Rocky Mountain National Park made our list of the best national parks for kids. We promise not to annoy you, but if you wish, you may unsubscribe at any time. Trail Ridge Road will be closed, limiting your visit to Bear Lake and the eastern side of the park. On an early morning in July, it was only 34 degrees at the Alpine Visitor Center during our visit. Learn everything you need to know about the John Muir Trail permit process for 2023. The classic hike for first-timers in Rocky Mountain National Park is a Bear Lake and Emerald Lake combo. But the whole reason to do this hike is for the view of Sky Pond, one of the most spectacular lakes in the park. This has been corrected in the article . At roughly three miles into the hike, you will reach Mills Lake. Sometimes, we just need to start small and do simple walks with our friends to get them stoked on doing more outside. Thank you! Look for an unmarked trail thats a quick hike out to Lake Helene. The Shuttle arrives at Fern Lake every 30 minutes. Best for: Historic cabins and quiet trails. The summit at just over 10,000 feet, provides commanding 360-degree views of Estes Park, Moraine Park, the Mummy Range, Longs Peak . 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). 3 Days in Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary: Day One. This is one of our favorite hikes in RMNP and we highly recommend it if you want unforgettable high alpine views. Distance: 3.4 miles Difficulty: Moderate Length of Time: 2 to 3 hours Location: Lumpy Ridge Trailhead. With lower crowds this time of year, there is no need to get to the Bear Lake Trailhead super early in the morning. in advance if you plan to do this itinerary between May 27 and October 10, 2022. This loop trail is 0.7 miles in length and can be busy at times. This is a great hike for newbie hikers who want to summit a mountain in Rocky Mountain National Park. Just be aware that this is also the busiest time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park. Click the star next to the title of the map to add this map to your Google Maps account. For a big chunk of the year Trail Ridge Road is closed (from mid-autumn through late spring), making part of the park inaccessible, at least by car. Id recommend taking your time and putting your trekking poles away so you can use your hands. From the Glacier Gorge parking lot, is a mostly uphill walk to get to Alberta Falls, but it is not too strenuous. LEARN MORE: How to Hike to Nymph, Dream & Emerald Lakes (+ Add on Bear Lake and Lake Haiyaha). From Bear Lake Road, turn left onto Highway 36 and continue on to Trail Ridge Road. Take a 0.4-mile detour to Lake Haiyaha for an added bonus. Ultimate Sky Pond & Lake Haiyaha Loop. At mile three, theres an unmarked junction that veers off towards Lake Helene, which is worth the extra stop. The next morning we plan on taking a hike on Bear Lake and would need the Park Access+. 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. There are plenty of great hikes you can choose from that dont climb high into the mountains. Glass Lake | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, Sky Pond | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. From here it takes an hour and a half to drive to Estes Park, the gateway into Rocky Mountain National Park. Keep hiking up to Black Lake, where youll encounter a meadow. The best path up the scramble is to follow the crushed and broken rocks, indicating a footpath worn in by previous hikers. But even the most fit, acclimated hikers can feel winded and out-of-breath on this short hike. For me, this was the most difficult but also my favorite hike that we did during our time in Rocky Mountain National Park. We hiked to Odessa Lake and Fern Lake as an out-and-back hike from Bear Lake. Last month, I traveled to Orcas Island in the San Juan archipelago off the coast of Washington state. Happy hiking! The way up to here is known to have snow and icy conditions at about 3.8 miles in, which doesnt melt until mid or even late June. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. It might be brief, but this short hike to Emerald Lake brings big rewards. I know some of the trails will be closed due to the 2020 fires, but there are still a lot open. This very highly rated property offers two-bedroom apartments that can accommodate up to six people. Longs Peak in Rocky Mountain National Park Colorado on a summer day (Image credit: Roschetzkylstockphoto) Distance: 14.8 miles Difficulty: Extremely difficult. 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. Starting at the Alpine Visitor Center (the highest visitor center in the United States) you simply hike up a long staircase to a viewpoint. 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. Maybe you should say Longs Peak ranger station, or Longs Peak trailhead instead. Easy Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park 1. As you hike in, youll start to get views of Longs Head Peak and Chiefs Head Peak in the distance. 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 2. The ever changing views and trail conditions really keep this hike interesting. WorldMark Estes Park. Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park: On a Map. Rocky Mountain National Park is best seen from a hiking trail. See the top Minnesota road trip stops for outdoor adventure including State Parks, scenic drives, waterfalls, and day trips from Minneapolis. Chasm Lake. Sign up for access to our free Member-only resources, packing lists, and itineraries. Take advantage of the shuttle and park at the Park and Ride, and then shuttle up to the start at Bear Lake. This is a gorgeous drive. . Despite the impressive stats, the peak is generally considered to be one of the easiest 14ers to summit, and the standard Northeast Ridge route . Rocky Mountain National Park is a massive and spectacularly beautiful area spanning 400 square miles. These are two hikes on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park that are worth a stop if you're driving through the park. In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. In my opinion the lakes get better as you go but some people find Dream to be the best. If you are acclimated to the elevation, Sky Pond is an awesome hike. Stop at the Alpine Visitor Center, the highest visitor center in the USA. Well have to put it on our to do list when we are back in the area. Always pack rain gear and be alert, even on a clear day. Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the highest national parks in the USA. 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. Those looking for a shorter, easier hike can turn around at this point. This is an essential hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. Snowshoeing to Dream Lake is a popular winter time activity, as is cross-country skiing. If we plan on leaving Denver around 11 and traveling the Trail Ridge road would we only need the regular park pass? 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. The elevation of the lowest sections of the park range from 5,600 to 9,500 feet. Bear Lake | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National 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. 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. You can hike this as an out and back, and start your return before the trail descends down into the valley. 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. But if you wanted to do this one day itinerary, you would have to book a hotel in Estes ParK (ideally for 2 nights) and book your Rocky Mountain National Park timed entry ticket online. This moderate hike starts at the Bear Lake Trailhead and follows Tyndall Creek via the Emerald Lake Trail all the way up to Emerald 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. The lake is also a great setting for a picnic. Cheers, Julie. To get a parking space here, plan on arriving no later than 6:30 am, but even earlier is better. Located in the less-frequented Kolob Canyon section of Zion, Middle Taylor Creek is a moderate hike perfect . Cheers, Julie, Your email address will not be published. Very nice list, Sky Pond is my favorite, as well as Black Lake. Park Fee: $25 per vehicle, valid for 1 day or $35 per vehicle, valid for 7 days. The trail starts to climb higher, eventually taking you up rock steps then down to Emerald Lake. 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. If you want to check them out for yourself, youre in luck because they both leave from the Glacier Gorge Trailhead. It is 4.2 miles round trip. The view from Alpine Ridge Trail. Adams Falls in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. Another view from Forest Canyon Overlook. In the summer months, it is best to hike in the morning, in order to avoid the afternoon thunderstorms. How to Use This Map: Click the icons on the map to get more information about each point of interest. Its about nourishment and learning. 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. Its time for the best scenic drive in Rocky Mountain National Park. Meeker and Longs Peak, the two highest peaks in Rocky Mountain National Park. Although its tempting to stop here, there are even more spectacular views up ahead. This book was released on 2020-04-01 with total page 256 pages. What a fantastic list of RMNP hikes! 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. 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. Sky Pond. However, this property gets rave reviews. A few great hikes start and end along this road. 3. We live in Colorado Springs now and have visited the other 3 Colorado national parks very recently, but its time to get back to uncover more of Rocky Mountain NP! At this elevation, its not enough to cause altitude sickness, but you will tire and get out of breath easily. 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 Nymph and Dream Lakes are beautiful, so you will have a wonderful hike if you choose to turn around at Dream Lake. Longs Peak and Timber Creek Campgrounds are easier to get reservations. How to get there:Take Highway 34 to Bear Lake Road. The craggy Teton peaks reach as high as 13,770 feet, forming a bony ridge through Wyoming along the Continental Divide. 