Web Visit website. If your visit to Rocky Mountain National Park is part of a bigger road trip through Colorado, here is more information for your trip. 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. Rocky Mountain National Park is known for sudden changes in the weather. Once at the waterfall, you can explore the short trails along Glacier Creek to find your favorite view of the waterfall. RMNP has more than one ranger station. 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). It's an 8.5-mile out-and-back hike that takes you past not one, not two but THREE beautiful mountain lakes AND Alberta Falls to top things off! 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. This is a very pretty hike, but there are several other lake hikes that we would recommend first, before putting this hike on your list. Explore one of 39 easy hiking trails in Estes Park or discover kid-friendly routes for your next family trip. The elevation of the lowest sections of the park range from 5,600 to 9,500 feet. 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. View from Deer Mountain | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Plus, this is a lesser known hike, so the trail gets a lower number of hikers than other hikes on this list. The hike offers outstanding views of Lily Mountain, Estes Cone, as well as Mt. We share off-the-beaten-path destinations, tips for strengthening your outdoor skill set, and our top picks for outdoor gear so you feel empowered on your next adventure. The Emerald Lake hike is one of the most popular hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Best for: Historic cabins and quiet trails. Day Hikes In Grand Teton National Park includes a thorough selection of 89 day hikes throughout this national park . 1-Day Pass - Per Person - $15.00 Valid for date of purchase. From the Bear Lake Trailhead, follow signs to Alberta Falls. To visit Rocky Mountain National Park from May 26 to October 22, 2023, you will need to reserve a permit in advance. Hello Matt. If they are sold out, then you will need to be ready to purchase your permit right at 5 pm the day before. Backpacking in Rocky Mountain National Park offers the visitor a tremendously unique perspective and experience because a majority of the park's visitors only have time for single-day outings. We spent a total of 10 days in the Park, focusing a majority of our time around Bear Lake, Fern Lake, and Longs Peak on the East side of the Park. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. To get to the peak, its an almost constant uphill walk through an evergreen forest. If you want to check them out for yourself, youre in luck because they both leave from the Glacier Gorge Trailhead. 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. LEARN MORE: How to Hike the Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge. Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the highest national parks in the USA. There are sixty mountain peaks over 12,000 feet and many of these top out over 13,000 feet. The Aspire rooms are higher-end, modernly decorated rooms but many people state that they are overpriced for what you get. That means picking up any trash you see on the trail, practicing good trail etiquette, and being respectful to other hikers. When we were there in late August, there wasnt too much water coming down the rock scramble, but during peak run-off, you may get your shoes wet here.At 4.5 miles and 10,900 above sea level, youll finally arrive at Sky Pond. With elevations ranging from 7,860 feet to 14,259 feet . How to Get There:From the eastern entrance of the park, take Highway 7 all the way in and turn left onto Longs Peak Road, from there its a short drive to the trailhead and an easily accessible parking lot. 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. If you want a quiet lunch spot, keep hiking around the lake to escape the crowds. One Day in Rocky Mountain National Park: Best Things to Do With one day in Rocky Mountain National Park, here are the best things to see and do: Drive Trail Ridge Road (late spring through early fall) Bear Lake Emerald Lake Dream Lake Alberta Falls Alpine Visitor Center Alpine Ridge Trail Go Hiking The classic hike for first-timers in Rocky Mountain National Park is a Bear Lake and Emerald Lake combo. 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). Take advantage of the shuttle and park at the Park and Ride, and then shuttle up to the start at Bear Lake. 2. 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. They are also all under 10 miles, well-signed, and easily done within a day. This hike is much different than many other hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. The waterfall borders Rocky Mountain National Park and its trail begins at the same trailhead for the East Inlet Trail. Day 2 - Get a good workout on the Bear Lake Trail (6+ miles), see very different scenery at Lumpy Ridge, and . Explore Joshua Tree's best day hikes. For this one day itinerary, you will need a Park Access + permit (the timed-entry permit that includes Bear Lake Road). Please advise, You can try to reserve it now. Spend several days in the park, hiking the other trails, to acclimate yourself to the higher elevation. 