Between the end of May through early October, you must reserve a permit to visit the park. The best path up the scramble is to follow the crushed and broken rocks, indicating a footpath worn in by previous hikers. The view from Alpine Ridge Trail. 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. Note: Many hikes start at or near Bear Lake: Emerald Lake, Lake Haiyaha, Sky Pond, Black Lake, Fern Lake, Flattop Mountain, and Hallett Peak. If you plan to visit Rocky Mountain National Park in the summer, afternoon thunderstorms occur quite frequently. At this elevation, its not enough to cause altitude sickness, but you will tire and get out of breath easily. While it is certainly a touristy town (and has the kitschy shops and prices to show for it), it's certainly beautiful (the mountains!) Continue hiking past Alberta Falls and turn left at Mills Junction until you reach Mills Lake. Please note: From May 27-October 10, 2022, RMNP will require timed reservations to enter, which you can purchase here. Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the highest national parks in the USA. Keep hiking until you reach Timberline Pass, at the two-mile mark. Snowshoeing to Dream Lake is a popular winter time activity, as is cross-country skiing. Required fields are marked *. And for Rocky Mountain National Park, it is. Rocky Mountain National Park has a few shuttle bus routes, but they are only open during peak season. There are three routes: the Bear Lake route, Hiker Express Route, and Moraine Park route. We wanted to do this, but it was incredibly windy and much colder above the treeline than in the parking lot. Which travel agency can book it for me? This is a great hike to do with kids. 7.4 miles (12 km). CCY Route (Chapin-Chiqiuta-Ypsilon route) Bluebird Lake. That means picking up any trash you see on the trail, practicing good trail etiquette, and being respectful to other hikers. The permit is in effect from 9 am to 2 pm. Before we dive in to all 25+ of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain NP, we've compiled the top 10! How to Get There:From Estes Park, take Highway 36 to Bear Lake Road until you reach the trailhead and parking lot. Adams Falls is a short .6-mile round-trip hike near Grand Lake, Colorado. If you have more than a few days in RMNP and need some warm-up hikes, good options are Emerald Lake, Deer Mountain, and Twin Sisters. Youre not alone Check out our blog post with tips for taking friends hiking. Essential Hiking Gear: What Should You Bring on a Day Hike? Along the way, you will hike through bogs and forests, past Ribbon Falls, and have a great view of Keyboard of the Winds. With just a day in the Rocky Mountain National Park, this is one of the best hikes you could do. BEST NATIONAL PARKS IN THE USA:Looking for your next big adventure? You spend very little time below the tree line, so the views are incredible for most of the hike. From the viewpoint, you are standing at 12,005 feet. The Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge is a wonderful, short, easy hike to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. There are plenty of great hikes you can choose from that dont climb high into the mountains. Not too long after youve past Nymph, youll find yourself at the midway point between there and Dream Lake. Not only do you get to visit a pretty lake but you also get sweeping views of Estes Park with Longs Peak in the distance. If you want a short, easy hike, we recommend Tombstone Ridge (this makes a great add-on to your scenic drive along Trail Ridge Road) or Nymph, Dream, and Emerald Lakes. Ill send this to my buddies for review before our trip! 3.1 miles (5 km). Important! It is located just outside of Estes Park, on the south side, an excellent location for driving into the park. Finally, always wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, as ultraviolet light is very strong in the mountains. 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? Once youve passed the Glacier Gorge Bridge on your right it is a series of steeper uphill climbs. LEARN MORE: How to Hike the Twin Sister Peak Trail. But once at the top, the view is very nice. Look for an unmarked trail thats a quick hike out to Lake Helene. Here are 15 of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Aspenglen, Moraine Park, and Glacier Basin are the most popular campgrounds and these get reserved well in advance. So, I am confident I would agree with your information on the hikes I havent done! This very highly rated property offers two-bedroom apartments that can accommodate up to six people. BLACK CANYON OF THE GUNNISON: In our article How to Visit Black Canyon of the Gunnison, we cover the best things to do on the North and South Rims and include several itineraries to help you plan your visit. Alternatively, if you are driving over Trail Ridge Road and want to stretch your legs, this is a fantastic place to do it. 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. Ida), Chasm Lake (another gorgeous lake hike), and Tombstone Ridge (its short, its easy, the views are amazing, and most people can handle this hike). Cheers, Julie, The Rocky mountain national park looks amazing dear. Driving distances and times to nearby destinations: If you are on a road trip through Colorado, I recommend driving the Peak to Peak Scenic By-way, either before or after your visit to Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. 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. Grab your trekking poles and take it slow. To continue to Hallett Peak, follow the rocky, somewhat faint trail. 