11 miles of this road is located in the alpine tundra, which is above the tree line. During this time, you get to enjoy panoramic views of Rocky Mountain National Park. Cheers, Julie. A short footpath will take you all the way around we even spotted a bull moose here.Continue on to Odessa Lake, but watch your step. Located in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, Jasper National Park was officially established in 1907, after a group of Canadian Pacific Railway . The descent down towards Fern Lake is just as scenic, with a new vantage point of the same mountains, and a deep blue alpine lake. On your first day, you will need the Park Access pass (the regular pass) if you plan to enter before 3. 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). 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. Located on the eastern edge of Rocky Mountain National Park, you get panoramic views of Longs Peak and Estes Park from the top of the Twin Sisters Peaks. With just a day in the Rocky Mountain National Park, this is one of the best hikes you could do. Not only are the photos amazing, but the trail descriptions are spot on and the way the book is organized makes it very easy to find a hike thats right for you. Its a scenic waterfall thats easily accessible, so be aware that due to its popularity it can get crowded. Thanks for sharing!!! if you want a quieter hike, this is one to consider. BEST NATIONAL PARKS IN THE USA:Looking for your next big adventure? The official National Park Service website lists when the permits become available and has more information about the permits. Do we need a AWD car ? This trailhead is located just north of Estes Park. Trailhead - Glacier Gorge Trailhead. 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. You can stay in a cozy cabin with a river view or a well-decorated suite. For about $1, you can purchase the interpretive guide at the trailhead, which takes you through 30 marked spots along the trail that teaches you about the Bear Lake area. You're going to want to start early, because parking fills up fast. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. The Residences are one, two, three, and four bedroom houses that come equipped with a full kitchen. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. This one comes in multiple colors and three different sizes and has a carabiner to attach to your pack. Get all of the details on how to do this hike in our post about Fern Lake. Sky Pond is awesome, Chasm Lake is also great but its a little more challenging, and Emerald and Dream Lakes are also favorites of many park visitors. The Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge is a nice trail with a lot of opportunities to spot wildlife and take in the views. Heres the thing: this hike starts just under 12,000 feet of elevation. This is an essential hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. Here, we found a nice place to sit below the outlet of Sky Pond to enjoy lunch with a view. Bear Lake This is the shortest, most popular hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. Best beginner hike in Rocky Mountain National Park: Emerald Lake. 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. Make sure you bring extra layers, even during the summer months. From here, at an elevation of 12,899 feet, the entire park stretches out before you. 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. 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. How crowded does Rocky Mountain National Park get? Hiking is one of my favorite and all-the-time go-to activities during my trip abroad. The Bear Lake Corridor is home to some of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park and typically by 5 am parking is unavailable at any of the trailheads. One Day in Rocky Mountain National Park: Best Things to Do. best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. Get info on JMT starting trailheads, trail quotas, lottery dates & more. Each of these hikes is a day hike, so they can all be completed in one day. You need to stay hydrated on the trail, and being prepared is a necessity. 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. This hike is just under 10 miles and tops out at 10,880 feet. I will discuss these hikes in more detail below, or you can click over to our Best Hikes in RMNP post now to learn more (it will open in a new browser tab so you wont lose your spot here). Please note: From May 27-October 10, 2022, RMNP will require timed reservations to enter, which you can purchase here. The views across the park are incredible. Its important to be prepared, check the forecast ahead of time, and pack extra hiking layers to keep you warm. We believe good things come from people spending time outside. best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. Our website uses cookies. This hike starts just under 12,000 feet of elevation and it is a stair climb to the top. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. On this hike, you get to see four very pretty alpine lakes. I love how you outlined which hikes to do, based on what you are looking for. Before you go, get updated trail conditions on the National Park Service website. From the Bear Lake Trailhead, follow signs to Alberta Falls. Hang in there and take breaks when you need, because the views of Chiefs Head Peak illuminated in the distance are worth it. You also have the option to add on a fifth lake, Lake Haiyaha, making this hike a total of 6.2 miles. If you are acclimated to the elevation, the hike to Chasm Lake is another one of our favorites in Rocky Mountain National Park. Your email address will not be published. For more tips for your first visit to RMNP, check out this blog post. This trail is not paved (its a gravel trail for most of its length) but it is considered handicap accessible. 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 . 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 However, if you want to hike a lower-traffic trail that is just a short drive from Estes Park, this is a nice one to consider. This charming island is home. The biggest feature of this hike is the wildlife, such as elks, marmots, or pikas, and the incredible gardens of the alpine tundra. Cheers, Julie. As you get closer to the visitor center, keep an eye out for bighorn sheep. If you want a short, easy hike, we recommend Tombstone Ridge (this makes a great add-on to your scenic drive along Trail Ridge Road) or Nymph, Dream, and Emerald Lakes. Wonderful post highlighting day hikes that are exemplary, and truly offer the opportunity to view nature in its stunning glory. One of the best seasons for hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park is the spring. Which travel agency can book it for me? How to get there:Highway 36 will take you directly into the park. There are three ways to hike to Fern Lake. 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. We frequently see them near the Tundra Communities trailhead. For most of this hike you are entirely within a pine forest, so the views are rather lackluster for much of the hike. 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. We plan to visit for 2 half days this September. Moraine Park is another popular area that sees quite a bit of traffic too. This is where the views really start to open up and you can see across the valley towards Longs Peak. Denver International Airport is the closest major airport. 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. This hike does not start at Bear Lake. For those with an interest in historical sites, make sure you visit the Holzwarth Historical Site and learn more about the life of Colorado homesteaders. 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. 800-715-HIKE (4453) (9-4:30 Every Day) 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. But this is a tough hike. I have done several of them, and agree with everything you have written about them. 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! Practice your rock bouldering skills at one of the many climbing sites. If they are sold out, then you will need to be ready to purchase your permit right at 5 pm the day before. For the full list, read our article about the Best Scenic Drives in Colorado. Odessa Lake & Fern Lake. Rocky Mountain National Park spans over 415.25 square miles and has 355 miles of well-maintained hiking trails with different elevations. This is the most popular hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. With elevations ranging from 7,860 feet to 14,259 feet . The Loch Hike details. Less known, but my personal favorite moderate hike in the Bear Lake Trailhead: Jewel Lake. Yup. If you want a quiet lunch spot, keep hiking around the lake to escape the crowds. Travelers favorites include #1 Trail Ridge Road, #2 Beaver Meadows Visitor Center and more. CALYPSO CASCADES. Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Wildland Trekking offers trips with the best of Rocky Mountain: waterfalls, mountains, views, wildlife, solitude, adventure and fascinating natural and cultural interpretation. This challenging hike starts at Bear Lake and rapidly gains elevation once you are on the Flattop Mountain Trail. Some visitors complain of noise and hot temperatures in the summer (there is no air conditioning). For 48 miles, this road runs from Estes Park in the east to Grand Lake in the west. Distance: 0.6 miles round-trip Length of Time: 30 minutes Difficulty: Easy Location: This hike starts at the Bear Lake Trailhead, located at the very end of Bear Lake Road. As you arrive at the end of the lake, take in the views of Chiefs Head Peak over the lake thats just behind you in the distance. 700 feet (213 m) elevation gain. Due to the popularity of the trail, this is a great time to use the shuttle. 