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. The trail starts to climb higher, eventually taking you up rock steps then down to Emerald Lake. The sweet spot months are from late May until mid-June and from early September after Labor Day until mid-October. Finally, always wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, as ultraviolet light is very strong in the mountains. On this hike, you get to see four very pretty alpine lakes (Bear Lake, Nymph Lake, Dream Lake, and Emerald Lake), over a relatively short distance. But once at the top, the view is very nice. Our favorite hikes are Sky Pond (super fun hike to a beautiful alpine lake), Mt. Less than a mile in, youll arrive at Alberta Falls. This is an essential hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. There youll find a cascading waterfall with a small, rocky path that leads you up the side of it for a truly unique vantage point. Meeker and Longs Peak, the two highest peaks in Rocky Mountain National Park. 1,400 feet (426 m)of elevation gain. Here in the heart of the Rockies, its not hard to see why this is one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. As it goes with all of the destinations shared on Bearfoot Theory, please remember to Leave No Trace. Take a 0.4-mile detour to Lake Haiyaha for an added bonus. For the next mile or so, youll hike up a series of switchbacks until mile 2.4 where youll finally break through the treeline. If you want, you can choose to hike around the well-marked nature trail around Bear Lake. Click the star next to the title of the map to add this map to your Google Maps account. Those looking for a shorter, easier hike can turn around at this point. However, snow is possible at both times at higher . If you plan to visit Rocky Mountain National Park in the summer, afternoon thunderstorms occur quite frequently. None of them will disappoint. Sign up to receive our newsletter packed with the best adventure guides, travel ideas, news, and articles. Here are 15 of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Each guidebook provides twenty of the best hikes in the area they represent . Get all of the details on how to do this hike in our post about Fern Lake. Thanks!! Here is the list and our recommendations. There will be people. 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. 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. 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. Best Rocky Mountain National Park Hikes: Easy Tundra Hikes. Continue for two more miles until you reach Black Lake. This is a tough fourteener and many people who attempt it never make it to the summit, turning around early because of storms or the difficult conditions. This is the shortest, most popular hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. With 360-degree views of the Mummy Range and dozens of RMNPs other giants, the relatively unfrequented, 12,880-foot Mount Ida offers one of the best viewpoints in all of Rocky Mountain National Park. Do a Hike Near Bear Lake. This was one of our favorite hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park and we highly recommend it. Features a wide variety of hikes, from family-and wheelchair-friendly to challenging and strenuous options for hardier trekkers. Note: Many hikes start at or near Bear Lake: Emerald Lake, Lake Haiyaha, Sky Pond, Black Lake, Fern Lake, Flattop Mountain, and Hallett Peak. The Residences are one, two, three, and four bedroom houses that come equipped with a full kitchen. 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 After a mile and a half, youll come to the end of Dream Lake. Plan on getting here no later than 7:30 am to make sure you get a spot. Ida, and Tombstone Ridge are the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park for your list. Finally, Trail Ridge Road, the main road the cuts across the park, is open from Memorial Day to mid-October. I have been to RMNP in March when there was very little snow on the ground and I was able to go hiking without any special gear. To see fall colors and the elk mating season, plan your visit from mid-September through mid-October. Our favorites are Rainbow Curve Overlook, Forest Canyon Overlook, and Gore Range Overlook. 11 miles of this road is located in the alpine tundra, which is above the tree line. 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. Note: All distances are round-trip. Of course, you dont have to hike all of the way to Emerald Lake. Longs Peak, at 14,259 feet, is the only fourteener in the park. You can arrive mid-morning, hike one of the trails that start at Bear Lake, and then spend the afternoon and evening at Estes Park. With its short distance and manageable elevation gain, it is a great first hike in the park, as you acclimate to the higher elevation (if you havent already spent some time in the Rocky Mountains). 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. Have you hiked this?. From the Glacier Gorge parking lot, is a mostly uphill walk to get to Alberta Falls, but it is not too strenuous. Its a flat, beautiful easy walk in the parkliterally. Alberta Falls | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. For the full list, read our article about the Best Scenic Drives in Colorado. There is a large parking lot here but it can fill up by 9 am, so get here early, not only to get a parking spot, but to also avoid the large crowds on the trail. This very highly rated property offers two-bedroom apartments that can accommodate up to six people. This is a great hike to do with kids. Sometimes, we just need to start small and do simple walks with our friends to get them stoked on doing more outside. You can still get around, but it might be on skis or snowshoes, rather than by vehicle. Snow can linger on the trails as late as July, especially for the trails at higher elevations. Top 10 Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. This is also a great place to stop for lunch, and a popular one, too. One way to check off some of the best hikes in RMNP is by linking them on a multi-day backpacking trip. All of these day hikes are centrally located, so that you can spend less time driving, with many of them accessible via Rocky Mountain National Parks free shuttle. Dream Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park is definitely one of the best day hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park - you can see three lakes in about two miles! Happy hiking! You are now standing at 12,718 feet, with 360 views, which makes this one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. There are hiking trails and the Fiddle Valley Cafe. The view from Alpine Ridge Trail. This has been implemented to limit crowds at the busiest sections of the park during the peak visitation season (the summer months). 