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. You will get occasional glimpses of Longs Peak early on during the hike, but for the most part, you will have to wait until you reach the summit for the best views. 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. 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. If you want low crowds and dont mind cold temperatures and snow, plan your visit from November through May. Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park is a much different experience in the winter than the summer months. Located in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, Jasper National Park was officially established in 1907, after a group of Canadian Pacific Railway . All great (especially sky pond). evolving backdrop of beautiful pine forests into the aspen groves, so be aware that due to its popularity it can get crowded. Dream Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park is definitely one of the best day hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park - you can see three lakes in about two miles! If you dont get a ticket, you can still enter the park after 3 pm but you will not be allowed to drive down Bear Lake Road. One Day in Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary - Top Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado. Outdoor Project may earn commission on products purchased through our links, which supports the work we do for our readers. Park Access +: This permit gives you access to everything in Rocky Mountain National Park. What a great place to live! The Emerald Lake hike is a family friendly hike and it also makes a great intro to hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park. If you only have one day in Rocky Mountain National Park, what should you do? All of the products we recommend we stand behind, and we appreciate your support! Backpack the California Hiking and Riding Trail. How to get there:Take Highway 34 into the park and turn right onto Trail Ridge Road to the trailhead parking lot. None of them will disappoint. To visit Rocky Mountain National Park from May 26 to October 22, 2023, you will need to reserve a permit in advance. On day 2, you will need the Park Access + pass to visit Bear Lake. Your email address will not be published. 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). Here is the list and our recommendations. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. This hike starts from the same trailhead as Black Lake and splits off a couple miles in. Cheers, Julie. If you want to check them out for yourself, youre in luck because they both leave from the Glacier Gorge Trailhead. Wherever you decide to turn around, make sure you catch a view of the Tyndall Glacier while youre there and enjoy this unique vantage point from the top. But the whole reason to do this hike is for the view of Sky Pond, one of the most spectacular lakes in the park. First, you will pass lovely Alberta Falls. Ida. Here are the best section hikes on the John Muir Trail that require less than a week to complete. There is even a three-bedroom house that can accommodate up to nine people. Meeker and Longs Peak, the two highest peaks in Rocky Mountain National Park. Its an extra 0.8 miles to the shuttle stop on the dirt road. Hang in there and take breaks when you need, because the views of Chiefs Head Peak illuminated in the distance are worth it. Do a Hike Near Bear Lake. Like Bear Lake, it is an easy hike to get here. As you hike in, youll start to get views of Longs Head Peak and Chiefs Head Peak in the distance. With lower crowds this time of year, there is no need to get to the Bear Lake Trailhead super early in the morning. If you have more than a few days in RMNP and need some warm-up hikes. Thanks for your comment. For me, this was the most difficult but also my favorite hike that we did during our time in Rocky Mountain National Park. Sometimes, we just need to start small and do simple walks with our friends to get them stoked on doing more outside. Trailhead: Glacier Gorge Round Trip Distance: 5.9 mi. For the ultimate hiking experience in Rocky Mountain National Park, put Longs Peak on the top of your list. Happy hiking! 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. 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. 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. The fairly easy trail is beautiful in the summer, fall or winter. The Inn on Fall River & Fall River Cabins. 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 is a much longer hike, coming in at 10.7 miles. 2. As you continue, the trail turns into a narrow boardwalk to carry you through the marshlands, and then into a forested area where there are remnants of downed trees from a devastating storm. These are some of the best hikes in the park. The summit at just over 10,000 feet, provides commanding 360-degree views of Estes Park, Moraine Park, the Mummy Range, Longs Peak . Its a very short hike (just over a half-mile round trip), but it will literally take your breath away. 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. I also purchased the National Geographic Rocky Mountain National Park hiking map. The views across the park are incredible. I will discuss these hikes in more detail below, or you can click over to our Best Hikes in RMNP post now to learn more (it will open in a new browser tab so you wont lose your spot here). Rocky MountainNational Park Travel Guide. 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. 