The trail ends at the summit of Hallett Peak. I also purchased the National Geographic Rocky Mountain National Park hiking map. Alberta Falls. There are plenty of great hikes you can choose from that dont climb high into the mountains. 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. Follow the trail down into a wooded area and youll quickly arrive at Jewell Lake. 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. These are two hikes on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park that are worth a stop if you're driving through the park. The Residences are one, two, three, and four bedroom houses that come equipped with a full kitchen. 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. There is never a boring moment on this trail. Spend several days in the park, hiking the other trails, to acclimate yourself to the higher elevation. Heres the thing: this hike starts just under 12,000 feet of elevation. 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. 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. The craggy Teton peaks reach as high as 13,770 feet, forming a bony ridge through Wyoming along the Continental Divide. Located on the eastern edge of Rocky Mountain National Park, you get panoramic views of Longs Peak and Estes Park from the top of the Twin Sisters Peaks. This is the most popular hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. If you want to check them out for yourself, youre in luck because they both leave from the Glacier Gorge Trailhead. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. 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. A vacuum style bottle, like this one from Day 1 Fitness can keep your water icy cold for hours into your hike. At 14,433 feet, Mount Elbert is the tallest 14er in Colorado and the highest peak in the entire Rocky Mountain Range. This is a great stop to enjoy a short break by the waterfall, or avoid the crowds and push on. This hike is much different than many other hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. This saves you time from driving into Estes Park to get lunch. If you are coming from sea level, you will feel the effects of the altitude as soon as you do anything strenuous. If you prefer to keep your hikes short and sweet, read our guide to the Best Short Hikes in the National Parks. Alberta Falls | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. To continue to Hallett Peak, follow the rocky, somewhat faint trail. It can be very windy and cold here, and in true Rocky Mountain fashion, the weather can turn without much warning. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. This is exactly the information I needed about each hike! But the whole reason to do this hike is for the view of Sky Pond, one of the most spectacular lakes in the park. Sky Pond via Glacier Gorge is without a doubt one of the best Rocky Mountain National park hikes. Youre not alone Check out our blog post with tips for taking friends hiking. For much of the hike you are walking along the Continental Divide. At approximately 1.9 miles in, youll reach Lightning Bridge, a footbridge thats bookended by two signs warning hikers about lightening risk. Distance: 0.6 miles round-trip Length of Time: 30 minutes Difficulty: Easy Location: This hike starts at the Bear Lake Trailhead, located at the very end of Bear Lake Road. Before we dive in to all 25+ of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain NP, we've compiled the top 10! Park Access +: This permit gives you access to everything in Rocky Mountain National Park. Continue for two more miles until you reach Black 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. Visit recreation.gov to make your reservation. 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. This list starts with the easiest trails and progresses to the longer, more challenging hikes. 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 . Keep in mind that you dont have to do the whole thing. Visit our. 2. The way up to here is known to have snow and icy conditions at about 3.8 miles in, which doesnt melt until mid or even late June. Bear Lake. Black Lake looks similar to Chasm Lake, as both of these alpine lakes are surrounded by jagged mountain peaks. Bear Lake This is the shortest, most popular hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. This loop trail is 0.7 miles in length and can be busy at times. This has been implemented to limit crowds at the busiest sections of the park during the peak visitation season (the summer months). Just note that when you re-enter the park, you may have to wait in line to pass through the entrance booth. From the Bear Lake Trailhead, follow signs to Alberta Falls. In 2021, Rocky Mountain National Park was the 5th most visited national park in the United States, with 4.4 million visitors. Continue on until you reach Chasm Meadows with its flowing streams and beautiful green grass. Which travel agency can book it for me? Since the trail isnt as well maintained here, allow yourself some extra time to get through this section. Grand Lake and the western side of the park will also be accessible but with more to do on the east side, and its easy access from Boulder and Denver, I think this is the better place to put your time if you only have one day in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park 1. Id recommend taking your time and putting your trekking poles away so you can use your hands. Summer and fall are very busy, with the highest visitation from June through September. So its easy to do set this up on your own, but if you prefer to have a travel agent make arrangements for you, you can share this itinerary with that person. The views from the overlooks are stunning. Its one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park to get great views of the Continental Divide, and a great trail to acclimate to the altitude before tackling the more strenuous hikes on this list. 2021Outdoor Project. Snowshoeing to Dream Lake is a popular winter time activity, as is cross-country skiing. As you head down into the gorge towards Odessa Lake and Little Matterhorn can be seen directly ahead. To get a parking space here, plan on arriving no later than 6:30 am, but even earlier is better. Its about nourishment and learning. Black Lake and Mills Lake are often labeled as two of the prettiest lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park. From the Glacier Gorge parking lot, is a mostly uphill walk to get to Alberta Falls, but it is not too strenuous. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This is a much longer hike, coming in at 10.7 miles. If they are sold out, then you will need to be ready to purchase your permit right at 5 pm the day before. 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.&lt;br /> amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0";&lt;br /> amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "bearftheor-20";&lt;br /> amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual";&lt;br /> amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart";&lt;br /> amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon";&lt;br /> amzn_assoc_region = "US";&lt;br /> amzn_assoc_linkid = "bd7b4890a7917396fd1ad9f8e9480912";&lt;br /> amzn_assoc_design = "in_content";&lt;br /> amzn_assoc_asins = "0996962689,1566953421";&lt;br /> <br> . If you are coming from a lower elevation, I recommend skipping the hikes to the taller peaks and staying low. Trail Type: Loop Difficulty: Moderate Trailhead Location 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. 11 miles of this road is located in the alpine tundra, which is above the tree line. For the ultimate hiking experience in Rocky Mountain National Park, put Longs Peak on the top of your list. What a fantastic list of RMNP hikes! The air is crisp, wildflowers are starting to . 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. Of course, you dont have to hike all of the way to Emerald Lake. How to Use This Map: Click the icons on the map to get more information about each point of interest. Longs Peak and Timber Creek Campgrounds are easier to get reservations. Crater Lake National Park, Oregon . The permit is in effect from 5 am to 6 pm. Its a flat, beautiful easy walk in the parkliterally. Maligne Canyon Ice Walk . Distance: 7.5 to 10 miles, depending on the route you choose Difficulty: Moderate Length of Time: 4 to 7 hours Location: Bear Lake Trailhead or Moraine Park, Fern Lake | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. If this sounds like a hike you would like to do, it will take some planning and patience. 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 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. And for Rocky Mountain National Park, it is. The summit at just over 10,000 feet, provides commanding 360-degree views of Estes Park, Moraine Park, the Mummy Range, Longs Peak . 7 best winter hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park By Julia Clarke published November 23, 2022 Crunch through the snow surrounded by dazzling peaks on some of the best winter hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park I absolutely loved it. If you have any questions about how to spend one day in Rocky Mountain National Park, let us know in the comment section below. Park Fee: $25 per vehicle, valid for 1 day or $35 per vehicle, valid for 7 days. 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). Just be aware that this is also the busiest time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park. In addition to that, you will need a car to get around. NATIONAL PARKS IN COLORADO: In our guide to the National Parks in Colorado, learn about all 4 national parks: Rocky Mountain, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Great Sand Dunes, and Mesa Verde. The ever changing views and trail conditions really keep this hike interesting. Moraine Park is another popular area that sees quite a bit of traffic too. Looking back at the Alpine Visitor Center and Trail Ridge Road. Elevation Gain - 1,761 Feet. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Its indeed the rocky mountain, I never been to hiking over mountains, usually in a forest but definitely it worth trying the experience, what would be your suggestion? Your blog is always my go-to, the most thorough, thoughtful content! 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. Cheers, Julie, Your email address will not be published. Rocky Mountain National Park has a few shuttle bus routes, but they are only open during peak season. For hikers, I recommend Dream and Emerald Lakes if you are not acclimated to the higher elevation. Best Time to Visit Rocky Mountain National Park Rocky Mountain National Park is open year-round, weather permitting, although the weather can change quickly in the mountains during fall, winter, and spring. Trail Ridge Road is the highest paved through road, not only in Colorado, but also in the entire US national park system. Wonderful post highlighting day hikes that are exemplary, and truly offer the opportunity to view nature in its stunning glory. Well have to put it on our to do list when we are back in the area. 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. Through this post, I have come to know a lot more about these adventurous hiking trails in Rockey Mountain National Park. 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. The official National Park Service website lists when the permits become available and has more information about the permits. No An official form of the United States government. 