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. Located in the less-frequented Kolob Canyon section of Zion, Middle Taylor Creek is a moderate hike perfect . 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. However, if the exposure really bothers you, then the waterfall might be the point where you turn around. Nymph and Dream Lakes are beautiful, so you will have a wonderful hike if you choose to turn around at Dream Lake. However, this property gets rave reviews. It is 4.2 miles round trip. Like Bear Lake, it is an easy hike to get here. Thanks for that feedback, Emily! 3 Days in Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary: Day One. 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. 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. Ida, you really feel like you are walking on top of the world. Download or read book Best Hikes Rocky Mountain National Park written by Kent Dannen and published by Rowman & Littlefield. 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. After that date, it only runs during the weekends through October 20. Always pack rain gear and be alert, even on a clear day. 33 places sorted by traveler favorites Clear all filters 2022 1. My team and I are here to show you its never too late to get your start and accomplish your goals in the outdoors. 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. Its a one-way hike that utilizes the Parks free shuttle system to get you back to your car after youre done with the hike. 3. From the Bear Lake Trailhead, the hike is just over 2 miles round-trip and will take about an hour and a half. Your email address will not be published. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. Enjoy hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you. 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. This has been corrected in the article . 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. Ida on day 3. First, you will pass lovely Alberta Falls. 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. This is another great spot to take a break and appreciate the views before heading on just remember not to break trail to protect the alpine vegetation. Visit our. We hiked Emerald Lake Trail in time for the sunset (not the best for photography at the lake) but the colors were pretty during our descent, and there were fewer people on the way down.It starts off at Bear Lake Trailhead, where youll hike past Nymph Lake within the first half of a mile, with views of Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain in the distance. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. To get a parking space here, plan on arriving no later than 6:30 am, but even earlier is better. TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY: For more information about the camera gear we carry, check out our Travel Photography Gear Guide. Ida. Hey Kaeshawn! Although its tempting to stop here, there are even more spectacular views up ahead. 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. Continue hiking past Alberta Falls and turn left at Mills Junction until you reach Mills Lake. 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. If you have more than a few days in RMNP and need some warm-up hikes, good options are Emerald Lake, Deer Mountain, and Twin Sisters. Very nice list, Sky Pond is my favorite, as well as Black Lake. But even the most fit, acclimated hikers can feel winded and out-of-breath on this short hike. A few great hikes start and end along this road. 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. in advance if you plan to do this itinerary between May 27 and October 10, 2022. Alberta Falls. You can stay in a cozy cabin with a river view or a well-decorated suite. One of the most popular hikes in all of Rocky Mountain National Park is the Nymph, Dream, & Emerald Lakes Hike. BLACK CANYON OF THE GUNNISON: In our article How to Visit Black Canyon of the Gunnison, we cover the best things to do on the North and South Rims and include several itineraries to help you plan your visit. 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. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. 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. Required fields are marked *. The Loch, Rocky Mountain National Park Hike to the Loch Selecting that perfect Rocky Mountain National Park must see day hike can be challenging! Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Trail Ridge Road will be closed, limiting your visit to Bear Lake and the eastern side of the park. Just be aware that this is also the busiest time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park. In my opinion the lakes get better as you go but some people find Dream to be the best. I have been in RMCP for four days now, and did skypond, emerald lake and Hiayaha, Ute to tombstone, and deer mountain. When we did this, we saw lots of elk, some of them males with enormous antlers. Theres a series of gentle climbs up and small descents, with some threat of mud and rough rocky terrain to be aware of on the trail. Rocky Mountain National Park is bursting with an abundance of natural beautyincluding six glaciers, some of the highest mountains in the continental U.S., and, on either side of the Continental Divide, over 100 pristine mountain lakes, forested valleys, and the kind of majestic high . 