It reaches its highest point at 12,183 feet and crosses the Continental Divide at Milner Pass. Drive Trail Ridge Road (late spring through early fall). As it goes with all of the destinations shared on Bearfoot Theory, please remember to Leave No Trace. This is our favorite short, easy hike in the park. LEARN MORE: How to Hike to Nymph, Dream & Emerald Lakes (+ Add on Bear Lake and Lake Haiyaha). If you love mountains, this is the place for you. The park encompasses over 400 square miles of Colorados Front Range, which juts up suddenly at the western edge of the Great Plains to create one ofthe most scenic and dramatic alpine areas in the country. Looking for the best hiking trails in Estes Park? Backpacking in Rocky Mountain National Park offers the visitor a tremendously unique perspective and experience because a majority of the park's visitors only have time for single-day outings. Best Things to Do in Great Sand Dunes National Park. This is a great hike for almost all ages and ability levels. Plan on getting here no later than 7:30 am to make sure you get a spot. The Emerald Lake hike is a family friendly hike and it also makes a great intro to hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park. Trail Type: Loop Difficulty: Moderate Trailhead Location Im a hiking obsessed, half-time van lifer who is happiest in the mountains. Estes Park Lodging with Kids. From the Glacier Gorge parking lot, is a mostly uphill walk to get to Alberta Falls, but it is not too strenuous. With just a day in the Rocky Mountain National Park, this is one of the best hikes you could do. Will have to pick one for next time Im out west. So, climb those stairs, catch your breath if you need to, and enjoy the awesome view from the top. Before you go, get updated trail conditions on the National Park Service website. Keep hiking until you reach Timberline Pass, at the two-mile mark. Finally, Trail Ridge Road, the main road the cuts across the park, is open from Memorial Day to mid-October. 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. Hang in there and take breaks when you need, because the views of Chiefs Head Peak illuminated in the distance are worth it. Much of this hike is above the treeline, so its imperative to get an early start to beat any afternoon thunderstorms. If you plan to do a lot of hiking and drive Trail Ridge Road, plan on visiting Rocky Mountain National Park between Memorial Day and mid-October. Hiking is one of my favorite and all-the-time go-to activities during my trip abroad. Spring is one of our favorite times of year to visit Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. If you prefer to keep your hikes short and sweet, read our guide to the Best Short Hikes in the National Parks. Take it slow and steady, because theres also a steep drop off on your left. Its a very short hike (just over a half-mile round trip), but it will literally take your breath away. How to get there:Take Highway 34 to Bear Lake Road. Rocky MountainNational Park Travel Guide. Ida: Hands down this is the best hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. 2. It will fit in your pocket or daypack and features color photos and maps throughout. It is the tallest waterfall in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rainbow Curve Overlook, Forest Canyon Overlook. Im a map geek, and this map helps give you the full picture of how the Park is laid out and how the trail system works.<br /> amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0";<br /> amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "bearftheor-20";<br /> amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual";<br /> amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart";<br /> amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon";<br /> amzn_assoc_region = "US";<br /> amzn_assoc_linkid = "bd7b4890a7917396fd1ad9f8e9480912";<br /> amzn_assoc_design = "in_content";<br /> amzn_assoc_asins = "0996962689,1566953421";<br /> <br> . 15 Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park We divided this guide into three sections: easy, moderate, and challenging. Bear Lake | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Continue on until you reach Chasm Meadows with its flowing streams and beautiful green grass. You can stay in a cozy cabin with a river view or a well-decorated suite. One of the most popular hikes in all of Rocky Mountain National Park is the Nymph, Dream, & Emerald Lakes Hike. 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. Required fields are marked *. Rocky Mountain National Park made our list of the best national parks for kids. One Day in Rocky Mountain National Park: Best Things to Do With one day in Rocky Mountain National Park, here are the best things to see and do: Drive Trail Ridge Road (late spring through early fall) Bear Lake Emerald Lake Dream Lake Alberta Falls Alpine Visitor Center Alpine Ridge Trail Go Hiking This is a great hike for newbie hikers who want to summit a mountain in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. Day Hikes In Grand Teton National Park includes a thorough selection of 89 day hikes throughout this national park . 