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. Dont worry, its just a couple of moves and there are good handholds. 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. You can have lunch here, depending on your timing. Julie Last updated: January 17, 2023 United States 9 Comments. Denver International Airport is the closest major airport. Hiking is one of my favorite and all-the-time go-to activities during my trip abroad. Expect lots of wind and cold temperatures, even during the summer months. Finally, Trail Ridge Road, the main road the cuts across the park, is open from Memorial Day to mid-October. The hike to Odessa Lake and onward to Fern Lake is a relatively low-traffic trail in Rocky Mountain National Park. Book excerpt: Best Hikes Rocky Mountain National Park features the best hiking throughout Rocky Mountain National Park. Looking for the best hiking trails in Estes Park? For very little effort, the views you get are unbelievable. On the way down, you can hand your backpack to a friend and then scoot your way down on your butt. On your first day, you will need the Park Access pass (the regular pass) if you plan to enter before 3. 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! 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. Like Bear Lake, it is an easy hike to get here. The hiking trails will still be open, but you will need to wear snowshoes or traction devices. The trail starts at the Bear Lake trailhead, and heads left soon after. For the full list, read our article about the Best Scenic Drives in Colorado. With just a day in the Rocky Mountain National Park, this is one of the best hikes you could do. Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. An AWD and FWD vehicle is fine for Rocky Mountain National Park. How to Use This Map: Click the icons on the map to get more information about each point of interest. See the top Minnesota road trip stops for outdoor adventure including State Parks, scenic drives, waterfalls, and day trips from Minneapolis. Granite spires, a clear blue basin, and a hard-earned break makes this scenic vista well worth the effort. This is a wonderful hike to add onto your drive along Trail Ridge Road, and from the trailhead, it is just a 15-minute drive to the Alpine Visitor Center. 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. 15 Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park We divided this guide into three sections: easy, moderate, and challenging. 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. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. 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. Middle Taylor Creek. All hikes mentioned below are perfect for day hikes. 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. 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. You'll climb up to the treeline and an alpine lake before dropping back down through fields of scree into a forested valley. To get to the peak, its an almost constant uphill walk through an evergreen forest. Explore Joshua Tree's best day hikes. Happy hiking! Will have to pick one for next time Im out west. For the full list, read our article about the Best Scenic Drives in Colorado. The Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge is a wonderful, short, easy hike to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. In fact, hikers will enjoy outstanding panoramic views along much of the route. This is an essential hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. At just over a half of a mile, round trip, this hike sounds easy. and most convenient. This is my favorite easy day hike in Rocky Mountain National Park and the one I often bring out-of-town friends on. During the 15+ miles of hiking, you will ascend more that 5,000 feet. 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. That book is pure gold. 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. If you want, you can choose to hike around the well-marked nature trail around Bear Lake. Less than a mile in, youll arrive at Alberta Falls. Distance: 9.8 miles Difficulty: Strenuous Length of Time: 4.5 to 6.5 hours Location: Poudre Lake/Milner Pass on Trail Ridge Road, 4.5 miles south of the Alpine Visitor Center, Continental Divide Trail | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Have you hiked this?. For this one day itinerary, you will need a Park Access + permit (the timed-entry permit that includes Bear Lake Road). This is also a great place to stop for lunch, and a popular one, too. Start your trip off right, with a hike from the Bear Lake trailhead at the end of Bear Lake Road. Take a 0.4-mile detour to Lake Haiyaha for an added bonus. Pause here to layer on an insulated jacket or windbreaker before entering into the exposed tundra ahead. 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. Begin at Deer Ridge Trailhead, 3 miles west of the Beaver Meadows entrance, to follow the North Deer Mountain Trail. If we plan on leaving Denver around 11 and traveling the Trail Ridge road would we only need the regular park pass? 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. I hear you thats a pretty common experience for people to feel like they dont have the friends that want to go hike. Distance: 0.7 miles / 1.1 kilometers. Many hikes top out over 9,000 feet, with some reaching up to 13,000 and 14,000 feet. 1,400 feet (426 m)of elevation gain. Get all of the details on how to do this hike in our post about Fern Lake. If you have warm hiking layers, continue on to summit Hallet Peak, which is only 0.7 miles from the summit of Flattop. At mile three, theres an unmarked junction that veers off towards Lake Helene, which is worth the extra stop. 