Your best bet is to pack a picnic lunch. Once at the waterfall, you can explore the short trails along Glacier Creek to find your favorite view of the waterfall. We believe good things come from people spending time outside. . Youre not alone Check out our blog post with tips for taking friends hiking. No An official form of the United States government. All of the products we recommend we stand behind, and we appreciate your support! Bluebird Lake Hike: This lovely day hike is located in the lesser-visited Wild Basin area of the Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. No, we havent done that hikehavent even heard of it. If you are not acclimated to the higher elevation, its normal to get out of breath very easily. 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. There is never a boring moment on this trail. The summit at just over 10,000 feet, provides commanding 360-degree views of Estes Park, Moraine Park, the Mummy Range, Longs Peak . 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). If you want to check them out for yourself, youre in luck because they both leave from the Glacier Gorge Trailhead. You can drive Trail Ridge Road, visit the Alpine Visitor Center, hike to Longs Peak and to Chasm Lake, and hike Gem Lake. Those looking for a shorter, easier hike can turn around at this point. LEARN MORE: How to Hike to Odessa Lake and Fern Lake. On your first day, you will need the Park Access pass (the regular pass) if you plan to enter before 3. Elevation Gain - 1,761 Feet. Sky Pond is one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park for good reason. The trails in these areas get you into the high alpine quicker than the West side of the Park and give you some amazing panoramic views. For the ultimate hiking experience in Rocky Mountain National Park, put Longs Peak on the top of your list. 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 is also a great place to stop for lunch, and a popular one, too. The hiking trails will still be open, but you will need to wear snowshoes or traction devices. With lower crowds this time of year, there is no need to get to the Bear Lake Trailhead super early in the morning. And for Rocky Mountain National Park, it is. However, if the exposure really bothers you, then the waterfall might be the point where you turn around. 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. The parking lot at Bear Lake is large but it fills up fast! Cheers, Julie. Required fields are marked *. What a fantastic list of RMNP hikes! To get to the peak, its an almost constant uphill walk through an evergreen forest. 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. Begin at Deer Ridge Trailhead, 3 miles west of the Beaver Meadows entrance, to follow the North Deer Mountain Trail. Leave from Bear Lake. Hello Matt. 11. 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. This is one of the easier lake hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. 700 feet (213 m) elevation gain. In the morning, this can be a beautiful place to watch the sunrise. For more information about where to stay and where to eat, read our Guide to Estes Park. Take advantage of the shuttle and park at the Park and Ride, and then shuttle up to the start at Bear Lake. if you want a quieter hike, this is one to consider. Explore the full Adams Falls hike profile below for trail map, driving directions, and all the details you . Learn everything you need to know about the John Muir Trail permit process for 2023. Starting at the Alpine Visitor Center (the highest visitor center in the United States) you simply hike up a long staircase to a viewpoint. 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. After 3 pm, you dont need the pass. Over 60 people have died attempting to summit Longs Peak. The air is crisp, wildflowers are starting to . Looking for the best hiking trails in Estes Park? Youll be glad you did. Best For: Bragging rights. Guide to the Best Day Hikes in the US National Parks. And dont forget to reserve your Timed Entry Permit in advance if you plan to do this itinerary between May 27 and October 10, 2022. Wildland Trekking offers trips with the best of Rocky Mountain: waterfalls, mountains, views, wildlife, solitude, adventure and fascinating natural and cultural interpretation. Maybe you should say Longs Peak ranger station, or Longs Peak trailhead instead. We plan to visit for 2 half days this September. As such, it's a favorite spot of outdoorsmen, basically turning it into their home away from home or an office. In the winter months, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing top the list. Thanks Dave! The biggest feature of this hike is the wildlife, such as elks, marmots, or pikas, and the incredible gardens of the alpine tundra. Typically, trails at higher elevations are still covered in snow until late-April. From the Bear Lake Trailhead, the hike is just over 2 miles round-trip and will take about an hour and a half. This trail is a great way to see many of the Rocky Mountain National Parks lakes all in the same hike. This trail is not paved (its a gravel trail for most of its length) but it is considered handicap accessible. 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. 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. Note: All distances are round-trip. Cheers, Julie. 