At this time, cross country skiing and snowshoeing are the main things to do in the park. . Distance: 5 miles round trip (from Wild Basin Winter trailhead which adds about 1.5 miles round trip) Difficulty: Easy Located in the stunning but less-frequented southeast corner of Rocky Mountain National Park, this hike delivers not just gorgeous views at the end, but glimpses of various waterfalls throughout the journey. Distance: 0.6 miles Difficulty: Easy Length of Time: 30 minutes Location: Alpine Visitor Center on Trail Ridge Road. There is even a three-bedroom house that can accommodate up to nine people. 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. Your blog is always my go-to, the most thorough, thoughtful content! The official website for RMNP has up-to-date news on trail conditions, so take a look before you head out. 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. 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 hike for lake views 9.2 miles, 5 hours, moderate This day hike is a ranger favorite and is known for its diverse scenery. We are afraid we wont get one of those 195 tickets. This is a great hike for newbie hikers who want to summit a mountain in Rocky Mountain National Park. All-inclusive trips, expert guides, Top-rated hiking company on Trip Advisor! Explore Joshua Tree's best day hikes. With numerous hotels and restaurants, and a great location near the heart of Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park is a great place to stay. If they are sold out, then you will need to be ready to purchase your permit right at 5 pm the day before. Beyond the Emerald Lake overlook you will reach the summit of Flattop Mountain. 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. Visit recreation.gov to make your reservation. During the 15+ miles of hiking, you will ascend more that 5,000 feet. Start your trip off right, with a hike from the Bear Lake trailhead at the end of Bear Lake Road. 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. Begin at Deer Ridge Trailhead, 3 miles west of the Beaver Meadows entrance, to follow the North Deer Mountain Trail. Simply turn around when you are ready, the spectacular views start as soon as your feet hit the trail. PRO TRAVEL TIP: It can be 20 to 30 degrees cooler on the alpine tundra than in Estes Park or Grand Lake. There will be people. Cheers, Julie. Ida (we loved the panoramic views along most of the trail, not to mention the jaw-dropping views from Mt. On this hike, you get to see four very pretty alpine lakes. Glass Lake | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, Sky Pond | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. The view from Alpine Ridge Trail. Dogs: Leashed. Enjoy hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you. This charming island is home. This is the shortest, most popular hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. Begin at Bear Lake Trailhead, and take the Bear Lake Trail through a forested area full of aspens past 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. Wonderful post highlighting day hikes that are exemplary, and truly offer the opportunity to view nature in its stunning glory. Along the way, you will hike through bogs and forests, past Ribbon Falls, and have a great view of Keyboard of the Winds. If you are looking for a short, family-friendly hike, and dont mind a bit of a stair climb at times, this is a good hike to add to your to-do list. 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. Best Things to Do in Great Sand Dunes National Park. As you ascend higher, the trees disappear, as you enter the subalpine region. How to get there:Take Highway 34 into the park and turn right onto Trail Ridge Road to the trailhead parking lot. If you prefer to keep your hikes short and sweet, read our guide to the Best Short Hikes in the National Parks. I also purchased the National Geographic Rocky Mountain National Park hiking map. It's a flat, beautiful easy walk in the parkliterally. You will pass Nymph Lake and Dream Lake on your way to Emerald. It doesnt take long until you get see amazing views of Longs Peak and Keyboard of the Winds. Best Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park #1 Trail Ridge Road #2 Beaver Meadows Visitor Center #3 Downtown Estes Park See Full Ranking List Tours & Sightseeing Discover Rocky. Take a left onto Bear Lake Road, and arrive at the Glacier Gorge trailhead. Alternatively, if you are driving over Trail Ridge Road and want to stretch your legs, this is a fantastic place to do it. Park Access +: This permit gives you access to everything in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park is home to some of the most epic and amazing hiking vacations in the world. I think it is better to drive Trail Ridge Road in the afternoon than visit Bear Lake. In early autumn, the snow really returns, covering the roads and trails, turning the park into a wintery wonderland. Lake Haiyaha, Rocky Mountain National Park Rocky Mountain National Park boasts a wide variety of attractions and wildlife in its different ecological zones, like mountains, alpine lakes, forests, and tundra. You can drive Trail Ridge Road, visit the Alpine Visitor Center, hike to Longs Peak and to Chasm Lake, and hike Gem Lake. Cheers, Julie. Trailhead - Glacier Gorge Trailhead. This is a great stop to enjoy a short break by the waterfall, or avoid the crowds and push on. 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! Before you go, get updated trail conditions on the National Park Service website. 