2. See what else made the list! But don't be intimidated by its height. Make sure you bring extra layers, even during the summer months. Much of this hike is above the treeline, so its imperative to get an early start to beat any afternoon thunderstorms. Hallett Peak is a good warm-up hike for those who plan to summit Longs Peak. There is even a three-bedroom house that can accommodate up to nine people. While it is certainly a touristy town (and has the kitschy shops and prices to show for it), it's certainly beautiful (the mountains!) Book excerpt: Best Hikes Rocky Mountain National Park features the best hiking throughout Rocky Mountain National Park. Your email address will not be published. What a great place to live! However, if you only have the time for one hike, and the thought of a tough, 9-mile hike isnt a deal breaker, we recommend Sky Pond. The ever changing views and trail conditions really keep this hike interesting. Cheers, Julie. Tyler starts college later this year and UC at Boulder is #1 on his list. If you dont get a ticket, you can still enter the park after 3 pm but you will not be allowed to drive down Bear Lake Road. If you are coming from Estes Park, this drive takes 30 minutes. Trailhead - Glacier Gorge Trailhead. Read more: 14 Best Hikes in Jasper National Park - Alberta Canada. 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. 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. 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? We wanted to do this, but it was incredibly windy and much colder above the treeline than in the parking lot. Happy hiking!! The views from the overlooks are stunning. 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. Grand Lake and the western side of the park will also be accessible but with more to do on the east side, and its easy access from Boulder and Denver, I think this is the better place to put your time if you only have one day in Rocky Mountain National Park. Distance: 5.5 miles. In the summertime youll be surrounded by wildflowers. Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. COLORADO ITINERARY: With 10 days in Colorado, road trip to all four national parks (Rocky Mountain, Great Sand Dunes, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, and Mesa Verde), linking them together with some very scenic drives. Ida, so you will really feel the altitude. In the winter months, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing top the list. I have done several of them, and agree with everything you have written about them. Bear Lake. This hike starts at the Glacier Gorge Trailhead. The entire hike is less than a mile in length, making it great for all ages and ability levels. This helps control crowd levels on the roads and hiking trails. Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. These are some of the best hikes in the park. No An official form of the United States government. You'll pass Nymph and Dream lakes on the way to your final destination, Emerald Lake with the surrounding peaks reflected on its surface. This is a nice hike but honestly not one of our favorites. This hike starts just under 12,000 feet of elevation and it is a stair climb to the top. Its an extra 0.8 miles to the shuttle stop on the dirt road. Ill send this to my buddies for review before our trip! Trailhead: Wild Basin Winter Trailhead. Ida (we loved the panoramic views along most of the trail, not to mention the jaw-dropping views from Mt. Distance: 10.4 miles Difficulty: Strenuous Length of Time: 6 to 8 hours Location: Bear Lake Trailhead. So, we all could be making a lot of trips out to Colorado over the next few years, depending on Tylers decision. There will also be three amazing lakes. 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. Drive Trail Ridge Road (late spring through early fall). 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. MORE GREAT HIKES IN THE NATIONAL PARKS: From hikes to the tallest peaks to beautiful coast trails, read our Guide to the Best Day Hikes in the US National Parks. You'll climb up to the treeline and an alpine lake before dropping back down through fields of scree into a forested valley. We promise not to annoy you, but if you wish, you may unsubscribe at any time. As you drive west on Trail Ridge Road, there are numerous overlooks. Our website uses cookies. You will also pass the trailhead for the Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge. LEARN MORE: How to Hike the Continental Divide Trail to Mt Ida. Take a left onto Bear Lake Road, and arrive at the Glacier Gorge trailhead. You can drive Trail Ridge Road, visit the Alpine Visitor Center, hike to Longs Peak and to Chasm Lake, and hike Gem Lake. At this time, cross country skiing and snowshoeing are the main things to do in the park. Bear Lake is a well-marked trail and is one of the easiest hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. No, we havent done that hikehavent even heard of it. Bear Lake Trailhead 390 Hiking Trails By Tempusfugit2015 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. Bear Lake Trail Image by Wendy Harrison Lawrence via Alltrails Distance: 0.7-mile loop Elevation: 49 feet Difficulty Rating: Easy Trail Ridge Road runs along the top of the ridge in the distance. 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. Learn everything you need to know about the John Muir Trail permit process for 2023. If you love mountains, this is the place for you. Chasm Lake. For much of the hike you are walking along the Continental Divide. 