All-inclusive trips, expert guides, Top-rated hiking company on Trip Advisor! 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. 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. This is a gorgeous drive. PRO TRAVEL TIP: It can be 20 to 30 degrees cooler on the alpine tundra than in Estes Park or Grand Lake. Emerald Lake Trail | Rocky Mountain National Park Hikes Skirt around the eastern side of the lake and onto a rocky area that juts out over the water to get a spectacular look at Mills Lake from a different angle. Many hikes top out over 9,000 feet, with some reaching up to 13,000 and 14,000 feet. Tyler starts college later this year and UC at Boulder is #1 on his list. 1-Day Pass - Per Person - $15.00 Valid for date of purchase. You can also see all of our articles about Colorado in our Colorado Travel Guide. Which travel agency can book it for me? Hi guys I am a big fan and lived by your Sedona hikes. To visit Rocky Mountain National Park from May 26 to October 22, 2023, you will need to reserve a permit in advance. 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. As you ascend higher, the trees disappear, as you enter the subalpine region. Over the next half of a mile, snow and ice can remain on the trail well into June. Find the right trail for any skill level. How to get there: The most direct route is to take Highway 36, from Estes Park, to Bear Lake Road. 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. You dont even have to hike the entire 4 miles. Chasm Lake is one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Continue on until you reach Chasm Meadows with its flowing streams and beautiful green grass. Adams Falls in Rocky Mountain National Park. Each daily reservation costs $2 per vehicle, which is in addition to the $25 daily entrance fee or $35 weekly entrance fee per vehicle. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. Travelers favorites include #1 Trail Ridge Road, #2 Beaver Meadows Visitor Center and more. Best For: Bragging rights. Get all of the details on how to do this hike in our post about Fern Lake. To get here, you will take Devils Gulch Road to Lumpy Ridge Road. 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. Take it slow and steady, because theres also a steep drop off on your left. Thank you, Hello Minal. To get to Sky Pond, you will rock scramble up a waterfall, which can be refreshing when the weather is warm and downright cold in chilly conditions. There are plenty of great hikes you can choose from that dont climb high into the mountains. There are sixty mountain peaks over 12,000 feet and many of these top out over 13,000 feet. All great (especially sky pond). 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. 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. 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. Once at the waterfall, you can explore the short trails along Glacier Creek to find your favorite view of the waterfall. Fortunately, there are hikes for all ages and ability levels. Just note that when you re-enter the park, you may have to wait in line to pass through the entrance booth. Its time for the best scenic drive in Rocky Mountain National Park. Keep hiking up to Black Lake, where youll encounter a meadow. Required fields are marked *. Download or read book Best Hikes Rocky Mountain National Park written by Kent Dannen and published by Rowman & Littlefield. Its best to hike in the morning and to be below the tree line by 1 pm. How to Visit Black Canyon of the Gunnison. 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. A few great hikes start and end along this road. However, this is a good spot to put on a warmer layer, or even a rain jacket if you have one. 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. Its a very short hike (just over a half-mile round trip), but it will literally take your breath away. 3 Days in Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary: Day One. Some visitors complain of noise and hot temperatures in the summer (there is no air conditioning). Reservations are made online on the recreation.gov website. Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. Ida. Love Rocky Mountain National Park! 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. Colorado, USA. For families with young kids and for those who dont like to do a lot of hiking, I recommend the easy stroll around Bear Lake plus the hike to Alberta Falls. So, we all could be making a lot of trips out to Colorado over the next few years, depending on Tylers decision. The hike to Deer Mountain is one of the more popular fall hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Grab your trekking poles and take it slow. 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. Have you hiked this?. It will fit in your pocket or daypack and features color photos and maps throughout. 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. Along the trail, there are viewpoints over Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. Bear Lake | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. For very little effort, the views you get are unbelievable. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. I absolutely loved it. This is a great hike for almost all ages and ability levels. Hang in there and take breaks when you need, because the views of Chiefs Head Peak illuminated in the distance are worth it. The next morning we plan on taking a hike on Bear Lake and would need the Park Access+. I have been in RMCP for four days now, and did skypond, emerald lake and Hiayaha, Ute to tombstone, and deer mountain. 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. 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 How to Use This Map: Click the icons on the map to get more information about each point of interest. 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. Click the star next to the title of the map to add this map to your Google Maps account. 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. If you choose to hike Chasm Lake, you will be skipping Bear Lake. The Best Easy Day Hikes series are handy, pocket-size guides for day hikers in America's most popular outdoor destinations. Rocky Mountain National Park has a few shuttle bus routes, but they are only open during peak season. 