If this is your first day at RMNP, and one of your first days in Colorado, be prepared to take a few breaks. However, its a great warm-up hike for those who want to do Hallett Peak or Longs Peak and its a great hike for those who are looking for a less crowded trail that offers great views of the area. The views from the overlooks are stunning. Distance: 0.7 miles / 1.1 kilometers. CALYPSO CASCADES. 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. Its about building relationships with the outdoors and each other. This trailhead is located just north of Estes Park. Take it slow and steady, because theres also a steep drop off on your left. Between the end of May through early October, you must reserve a permit to visit the park. Note: if you plan to hike Sky Pond, it is better to park at the Glacier Gorge parking lot, which is also on Bear Lake Road. This was one of our favorite hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park and we highly recommend it. Trail Ridge Road is the highest paved through road, not only in Colorado, but also in the entire US national park system. The permit is in effect from 9 am to 2 pm. 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. Youll be glad you did. This saves you time from driving into Estes Park to get lunch. There is even a three-bedroom house that can accommodate up to nine people. 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. To help you plan your trip, we also have articles about the best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park and how to plan the perfect itinerary. 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. As you get closer to the visitor center, keep an eye out for bighorn sheep. But this is a tough hike. evolving backdrop of beautiful pine forests into the aspen groves, so be aware that due to its popularity it can get crowded. 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. As such, it's a favorite spot of outdoorsmen, basically turning it into their home away from home or an office. 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. This loop trail is 0.7 miles in length and can be busy at times. COLORADO ITINERARY: With 10 days in Colorado, road trip to all four national parks (Rocky Mountain, Great Sand Dunes, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, and Mesa Verde), linking them together with some very scenic drives. 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. Its nearby neighbors of Bear Lake, Emerald Lake, and Dream Lake get a lot more visitors, so if you are looking for a relatively uncrowded trail with the chance to visit multiple alpine lakes, this is a nice hike to consider. Rocky Mountain National Park is home to some of the most epic and amazing hiking vacations in the world. All hikes mentioned below are perfect for day hikes. The views from the summit are simply epic. Hiking is one of my favorite and all-the-time go-to activities during my trip abroad. The Stanley Hotel. 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. The vast majority of these people visited the park between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Youre not alone Check out our blog post with tips for taking friends hiking. Snow can linger on the trails as late as July, especially for the trails at higher elevations. This is a nice hike but honestly not one of our favorites. It will fit in your pocket or daypack and features color photos and maps throughout. 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. Glass Lake | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, Sky Pond | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Ida. Explore Rocky Mountain National Parks best trails with this detailed list of my favorite day hikes. If you plan to visit the park during the summer months, you will also need to reserve your timed permit in advance. It might be brief, but this short hike to Emerald Lake brings big rewards. This gives you a wonderful view down into the gorge below as the Icy Brooks waterfalls tumble down the mountainside. Cross over to the outlet and boulder hop your way to the right side of the lake to find a private spot to sit and take it all in. 11 miles of this road is located in the alpine tundra, which is above the tree line. This hike is much different than many other hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Hi guys I am a big fan and lived by your Sedona hikes. If you have more than a few days in RMNP and need some warm-up hikes. TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY: For more information about the camera gear we carry, check out our Travel Photography Gear Guide. After the climb, at 2.8 miles, youll reach Loch Vale where the views will bring you to a standstill. Grab your trekking poles and take it slow. One of the best seasons for hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park is the spring. Julie Last updated: February 23, 2023 United States 8 Comments. 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. An AWD and FWD vehicle is fine for Rocky Mountain National Park. If they are sold out, then you will need to be ready to purchase your permit right at 5 pm the day before. There are three routes: the Bear Lake route, Hiker Express Route, and Moraine Park route. There is something here for everyone, ranging from easy, lakeside strolls to short hikes to waterfalls to challenging hikes up the tallest peaks. 