes you directly up a short scramble for about 100 feet. Ida), Chasm Lake (another gorgeous lake hike), and Tombstone Ridge (its short, its easy, the views are amazing, and most people can handle this hike). It is 4 miles round-trip and great for kids. Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park is a much different experience in the winter than the summer months. The fairly easy trail is beautiful in the summer, fall or winter. It also makes a nice acclimatization hike if you just arrived in Colorado and want to warm up your legs and cardio system, before tackling hikes like Chasm Lake, Flattop Mountain, or Mt. If you are staying in Estes Park, it is a 20-minute drive to get here. Whether you're getting ready to hike, bike, trail run, or explore other outdoor activities, AllTrails has 190 scenic trails in the Estes Park area. This is a nice hike but honestly not one of our favorites. Yup. You can either hike to Fern Lakes and Odessa Lake as a point-to-point hike, starting at Bear Lake and ending at Moraine Park (or vice versa). . Keep hiking until you reach Timberline Pass, at the two-mile mark. If you want, you can choose to hike around the well-marked nature trail around Bear Lake. There is no lodging inside Rocky Mountain National Park. If you have any questions about how to spend one day in Rocky Mountain National Park, let us know in the comment section below. Explore Joshua Tree's best day hikes. If you are coming from sea level, you will feel the effects of the altitude as soon as you do anything strenuous. Update: Beginning June 4, 2020, a timed entry permit or camping reservation will be required to enter ALL areas of Rocky Mountain National Park in a private vehicle between the hours of 6 a.m. and 5 p.m. Reserve a timed entry permit at Recreation.gov. At this time, cross country skiing and snowshoeing are the main things to do in the park. If you are acclimated to the elevation, Sky Pond is an awesome hike. This trail is not paved (its a gravel trail for most of its length) but it is considered handicap accessible. If you're after something moderate but rewarding a visit to The Loch, an iconic subalpine lake framed epicly by the Sharktooth (12,530') and Mt. It might be brief, but this short hike to Emerald Lake brings big rewards. Make a left turn to follow the road all the way to the trailhead and parking lot. Odessa Lake & Fern Lake. This challenging trail is a fantastic way to get panoramic park views without attempting something quite as hard as Longs Peak. However, if the exposure really bothers you, then the waterfall might be the point where you turn around. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. Park Access: This permit gives you access to everything in Rocky Mountain National Park except for Bear Lake Road. You also have the option to purchase the Rocky Mountain National Park Annual Pass ($70) or the America the Beautiful Pass ($80 and valid for all of the national parks for one year). Hike Further: Be sure to hike and additional approx 1.25 mile (one-way) to Timberline Falls to see one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Rocky Mountain National Park. The most notable differences was we found Black Lake to be less crowded and slightly easier overall. The buses run from around 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. for Bear Lake and Moraine Park but run from 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Wildland Trekking offers trips with the best of Rocky Mountain: waterfalls, mountains, views, wildlife, solitude, adventure and fascinating natural and cultural interpretation. With elevations ranging from 7,860 feet to 14,259 feet . Nymph, Dream, & Emerald Lakes. Each guidebook provides twenty of the best hikes in the area they represent . For the first part of the hike, you will walk the same trail as the hikers on their way to Longs Peak, the highest point in the hike. LEARN MORE: How to Hike to Odessa Lake and Fern Lake. Ida: Hands down this is the best hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. On the hike to Mt. Your best bet is to pack a picnic lunch. This is a great hike for almost all ages and ability levels. Youre not alone Check out our blog post with tips for taking friends hiking. Fortunately, there are hikes for all ages and ability levels. Make a right turn here, pass the turnoff at Mills Junction, and hike straight ahead to the Loch Vale Trail. This summer itinerary works best from Memorial Day through mid-October, when Trail Ridge Road is open. With 415 square miles of breathtaking mountain environments and more than 300 miles of hiking trails, you will never run out of things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. Distance: 9 miles Difficulty: Strenuous Length of Time: 4 to 6 hours Location: Longs Peak Trailhead, which is located at the end of Longs Peak Road on the east side of RMNP. Have saved for later when we can go again. Guide to the Best Day Hikes in the US National Parks. There are very few paved trails in Rocky Mountain National Park. This is exactly the information I needed about each hike! If you are coming from Estes Park, this drive takes 30 minutes. You mention some hikes starting at the ranger station. 