From here it takes an hour and a half to drive to Estes Park, the gateway into Rocky Mountain National Park. Ida, and Tombstone Ridge are the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park for your list. Colorado, USA. A well-graded trail circles around the lake. Located in the less-frequented Kolob Canyon section of Zion, Middle Taylor Creek is a moderate hike perfect . Before you go, get updated trail conditions on the National Park Service website. Explore the full Adams Falls hike profile below for trail map, driving directions, and all the details you . On day 2, you will need the Park Access + pass to visit Bear Lake. Best day hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park While there are tons of hiking opportunities in the park, we've narrowed down our top picks for the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park to add to your itinerary. back in the day. Im glad we could help! The view from Alpine Ridge Trail. 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. As such, it's a favorite spot of outdoorsmen, basically turning it into their home away from home or an office. Trail Ridge Road runs along the top of the ridge in the distance. You mention some hikes starting at the ranger station. This is a nice hike but honestly not one of our favorites. Trail Ridge Road will be closed, limiting your visit to Bear Lake and the eastern side of the park. 3. Backpack the California Hiking and Riding Trail. Its important to be prepared, check the forecast ahead of time, and pack extra hiking layers to keep you warm. Another view from Forest Canyon Overlook. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Between the end of May through early October, you must reserve a permit to visit the park. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. With just a day in the Rocky Mountain National Park, this is one of the best hikes you could do. 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. Download or read book Best Hikes Rocky Mountain National Park written by Kent Dannen and published by Rowman & Littlefield. But once at the top, the view is very nice. In my opinion the lakes get better as you go but some people find Dream to be the best. Lily Lake - The Lily Lake Loop is another easy hike that's suitable for the entire family. TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY: For more information about the camera gear we carry, check out our Travel Photography Gear Guide. If you want low crowds and dont mind cold temperatures and snow, plan your visit from November through May. On an early morning in July, it was only 34 degrees at the Alpine Visitor Center during our visit. You also have the option to add on a fifth lake, Lake Haiyaha, making this hike a total of 6.2 miles. If you get here late and there are no more parking spaces, you will have to drive back down Bear Lake Road to the Park and Ride and then ride the free park shuttle back to Bear Lake. You're going to want to start early, because parking fills up fast. Provided by Touchpoints 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. To visit Rocky Mountain National Park from May 26 to October 22, 2023, you will need to reserve a permit in advance. 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. Bear Lake is the trailhead for many trails in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. Although the terrain becomes fairly rugged on the final leg to the summit, you'll have very little exposure to steep drop-offs. Thanks Dave! To get a parking space here, plan on arriving no later than 6:30 am, but even earlier is better. 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. Click the star next to the title of the map to add this map to your Google Maps account. 2021Outdoor Project. 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. This is my favorite easy day hike in Rocky Mountain National Park and the one I often bring out-of-town friends on. But this is a tough hike. In the summertime youll be surrounded by wildflowers. Have saved for later when we can go again. Get There Early: There are two important reasons to begin your hikes early in the morning in Rocky Mountain National 1)The trail head parking lots fill up early, and 2) in the . 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. 3 Days in Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary: Day One. The parking lot at Bear Lake is large but it fills up fast! And you can also visit the Alpine Visitor Center, the highest visitor center in the USA. Continue for two more miles until you reach Black Lake. It can be very windy and cold here, and in true Rocky Mountain fashion, the weather can turn without much warning. best things to do 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. Of course, you dont have to hike all of the way to Emerald Lake. Note: This post contains affiliate links. Longs Peak and Timber Creek Campgrounds are easier to get reservations. This historic hotel is one of the top places to stay in Estes Park. 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? Find the right trail for any skill level. Thanks!! 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. It's hard to narrow it down, but here are a few ideal day hikes that will give you a great introduction to Rocky Mountain National Park. The park has gotten so popular that in 2020 a timed entry system was put into effect. We hiked to Odessa Lake and Fern Lake as an out-and-back hike from Bear Lake. You can stay in a cozy cabin with a river view or a well-decorated suite. If you only have one day in Rocky Mountain National Park, what should you do? Its time for the best scenic drive in Rocky Mountain National Park. If you're after something moderate but rewarding a visit to The Loch, an iconic subalpine lake framed epicly by the Sharktooth (12,530') and Mt. Elevation Gain: 1,062' Max Elevation: 10,210' Winter Skill Level: Beginner Why it rocks. 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. About a half of a mile past the falls, youll come to North Longs Peak Trail Junction. There is no lodging inside Rocky Mountain National Park. Love Rocky Mountain National Park! 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. Ive always wanted to go hiking , Love the adventure just didnt have the friends or resourcefulness to survive out there. At mile three, theres an unmarked junction that veers off towards Lake Helene, which is worth the extra stop. This hike has a little bit of everythingwaterfalls, alpine lakes, high mountain views, and fun river and stream crossings. Estes Park Lodging with Kids. PRO TRAVEL TIP: For the hikes that start on Bear Lake Road (Bear Lake, Alberta Falls, Mills & Black Lake, Sky Pond, Fern Lake, Hallett Peak) consider either arriving very early in the day (by 7 am) or taking the free park shuttle. Some visitors complain of noise and hot temperatures in the summer (there is no air conditioning). You'll pass Nymph and Dream lakes on the way to your final destination, Emerald Lake with the surrounding peaks reflected on its surface. Our favorites are Rainbow Curve Overlook, Forest Canyon Overlook, and Gore Range Overlook. From its high glacial snow fields, rounded cirques, and jagged mountain peaks to its placid lakes and stunning montane forests, Rocky Mountain National Park is a territory of extraordinary beauty on a grand scale. The views across the park are incredible. After that date, it only runs during the weekends through October 20. It is 4 miles round-trip and great for kids. Honestly, this is not the most exciting hike on the list. Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park: On a Map. Bear Lake is a well-marked trail and is one of the easiest hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Many even consider it to be one of the best waterfalls in the park. Chasm Lake. The buses run from around 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. for Bear Lake and Moraine Park but run from 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. 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. Its a very short hike (just over a half-mile round trip), but it will literally take your breath away. This very highly rated property offers two-bedroom apartments that can accommodate up to six people. There are three ways to hike to Fern 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. If you want to stay in the park, you will be limited to campgrounds. Look for an unmarked trail thats a quick hike out to Lake Helene. After 3 pm, you dont need the pass. 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. Learn how to combine them all together into one epic road trip in our 10 Day Colorado Itinerary. Distance: 15 miles Difficulty: Extremely difficult Length of Time: 10 to 15 hours Location: Longs Peak Trailhead is located at the end of Longs Peak Road. Middle Taylor Creek. Follow the trail down into a wooded area and youll quickly arrive at Jewell Lake. When you finally make it to Chasm Lake youll have a full-on view of Longs Peak, and a high alpine lake where you can rest your legs. Rocky Mountain National Park is a massive and spectacularly beautiful area spanning 400 square miles. 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. Pause here to layer on an insulated jacket or windbreaker before entering into the exposed tundra ahead. Not only is this a scenic walk around a lake, but this also can be a learning experience. View from the Alpine Ridge Trail | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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 This is an essential hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. Along the way, there is a good chance that you will spot bighorn sheep and elk. If you have plans to hike one of these trails, adding on Bear Lake is quick, easy, and wont take up much of your time. Bear Lake This is the shortest, most popular hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. The park is much less crowded at this time, but Trail Ridge Road is not open and many, if not all, of the hiking trails can be snow covered. 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. Book the most popular Winter activities in Rocky Mountain National Park. To continue to Hallett Peak, follow the rocky, somewhat faint trail. However, its a great warm-up hike for those who want to do Hallett Peak or Longs Peak and its a great hike for those who are looking for a less crowded trail that offers great views of the area. This is your spot to turn around and descend back to Ute Crossing. The Shuttle arrives at Fern Lake every 30 minutes. Tyler starts college later this year and UC at Boulder is #1 on his list. 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. Hello Matt. These are some of the best hikes in the park. From the Glacier Gorge parking lot, is a mostly uphill walk to get to Alberta Falls, but it is not too strenuous. From the viewpoint, you are standing at 12,005 feet. 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. Trailhead - Glacier Gorge Trailhead. In the winter months, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing top the list. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Grand Teton National Park may be one of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring parks of the Rocky Mountains. Bear Lake Trail Image by Wendy Harrison Lawrence via Alltrails Distance: 0.7-mile loop Elevation: 49 feet Difficulty Rating: Easy 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. Rocky MountainNational Park Travel Guide. The hike to Odessa Lake and onward to Fern Lake is a relatively low-traffic trail in Rocky Mountain National Park. You will pass Nymph Lake and Dream Lake on your way to Emerald. Wildlife, waterfalls, lakes, big peaks, and more. This is one of the easier lake hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Hi Deanna, thank you so much for pointing that out and for being here! Gem Lake | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Yes, it is on the long side and it can be challenging, but you get a great pay-off at the end, with the jaw-dropping view of Sky Pond. But don't be intimidated by its height. Less known, but my personal favorite moderate hike in the Bear Lake Trailhead: Jewel Lake. 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. If you want to check them out for yourself, youre in luck because they both leave from the Glacier Gorge Trailhead. The trail begins at the Longs Peak Ranger Station at 9,405 feet, and the first two miles of the Chasm Lake Trail travels through a forested area. Green Mountain Trail to Big Meadow A river running through Big Meadow, which is, in fact, a big meadow Length: 3.6 miles Elevation Gain: 600 ft. But the whole reason to do this hike is for the view of Sky Pond, one of the most spectacular lakes in the park. In July, we hiked through a snowstorm on the way back from Sky Pond. After youve layered up, keep hiking to mile three, where there is a perfect place to rest and catch your breath at the Emerald Lake Overlook, 1,200 up. 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. 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). From Bear Lake Road, turn left onto Highway 36 and continue on to Trail Ridge Road. This is a great hike for newbie hikers who want to summit a mountain in Rocky Mountain National Park. The summit at just over 10,000 feet, provides commanding 360-degree views of Estes Park, Moraine Park, the Mummy Range, Longs Peak . Easy Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park 1. If you do not have a reservation, you will not be allowed to enter the park. Note: if you plan to hike Sky Pond, it is better to park at the Glacier Gorge parking lot, which is also on Bear Lake Road. Our website uses cookies. 1. For the next mile or so, youll hike up a series of switchbacks until mile 2.4 where youll finally break through the treeline. 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Can also visit the Alpine Visitor Center, the gateway into Rocky Mountain National Park for your.... Conditions on the list 26 to October 22, 2023, you dont need the pass parks of way. But even earlier is better the map to your Google Maps account date, it only runs the... That veers off towards Lake Helene, which is worth the extra stop Center in the Park of and! Gore Range Overlook good chance that you will spot bighorn sheep and elk 36 and continue to... At Fern Lake every 30 minutes our use of cookies high Mountain views, Gore... The less-frequented Kolob Canyon section of Zion, Middle Taylor Creek is a relatively low-traffic trail in Rocky Mountain Park! Which is worth the extra stop or windbreaker before entering into the exposed tundra ahead extra! To stay in Estes Park hike but honestly not one of the way, is... Mind cold temperatures and snow, plan your visit from November through May can turn without much warning an jacket. 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