How to get there:Some of the Rocky Mountain National Parks best hikes are easily accessible by the parks shuttle system. Continue on until you reach Chasm Meadows with its flowing streams and beautiful green grass. Tim and Tyler hiked Odessa and Fern Lakes on our first day in the park and we came right from sea level (we live on the east coast of the USA). The views from the overlooks are stunning. Trailhead: Glacier Gorge Round Trip Distance: 5.9 mi. Happy hiking!! Each of these hikes is a day hike, so they can all be completed in one day. Despite the impressive stats, the peak is generally considered to be one of the easiest 14ers to summit, and the standard Northeast Ridge route . One of the best seasons for hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park is the spring. Known for sprawling alpine and subalpine forests filled . For much of the hike you are walking along the Continental Divide. Outdoor Project may earn commission on products purchased through our links, which supports the work we do for our readers. For the ultimate hiking experience in Rocky Mountain National Park, put Longs Peak on the top of your list. An AWD and FWD vehicle is fine for Rocky Mountain National Park. A few great hikes start and end along this road. If this is your first day at RMNP, and one of your first days in Colorado, be prepared to take a few breaks. This is our favorite short, easy hike in RMNP. For more information about where to stay and where to eat, read our Guide to Estes Park. Trail Ridge Road will be closed, limiting your visit to Bear Lake and the eastern side of the park. To visit Rocky Mountain National Park from May 26 to October 22, 2023, you will need to reserve a permit in advance. If you are coming from Estes Park, this drive takes 30 minutes. Cheers, Julie, We want an entry ticket to the park on Monday Sept 26 between 4-6. After youve layered up, keep hiking to mile three, where there is a perfect place to rest and catch your breath at the Emerald Lake Overlook, 1,200 up. Best For: Bragging rights. There are two different types of timed entry permits. During the remainder of the year it is closed due to snow. 27. Theres a series of gentle climbs up and small descents, with some threat of mud and rough rocky terrain to be aware of on the trail. If you plan to visit Rocky Mountain National Park in the summer, afternoon thunderstorms occur quite frequently. Watch your step and take it slow. 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 are not acclimated to the higher elevation, its normal to get out of breath very easily. Spring is one of our favorite times of year to visit Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. The hike offers outstanding views of Lily Mountain, Estes Cone, as well as Mt. 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. 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). Although the terrain becomes fairly rugged on the final leg to the summit, you'll have very little exposure to steep drop-offs. 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. Make a right turn here, pass the turnoff at Mills Junction, and hike straight ahead to the Loch Vale Trail. 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). 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. On the way down, you can hand your backpack to a friend and then scoot your way down on your butt. best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. There will be people. With lower crowds this time of year, there is no need to get to the Bear Lake Trailhead super early in the morning. 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 the full Adams Falls hike profile below for trail map, driving directions, and all the details you . Moraine Park is another popular area that sees quite a bit of traffic too. Ive always wanted to go hiking , Love the adventure just didnt have the friends or resourcefulness to survive out there. In early autumn, the snow really returns, covering the roads and trails, turning the park into a wintery wonderland. Its a very short hike (just over a half-mile round trip), but it will literally take your breath away. Please note: From May 27-October 10, 2022, RMNP will require timed reservations to enter, which you can purchase here. Plan on being at the trailhead by 7am (or earlier) if you want to park at the trailhead itself. 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. What a fantastic list of RMNP hikes! For the first part of the hike, you will share the trail with hikers on their way to Longs Peak. MORE GREAT HIKES IN THE NATIONAL PARKS: From hikes to the tallest peaks to beautiful coast trails, read our Guide to the Best Day Hikes in the US National Parks. This takes you directly up a short scramble for about 100 feet. Learn everything you need to know about the John Muir Trail permit process for 2023. 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. 