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Earth Trekkers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn advertising fees by advertising & linking to Amazon.com. From short, easy strolls around lakes, to ridgeline trails with panoramic views, to challenging but epic climbs to the tallest mountain peaks, there truly is something here for everyone. This is another great spot to take a break and appreciate the views before heading on just remember not to break trail to protect the alpine vegetation. Like Bear Lake, it is an easy hike to get here. Applies to walk-ins, bicycles, and non-commercial . PRO TRAVEL TIP: It can be 20 to 30 degrees cooler on the alpine tundra than in Estes Park or Grand Lake. 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 . Visit our. Sky Pond is one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park for good reason. 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. Here is the list and our recommendations. We believe good things come from people spending time outside. 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. Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. From there, follow this to the parking area and trailhead located at the end of the road. Cheers, Julie. Bear Lake This is the shortest, most popular hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. Its best to hike in the morning and to be below the tree line by 1 pm. 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. But even the most fit, acclimated hikers can feel winded and out-of-breath on this short hike. Enjoy the magnificent views. The air is crisp, wildflowers are starting to . The most popular hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. There are plenty of great hikes you can choose from that dont climb high into the mountains. The summit at just over 10,000 feet, provides commanding 360-degree views of Estes Park, Moraine Park, the Mummy Range, Longs Peak . 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. Our favorites are Rainbow Curve Overlook, Forest Canyon Overlook, and Gore Range Overlook. For much of the hike you are walking along the Continental Divide. Trailhead - Glacier Gorge Trailhead. . Sign up to receive our newsletter packed with the best adventure guides, travel ideas, news, and articles. Julie Last updated: February 23, 2023 United States 8 Comments. This helps control crowd levels on the roads and hiking trails. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. When we did this, we saw lots of elk, some of them males with enormous antlers. Required fields are marked *. The official National Park Service website lists when the permits become available and has more information about the permits. This summer itinerary works best from Memorial Day through mid-October, when Trail Ridge Road is open. Black Lake and Mills Lake are often labeled as two of the prettiest lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Beyond the Emerald Lake overlook you will reach the summit of Flattop Mountain. Youll be glad you did. But once at the top, the view is very nice. Book excerpt: Best Hikes Rocky Mountain National Park features the best hiking throughout Rocky Mountain National Park. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park is a much different experience in the winter than the summer months. 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. 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. There is no lodging inside Rocky Mountain National Park. in advance if you plan to do this itinerary between May 27 and October 10, 2022. Make a right turn here, pass the turnoff at Mills Junction, and hike straight ahead to the Loch Vale Trail. If you want to check them out for yourself, youre in luck because they both leave from the Glacier Gorge Trailhead. Its about more than standing on the mountain top. This is a great stop to enjoy a short break by the waterfall, or avoid the crowds and push on. Enjoy panoramic views of the park, as well as spectacular views from the overlooks of Dream Lake and Emerald Lake. 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. In the morning, this can be a beautiful place to watch the sunrise. All rights reserved. 700 feet (213 m) elevation gain. The Loch Hike details. We are afraid we wont get one of those 195 tickets. 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. The lake is also a great setting for a picnic. Views of Peacock Pond with the massive, rocky mountains that form the backdrop, waterfalls, and the chance to see wildlife, almost gave us a sense of dj vu, like we were back in Glacier National Park again. In fact, hikers will enjoy outstanding panoramic views along much of the route. If you want to leave the crowds behind, Twin Sisters, Mt. 3. At 14,433 feet, Mount Elbert is the tallest 14er in Colorado and the highest peak in the entire Rocky Mountain Range. Adams Falls in Rocky Mountain National Park. The ever changing views and trail conditions really keep this hike interesting. Bear Lake is a beautiful lake that is tucked away in the Rocky Mountains. When you get to the end, take the trail all the way out to the farthest left end of the lake. ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK: For an overview of Rocky Mountain National Park and links to all of our RMNP articles, take a look at our Rocky MountainNational Park Travel Guide. Best beginner hike in Rocky Mountain National Park: Emerald Lake. Our website uses cookies. If you plan to visit the park during the summer months, you will also need to reserve your timed permit in advance. Thanks for your comment. Explore Joshua Tree's best day hikes. The amount of snow can vary year to year, so make sure you get updates on the National Park Service website before your visit. Elevation Gain: 1,062' Max Elevation: 10,210' Winter Skill Level: Beginner Why it rocks. If you are not acclimated to the higher elevation, its normal to get out of breath very easily. If you are acclimated to the elevation, the hike to Chasm Lake is another one of our favorites in Rocky Mountain National Park. The Emerald Lake hike is one of the most popular 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 Cheers, Julie, Your email address will not be published. For more information about where to stay and where to eat, read our Guide to Estes Park. Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. If you want, you can choose to hike around the well-marked nature trail around Bear Lake. Nymph and Dream Lakes are beautiful, so you will have a wonderful hike if you choose to turn around at Dream Lake. 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. After one final short and strenuous climb you will be standing at Chasm Lake. Chasm lake is at 11,800 ft, you start at 9,400 ft. Weve done the trail, please look it up online so you can correct your article. Easy Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park 1. Rocky MountainNational Park Travel Guide. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure. This hike is just under 10 miles and tops out at 10,880 feet. From here, you can walk up the Alpine Ridge Trail. Thanks for all you do! Sign up for access to our free Member-only resources, packing lists, and itineraries. Rocky Mountain National Park is best seen from a hiking trail. This has been implemented to limit crowds at the busiest sections of the park during the peak visitation season (the summer months). Youre not alone Check out our blog post with tips for taking friends hiking. Cheers, Julie, The Rocky mountain national park looks amazing dear. Jasper Skyline Trail. However, this is a good spot to put on a warmer layer, or even a rain jacket if you have one. None of them will disappoint. There is something here for everyone, ranging from easy, lakeside strolls to short hikes to waterfalls to challenging hikes up the tallest peaks. Award-winning Colorado Hiking Tours: Inn-based Snowshoe Tour! How crowded does Rocky Mountain National Park get? Ultimate Sky Pond & Lake Haiyaha Loop. Unless you're Superman (I very much am not), you can't possibly cover this much ground in one day. Spend several days in the park, hiking the other trails, to acclimate yourself to the higher elevation. . Finish at Fern Lake Trailhead. At approximately 1.9 miles in, youll reach Lightning Bridge, a footbridge thats bookended by two signs warning hikers about lightening risk. If we plan on leaving Denver around 11 and traveling the Trail Ridge road would we only need the regular park pass? Lily Lake - The Lily Lake Loop is another easy hike that's suitable for the entire family. 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! Simply turn around when you are ready, the spectacular views start as soon as your feet hit the trail. But this is a tough hike. Discover the best things to do at Lake Como in Montana including the top hikes, where to camp, & more! It is located just outside of Estes Park, on the south side, an excellent location for driving into the park. Happy hiking! Best Easy Day Hikes Rocky Mountain National Park (Best Easy Day Hikes Series) Kent Dannen 105 Paperback 30 offers from $9.05 Rocky Mountain National Park (National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map) Trails Illustrated Maps 629 Map 15 offers from $11.16 Rocky Mountain National Park: The Complete Guide: (Color Travel Guide) James Kaiser 30 Paperback It starts on the east side of the park, on Highway 7 south of Estes Park. This hike starts from the same trailhead as Black Lake and splits off a couple miles in. Heres the thing: this hike starts just under 12,000 feet of elevation. 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 trailhead is located just north of Estes Park. However, if you are doing well on time or only plan to do a very short hike in the morning, going into Estes Park for lunch is not a bad idea. You can still get around, but it might be on skis or snowshoes, rather than by vehicle. 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