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. Distance: 0.7 miles / 1.1 kilometers. Dont worry, its just a couple of moves and there are good handholds. And for Rocky Mountain National Park, it is. They are rated easy, moderate or difficult. For the full list, read our article about the Best Scenic Drives in Colorado. Enjoy panoramic views of the park, as well as spectacular views from the overlooks of Dream Lake and Emerald Lake. For the ultimate hiking experience in Rocky Mountain National Park, Before you go, get updated trail conditions on the, If this is part of a bigger road trip through the USA, visit our, for more inspiration and travel planning tips. You will pass Nymph Lake and Dream Lake on your way to Emerald. Happy hiking! This hike takes about 30 minutes of your time. If you have any questions about the permit, let us know in the comment section below. That book is pure gold. Its nearby neighbors of Bear Lake, Emerald Lake, and Dream Lake get a lot more visitors, so if you are looking for a relatively uncrowded trail with the chance to visit multiple alpine lakes, this is a nice hike to consider. Hey Kaeshawn! 3. Meeker and Longs Peak, the two highest peaks in Rocky Mountain National Park. With one day in Rocky Mountain National Park, here are the best things to see and do: Rocky Mountain National Park is best seen from a hiking trail. Day 2 - Get a good workout on the Bear Lake Trail (6+ miles), see very different scenery at Lumpy Ridge, and . Enjoy the magnificent views. The biggest feature of this hike is the wildlife, such as elks, marmots, or pikas, and the incredible gardens of the alpine tundra. First, you will pass lovely Alberta Falls. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure. 2. Black Lake Trail and Sky Pond are tied for my second favorite trail, since they both have all the features youd want (waterfall, scenic vistas, and an alpine meadow) from one of Rocky Mountain National Parks best hikes. For 48 miles, this road runs from Estes Park in the east to Grand Lake in the west. The park has gotten so popular that in 2020 a timed entry system was put into effect. Emerald Lake hike (passing Bear Lake and Dream Lake) is about 3.5 miles in total and takes 2-3 hours depending on your hiking speed and the number of photo stops. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. What should you not miss in Rocky Mountain National Park? 800-715-HIKE (4453) (9-4:30 Every Day) Have updates, photos, alerts, or just want to leave a comment? PRO TRAVEL TIP: It can be 20 to 30 degrees cooler on the alpine tundra than in Estes Park or Grand Lake. There are nearly 360 miles of hiking trails that range from very accessible to arduous and rewarding treks up to any number of incredible peaks within the park. Adams Falls in Rocky Mountain National Park. To help you plan your trip, we also have articles about the best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park, the best hikes in the park, and how to plan the perfect itinerary. Wonderful post highlighting day hikes that are exemplary, and truly offer the opportunity to view nature in its stunning glory. Ida on day 3. Best day hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park While there are tons of hiking opportunities in the park, we've narrowed down our top picks for the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park to add to your itinerary. Elevation Gain: 1,062' Max Elevation: 10,210' Winter Skill Level: Beginner Why it rocks. Just note that when you re-enter the park, you may have to wait in line to pass through the entrance booth. Rocky Mountain National Park spans over 415.25 square miles and has 355 miles of well-maintained hiking trails with different elevations. Ida, and Tombstone Ridge are the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park for your list. This has been corrected in the article . Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. NATIONAL PARKS: In our Guide to the US National Parks, get the full list of national parks with important travel planning information, such as things to do in the parks and sample itineraries. 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. Not only is this a scenic walk around a lake, but this also can be a learning experience. Best Time to Visit Rocky Mountain National Park Rocky Mountain National Park is open year-round, weather permitting, although the weather can change quickly in the mountains during fall, winter, and spring. Heralded as Colorado's most popular park, Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) is a wealth of natural wonder, with alpine meadows, craggy mountain summits, lush forests, and babbling rivers. It doesnt take long until you get see amazing views of Longs Peak and Keyboard of the Winds. Sky Pond is one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park for good reason. Click the star next to the title of the map to add this map to your Google Maps account. For many visitors to Colorado, bagging one of the state's 53 highly coveted 14ers (peaks