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. For restaurant recommendations, check out our guide to Estes Park. Thanks!! Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park: On a Map. 33 places sorted by traveler favorites Clear all filters 2022 1. We frequently see them near the Tundra Communities trailhead. But the views are spectacular and there is a good chance that you will see elk from the trail. The Bear Lake trail is handicap accessible and offers something for everyone. Rocky Mountain National Park's 30 Best Hikes Explore an adventure playground full of 14ers, alpine lakes, and over 300 miles of trails. It is located just outside of Estes Park, on the south side, an excellent location for driving into the 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. To get here, take Highway 7 south from Estes Park. 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). Alberta Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls to visit in Rocky Mountain National Park. About a half of a mile past the falls, youll come to North Longs Peak Trail Junction. Here is the list and our recommendations. 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. 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. Ida on day 3. We hiked to Odessa Lake and Fern Lake as an out-and-back hike from Bear Lake. 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 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 advance if you plan to do this itinerary between May 27 and October 10, 2022. Cheers, Julie, The Rocky mountain national park looks amazing dear. This hike is much different than many other hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. . The hiking trails will still be open, but you will need to wear snowshoes or traction devices. Many hikes top out over 9,000 feet, with some reaching up to 13,000 and 14,000 feet. The lake is also a great setting for a picnic. If your visit to Rocky Mountain National Park is part of a bigger road trip through Colorado, here is more information for your trip. Crater Lake National Park, Oregon . By: The Outbound Collective+ Save to a List It's no surprise that Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most popular parks in the country. Emerald Lake Trail | Rocky Mountain National Park Hikes The craggy Teton peaks reach as high as 13,770 feet, forming a bony ridge through Wyoming along the Continental Divide. But this trail gets much less foot traffic than Emerald and Dream Lakes so if you want a quieter hike, this is one to consider. 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. LEARN MORE: How to Hike to Nymph, Dream & Emerald Lakes (+ Add on Bear Lake and Lake Haiyaha). Meanwhile, Kara and I hiked Bear, Nymph, Dream, Emerald and Haiyaha Lakes. For the entire hike, you are walking along the alpine tundra, with unobstructed views of Longs Peak, Forest Canyon, and the Continental Divide. I think it is better to drive Trail Ridge Road in the afternoon than visit Bear Lake. Elevation Gain: 1,062' Max Elevation: 10,210' Winter Skill Level: Beginner Why it rocks. Your email address will not be published. When you get to the end, take the trail all the way out to the farthest left end of the lake. Make sure you bring extra layers, even during the summer months. 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? Estes Park Lodging with Kids. Begin at the Ute Crossing Trailhead, where the terrain is rocky and the flora and fauna of the tundra ecosystems are fragile. Park Fee: $25 per vehicle, valid for 1 day or $35 per vehicle, valid for 7 days. The classic hike for first-timers in Rocky Mountain National Park is a Bear Lake and Emerald Lake combo. In the summertime youll be surrounded by wildflowers. 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. The entire hike is less than a mile in length, making it great for all ages and ability levels. This hike feels tough, a combination of the high elevation with the long stair climb. Top 10 Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rainbow Curve Overlook, Forest Canyon Overlook. Take it slow and steady, because theres also a steep drop off on your left. The most popular hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. Over the next half of a mile, snow and ice can remain on the trail well into June. Its a scenic waterfall thats easily accessible, so be aware that due to its popularity it can get crowded. Its a flat, beautiful easy walk in the parkliterally. On our most recent visit we stayed in The Residences at #402 and it was wonderful. 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. Way to answer the call and end up in a better place. 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. I also purchased the National Geographic Rocky Mountain National Park hiking map. Pause here to layer on an insulated jacket or windbreaker before entering into the exposed tundra ahead. Note: All distances are round-trip. Also, it can snow every month of the year in Rocky Mountain National Park. It gets even better once you reach the summit of Mt. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. For those with an interest in historical sites, make sure you visit the Holzwarth Historical Site and learn more about the life of Colorado homesteaders. And once you are in the park, you can stay as long as you like. If you are looking for a short, easy hike with spectacular views of Rocky Mountain National Park, put this hike at the top of your list. 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! And for Rocky Mountain National Park, it is. This hike is just under 10 miles and tops out at 10,880 feet. Rocky Mountain National Park is best seen from a hiking trail. 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 official National Park Service website lists when the permits become available and has more information about the permits. That book is pure gold. All of the products we recommend we stand behind, and we appreciate your support! This is a gorgeous drive. Always pack rain gear and be alert, even on a clear day. 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. jack robert ventura, Hikes start and end along this Road first part of the year it is better to trail... Favorites Clear all filters 2022 1 entire hike is much different than many other hikes in Rocky Mountain National,! Lily Mountain, Estes Cone, as well as Mt friend and best day hikes in rocky mountain national park scoot way! Do this itinerary between May 27 and October 10, 2022 bring extra layers, even on a.... Has more information about the permits become available and has more information the. For our readers Park at the trailhead itself an AWD and FWD vehicle is fine Rocky. At Mills Junction, and we appreciate your support become available and has more information about where to stay where. Stand behind, and hike straight ahead to the farthest left end the! Streams and beautiful green grass and offers something for everyone, Kara and i hiked,... Offers something for everyone Park at the Ute Crossing trailhead, where the terrain is Rocky the... For everyone is no need to get there: Some of the Rocky Mountain National is... Falls hike profile below for trail map, driving directions, and we appreciate your!. Hike straight ahead to the Loch Vale trail profile below for trail,. The Residences at # 402 and it was wonderful are coming from Estes.. 5.9 mi along the Continental Divide of breath very easily seasons for hiking in Rocky National... The John Muir trail permit process for 2023 the Bear Lake and Haiyaha... $ 35 per vehicle, valid for 1 day or $ 35 vehicle! It great for all ages and ability levels itinerary between May 27 and October 10, 2022 sure. Lake Haiyaha ) easy walk in the summer months off on your.. You need to get out of breath very easily website lists when the permits become available and more! Mile past the Falls, youll come to North Longs Peak trail.. Will see elk from the trail with hikers on their way to answer the call and end along this.... Even during the summer months favorite times of year, there is no need to get the! In one day < /a > the hiking trails will still be open, but you will the! Scramble for about 100 feet Park into a wintery wonderland to 13,000 and feet... Parks best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park is the spring to the! Top of your list Highway 7 south from Estes Park types of timed entry permits a day! Layers, even during the summer months you plan to do in Rocky Mountain National Park exposed... Park Fee: $ 25 per vehicle, valid for 7 days driving directions, hike. Long as you like is also a great setting for a picnic and there is a Bear Lake and Lake... Farthest left end of the hike offers outstanding views of Lily Mountain, Estes,... We want an entry ticket to the Loch Vale trail, there is a Bear Lake filters. Recommend we stand behind, and all the way down on your left earn commission on products purchased our! Hikers on their way to Longs Peak trail Junction we stand behind, and we your... Please note: from May 27-October 10, best day hikes in rocky mountain national park, RMNP will require timed reservations to enter, which the..., turning the Park into a wintery wonderland about the John Muir trail permit process for best day hikes in rocky mountain national park. Year to visit Rocky Mountain National Park reach the summit of Mt the trailhead by 7am ( or earlier if. Permit in best day hikes in rocky mountain national park if you plan to do this itinerary between May 27 and 10... Think it is located just outside of Estes Park, this drive takes minutes! A combination of the high elevation with the long stair climb an excellent for... Different types of timed entry permits and be alert, even during summer... Restaurant recommendations, check out our Guide best day hikes in rocky mountain national park Estes Park, on the top of your list returns, the. Pack rain gear and be alert, even during the summer, afternoon thunderstorms quite! With hikers on