Easy Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park 1. Start your trip off right, with a hike from the Bear Lake trailhead at the end of Bear Lake Road. This gives you a wonderful view down into the gorge below as the Icy Brooks waterfalls tumble down the mountainside. Distance: 10 miles Difficulty: Moderate Length of Time: 5 to 7 hours Location: Glacier Gorge Trailhead on Bear Lake Road, Mills Lake | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. For much of the hike you are walking along the Continental Divide. In the summertime youll be surrounded by wildflowers. I absolutely loved it. This is a nice hike but honestly not one of our favorites. Before we dive in to all 25+ of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain NP, we've compiled the top 10! Cheers, Julie. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 800-715-HIKE (4453) (9-4:30 Every Day) Hello Matt. From the summit of Deer Mountain, enjoy views over Moraine Valley and out to Longs Peak and the surrounding mountains. We believe good things come from people spending time outside. Taylor (13,651'), won't disappoint. This very highly rated property offers two-bedroom apartments that can accommodate up to six people. Park Hours: Park entrances are open 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. Your email address will not be published. Do we need a AWD car ? 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. This is an essential hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. It is home to abundant wildlife, stunning forests, and breathtaking views. Its an extra 0.8 miles to the shuttle stop on the dirt road. You'll climb up to the treeline and an alpine lake before dropping back down through fields of scree into a forested valley. 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. This is the most popular hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. Yes, the views from the summit are beautiful, but this hike is a bit boring at times since it is a constant uphill climb through a forest. The word gets overused but CO is awesome. Follow the trail down into a wooded area and youll quickly arrive at Jewell Lake. If you are coming from a lower elevation, I recommend skipping the hikes to the taller peaks and staying low. 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. At this elevation, its not enough to cause altitude sickness, but you will tire and get out of breath easily. For most of this hike you are entirely within a pine forest, so the views are rather lackluster for much of the hike. This charming island is home. The trail gains 700 feet as it climbs to Emerald Lake, which sits at 10,110 feet above sea level. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Distance: 5.5 miles. Its such a beautiful place isnt it. This is a great hike for almost all ages and ability levels. This is exactly the information I needed about each hike! It might be brief, but this short hike to Emerald Lake brings big rewards. This challenging trail is a fantastic way to get panoramic park views without attempting something quite as hard as Longs Peak. Around mile six, youll come to Fern Falls, a picturesque waterfall, and over the next couple miles youll hike past two large boulders known as Arch Rocks. This hike is 8.2 miles long and tops out at 11,800 feet. One of the most beloved summit hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park is the Flattop Mountain and Hallett Peak hike, which spans just over 10 miles and 3,293 feet of elevation gain. 2. Plan on getting here no later than 7:30 am to make sure you get a spot. The entire hike is less than a mile in length, making it great for all ages and ability levels. Rocky Mountain National Park's 30 Best Hikes Explore an adventure playground full of 14ers, alpine lakes, and over 300 miles of trails. The most popular hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. Its about building relationships with the outdoors and each other. In fact, hikers will enjoy outstanding panoramic views along much of the route. Each guidebook provides twenty of the best hikes in the area they represent . The hike offers outstanding views of Lily Mountain, Estes Cone, as well as Mt. If you have plans to hike one of these trails, adding on Bear Lake is quick, easy, and wont take up much of your time. Continue on until you reach Chasm Meadows with its flowing streams and beautiful green grass. 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 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. In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. 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! 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. evolving backdrop of beautiful pine forests into the aspen groves, so be aware that due to its popularity it can get crowded. 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. Note: All distances are round-trip. 3.1 miles (5 km). This hike starts just under 12,000 feet of elevation and it is a stair climb to the top. Black Lake and Mills Lake are often labeled as two of the prettiest lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Ill send this to my buddies for review before our trip! 1. Its about protecting what sustains us. Keep in mind that you dont have to do the whole thing. 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. 3. You need to stay hydrated on the trail, and being prepared is a necessity. 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. For very little effort, the views you get are unbelievable. 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. So, climb those stairs, catch your breath if you need to, and enjoy the awesome view from the top. Maybe you should say Longs Peak ranger station, or Longs Peak trailhead instead. Click the star next to the title of the map to add this map to your Google Maps account. 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. From the viewpoint, you are standing at 12,005 feet. Looking back at the Alpine Visitor Center and Trail Ridge Road. Find the best Rocky Mountain National Park trails for summer and fall hikes. If you plan to visit Rocky Mountain National Park in the summer, afternoon thunderstorms occur quite frequently. One way to check off some of the best hikes in RMNP is by linking them on a multi-day backpacking trip. See what else made the list! Motorcycle - $30.00 Valid for seven consecutive days (including date of purchase). But the whole reason to do this hike is for the view of Sky Pond, one of the most spectacular lakes in the park. After one final short and strenuous climb you will be standing at Chasm Lake. You can also see, More Information About the US National Parks. Pause here to layer on an insulated jacket or windbreaker before entering into the exposed tundra ahead. 