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. If your visit to Rocky Mountain National Park is part of a bigger road trip through Colorado, here is more information for your trip. Hang in there and take breaks when you need, because the views of Chiefs Head Peak illuminated in the distance are worth it. One of the most popular hikes in all of Rocky Mountain National Park is the Nymph, Dream, & Emerald Lakes Hike. Its about more than standing on the mountain top. With just a day in the Rocky Mountain National Park, this is one of the best hikes you could do. This is a much longer hike, coming in at 10.7 miles. Trail Ridge Road is the highest paved through road, not only in Colorado, but also in the entire US national park system. As you drive west on Trail Ridge Road, there are numerous overlooks. 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. Ida, and Tombstone Ridge are the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park for your list. 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. 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. Plan on getting here no later than 7:30 am to make sure you get a spot. If you do not have a reservation, you will not be allowed to enter the park. Last month, I traveled to Orcas Island in the San Juan archipelago off the coast of Washington state. A well-graded trail circles around the lake. If you want low crowds and dont mind cold temperatures and snow, plan your visit from November through May. Many of the best hiking trails are situated within Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP). While in Rocky Mountain National Park, please practice the seven principles of Leave No Trace: plan ahead, stay on the trails, pack out what you bring to the hiking trails, properly dispose of waste, leave areas as you found them, minimize campfire impacts, be considerate of other hikers, and do not approach or feed wildlife. Very nice list, Sky Pond is my favorite, as well as Black Lake. To continue to Hallett Peak, follow the rocky, somewhat faint trail. With its short distance and manageable elevation gain, it is a great first hike in the park, as you acclimate to the higher elevation (if you havent already spent some time in the Rocky Mountains). Thank you, Hello Minal. 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. Bear Lake. What should you not miss in Rocky Mountain National Park? Rainbow Curve Overlook, Forest Canyon Overlook. 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. 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. I love how you outlined which hikes to do, based on what you are looking for. For the first part of the hike, you will share the trail with hikers on their way to Longs Peak. For most of this hike you are entirely within a pine forest, so the views are rather lackluster for much of the hike. Located in the less-frequented Kolob Canyon section of Zion, Middle Taylor Creek is a moderate hike perfect . From the Bear Lake Trailhead, follow signs to Alberta Falls. 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. For much of the hike you are walking along the Continental Divide. If you plan to visit Rocky Mountain National Park in the summer, afternoon thunderstorms occur quite frequently. This is a nice hike but honestly not one of our favorites. The Emerald Lake hike is one of the most popular hikes 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. 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 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? 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. The waterfall borders Rocky Mountain National Park and its trail begins at the same trailhead for the East Inlet Trail. At 14,433 feet, Mount Elbert is the tallest 14er in Colorado and the highest peak in the entire Rocky Mountain Range. The timed entry permit system covers ALL areas of the park, including outlying areas like Lily Lake, Longs Peak, Lumpy Ridge, and Wild Basin. Thanks!! Snow can linger on the trails as late as July, especially for the trails at higher elevations. This is my favorite easy day hike in Rocky Mountain National Park and the one I often bring out-of-town friends on. Best Things to Do in Great Sand Dunes National Park. This is a tough fourteener and many people who attempt it never make it to the summit, turning around early because of storms or the difficult conditions. Alternatively, the best way to access the trailhead is by using the shuttle to avoid crowds and creating traffic. You're going to want to start early, because parking fills up fast. Alternatively, if you are driving over Trail Ridge Road and want to stretch your legs, this is a fantastic place to do it. 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. 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. It will fit in your pocket or daypack and features color photos and maps throughout. Estes Park Lodging with Kids. Heres the thing: this hike starts just under 12,000 feet of elevation. But once at the top, the view is very nice. You spend very little time below the tree line, so the views are incredible for most of the hike. Rocky Mountain National Park is a massive and spectacularly beautiful area spanning 400 square miles. The amount of snow can vary year to year, so make sure you get updates on the National Park Service website before your visit. Yes, it is on the long side and it can be challenging, but you get a great pay-off at the end, with the jaw-dropping view of Sky Pond. There are numerous hikes for all fitness levels and ages, and a variety of scenic vistas. In the summer months, it is best to hike in the morning, in order to avoid the afternoon thunderstorms. 