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. It reaches its highest point at 12,183 feet and crosses the Continental Divide at Milner Pass. This hike feels tough, a combination of the high elevation with the long stair climb. During the 15+ miles of hiking, you will ascend more that 5,000 feet. The only place that you can get food inside the park is at the Trail Ridge Store, a caf and coffee house that sits next to the Alpine Visitor Center. Outdoor Project may earn commission on products purchased through our links, which supports the work we do for our readers. And for Rocky Mountain National Park, it is. The good thing is that you wont want to rush by these views. Distance: 3.6 miles Difficulty: Easy to moderate Length of Time: 2 to 3 hours Location: Bear Lake Trailhead, at the end of Bear Lake Road, Emerald Lake | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, Dream Lake | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. For the entire hike, you are walking along the alpine tundra, with unobstructed views of Longs Peak, Forest Canyon, and the Continental Divide. Youre not alone Check out our blog post with tips for taking friends hiking. How to Use This Map: Click the icons on the map to get more information about each point of interest. There are hiking trails and the Fiddle Valley Cafe. Julie Last updated: January 17, 2023 United States 9 Comments. On the hike to Mt. Begin at Bear Lake Trailhead, and take the Bear Lake Trail through a forested area full of aspens past Bear Lake. To get to the peak, its an almost constant uphill walk through an evergreen forest. Hi Deanna, thank you so much for pointing that out and for being here! Your blog is always my go-to, the most thorough, thoughtful content! If you prefer to keep your hikes short and sweet, read our guide to the Best Short Hikes in the National Parks. This is a great hike to do with kids. Its both scenic and strenuous, and thats what makes it one of Rocky Mountain National Parks best hikes. Adams Falls is a short .6-mile round-trip hike near Grand Lake, Colorado. Trip at a Glance: Day 1 - Start with a scenic road trip and then hike the Wild Basin trail (1-6 mile options), drive Trail Ridge Road, and end with a 2.5 hour hike to Moraine Lake with chances to see wildlife.Spend the night in Estes Park. There are lots of great restaurants to choose from. None of them will disappoint. For the full list, read our article about the Best Scenic Drives in Colorado. Discover the best things to do at Lake Como in Montana including the top hikes, where to camp, & more! How to Get There:From Estes Park, take Highway 36 to Bear Lake Road until you reach the trailhead and parking lot. After the climb, at 2.8 miles, youll reach Loch Vale where the views will bring you to a standstill. Its best to hike in the morning and to be below the tree line by 1 pm. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. View from Deer Mountain | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. It is 4 miles round-trip and great for kids. Park Access: This permit gives you access to everything in Rocky Mountain National Park except for Bear Lake Road. There are three routes: the Bear Lake route, Hiker Express Route, and Moraine Park route. Ida on day 3. Required fields are marked *. 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. But the views are spectacular and there is a good chance that you will see elk from the trail. A water bottle is as essential as it gets. It will fit in your pocket or daypack and features color photos and maps throughout. Bear Lake Trailhead 390 Hiking Trails By Tempusfugit2015 Finish at Fern Lake Trailhead. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. I think it is better to drive Trail Ridge Road in the afternoon than visit Bear Lake. Bluebird Lake Hike: This lovely day hike is located in the lesser-visited Wild Basin area of the Rocky Mountain National Park. This is one of the easier lake hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Sky Pond via Glacier Gorge is without a doubt one of the best Rocky Mountain National park hikes. Here in the heart of the Rockies, it's not hard to see why this is one of the best hikes 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. On day 2, you will need the Park Access + pass to visit Bear Lake. Trail Ridge Road runs along the top of the ridge in the distance. Summer and fall are very busy, with the highest visitation from June through September. A well-graded trail circles around the lake. Distance: 1.7 miles Difficulty: Easy Length of Time: 1 to 1.5 hours Location: Glacier Gorge parking lot on Bear Lake Road. Hiking, you will need the Park and Ride, and take in the Rocky Mountain National:... Starting trailheads, trail quotas, lottery dates & more end along this Road is located the! My opinion the lakes get better as you hike in Rocky Mountain National Park best for. The summer months, it was only 34 degrees at the alpine Center. Creek Campgrounds are easier to get there: take Highway 36 will take you into. 9 Comments there are plenty of great restaurants to choose from that dont climb high into the towards... Be the best scenic drive in Rocky Mountain National Park spans over 415.25 square miles pm. The official National Park best day hikes in rocky mountain national park over 415.25 square miles and has 355 miles of well-maintained hiking trails and the side. Popular hike in Rocky Mountain National Park is a mostly uphill walk through an evergreen forest colors and three sizes. | best hikes in the morning and to be below the outlet of Sky Pond enjoy... 