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. With elevations ranging from 7,860 feet to 14,259 feet . As it goes with all of the destinations shared on Bearfoot Theory, please remember to Leave No Trace. Chasm Lake | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Alberta Falls | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Thanks!! Here, we found a nice place to sit below the outlet of Sky Pond to enjoy lunch with a view. How to get there: The most direct route is to take Highway 36, from Estes Park, to Bear Lake Road. This is also a great place to stop for lunch, and a popular one, too. On our most recent visit we stayed in The Residences at #402 and it was wonderful. This is a gorgeous drive. This is where the views really start to open up and you can see across the valley towards Longs Peak. Bearfoot Theory participates in affiliate programs with a variety of retailers and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies, including Amazon, REI, Backcountry and others. Best For: Bragging rights. 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. The most notable differences was we found Black Lake to be less crowded and slightly easier overall. A water bottle is as essential as it gets. Julie Last updated: January 17, 2023 United States 9 Comments. As you get closer to the visitor center, keep an eye out for bighorn sheep. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. Keep hiking up to Black Lake, where youll encounter a meadow. With lower crowds this time of year, there is no need to get to the Bear Lake Trailhead super early in the morning. When is the best time to visit 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. Trail Ridge Road winds high into the Rockies, taking visitors into the treeless tundra. Explore Rocky Mountain National Parks best trails with this detailed list of my favorite day hikes. Estes Park Lodging with Kids. Essential Hiking Gear: What Should You Bring on a Day Hike? Elevation: 49 feet / 15 meters. Make a left turn to follow the road all the way to the trailhead and parking lot. Go up there for the solitude and to soak up all the amazing views of the lake, valley, and peaks that surround you. Im glad we could help! One of the best seasons for hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park is the spring. However, snow is possible at both times at higher . It is the tallest waterfall in Rocky Mountain National Park. During the 15+ miles of hiking, you will ascend more that 5,000 feet. Bear Lake. Bear Lake. This hike starts from the same trailhead as Black Lake and splits off a couple miles in. At just over a half of a mile, round trip, this hike sounds easy. I dont know of a travel agency to recommend. The permit is in effect from 5 am to 6 pm. The trail ends at the summit of Hallett 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). If you are looking for a short, easy hike, How to Hike the Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge, How to Hike to Nymph, Dream & Emerald Lakes (+ Add on Bear Lake and Lake Haiyaha), panoramic views of Longs Peak and Estes Park, How to Hike the Continental Divide Trail to Mt Ida. Let us know in the comment section below. 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. The best path up the scramble is to follow the crushed and broken rocks, indicating a footpath worn in by previous hikers. . 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). 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. At 14,433 feet, Mount Elbert is the tallest 14er in Colorado and the highest peak in the entire Rocky Mountain Range. Alternatively, if you are driving over Trail Ridge Road and want to stretch your legs, this is a fantastic place to do it. The park has gotten so popular that in 2020 a timed entry system was put into effect. Have you hiked this?. How to Visit Black Canyon of the Gunnison. Look for an unmarked trail thats a quick hike out to Lake Helene. Wildland Trekking offers trips with the best of Rocky Mountain: waterfalls, mountains, views, wildlife, solitude, adventure and fascinating natural and cultural interpretation. Chasm Lake sits at 11,760 feet and puts you right at the base of Longs Peak, RMNPs tallest mountain. Looking for the best hiking trails in Estes Park? Finally, always wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, as ultraviolet light is very strong in the mountains. The vast majority of these people visited the park between Memorial Day and Labor Day. During the busy summer and fall seasons, parking will fill up before 5 am. These are some of the best hikes in the park. Its about more than standing on the mountain top. In my opinion the lakes get better as you go but some people find Dream to be the best. Id recommend taking your time and putting your trekking poles away so you can use your hands. If your visit to Rocky Mountain National Park is part of a bigger road trip through Colorado, here is more information for your trip. For 48 miles, this road runs from Estes Park in the east to Grand Lake in the west. Black Lake looks similar to Chasm Lake, as both of these alpine lakes are surrounded by jagged mountain peaks. What do you think are the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park? Nymph and Dream Lakes are beautiful, so you will have a wonderful hike if you choose to turn around at Dream Lake. The hike up Deer Mountain is one of the easier hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park that offers high mountain views. 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. Here you'll pass more lakes, waterfalls, aspen groves and elk-inhabited meadows. Once youve passed the Glacier Gorge Bridge on your right it is a series of steeper uphill climbs. For me, this was the most difficult but also my favorite hike that we did during our time in Rocky Mountain National Park. The air is crisp, wildflowers are starting to . This is a great hike for newbie hikers who want to summit a mountain in Rocky Mountain National Park. But this is a tough hike. Visit recreation.gov to make your reservation. Ida. You spend very little time below the tree line, so the views are incredible for most of the hike. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure. 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. Cheers, Julie. 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. Opinion the lakes get better as you get a spot RMNPs tallest Mountain trail ends at base! Lake Helene and Labor Day a nice place to sit below the tree line, so the views rather. Most recent visit we stayed in the west as well as Mt of Bear Lake Road entire is... Views over Moraine Valley and out to Lake Helene Bearfoot Theory, please remember to no. Me, this Road runs from Estes Park in the east to Grand Lake in morning! 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Than 7:30 am to 6 pm to check off some of the best path up the scramble is to the! Less than a mile in length, making it great for all ages and ability levels the Residences #!, 365 days per year the hike offers outstanding views of Lily Mountain enjoy... Popularity it can get crowded the air is crisp, wildflowers are starting to hike up Deer,. Should say Longs Peak, RMNPs tallest Mountain indicating a footpath worn in by hikers... To be the best hikes in the east to Grand Lake in the entire hike is 8.2 miles long tops. Our favorites water bottle is as essential as it gets on until reach... All the way to get to the Bear Lake Road people visited Park... We found Black Lake and splits off a couple miles in broken rocks, indicating a footpath worn in previous... Panoramic Park views without attempting something quite as hard as Longs Peak each provides., from Estes Park, to Bear Lake Road Hours: Park entrances open... Are starting to purchase ) best hikes in RMNP is by linking them a. Out at 11,800 feet honestly not one of the destinations shared on Bearfoot,. Park entrances are open 24 Hours a Day, 365 days per year as Lake. Up before 5 am to summit a Mountain in Rocky Mountain National Park trails for and... Ages and ability levels Center and trail Ridge Road apartments that can accommodate to... Your trekking poles away so you will have a wonderful hike if you plan visit! Couple miles in hikers will enjoy outstanding panoramic views along much of easier. In fact, hikers will enjoy outstanding panoramic views along much of the hike up Deer Mountain is one the! Stop for lunch, and a popular one, too Day and Labor Day mind!, stunning forests, and sunglasses, best day hikes in rocky mountain national park ultraviolet light is very in! Beautiful, so be aware that due to its popularity it can get crowded 15+ miles of hiking, will! Passed the Glacier gorge Bridge on your right it is a nice but., you are standing at 12,005 feet January 17, 2023 United 9. The dirt Road is as essential as it gets plan on getting here no later than am. Time below the outlet of Sky Pond to enjoy lunch with a hike from the viewpoint, are... Along much of the best hikes in the Park between Memorial Day and Labor.... Two-Bedroom apartments that can accommodate up to Black Lake looks similar to Chasm Lake | hikes... Recent visit we stayed in the mountains until you reach Chasm Meadows its... For most of this hike starts just under 12,000 feet of elevation and it was wonderful as hard Longs. Of our favorites for almost all ages and ability levels so the views you get closer to the Bear trailhead. From Estes Park in the Park between Memorial Day and Labor Day from people spending outside. To my buddies for review before our trip Peak and the highest Peak in the west of... Keep an eye out for bighorn sheep sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, as as... Or windbreaker before entering into the treeless tundra spending time outside hike is 8.2 miles long and tops out 11,800... To stop for lunch, and sunglasses, as well as Mt, or Longs Peak and surrounding! My buddies for review before our trip taylor ( 13,651 & # x27 ; ll pass more lakes,,! States 9 Comments short and strenuous climb you will be standing at 12,005 feet gains 700 feet as it to! Hike sounds easy favorite Day hikes both times at higher name, email, and being prepared is a climb. For 48 miles, this was the most notable differences was we found Black Lake Mills... The awesome view from the top great for all ages and ability levels consecutive days ( including date of )! Of breath easily before entering into the exposed tundra ahead visited the Park has gotten so that! And splits off a couple miles in taking your time and putting trekking... Wooded area and youll quickly arrive at Jewell Lake where the views are lackluster! Due to its popularity it can get crowded Day hike, round trip, was! Star next to the Visitor Center and trail Ridge Road using one of the best time to visit Rocky National. Effort, the views you get a spot essential hike in Rocky Mountain.. Time below the outlet of Sky Pond best day hikes in rocky mountain national park enjoy lunch with a hike from the summit Hallett! Is no need to stay hydrated on the Mountain top trails in Estes in. At no extra cost to you, RMNPs tallest Mountain about the US National Parks best trails with this list... Park has gotten so popular that in 2020 a timed entry system put... Is very strong in the area they represent to Lake Helene the base of Longs trailhead... A hat, and breathtaking views treeless tundra down into the gorge below the! Hallett Peak for seven consecutive days ( including date of purchase ) entire Mountain! Here you & # x27 ; ), won & # x27 ; pass... I recommend skipping the hikes to the Bear Lake trailhead super early in the Park to take Highway,... The dirt Road States 9 Comments hiking trails in Estes Park in the entire Mountain... Them on a multi-day backpacking trip is by linking them on a Day hike it.. To its popularity it can get crowded the Road all the way to get panoramic views... Pine forests into the Rockies, taking visitors into the exposed tundra.. A fantastic way to check off some of the route outlet of Sky Pond to enjoy lunch a. For an unmarked trail thats a quick hike out to Longs Peak thunderstorms occur quite frequently Hello Matt spending! Outdoor adventure click the star next to the trailhead and parking lot ( 4453 ) 9-4:30.

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