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. Our favorites are Rainbow Curve Overlook, Forest Canyon Overlook, and Gore Range Overlook. 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. 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. Plus, this is a lesser known hike, so the trail gets a lower number of hikers than other hikes on this list. The permit is in effect from 9 am to 2 pm. You can still get around, but it might be on skis or snowshoes, rather than by vehicle. 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. This is a great stop to enjoy a short break by the waterfall, or avoid the crowds and push on. Its both scenic and strenuous, and thats what makes it one of Rocky Mountain National Parks best hikes. From what we noticed, most of the people on this trail were either locals (this is a popular trail running route) or those who had already checked off a bunch of hikes in RMNP. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. All-inclusive trips, expert guides, Top-rated hiking company on Trip Advisor! 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. All great (especially sky pond). I also purchased the National Geographic Rocky Mountain National Park hiking map. So, we all could be making a lot of trips out to Colorado over the next few years, depending on Tylers decision. On this hike, you get to see four very pretty alpine lakes. You can hike this as an out and back, and start your return before the trail descends down into the valley. You dont even have to hike the entire 4 miles. 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. Make sure you bring extra layers, even during the summer months. First, you will pass lovely Alberta Falls. 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. It gets even better once you reach the summit of Mt. Once the trail splits, the hike gets a little easier and you are treated to breathtaking views of Longs Peak, Columbine Falls, and Peacock Pond. 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. This is a great hike for almost all ages and ability levels. Emerald Lake Trail 550 Hiking Trails By pamt464 We also hiked in the Wild Basin area which starts at a lower elevation, but the Emerald Lake hike was our favorite fo. Dogs: Leashed. It's an 8.5-mile out-and-back hike that takes you past not one, not two but THREE beautiful mountain lakes AND Alberta Falls to top things off! You will pass Nymph Lake and Dream Lake on your way to Emerald. And you can also visit the Alpine Visitor Center, the highest visitor center in the USA. This was one of our favorite hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park and we highly recommend it. Cheers, Julie, Your email address will not be published. Day 2 - Get a good workout on the Bear Lake Trail (6+ miles), see very different scenery at Lumpy Ridge, and . Your email address will not be published. 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. Make a left turn to follow the road all the way to the trailhead and parking lot. The Stanley Hotel. However, snow is possible at both times at higher . 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. Be prepared and ask your shuttle driver in the morning what times they stop at Fern Lake to line it up with the end of your hike. Hike Further: Be sure to hike and additional approx 1.25 mile (one-way) to Timberline Falls to see one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Rocky Mountain National Park. Distance: 3.4 miles Difficulty: Moderate Length of Time: 2 to 3 hours Location: Lumpy Ridge Trailhead. Take a left onto Bear Lake Road, and arrive at the Glacier Gorge trailhead. The descent down towards Fern Lake is just as scenic, with a new vantage point of the same mountains, and a deep blue alpine lake. In my opinion the lakes get better as you go but some people find Dream to be the best. Along the way, there is a good chance that you will spot bighorn sheep and elk. Also, it can snow every month of the year in Rocky Mountain National Park. So, climb those stairs, catch your breath if you need to, and enjoy the awesome view from the top. Book excerpt: Best Hikes Rocky Mountain National Park features the best hiking throughout Rocky Mountain National Park. The views from the summit are simply epic. It might be brief, but this short hike to Emerald Lake brings big rewards. There will be people. This hike has a little bit of everythingwaterfalls, alpine lakes, high mountain views, and fun river and stream crossings. 2. Which travel agency can book it for me? If you are staying in Estes Park, it is a 20-minute drive to get here. This hike does not start at Bear Lake. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. Get info on JMT starting trailheads, trail quotas, lottery dates & more. 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. In fact, hikers will enjoy outstanding panoramic views along much of the route. 11 miles of this road is located in the alpine tundra, which is above the tree line. Rocky Mountain National Park is best seen from a hiking trail. 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. Find the right trail for any skill level. Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park: On a Map. If you only have one day in Rocky Mountain National Park, what should you do? Dont worry, its just a couple of moves and there are good handholds. During the remainder of the year it is closed due to snow. Ida on day 3. This is the shortest, most popular hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. evolving backdrop of beautiful pine forests into the aspen groves, so be aware that due to its popularity it can get crowded. Drive Trail Ridge Road (late spring through early fall). 2. There are sixty mountain peaks over 12,000 feet and many of these top out over 13,000 feet. Its not a big deal but doing this will eat up some of your precious time. Important! Longs Peak in Rocky Mountain National Park Colorado on a summer day (Image credit: Roschetzkylstockphoto) Distance: 14.8 miles Difficulty: Extremely difficult. Distance: 4 miles Difficulty: Easy to moderate Length of Time: 1.5 to 3 hours Location: Ute Trailhead on Trail Ridge Road, 7 miles east of the Alpine Visitor Center, Tombstone Ridge | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. You can also hike to Fern Lake out-and-back from either Bear Lake or Moraine Park. We wanted to do this, but it was incredibly windy and much colder above the treeline than in the parking lot. Its best to hike in the morning and to be below the tree line by 1 pm. BEST NATIONAL PARKS IN THE USA:Looking for your next big adventure? Chasm Lake sits at 11,760 feet and puts you right at the base of Longs Peak, RMNPs tallest mountain. Let us know in the comment section below. 1-Day Pass - Per Person - $15.00 Valid for date of purchase. On our most recent visit we stayed in The Residences at #402 and it was wonderful. You can have lunch here, depending on your timing. The hike to Deer Mountain is one of the more popular fall hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. https://bearfoottheory.com/tips-taking-friends-hiking-first-time/. But the views are spectacular and there is a good chance that you will see elk from the trail. If you continue beyond the Alpine Visitor Center on Trail Ridge Road, you can go all of the way to Grand Lake, if you like. In 2021, Rocky Mountain National Park was the 5th most visited national park in the United States, with 4.4 million visitors. During the busy summer and fall seasons, parking will fill up before 5 am. 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. Rocky Mountain National Park is home to some of the most epic and amazing hiking vacations in the world. Cheers, Julie, We want an entry ticket to the park on Monday Sept 26 between 4-6. This is a great hike for almost all ages and ability levels. Explore Rocky Mountain National Parks best trails with this detailed list of my favorite day hikes. Phone +1 970-586-1206. 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. Like Bear Lake, it is an easy hike to get here. It is 4 miles round-trip and great for kids. Keep hiking up to Black Lake, where youll encounter a meadow. View from Deer Mountain | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. How to Visit Black Canyon of the Gunnison. At 14,259 feet, the only fourteener on this list, the trek up Longs Peak is one of the most epic hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. If you love mountains, this is the place for you. Hikes in this guide are chosen and reported on by experienced members of the Colorado Mountain Club. This part of the hike is tough as you are hiking over very rugged terrain. One of the best seasons for hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park is the spring. On the way down, you can hand your backpack to a friend and then scoot your way down on your butt. Emerald Lake Trail | Rocky Mountain National Park Hikes I hear you thats a pretty common experience for people to feel like they dont have the friends that want to go hike. If you prefer to keep your hikes short and sweet, read our guide to the Best Short Hikes in the National Parks. best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. 800-715-HIKE (4453) (9-4:30 Every Day) 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. Begin at the Ute Crossing Trailhead, where the terrain is rocky and the flora and fauna of the tundra ecosystems are fragile. If you are acclimated to the elevation, the hike to Chasm Lake is another one of our favorites in Rocky Mountain National 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. After a mile and a half, youll come to the end of Dream Lake. The view from Alpine Ridge Trail. A vacuum style bottle, like this one from Day 1 Fitness can keep your water icy cold for hours into your hike. And once you are in the park, you can stay as long as you like. If you are coming from a lower elevation, I recommend skipping the hikes to the taller peaks and staying low. From here it takes an hour and a half to drive to Estes Park, the gateway into Rocky Mountain National Park. However, if you want to hike a lower-traffic trail that is just a short drive from Estes Park, this is a nice one to consider. Aspen groves, so the views are spectacular and there is a lesser known hike, you can also the! And all the details you out-and-back from either Bear Lake, where youll encounter a meadow short hikes Rocky! 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