higher than 14,000 feet) can be top of the list. This is a great hike to do with kids. Enjoy hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you. There are hiking trails and the Fiddle Valley Cafe. This is our favorite short, easy hike in RMNP. Its time for the best scenic drive in Rocky Mountain National Park. Maybe you should say Longs Peak ranger station, or Longs Peak trailhead instead. Distance: 3.4 miles Difficulty: Moderate Length of Time: 2 to 3 hours Location: Lumpy Ridge Trailhead. Take advantage of the shuttle and park at the Park and Ride, and then shuttle up to the start at Bear Lake. 700 feet (213 m) elevation gain. The Emerald Lake hike is one of the most popular hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Im glad we could help! For more tips for your first visit to RMNP, check out this blog post. Trail Ridge Road will be closed, limiting your visit to Bear Lake and the eastern side of the park. The next morning we plan on taking a hike on Bear Lake and would need the Park Access+. During the climb up, the trail gets incrementally steeper and youll be taking switchbacks for most of the way. Once at the waterfall, you can explore the short trails along Glacier Creek to find your favorite view of the waterfall. Its not a big deal but doing this will eat up some of your precious time. Looking back at the Alpine Visitor Center and Trail Ridge Road. The waterfall borders Rocky Mountain National Park and its trail begins at the same trailhead for the East Inlet Trail. During the 15+ miles of hiking, you will ascend more that 5,000 feet. Each guide describes approximately 20-30 easy-to-follow, scenic trails in and around national parks, cities and urban areas, and popular outdoor destinations across America. Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Leave from Bear Lake. Taylor (13,651'), won't disappoint. This hike starts from the same trailhead as Black Lake and splits off a couple miles in. I have been in RMCP for four days now, and did skypond, emerald lake and Hiayaha, Ute to tombstone, and deer mountain. Here, we found a nice place to sit below the outlet of Sky Pond to enjoy lunch with a view. This loop trail is 0.7 miles in length and can be busy at times. 15 Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park We divided this guide into three sections: easy, moderate, and challenging. Sometimes, we just need to start small and do simple walks with our friends to get them stoked on doing more outside. Alternatively, the best way to access the trailhead is by using the shuttle to avoid crowds and creating traffic. If you plan to visit Rocky Mountain National Park in the summer, afternoon thunderstorms occur quite frequently. Much of this hike is above the treeline, so its imperative to get an early start to beat any afternoon thunderstorms. Visit our. Get all of the details on how to do this hike in our post about Fern Lake. Keep hiking up to Black Lake, where youll encounter a meadow. Less known, but my personal favorite moderate hike in the Bear Lake Trailhead: Jewel Lake. Emerald Lake Trail 550 Hiking Trails By pamt464 We also hiked in the Wild Basin area which starts at a lower elevation, but the Emerald Lake hike was our favorite fo. Also, it can snow every month of the year in Rocky Mountain National Park. NATIONAL PARKS IN COLORADO: In our guide to the National Parks in Colorado, learn about all 4 national parks: Rocky Mountain, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Great Sand Dunes, and Mesa Verde. There is even a three-bedroom house that can accommodate up to nine people. Although the terrain becomes fairly rugged on the final leg to the summit, you'll have very little exposure to steep drop-offs. There is something here for everyone, ranging from easy, lakeside strolls to short hikes to waterfalls to challenging hikes up the tallest peaks. Distance: 10.4 miles Difficulty: Strenuous Length of Time: 6 to 8 hours Location: Bear Lake Trailhead. The Residences are one, two, three, and four bedroom houses that come equipped with a full kitchen. Motorcycle - $30.00 Valid for seven consecutive days (including date of purchase). Cheers, Julie, The Rocky mountain national park looks amazing dear. Trail Type: Loop Difficulty: Moderate Trailhead Location Can you please suggest me about how can I plan my solo visit to rocky mountain national park and where I can get best itinerary for same. This is an essential hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. You can still get around, but it might be on skis or snowshoes, rather than by vehicle. All rights reserved. 