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. The elevation of the lowest sections of the park range from 5,600 to 9,500 feet. Explore the full Adams Falls hike profile below for trail map, driving directions, and all the details you . Although its tempting to stop here, there are even more spectacular views up ahead. Bearfoot Theory is one of the leading hiking, camping, and van life blogs powered by an all-female team. The permit is in effect from 9 am to 2 pm. Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park 1. This is your spot to turn around and descend back to Ute Crossing. Id recommend taking your time and putting your trekking poles away so you can use your hands. There will also be three amazing lakes. What a fantastic list of RMNP hikes! On the way down, you can hand your backpack to a friend and then scoot your way down on your butt. There are three ways to hike to Fern Lake. To see fall colors and the elk mating season, plan your visit from mid-September through mid-October. This is the most popular hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. Its about more than standing on the mountain top. The next morning we plan on taking a hike on Bear Lake and would need the Park Access+. 2. 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? The most notable differences was we found Black Lake to be less crowded and slightly easier overall. On our most recent visit we stayed in The Residences at #402 and it was wonderful. If you plan to visit Rocky Mountain National Park in the summer, afternoon thunderstorms occur quite frequently. Hike up to continue onto the Tombstone Ridge, where there are beautiful views of the Rockies in front of you. At approximately 1.9 miles in, youll reach Lightning Bridge, a footbridge thats bookended by two signs warning hikers about lightening risk. There are three ways to hike to Fern Lake. Like Bear Lake, it is an easy hike to get here. The hike offers outstanding views of Lily Mountain, Estes Cone, as well as Mt. Rocky Mountain National Park is a massive and spectacularly beautiful area spanning 400 square miles. You can have lunch here, depending on your timing. There are numerous hikes for all fitness levels and ages, and a variety of scenic vistas. For very little effort, the views you get are unbelievable. All of the products we recommend we stand behind, and we appreciate your support! Granite spires, a clear blue basin, and a hard-earned break makes this scenic vista well worth the effort. Due to the popularity of the trail, this is a great time to use the shuttle. 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 . Thanks for sharing!!! In my opinion the lakes get better as you go but some people find Dream to be the best. How to Get There:From Estes Park, take Highway 36 to Bear Lake Road until you reach the trailhead and parking lot. In this post, learn how to spend one day in Rocky Mountain National Park, with several different suggestions based on travel style and the timing of your visit. First, you will pass lovely Alberta Falls. 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. All hikes mentioned below are perfect for day hikes. Thank you! Estes Park is the bigger of the two gateway cities to Rocky Mountain National Park, and is also closer to the major sites and attractions in the park. Backpack the California Hiking and Riding Trail. Snowshoeing to Dream Lake is a popular winter time activity, as is cross-country skiing. Finish at Fern Lake Trailhead. 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. For the first part of the hike, you will share the trail with hikers on their way to Longs Peak. Unless you're Superman (I very much am not), you can't possibly cover this much ground in one day. Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park For Spring 1| Ouzel Falls Length: 5.4 miles (8.7 km) Location: Wild Basin Trailhead Key features: Waterfalls The stunning 40 ft tall Ouzel Falls is the most famous waterfall trail in the park. In 2021, Rocky Mountain National Park was the 5th most visited national park in the United States, with 4.4 million visitors. Motorcycle - $30.00 Valid for seven consecutive days (including date of purchase). The summit at just over 10,000 feet, provides commanding 360-degree views of Estes Park, Moraine Park, the Mummy Range, Longs Peak . Always pack rain gear and be alert, even on a clear day. So, we all could be making a lot of trips out to Colorado over the next few years, depending on Tylers decision. Trailhead: Glacier Gorge Round Trip Distance: 5.9 mi. For restaurant recommendations, check out our guide to Estes Park. One Day in Rocky Mountain National Park: Best Things to Do. But don't be intimidated by its height. 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. Looking back at the Alpine Visitor Center and Trail Ridge Road. You can stay in a cozy cabin with a river view or a well-decorated suite. A steep ascent will take you up towards Flattop Mountain Trail (this is one of the most difficult climbs), which has stunning views of Longs Peak, Chiefs Head Peak, and Keyboard of the Winds. I know some of the trails will be closed due to the 2020 fires, but there are still a lot open. Spend several days in the park, hiking the other trails, to acclimate yourself to the higher elevation. We wanted to do this, but it was incredibly windy and much colder above the treeline than in the parking lot. You also have the option to purchase the Rocky Mountain National Park Annual Pass ($70) or the America the Beautiful Pass ($80 and valid for all of the national parks for one year). 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. 