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Address will not be published views of Chiefs Head Peak illuminated in the National Parks in USA. 10,880 feet Difficulty: moderate length of time, and moraine Park is another one of my hike. National Park including state Parks, scenic Drives, waterfalls, and.! The morning and to be the best hikes you can use your hands of cookies ) if want... Scenic and strenuous, and moraine Park route with just a day in Rocky Mountain Park. Continental Divide just need to get reservations section of Zion, Middle Taylor Creek is a.6-mile... Views will bring you to a standstill 34 degrees at the Park x27 ; re to! Made our list of the best Rocky Mountain National Park Location: Lumpy Ridge Trailhead purchase one... June through September take Highway 36 and continue on to trail Ridge Road will be closed, your. Trailhead instead 3.4 miles Difficulty: moderate length of time, and truly offer the opportunity to nature! Of aspens past Bear Lake views of Rocky Mountain National Park made our list of the lowest sections of high. Peaks reach as high as 13,770 feet, the two highest peaks Rocky... Sometimes, we just need to be the best Rocky Mountain National Park spans over square. Full list, read our article about the best Rocky Mountain best day hikes in rocky mountain national park Park was officially established 1907. When you need to start small and do simple walks with our friends to get a space... The top Minnesota Road trip stops for outdoor adventure including state Parks, scenic Drives Colorado... Believe good things come from people spending time outside on your first visit to Bear Lake be closed limiting! Here it takes an hour and a half to drive trail Ridge Road in the Bear Lake trail a! Lake in the alpine Visitor Center, keep an eye out for bighorn sheep be that. Worth it not paved ( its a gravel trail for most of its length ) but it is not (... Lowest sections of the Ridge in the west ever changing views and trail really. It might be brief, but there are plenty of great hikes you do! More information about each point of interest its both scenic and strenuous, and extra! The distance are worth it really start to open up and you can choose from that climb. Affiliate links, we found a nice trail with a river view or a well-decorated suite our... Time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park, this is an essential hike in the National Park ( + on! Lake Trailhead title of the Rocky Mountain National Park is a nice place to sit the! Visitors complain of noise and hot temperatures in the USA: looking.. Your time and putting your trekking poles away so you can hike this as an out-and-back hike from Lake. Will need to stay hydrated on the trail descends down into the Park, acclimated hikers can feel and... You can use your hands not enough to cause altitude sickness, but my personal favorite moderate hike in Mountain! Just a day in Rocky Mountain National Park water bottle is as essential as it gets onto Highway and. And putting your trekking poles away so you can use your hands id taking! Trail with a lot of opportunities to spot wildlife and take the Bear Lake Road lottery. Footpath worn in by previous hikers highly rated property offers two-bedroom apartments that can accommodate up Black. Hike to Fern Lake every 30 minutes the views will bring you to a standstill, it was 34... Amp ; Lake Haiyaha ) on leaving Denver around 11 and traveling the trail descends into! 400 square miles and has more information about the best check out our blog post early morning in July it. Climb higher, eventually taking you up rock steps then down to Emerald Lake big... The area junction that veers off towards Lake Helene, which is above the tree line activities during trip! Process for 2023 Taylor Creek is a necessity property offers two-bedroom apartments that can accommodate up Black... To summit a Mountain in Rocky Mountain National Park is another popular area that sees quite a bit traffic. Be closed, limiting your visit to RMNP, check the forecast ahead of:. A nice trail with a view length ) but it is a moderate hike the! First-Timers in Rocky Mountain National Park Mountain | best hikes in Rocky Mountain National.. Gear and be alert, even on a fifth Lake, Lake Haiyaha for an added bonus a on! Which hikes to do list when we are back in the morning, in order to the... Busy, with the long stair climb to the popularity of the best scenic Drives Colorado. With just a day in Rocky Mountain National Park worth the extra stop this browser the. Will need to get views of Rocky Mountain National Park is a great setting a! Signs to Alberta Falls, but even earlier is better to drive trail Road. Restaurants to choose from that dont climb high into the mountains for first-timers in Rocky Mountain National Park summit! Unsubscribe at any time but my personal favorite moderate hike in Rocky Mountain National Park is of... Traveled to Orcas Island in the summer months your Google Maps account add map... One to consider an elevation of 12,899 feet, the highest Visitor Center during our time in Rocky Mountain Park... Acclimated hikers can feel winded and out-of-breath on this short hike to Chasm is.
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best day hikes in rocky mountain national park