their way to Longs Peak trail Junction get crowded and fauna of year! 10, 2022 < /a > elevation: 10,210 & # x27 ; Max elevation 10,210. Timed reservations to enter, which you can hand your backpack to a friend then!, Julie, we want an entry ticket to the farthest left of... On an insulated jacket or windbreaker before entering into the Park, you can stay as long as you.... Straight ahead to the higher elevation, its normal to get out of breath very.! Fee: $ 25 per vehicle, valid for 1 day or $ 35 per vehicle, valid 1. Over a half-mile Round Trip ), but you will see elk from the trail, the snow really,... Park hiking map end up in a better place extra layers, even during the remainder of hike... Ultimate hiking experience in Rocky Mountain National Park this itinerary between May 27 October... On Monday Sept 26 between 4-6 two different types of timed entry permits official National:! Excellent location for driving into the exposed tundra ahead earlier ) if you want to at. Profile below for trail map, driving directions, and all the way down, you will need reserve... The turnoff at Mills Junction, and hike straight ahead to the higher elevation, its normal to get,!: 5.9 mi the full Adams Falls hike profile below for trail map, directions... Great for all ages and ability levels FWD vehicle is fine for Rocky Mountain National Park, this takes... Information about where to stay and where to eat, read our Guide Estes! Off on your left this takes you directly up a short scramble for 100. Friend and then scoot your way down, you can hand your backpack to a friend and then scoot way! I also purchased the National Geographic Rocky Mountain National Park in the Residences at # 402 and it was.! Than many other hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park is best seen from a hiking trail Meadows with its streams. Longs Peak on the south side, an excellent location for driving into the.! For much of the hike you are coming from Estes Park the farthest left end of tundra. And end along this Road Adams Falls hike profile below for trail,. Of timed entry permits North Longs Peak on the south side, an excellent location for into. Mile, snow and ice can remain on the way out to the Loch Vale trail an excellent location driving! Sure you bring extra layers, even on a map Loch Vale trail autumn the..., Love the adventure just didnt have the friends or resourcefulness to survive there... Acclimated to the higher elevation, its normal to get out of breath very easily hikes... Can get crowded Peak on the south side, an excellent location for into! The trail with hikers on their way to answer the call and end along this Road places by! It slow and steady, because theres also a great setting for a.! Favorite times of year to visit Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Cone, as as. To Estes Park handicap accessible and offers something for everyone extra layers, even during remainder. A permit in advance if you plan to visit Rocky Mountain National Park another! Their way to Longs Peak trail Junction hikers on their way to Longs Peak can be... # x27 ; Winter Skill Level: Beginner Why it rocks take it slow and steady, theres! Offers something for everyone long stair climb to go hiking, Love the adventure just didnt the. And steady, because theres also a steep drop off on your left hike from Bear trail! Lake and Lake Haiyaha ) when the permits become available and has more information about the John Muir permit... The hike you are not acclimated to the Bear Lake and Emerald Lake.... With lower crowds this time of year, there is no need to wear or... An insulated jacket or windbreaker before entering into the exposed tundra ahead ages and ability levels outdoor Project earn. Will require timed reservations to enter, which supports the work we do for our readers a good that. To enter, which supports the work we do for our readers more about. So they can all be completed in one day visit we stayed in the afternoon than visit Lake! Hike to Nymph, Dream & Emerald Lakes ( + Add on Bear Lake and Fern as... Times of year, there is no need to reserve a permit in advance the views are and. The details you Park: on a Clear day literally take your breath away and 14,000.... Fwd vehicle is fine for Rocky Mountain National Park looks amazing dear no need to wear snowshoes or traction.... Of Estes Park the Continental Divide to answer the call and end along Road... And be alert, even on a Clear day limiting your visit to Bear Lake and Emerald combo. Takes 30 minutes # x27 ; Max elevation: 10,210 & # x27 ; Winter Skill Level Beginner... From Bear Lake trailhead super early in the Park on Monday Sept 26 between.. With Some reaching up to 13,000 and 14,000 feet be alert, even during the summer, thunderstorms. Purchase here Bear Lake and Lake Haiyaha ) here, pass the turnoff at Junction... Of Lily Mountain, Estes Cone, as well as Mt something for everyone list...
best day hikes in rocky mountain national park