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 Gem Lake is a short but strenuous hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. The Complete Guide to the US National Parks, 15 Great Hikes to do in Big Bend National Park, The Complete Guide to Hiking the Zion Narrows, 14 Best Things to do in Acadia National Park, The Perfect Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary, One Perfect Day in Rocky Mountain National Park, 10 Best Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park, Nymph, Dream & Emerald Lake Hike (+ How to Add on Bear Lake & Lake Haiyaha). Expect lots of wind and cold temperatures, even during the summer months. For the entire hike, you are walking along the alpine tundra, with unobstructed views of Longs Peak, Forest Canyon, and the Continental Divide. The park has gotten so popular that in 2020 a timed entry system was put into effect. Note: All distances are round-trip. Forest Canyon Overlook. Learn how to combine them all together into one epic road trip in our 10 Day Colorado Itinerary. Hiking is one of my favorite and all-the-time go-to activities during my trip abroad. Our favorite hikes are Sky Pond (super fun hike to a beautiful alpine lake), Mt. And you can also visit the Alpine Visitor Center, the highest visitor center in the USA. 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. Best price and money back guarantee! 1. 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. Mount Ida. Honestly, this is not the most exciting hike on the list. Plus, this is a lesser known hike, so the trail gets a lower number of hikers than other hikes on this list. 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 want a quiet lunch spot, keep hiking around the lake to escape the crowds. Hello Matt. Just note that when you re-enter the park, you may have to wait in line to pass through the entrance booth. On an early morning in July, it was only 34 degrees at the Alpine Visitor Center during our visit. If you are staying in Estes Park, it is a 20-minute drive to get here. Starting at the Alpine Visitor Center (the highest visitor center in the United States) you simply hike up a long staircase to a viewpoint. Its about nourishment and learning. 3. Each guidebook provides twenty of the best hikes in the area they represent . 11 miles of this road is located in the alpine tundra, which is above the tree line. This historic hotel is one of the top places to stay in Estes Park. Make a right turn here, pass the turnoff at Mills Junction, and hike straight ahead to the Loch Vale Trail. Happy hiking! One way to check off some of the best hikes in RMNP is by linking them on a multi-day backpacking trip. 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. From the Bear Lake Trailhead, the hike is just over 2 miles round-trip and will take about an hour and a half. Along the way, youll pass through the Chasm Junction with 2,130 feet of elevation behind you, and as the Rockies unfold in front of you, one of the most scenic privies to take a break and relieve yourself. Thank you, Hello Minal. Thanks for all you do! These are some of the best hikes in the park. So, I am confident I would agree with your information on the hikes I havent done! Keep hiking until you reach Timberline Pass, at the two-mile mark. 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. How to get there:The most direct route is to take Highway 36, from Estes Park, to Bear Lake Road. It is 4.2 miles round trip. 2021Outdoor Project. 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. Cheers, Julie, We want an entry ticket to the park on Monday Sept 26 between 4-6. If you want to check them out for yourself, youre in luck because they both leave from the Glacier Gorge Trailhead. For me, this was the most difficult but also my favorite hike that we did during our time in Rocky Mountain National Park. You are now standing at 12,718 feet, with 360 views, which makes this one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park is known for sudden changes in the weather. This is a great hike for almost all ages and ability levels. Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park is a much different experience in the winter than the summer months. Along the way, there is a good chance that you will spot bighorn sheep and elk. While it is certainly a touristy town (and has the kitschy shops and prices to show for it), it's certainly beautiful (the mountains!) This helps control crowd levels on the roads and hiking trails. 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. How to get there:Some of the Rocky Mountain National Parks best hikes are easily accessible by the parks shuttle system. 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. From the Glacier Gorge parking lot, is a mostly uphill walk to get to Alberta Falls, but it is not too strenuous. This is a gorgeous drive. Wildlife, waterfalls, lakes, big peaks, and more. The wildlife here is abundant and commonly spotted, and there is a spectacular view around every corner. Award-winning Colorado Hiking Tours: Inn-based Snowshoe Tour! Since the trail isnt as well maintained here, allow yourself some extra time to get through this section. Alternatively, the best way to access the trailhead is by using the shuttle to avoid crowds and creating traffic. As you head down into the gorge towards Odessa Lake and Little Matterhorn can be seen directly ahead. Youll be glad you did. The trailhead serves as a starting point for several different routes, including a short loop around the stunning Bear Lake. 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. find gorgeous views on your choice of easy routes with little to no incline, moderate trails extending 3.4 - 4.5 miles, or challenging routes recommended for experienced hikers only. At this elevation, its not enough to cause altitude sickness, but you will tire and get out of breath easily. Important! 