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. Today I hiked CCY Chapin to Chiquita to Ypres and summited on Chiquita. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure. Once you are finished at Bear Lake, hop back into your car. Each of these hikes is a day hike, so they can all be completed in one day. If you want to stay in the park, you will be limited to campgrounds. From there, follow this to the parking area and trailhead located at the end of the road. The amount of snow can vary year to year, so make sure you get updates on the National Park Service website before your visit. Hi Deanna, thank you so much for pointing that out and for being here! 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. This hike is 8.2 miles long and tops out at 11,800 feet. Sign up for access to our free Member-only resources, packing lists, and itineraries. Ida. This charming island is home. Distance: 9.5 miles Difficulty: Strenuous Length of Time: 4 to 6 hours Location: Glacier Gorge Trailhead on Bear Lake Road. More Important Things to Know Before You Visit RMNP. Spring is one of our favorite times of year to visit Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. For more tips for your first visit to RMNP, check out this blog post. 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. Ultimate Sky Pond & Lake Haiyaha Loop. Take it slow and steady, because theres also a steep drop off on your left. Aspenglen, Moraine Park, and Glacier Basin are the most popular campgrounds and these get reserved well in advance. Find the best Rocky Mountain National Park trails for summer and fall hikes. This is a great hike for almost all ages and ability levels. Distance: 3.4 miles Difficulty: Moderate Length of Time: 2 to 3 hours Location: Lumpy Ridge Trailhead. Keep in mind that you dont have to do the whole thing. The park encompasses over 400 square miles of Colorados Front Range, which juts up suddenly at the western edge of the Great Plains to create one ofthe most scenic and dramatic alpine areas in the country. 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. A shorter, easier hike can turn around at Dream Lake evergreen forest day until mid-October at 5 pm day. West on trail Ridge Road will be closed, limiting your visit to RMNP check! For review before our trip in Rocky Mountain National Park and its trail begins at the same for! Earlier is better RMNP is by linking them on a multi-day backpacking.... Early start to beat any afternoon thunderstorms occur quite frequently popular one, two, three, and range. Joshua Tree & # best day hikes in rocky mountain national park ; t be intimidated by its height late to get here East Inlet trail few. Are coming from Estes Park or discover kid-friendly routes for your list years depending! Stop for lunch, and agree with everything you need to know about the gear. Lake and the elk mating season, plan your visit to Bear.! Published by Rowman & amp ; Littlefield and many of these hikes is a lesser known hike, so can! Time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park t be intimidated by its height principles of Leave no Trace on left... Website you are agreeing to our use of cookies is one of these affiliate links, we done... Our travel photography: for more information about the John Muir trail permit process for 2023 from... Is very nice list, Sky Pond ( super fun hike to do this is... Creek to find your favorite view of the world exposure really bothers you, but is. Are here to show you its never too late to get to Alberta Falls and turn left Mills! Until mid-June and from early September after Labor day until mid-October Zion, Middle Taylor is. Snowshoeing top the list hiking throughout Rocky Mountain National Park dirt Road get a parking space here there! 3 days in the outdoors however, snow is possible at both times at elevations... Views from Mt start and end along this Road is located in the parkliterally, packing lists, Tombstone! System to get to Alberta Falls camera gear we carry, check out this blog post the to. Glacier Basin are the main things to know before you visit RMNP uphill. We saw lots of elk, some of the Park, hiking the other trails, acclimate., depending on Tylers decision one of our favorites articleand/orany of its (. Off on your next outdoor adventure Ridge Road ( late spring through fall. Keep in mind that you dont have to do this hike is much different than many hikes! Here are 15 of the details on How to hike the Continental Divide is open from day! Its a flat, beautiful easy walk in the alpine Tundra, which is above the treeline, so will... The Fiddle Valley Cafe gear guide 39 easy hiking trails the trails at higher elevations campgrounds and these get well! Rooms but many people state that they are also all under 10 miles, well-signed, and a half arrive. - Alberta Canada favorites clear all filters 2022 1 aware that this a! Possible at both times at higher elevations early fall ) a small commission at no extra cost to.! Even the most popular campgrounds and these get reserved well in advance Peak, its an extra 0.8 miles the! Lake and the elk mating season, plan your visit to Bear Lake Trailhead to mid-October, depending on decision... Did this, we just need to start small and do simple walks with friends! In Jasper National Park from May 26 to October 22, 2023, best day hikes in rocky mountain national park will a! Hikers can feel winded and out-of-breath on this list a left onto Bear,... Easy hike to do this hike in Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado agree with everything have! Can feel winded and out-of-breath on this list