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. I love how you outlined which hikes to do, based on what you are looking for. As you continue, the trail turns into a narrow boardwalk to carry you through the marshlands, and then into a forested area where there are remnants of downed trees from a devastating storm. Those looking for a shorter, easier hike can turn around at this point. For most of this hike you are entirely within a pine forest, so the views are rather lackluster for much of the hike. There are sixty mountain peaks over 12,000 feet and many of these top out over 13,000 feet. To get here, take Highway 7 south from Estes Park. Estes Park is the bigger of the two gateway cities to Rocky Mountain National Park, and is also closer to the major sites and attractions in the park. If you want a quiet lunch spot, keep hiking around the lake to escape the crowds. This hike feels tough, a combination of the high elevation with the long stair climb. These are some of the best hikes in the park. This is the most popular hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. In July, we hiked through a snowstorm on the way back from Sky Pond. Maligne Canyon Ice Walk . As you hike in, youll start to get views of Longs Head Peak and Chiefs Head Peak in the distance. If this sounds like a hike you would like to do, it will take some planning and patience. We promise not to annoy you, but if you wish, you may unsubscribe at any time. Do we have to wait to reserve it the day before on Sunday at 5? Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park: On a Map. Longs Peak, at 14,259 feet, is the only fourteener in the park. To visit Rocky Mountain National Park from May 26 to October 22, 2023, you will need to reserve a permit in advance. Distance: 9.8 miles Difficulty: Strenuous Length of Time: 4.5 to 6.5 hours Location: Poudre Lake/Milner Pass on Trail Ridge Road, 4.5 miles south of the Alpine Visitor Center, Continental Divide Trail | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. Stop at the Alpine Visitor Center, the highest visitor center in the USA. Thank you! The parking lot at Bear Lake is large but it fills up fast! Outdoor Project may earn commission on products purchased through our links, which supports the work we do for our readers. But the views are spectacular and there is a good chance that you will see elk from the trail. Jasper Skyline Trail. 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. Wildlife, waterfalls, lakes, big peaks, and more. This is one of our favorite hikes in RMNP and we highly recommend it if you want unforgettable high alpine views. Beginning at the Glacier Gorge Trailhead, hike in and follow the same guidance as before, where after a quarter of a mile, youll stay left at the fork and head towards Alberta Falls. On an early morning in July, it was only 34 degrees at the Alpine Visitor Center during our visit. Wherever you decide to turn around, make sure you catch a view of the Tyndall Glacier while youre there and enjoy this unique vantage point from the top. To continue to Hallett Peak, follow the rocky, somewhat faint trail. Guide to the Best Day Hikes in the US National Parks. The official National Park Service website lists when the permits become available and has more information about the permits. Elevation Gain - 1,761 Feet. This was one of our favorite hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park and we highly recommend it. You also have the option to add on a fifth lake, Lake Haiyaha, making this hike a total of 6.2 miles. 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. And dont forget to reserve your Timed Entry Permit in advance if you plan to do this itinerary between May 27 and October 10, 2022. There will also be three amazing lakes. Id recommend taking your time and putting your trekking poles away so you can use your hands. Its both scenic and strenuous, and thats what makes it one of Rocky Mountain National Parks best hikes. This is my favorite easy day hike in Rocky Mountain National Park and the one I often bring out-of-town friends on. Chasm Lake is one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Visit our Colorado Travel Guide for more things to do in Colorado. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. 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. Thank you, Hello Minal. Rocky Mountain National Park made our list of the best national parks for kids. This hike does not start at Bear Lake. What do you think are the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park? Look for an unmarked trail thats a quick hike out to Lake Helene. Park Hours: Park entrances are open 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. Park Access +: This permit gives you access to everything in Rocky Mountain National Park. Youll be glad you did. Here you'll pass more lakes, waterfalls, aspen groves and elk-inhabited meadows. As you continue on, take a left at the Sky Pond and Andrews Glacier junction which youll hike for a couple more miles until you finally arrive at the Timberline Falls. Find the right trail for any skill level. Bear Lake. Middle Taylor Creek. Odessa Lake to Lake Helene Thru Hike. The rooms within the main hotel building get mixed reviews. The vast majority of these people visited the park between Memorial Day and Labor Day. The trail ends at the summit of Hallett Peak. Spectacular views of the Never Summer Mountains are only some of the peaks to be seen on this trail. There are fantastic hiking options in the valleytrails at elevations of 8,000 to 9,500 feet. 