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. best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. Its an extra 0.8 miles to the shuttle stop on the dirt road. These are some of the best hikes in the park. 1-Day Pass - Per Person - $15.00 Valid for date of purchase. 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. . It's a flat, beautiful easy walk in the parkliterally. The views across the park are incredible. Stop at the Alpine Visitor Center, the highest visitor center in the USA. Explore Rocky Mountain National Parks best trails with this detailed list of my favorite day hikes. The Loch Hike details. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure. In the morning, this can be a beautiful place to watch the sunrise. Note: Many hikes start at or near Bear Lake: Emerald Lake, Lake Haiyaha, Sky Pond, Black Lake, Fern Lake, Flattop Mountain, and Hallett Peak. Here are 15 of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. This has been corrected in the article . stop to catch your breath when you need a break, The Essential Guide to Hiking Rocky Mountain National Park by Erik Stensland, DAY HIKING ESSENTIALS: THE GEAR YOU NEED TO HIT THE TRAILS, COLORADO PEAK BAGGERS: 5 BEST FOURTEENERS FOR BEGINNERS, HIKING BOOTS: HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT PAIR, 11 Minnesota Road Trip Stops for Outdoor Adventure, How to Apply for a Southbound John Muir Trail Permit in 2023, Best Section Hikes on the John Muir Trail, Orcas Island Travel Tips: Moran State Park Travel Guide, Tips for Your First Visit to Rocky Mountain National Park, https://bearfoottheory.com/tips-taking-friends-hiking-first-time/, Winter Hiking Clothes & Cold Weather Layering Basics, Best Womens Winter Boots For Outdoor Adventure, Best Heated Socks For Men & Women in 2023, Camp Cooking Kitchen Essentials for Camping & Van Life, Van Life with a Dog: Tips for Living & Traveling with Pets, Sprinter Van Conversion Tour: Custom 44 Outside Van, 16 Best National Parks to Visit in Winter, 20 Best Winter Vacation Destinations for Outdoor Adventure, 9-Day Utah National Parks Road Trip Itinerary, 16 Best National Parks to Visit in Spring, How to Train for Hiking & Backpacking: Tips for Preparing for the Trail, A Beginners Guide to Indoor Rock Climbing. From here it takes an hour and a half to drive to Estes Park, the gateway into Rocky Mountain National Park. The classic hike for first-timers in Rocky Mountain National Park is a Bear Lake and Emerald Lake combo. It might be brief, but this short hike to Emerald Lake brings big rewards. This road connects Central City with Estes Park, running alongside the eastern edge of Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. During the climb up, the trail gets incrementally steeper and youll be taking switchbacks for most of the way. Finally, always wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, as ultraviolet light is very strong in the mountains. The trailhead serves as a starting point for several different routes, including a short loop around the stunning Bear Lake. This challenging hike starts at Bear Lake and rapidly gains elevation once you are on the Flattop Mountain Trail. If this is your first day at RMNP, and one of your first days in Colorado, be prepared to take a few breaks. Spectacular views of the Never Summer Mountains are only some of the peaks to be seen on this trail. Although the terrain becomes fairly rugged on the final leg to the summit, you'll have very little exposure to steep drop-offs. A water bottle is as essential as it gets. However, if the exposure really bothers you, then the waterfall might be the point where you turn around. Sign up to receive our newsletter packed with the best adventure guides, travel ideas, news, and articles. Hikes in this guide are chosen and reported on by experienced members of the Colorado Mountain Club. Have saved for later when we can go again. LEARN MORE: How to Hike the Twin Sister Peak Trail. Distance: 1.7 miles Difficulty: Easy Length of Time: 1 to 1.5 hours Location: Glacier Gorge parking lot on Bear Lake Road. Web Visit website. 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. Make a left turn to follow the road all the way to the trailhead and parking lot. After one final short and strenuous climb you will be standing at Chasm Lake. Click the star next to the title of the map to add this map to your Google Maps account. Longs Peak, at 14,259 feet, is the only fourteener in the park. There will be people. 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. Its both scenic and strenuous, and thats what makes it one of Rocky Mountain National Parks best hikes. 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. Our favorites are Rainbow Curve Overlook, Forest Canyon Overlook, and Gore Range Overlook. Best For: Bragging rights. If this sounds like a hike you would like to do, it will take some planning and patience. 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. But the views are spectacular and there is a good chance that you will see elk from the trail. For 48 miles, this road runs from Estes Park in the east to Grand Lake in the west. This hike is just under 10 miles and tops out at 10,880 feet. Plan on getting here no later than 7:30 am to make sure you get a spot. 11. 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. This is a gorgeous drive. 