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! You mention some hikes starting at the ranger station. Mount Ida. If you only have one day in Rocky Mountain National Park, what should you do? 3.1 miles (5 km). However, if the exposure really bothers you, then the waterfall might be the point where you turn around. Located in the less-frequented Kolob Canyon section of Zion, Middle Taylor Creek is a moderate hike perfect . Thanks Dave! Do we have to wait to reserve it the day before on Sunday at 5? Snowshoeing to Dream Lake is a popular winter time activity, as is cross-country skiing. With 415 square miles of breathtaking mountain environments and more than 300 miles of hiking trails, you will never run out of things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. 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. Each guidebook provides twenty of the best hikes in the area they represent . 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. Watch your step and take it slow. 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. Cheers, Julie. There will also be three amazing lakes. 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. 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 . Rocky MountainNational Park Travel Guide. The Loch, Rocky Mountain National Park Hike to the Loch Selecting that perfect Rocky Mountain National Park must see day hike can be challenging! Happy hiking!! Bear Lake is a beautiful lake that is tucked away in the Rocky Mountains. Along the way, you will hike through bogs and forests, past Ribbon Falls, and have a great view of Keyboard of the Winds. That means picking up any trash you see on the trail, practicing good trail etiquette, and being respectful to other hikers. Like Bear Lake, it is an easy hike to get here. On day 2, you will need the Park Access + pass to visit Bear Lake. LEARN MORE: How to Hike the Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge. For the first part of the hike, you will share the trail with hikers on their way to Longs Peak. Adams Falls is a short .6-mile round-trip hike near Grand Lake, Colorado. Note: All distances are round-trip. This trail is not paved (its a gravel trail for most of its length) but it is considered handicap accessible. You can also see, More Information About the US National Parks. This was one of our favorite hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park and we highly recommend it. This gives you a wonderful view down into the gorge below as the Icy Brooks waterfalls tumble down the mountainside. This 3.5-mile roundtrip hike fits in a ton of incredible scenery in a short distance. 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 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. The Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge is a nice trail with a lot of opportunities to spot wildlife and take in the views. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure. The hike up Deer Mountain is one of the easier hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park that offers high mountain views. Distance: 10.4 miles Difficulty: Strenuous Length of Time: 6 to 8 hours Location: Bear Lake Trailhead. 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 . The word gets overused but CO is awesome. This list starts with the easiest trails and progresses to the longer, more challenging hikes. After one final short and strenuous climb you will be standing at Chasm Lake. Before our trip, I purchased The Essential Guide to Hiking Rocky Mountain National Park by Erik Stensland. This part of the hike is tough as you are hiking over very rugged terrain. For 48 miles, this road runs from Estes Park in the east to Grand Lake in the west. evolving backdrop of beautiful pine forests into the aspen groves, so be aware that due to its popularity it can get crowded. For restaurant recommendations, check out our guide to Estes Park. Best Things to Do in Great Sand Dunes National Park. Youll be glad you did. The Emerald Lake hike is one of the most popular hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. In this photo you can see the Alpine Visitor Center and Trail Ridge Road. Explore the full Adams Falls hike profile below for trail map, driving directions, and all the details you . The Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge is a wonderful, short, easy hike to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. It gets even better once you reach the summit of Mt. 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. For the first part of the hike, you will walk the same trail as the hikers on their way to Longs Peak, the highest point in the hike. Beginning at the Ranger Station, head onto the Bear Lake Trailhead and stay to the right, when at a half a mile, the trail turns off into a boulder field and passes through the aspen groves up to the Bierstadt Moraine. 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? You spend very little time below the tree line, so the views are incredible for most of the hike. 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. Just be aware that this is also the busiest time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park. On your first day, you will need the Park Access pass (the regular pass) if you plan to enter before 3. 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. If you want to avoid the crowds, begin in the early morning as early as sunrise to have the best experience and the best lighting. back in the day. Alberta Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls to visit in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. 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. In 2021, Rocky Mountain National Park was the 5th most visited national park in the United States, with 4.4 million visitors. LEARN MORE: How to Hike the Continental Divide Trail to Mt Ida. There are three ways to hike to Fern Lake. If you love mountains, this is the place for you. 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. The view from Alpine Ridge Trail. The trail starts at the Bear Lake trailhead, and heads left soon after. There are numerous hikes for all fitness levels and ages, and a variety of scenic vistas. 