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. The park is much less crowded at this time, but Trail Ridge Road is not open and many, if not all, of the hiking trails can be snow covered. This hike is much different than many other hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Enjoy hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you. The official National Park Service website lists when the permits become available and has more information about the permits. That book is pure gold. Get info on JMT starting trailheads, trail quotas, lottery dates & more. Id recommend taking your time and putting your trekking poles away so you can use your hands. This list starts with the easiest trails and progresses to the longer, more challenging 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. PRO TRAVEL TIP: It can be 20 to 30 degrees cooler on the alpine tundra than in Estes Park or Grand Lake. As you get closer to the visitor center, keep an eye out for bighorn sheep. You can also hike to Fern Lake out-and-back from either Bear Lake or Moraine Park. Rest your legs here, especially if you have sensitive knees because it only continues to go down (and at some points never seems to end). This hike starts at the Glacier Gorge Trailhead. During this time, you get to enjoy panoramic views of Rocky Mountain National Park. Elevation Gain: 1,062' Max Elevation: 10,210' Winter Skill Level: Beginner Why it rocks. Book the most popular Winter activities in Rocky Mountain National Park. To get to the peak, its an almost constant uphill walk through an evergreen forest. This hike feels tough, a combination of the high elevation with the long stair climb. You can stay in a cozy cabin with a river view or a well-decorated suite. 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. After the climb, at 2.8 miles, youll reach Loch Vale where the views will bring you to a standstill. In the summer months, the best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park are hiking, driving Trail Ridge Road, taking a stroll around Bear Lake, driving Old Fall River Road, and mountaineering. Its a scenic waterfall thats easily accessible, so be aware that due to its popularity it can get crowded. 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. Begin at the Ute Crossing Trailhead, where the terrain is rocky and the flora and fauna of the tundra ecosystems are fragile. 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. Black Lake looks similar to Chasm Lake, as both of these alpine lakes are surrounded by jagged mountain peaks. TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY: For more information about the camera gear we carry, check out our Travel Photography Gear Guide. Happy hiking! Despite the impressive stats, the peak is generally considered to be one of the easiest 14ers to summit, and the standard Northeast Ridge route . 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. Get all of the details on how to do this hike in our post about Fern Lake. Watch your step and take it slow. From there, follow this to the parking area and trailhead located at the end of the road. If the parking lot is full, park in the large parking lot at the end of Bear Lake Road. best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. You will also pass the trailhead for the Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge. There are three ways to hike to Fern Lake. 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. Best price and money back guarantee! This helps control crowd levels on the roads and hiking trails. PRO TRAVEL TIP: For the hikes that start on Bear Lake Road (Bear Lake, Alberta Falls, Mills & Black Lake, Sky Pond, Fern Lake, Hallett Peak) consider either arriving very early in the day (by 7 am) or taking the free park shuttle. 1. 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. If you are staying in Estes Park, it is a 20-minute drive to get here. Emerald Lake hike (passing Bear Lake and Dream Lake) is about 3.5 miles in total and takes 2-3 hours depending on your hiking speed and the number of photo stops. On this hike, you get to see four very pretty alpine lakes. There is never a boring moment on this trail. The official website for RMNP has up-to-date news on trail conditions, so take a look before you head out. This is our favorite short, easy hike in the park. Covers one motorcycle. During the remainder of the year it is closed due to snow. This is an essential hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. This trail is a great way to see many of the Rocky Mountain National Parks lakes all in the same hike. 15 Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park We divided this guide into three sections: easy, moderate, and challenging. Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park 1. 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. After about half a mile, youll notice that there are tombstone-shaped rocks that dot the ridgeline in the distance, hence the name of the Tombstone Trail. This summer itinerary works best from Memorial Day through mid-October, when Trail Ridge Road is open. Starts with the long stair climb 10.7 miles take a look before you Head.. This hike, coming in at 10.7 miles Park route this time, you are standing at 12,005 feet control... Bus routes, but they are only open during Peak season near Lake. Through an evergreen forest, its not enough to cause altitude sickness, you! We stand behind, and sunglasses, as ultraviolet light is very nice thats easily accessible, so the of. Jasper National Park is one of the best section hikes on the roads and hiking trails which! Check out our blog post with tips for taking friends hiking but also my favorite hike we! 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