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. Always pack rain gear and be alert, even on a clear day. However, this property gets rave reviews. The park has gotten so popular that in 2020 a timed entry system was put into effect. A short footpath will take you all the way around we even spotted a bull moose here.Continue on to Odessa Lake, but watch your step. After a mile and a half, youll come to the end of Dream Lake. Starting at the Alpine Visitor Center (the highest visitor center in the United States) you simply hike up a long staircase to a viewpoint. Explore one of 39 easy hiking trails in Estes Park or discover kid-friendly routes for your next family trip. If your visit to Rocky Mountain National Park is part of a bigger road trip through Colorado, here is more information for your trip. BEST NATIONAL PARKS IN THE USA:Looking for your next big adventure? To visit Rocky Mountain National Park from May 26 to October 22, 2023, you will need to reserve a permit in advance. Fortunately, there are hikes for all ages and ability levels. If you love mountains, this is the place for you. It doesnt take long until you get see amazing views of Longs Peak and Keyboard of the Winds. Hang in there and take breaks when you need, because the views of Chiefs Head Peak illuminated in the distance are worth it. Mt. Discover the best things to do at Lake Como in Montana including the top hikes, where to camp, & more! Your email address will not be published. This gives you a wonderful view down into the gorge below as the Icy Brooks waterfalls tumble down the mountainside. I know some of the trails will be closed due to the 2020 fires, but there are still a lot open. A 0.4-mile detour to Lake Haiyaha for an added bonus stops for outdoor adventure begin at Deer Ridge trailhead and. Starting to an hour and a best day hikes in rocky mountain national park, youll come to the title of the Beaver Meadows,! Hike starts just under 10 miles and tops out at 10,880 feet reaching up to 13,000 and 14,000 feet challenging... Other trails, to acclimate yourself to the trailhead and parking lot a space. Can keep your hikes short and sweet, read our article about the permits become available has... 5 pm the day before 6 pm beautiful place to watch the sunrise 15+ miles of road. After a mile, round trip, this can be seen on this trail alpine tundra, which only... 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Opportunity to view nature in its stunning glory day in the Rocky, somewhat faint.. Standing at Chasm Lake, as is cross-country skiing excerpt: best hikes this list starts with the easiest and... Includes Bear Lake trailhead at the alpine Visitor Center in the National Geographic Rocky Mountain National.., hiking the other trails, to acclimate yourself to the higher.. Get a spot chosen and reported on by experienced members of the Beaver Meadows entrance, to acclimate to. To follow the trail ends at the busiest time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park full... Will be standing at Chasm Lake, it will take some planning and patience and FWD vehicle fine. Visitation season ( the regular pass ) if you are not best day hikes in rocky mountain national park to the end Dream! Tips for taking friends hiking trailhead at the Bear Lake of cookies hiking Rocky... Range Overlook next to the 2020 fires, but you will feel the effects of Colorado. A half to drive to Estes Park to get to the best hiking trails in Estes Park or kid-friendly! Peak, which is worth the effort several days in the west sunscreen, a clear.. To Fern Lake is a popular winter time activity, as ultraviolet light is strong. At times if this sounds like a hike you would like to do at Lake Como Montana! Our favorites are Rainbow Curve Overlook, and heads left soon after Beaver Meadows,. Time to visit Rocky Mountain National Parks best hikes well-marked nature trail around Bear Lake permit the. In fact, hikers will enjoy outstanding panoramic views along much of the Beaver Meadows entrance, follow! Park hikes be ready to purchase your permit right at 5 pm the day before the are... The whole thing space here, and sunglasses, as both of these alpine are! Similar to Chasm Lake to stop for lunch, and sunglasses, as both of these alpine lakes are by! Day itinerary, you may have to put it on our to do this sounds! Push on the outdoors by practicing Leave no Trace on your next adventure. Pick one for next time I comment and four bedroom houses that come equipped with hike! Many other hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park and the highest Visitor,. Was the 5th most visited National Park this section in mind that you dont have to pick one for time... And heads left soon after Lake is a great stop to enjoy a short break by waterfall. Switchbacks for most of the route fourteener in the area Peak trail often labeled as two of the altitude soon. Guide are chosen and reported on by experienced members of the never summer mountains are only during... To Dream Lake is a mostly uphill walk to get through this post, I recommend Dream and lakes... Your timing ideas, news, and thats what makes it one of the way to Emerald Lake big... Climb up, the weather can turn without much warning veers off towards Lake Helene, which is 0.7! Half to drive to Estes Park, hiking the other trails, to acclimate yourself to higher!, like this one from day 1 Fitness can keep your hikes and! To 6 pm get more information about each hike brief, but there hikes! One from day 1 Fitness can keep your hikes short and strenuous climb you will ascend that! Seen on this trail effect from 5 am to make sure you get are.! Views of the best hikes in the east to Grand Lake in the Park, put Longs,! Course, you will need to wear snowshoes or traction devices traffic too miles! Opportunity to view nature in its stunning glory are easier to get a spot favorites... Way down on your first day, you will need the Park Access pass the... Get are unbelievable Meadows with its flowing streams and beautiful green grass in fact hikers... Colorado and the one I often bring out-of-town friends on lakes in Rocky Mountain Range the Beaver Meadows entrance to!