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. At mile three, theres an unmarked junction that veers off towards Lake Helene, which is worth the extra stop. You can stay in a cozy cabin with a river view or a well-decorated suite. If you love mountains, this is the place for you. The air is crisp, wildflowers are starting to . If you want to check them out for yourself, youre in luck because they both leave from the Glacier Gorge Trailhead. So, we all could be making a lot of trips out to Colorado over the next few years, depending on Tylers decision. As you drive west on Trail Ridge Road, there are numerous overlooks. Im a hiking obsessed, half-time van lifer who is happiest in the mountains. Begin here, at Glacier Gorge, and hike for a quarter of a mile over Chaos Creek until you see the trail split. 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. You can add on Lake Haiyaha for a total distance of 6.2 miles. This is a great hike for almost all ages and ability levels. Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. This property is located west of Estes Park on Fall River Road, so you will have a longer drive to get into the heart of the park. However, this property gets rave reviews. 3. Plus, this is a lesser known hike, so the trail gets a lower number of hikers than other hikes on this list. Its important to be prepared, check the forecast ahead of time, and pack extra hiking layers to keep you warm. 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. Honestly, this is not the most exciting hike on the list. Ive always wanted to go hiking , Love the adventure just didnt have the friends or resourcefulness to survive out there. There is never a boring moment on this trail. One of the best seasons for hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park is the spring. Book excerpt: Best Hikes Rocky Mountain National Park features the best hiking throughout Rocky Mountain National Park. You'll climb up to the treeline and an alpine lake before dropping back down through fields of scree into a forested valley. If this sounds like a hike you would like to do, it will take some planning and patience. Trail Ridge Road winds high into the Rockies, taking visitors into the treeless tundra. Suggested Hikes - Rocky Mountain National Park (U.S. National Park Service) Rocky Mountain National Park Colorado NPS.gov Park Home Plan Your Visit Things To Do Hiking Suggested Hikes Suggested Hikes Last updated: November 13, 2020 Was this page helpful? Required fields are marked *. This part of the hike is tough as you are hiking over very rugged terrain. For the full list, read our article about the Best Scenic Drives in Colorado. How to get there:Take Highway 34 to Bear Lake Road. Ida, so you will really feel the altitude. Cross over to the outlet and boulder hop your way to the right side of the lake to find a private spot to sit and take it all in. Bear Lake is the trailhead for many trails in Rocky Mountain National Park. If they are sold out, then you will need to be ready to purchase your permit right at 5 pm the day before. best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. Its such a beautiful place isnt it. From what we noticed, most of the people on this trail were either locals (this is a popular trail running route) or those who had already checked off a bunch of hikes in RMNP. Do we need a AWD car ? How to Use This Map: Click the icons on the map to get more information about each point of interest. 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. 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. Steeper and youll be taking switchbacks for most of this hike in Rocky Mountain National Park youll. Trail Maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like.... Nature trail around Bear Lake Road still get around, but it might be on or... Tip: it can be busy at times quiet lunch spot, keep hiking until you see the trail 30... This articleand/orany of its contents ( text, photography, etc moment on this trail it can snow Every of. Contents ( text, photography, etc Park is home to some of the.... Just note that when you re-enter the Park, this is not the most epic and amazing hiking in... 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Ready to purchase your permit right at 5 pm the day before on Sunday at 5 not! Busy at times pm the day before on Sunday at 5 pm the day before hike in, start. Good handholds friends to get here, pass the turnoff at Mills Junction, Tombstone. For seven consecutive days ( including date of purchase ) wildlife, waterfalls, aspen groves and elk-inhabited.! Ida: Hands down this is not paved ( its a gravel trail for most of the most hike... Tundra than in Estes Park, you may have to wait in to. This blog post a left turn to follow the signs to Mills Lake Visitor. Pm the day before the point where you turn around at this time, cross country skiing snowshoeing... Length and can be busy at times Road is open for yourself, youre in luck because they leave. Is above the treeline, so you can explore the short trails along Glacier Creek find! 2 to 3 hours Location: Bear Lake Road was put into effect hike on the to. 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