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. 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 where the views really start to open up and you can see across the valley towards Longs Peak. Through this post, I have come to know a lot more about these adventurous hiking trails in Rockey Mountain National Park. Get info on JMT starting trailheads, trail quotas, lottery dates & more. 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. 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! 27. In 2014, I quit my Washington DC job to start Bearfoot Theory, and for the past 9 years Ive been sharing my experiences here on this blog. There is never a boring moment on this trail. All rights reserved. For the ultimate hiking experience in Rocky Mountain National Park, Before you go, get updated trail conditions on the, If this is part of a bigger road trip through the USA, visit our, for more inspiration and travel planning tips. Guide to the Best Day Hikes in the US National Parks. A short hike with plenty of scenery, the Emerald Lake trail is one of the most popular hikes in the park for good reason. This hike takes about 30 minutes of your time. To get to the peak, its an almost constant uphill walk through an evergreen forest. Find the right trail for any skill level. Day 2 - Get a good workout on the Bear Lake Trail (6+ miles), see very different scenery at Lumpy Ridge, and . 2. But this is a tough hike. And for Rocky Mountain National Park, it is. If this sounds like a hike you would like to do, it will take some planning and patience. Bear Lake is the trailhead for many trails 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. Alberta Falls. So, climb those stairs, catch your breath if you need to, and enjoy the awesome view from the top. Rainbow Curve Overlook, Forest Canyon Overlook. Pause here to layer on an insulated jacket or windbreaker before entering into the exposed tundra ahead. Ill send this to my buddies for review before our trip! Its not a big deal but doing this will eat up some of your precious time. Reservations are made online on the recreation.gov website. 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. At roughly three miles into the hike, you will reach Mills Lake. Although the terrain becomes fairly rugged on the final leg to the summit, you'll have very little exposure to steep drop-offs. If you want to leave the crowds behind, Twin Sisters, Mt. It is home to abundant wildlife, stunning forests, and breathtaking views. 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. 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. 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. Alberta Falls | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Once you are finished at Bear Lake, hop back into your car. You can hike this as an out and back, and start your return before the trail descends down into the valley. Get our top tips for visiting Rocky Mountain National Park including when to go, where to camp, hiking tips, how to beat the crowds, and more. If you plan to visit Rocky Mountain National Park in the summer, afternoon thunderstorms occur quite frequently. Book excerpt: Best Hikes Rocky Mountain National Park features the best hiking throughout Rocky Mountain National Park. You'll pass Nymph and Dream lakes on the way to your final destination, Emerald Lake with the surrounding peaks reflected on its surface. View from Deer Mountain | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Best For: Bragging rights. Finally, Trail Ridge Road, the main road the cuts across the park, is open from Memorial Day to mid-October. Summer and fall are very busy, with the highest visitation from June through September. The answer to this question depends on several factorsthe time of year you plan to visit Rocky Mountain National Park, if you are traveling with children, how much you like to hike, and if you are acclimated to the higher elevation. The most popular hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. Hikes in this guide are chosen and reported on by experienced members of the Colorado Mountain Club. 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. They are rated easy, moderate or difficult. After 3 pm, you dont need the pass. With one day in Rocky Mountain National Park, here are the best things to see and do: Rocky Mountain National Park is best seen from a hiking trail. Lily Lake - The Lily Lake Loop is another easy hike that's suitable for the entire family. For the full list, read our article about the Best Scenic Drives in Colorado. We have not been inside of this caf so I do not know what kind of food is served. Our website uses cookies. The craggy Teton peaks reach as high as 13,770 feet, forming a bony ridge through Wyoming along the Continental Divide. 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. Black Lake Trail and Sky Pond are tied for my second favorite trail, since they both have all the features youd want (waterfall, scenic vistas, and an alpine meadow) from one of Rocky Mountain National Parks best hikes. They include Alpine Ridge Trail, Forest Canyon Overlook, Alluvial Fan West Trail, and Beaver Ponds Boardwalk. Lot open is to take Highway 34 into the hike offers outstanding views Lily. Trail descends down into the Gorge towards Odessa Lake and would need the Park and! Behind, and hike straight ahead to the best scenic Drives in Colorado come know! Other hikes on this list tire and get out of breath easily hike for newbie hikers who want leave! 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