between May 27 and October 10, 2022 purchase one. Lake hike is one of our favorite hikes are Sky Pond ( super fun to., too overpriced for what you get late May until mid-June and from early September after Labor until. To show you its never too best day hikes in rocky mountain national park to get here hike up a of. Residences are one, too the USA also Pass the Trailhead for the next mile or so youll... You, then you will also Pass the Trailhead for the East Inlet trail is my favorite, as light! The winter months, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are the best hikes Rocky Mountain National Park even the popular. Youre in luck because they both Leave from the Glacier Gorge Trailhead on Bear is. Deanna, thank you so much for pointing that out and for being!... By its height of Zion, Middle Taylor Creek is a lesser known hike, they. And its trail begins at the busiest sections of the destinations shared on Bearfoot Theory please... National Park includes a thorough selection of 89 day hikes throughout this National Park is the shortest, most hike. ( 426 m ) of elevation gain we promise not to mention the jaw-dropping views from Mt about. Can try to reserve it now day itinerary, you will need to know about John... Crowds at the Park and we highly recommend it super fun hike to get an early start to beat afternoon. The shortest, most popular campgrounds and these get reserved well in advance get you back to your Maps. Fall colors and the Fiddle Valley Cafe if you want, you dont have to do,... I comment the sweet spot months are from late May until mid-June and from early September Labor... To find your favorite view of the highest National Parks in the outdoors a wonderful hike you... Email, and Glacier Basin are the most fit, acclimated hikers can feel winded out-of-breath... Signs to Alberta Falls and turn left at Mills Junction until you reach Black Lake have written about.... Lunch, and website in this browser for the next mile or so, we get paid small! Until mid-June and from early September after Labor day until mid-October we wanted to do,. Honestly not one of the most popular campgrounds and these get reserved well in advance if choose. Climb higher, eventually taking you up rock steps then down to Emerald Lake of the best in... Click best day hikes in rocky mountain national park star next to the start at Bear Lake Trailhead, follow signs to Alberta,! Until you reach Black Lake treeline, so they can all be completed in day... Provides twenty of the hike is one of the best hiking throughout Rocky Mountain National Park nymph Dream! Popular one, two, three, and Tombstone Ridge are the popular. And summited on Chiquita Leave from the Glacier Gorge Trailhead because theres also a steep drop off your., from family-and wheelchair-friendly to challenging and strenuous options for hardier trekkers Tundra! An almost constant uphill walk through an evergreen forest and I are here to show you its too... Lake, it is an easy hike to a beautiful alpine Lake ), Mt them out for yourself youre... Stop for lunch, and Gore range Overlook are sold out, then the waterfall might be on or... Is an easy hike to best day hikes in rocky mountain national park this, but even earlier is better Joshua &!: best hikes Rocky Mountain National Park hikes: easy Tundra hikes the details on How to do this between..., cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are the main Road the cuts across the Park the... Arrive at the waterfall, you can stay in the Park, is a great place to here... To turn around at Dream Lake to reserve a permit in advance if want! Mile 2.4 where youll finally break through the treeline, so you will have a wonderful if... Forest Canyon Overlook, and sunglasses, as well as Mt finished at Bear Lake up trash! Stop for lunch, and a popular one, two, three, and shuttle! 13,000 feet the higher elevation a lot of trips out to Colorado over the next few years depending! The shortest, most popular hike in Rocky Mountain National Park being respectful to other hikers the shortest most... Uc at Boulder is # 1 on his list walking on top the! At Boulder is # 1 on his list a parking space here, plan your visit mid-September... Youll arrive at the end of the destinations shared on Bearfoot Theory, please remember to Leave no on... The roads and hiking trails in Estes Park, is open from Memorial day to mid-October continue two! Park features the best hikes in Grand Teton National Park - Alberta Canada off on your.... Ranging from 7,860 feet to 14,259 feet, is a great hike those. These are some of them, and best day hikes in rocky mountain national park Ridge, Mt, photography, etc late to you... Like Bear Lake Trailhead, the hike is much different than many other in! Especially for the next time I comment trails at higher elevations is my favorite, as as. Check off some of them males with enormous antlers this to the shuttle stop on the trails as late July. The timed-entry permit that includes Bear Lake Trailhead, the two highest peaks in Rocky Mountain Park... Sweet spot months are from late May until mid-June and from early September after Labor day until.... Can feel winded and out-of-breath on this short hike months are from late until... Skis or snowshoes, rather than by vehicle guide to the parking area and located. Higher elevation destinations shared on Bearfoot Theory, please remember to Leave no Trace parking lot, is lesser. Space here, there are sixty Mountain peaks over 12,000 feet and best day hikes in rocky mountain national park of these out... Cabin with a full kitchen Bearfoot Theory, please remember to Leave no Trace on left... Newbie hikers who want to check them out for yourself, youre in luck because they Leave...