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. Best price and money back guarantee! But once at the top, the view is very nice. But even the most fit, acclimated hikers can feel winded and out-of-breath on this short hike. After 3 pm, you dont need the pass. 33 places sorted by traveler favorites Clear all filters 2022 1. This hike is much different than many other hikes 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. Learn everything you need to know about the John Muir Trail permit process for 2023. Thank you! A water bottle is as essential as it gets. Not too long after youve past Nymph, youll find yourself at the midway point between there and Dream Lake. 11. Wonderful post highlighting day hikes that are exemplary, and truly offer the opportunity to view nature in its stunning glory. 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. They are also all under 10 miles, well-signed, and easily done within a day. Guide to the Best Day Hikes in the US National Parks. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. The Stanley Hotel offers a wide range of rooms. From here, at an elevation of 12,899 feet, the entire park stretches out before you. 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. And you can also visit the Alpine Visitor Center, the highest visitor center in the USA. A vacuum style bottle, like this one from Day 1 Fitness can keep your water icy cold for hours into your hike. Our website uses cookies. This is my favorite easy day hike in Rocky Mountain National Park and the one I often bring out-of-town friends on. This is our favorite short, easy hike in RMNP. The classic hike for first-timers in Rocky Mountain National Park is a Bear Lake and Emerald Lake combo. For this one day itinerary, you will need a Park Access + permit (the timed-entry permit that includes Bear Lake Road). Longs Peak, at 14,259 feet, is the only fourteener in the park. This helps control crowd levels on the roads and hiking trails. If you have any questions about the permit, let us know in the comment section below. While it is certainly a touristy town (and has the kitschy shops and prices to show for it), it's certainly beautiful (the mountains!) There is no lodging inside Rocky Mountain National Park. This hike is just under 10 miles and tops out at 10,880 feet. This is a great stop to enjoy a short break by the waterfall, or avoid the crowds and push on. LEARN MORE: How to Hike to Odessa Lake and Fern Lake. Chasm Lake sits at 11,760 feet and puts you right at the base of Longs Peak, RMNPs tallest mountain. It doesnt take long until you get see amazing views of Longs Peak and Keyboard of the Winds. This hike starts at the Glacier Gorge Trailhead. This is a great hike for almost all ages and ability levels. You're going to want to start early, because parking fills up fast. This hike does not start at Bear Lake. best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. Yup. Happy hiking! 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. The good thing is that you wont want to rush by these views. 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. No, we havent done that hikehavent even heard of it. Note: Many hikes start at or near Bear Lake: Emerald Lake, Lake Haiyaha, Sky Pond, Black Lake, Fern Lake, Flattop Mountain, and Hallett Peak. Its an extra 0.8 miles to the shuttle stop on the dirt road. 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. Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. 2. Ida, so you will really feel the altitude. As you drive west on Trail Ridge Road, there are numerous overlooks. Mt. For hikers, I recommend Dream and Emerald Lakes if you are not acclimated to the higher elevation. 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. If the parking lot is full, park in the large parking lot at the end of Bear Lake Road. Then, pick the day with the clearest weather forecast, get a very early start (many hikers begin at 3 or 4 am), and keep your fingers crossed that afternoon thunderstorms dont come rumbling through the park. If this is your first day at RMNP, and one of your first days in Colorado, be prepared to take a few breaks. For the ultimate hiking experience in Rocky Mountain National Park, put Longs Peak on the top of your list. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The Loch Hike details. Longs Peak and Timber Creek Campgrounds are easier to get reservations. But don't be intimidated by its height. Plan on going back to Black Lake and pushing for some of the higher elevation ones from there in a few weeks, Blue, Frozen, Green and Italy. This takes you directly up a short scramble for about 100 feet. This is an essential hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. Explore one of 39 easy hiking trails in Estes Park or discover kid-friendly routes for your next family trip. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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 The fairly easy trail is beautiful in the summer, fall or winter. The air is crisp, wildflowers are starting to . Visit our Colorado Travel Guide for more things to do in Colorado. Here is the list and our recommendations. None of them will disappoint. For very little effort, the views you get are unbelievable. Honestly, this is not the most exciting hike on the list. Ranking of the top 16 things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. On this hike, you get to see four very pretty alpine lakes. 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. Plan on being at the trailhead by 7am (or earlier) if you want to park at the trailhead itself. This is a great hike to do with kids. If you plan to visit the park during the summer months, you will also need to reserve your timed permit in advance. Flowing streams and beautiful green grass that hikehavent even heard of it pass to visit Rocky Mountain National.... Youve past Nymph, youll find yourself at the ranger station its time for the next time comment... Some reaching up to Black Lake, Colorado be intimidated by its height dont even to... Color photos and maps throughout tops out at 10,880 feet the good thing is that you wont want to at... ( text, photography, etc need the Park, you will really feel the altitude trail. Your water Icy cold for hours into your hike acclimated to the best scenic drive Rocky!, like this one from day 1 fitness can keep your water Icy cold for hours into your hike almost. 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