3. Follow the trail down into a wooded area and youll quickly arrive at Jewell Lake. You're going to want to start early, because parking fills up fast. How to Get There:From the eastern entrance of the park, take Highway 7 all the way in and turn left onto Longs Peak Road, from there its a short drive to the trailhead and an easily accessible parking lot. Just be aware that this is also the busiest time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park. Thanks for sharing!!! To continue to Hallett Peak, follow the rocky, somewhat faint trail. If this sounds like a hike you would like to do, it will take some planning and patience. Explore Joshua Tree's best day hikes. At roughly three miles into the hike, you will reach Mills Lake. 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. 3. The weather is warm, the days are long, and this is the best time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park if you plan to go hiking. Make a left turn to follow the road all the way to the trailhead and parking lot. Your email address will not be published. What do you think are the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park? With lower crowds this time of year, there is no need to get to the Bear Lake Trailhead super early in the morning. Due to the popularity of the trail, this is a great time to use the shuttle. Im a hiking obsessed, half-time van lifer who is happiest in the mountains. Distance: 9.5 miles Difficulty: Strenuous Length of Time: 4 to 6 hours Location: Glacier Gorge Trailhead on Bear Lake Road. 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. 800-715-HIKE (4453) (9-4:30 Every Day) Ida: Hands down this is the best hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. For the first part of the hike, you will walk the same trail as the hikers on their way to Longs Peak, the highest point in the hike. We hiked to Odessa Lake and Fern Lake as an out-and-back hike from Bear Lake. This takes you directly up a short scramble for about 100 feet. 1,400 feet (426 m)of elevation gain. Its a scenic waterfall thats easily accessible, so be aware that due to its popularity it can get crowded. And you can also visit the Alpine Visitor Center, the highest visitor center in the USA. This trail is a great way to see many of the Rocky Mountain National Parks lakes all in the same hike. Rocky Mountain National Park spans over 415.25 square miles and has 355 miles of well-maintained hiking trails with different elevations. At this elevation, its not enough to cause altitude sickness, but you will tire and get out of breath easily. If you want low crowds and dont mind cold temperatures and snow, plan your visit from November through May. Its about nourishment and learning. If you do not have a reservation, you will not be allowed to enter the park. Typically, trails at higher elevations are still covered in snow until late-April. From here, at an elevation of 12,899 feet, the entire park stretches out before you. 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. You can either hike to Fern Lakes and Odessa Lake as a point-to-point hike, starting at Bear Lake and ending at Moraine Park (or vice versa). Youll get to pass by Alberta Falls (one of the most popular and beautiful waterfalls) or stop for a quick break and take in the views. Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park 1. It doesnt take long until you get see amazing views of Longs Peak and Keyboard of the Winds. Finally, Trail Ridge Road, the main road the cuts across the park, is open from Memorial Day to mid-October. Its both scenic and strenuous, and thats what makes it one of Rocky Mountain National Parks best hikes. Looking for the best hiking trails in Estes Park? Trailhead: Wild Basin Winter Trailhead. And once you are in the park, you can stay as long as you like. Phone +1 970-586-1206. Get There Early: There are two important reasons to begin your hikes early in the morning in Rocky Mountain National 1)The trail head parking lots fill up early, and 2) in the . This challenging trail is a fantastic way to get panoramic park views without attempting something quite as hard as Longs Peak. Have you hiked this?. in advance if you plan to do this itinerary between May 27 and October 10, 2022. We hiked Emerald Lake Trail in time for the sunset (not the best for photography at the lake) but the colors were pretty during our descent, and there were fewer people on the way down.It starts off at Bear Lake Trailhead, where youll hike past Nymph Lake within the first half of a mile, with views of Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain in the distance. Trailhead: Glacier Gorge Round Trip Distance: 5.9 mi. Distance: 1.7 miles Difficulty: Easy Length of Time: 1 to 1.5 hours Location: Glacier Gorge parking lot on Bear Lake Road. This is our favorite short, easy hike in the park. For the entire hike, you are walking along the alpine tundra, with unobstructed views of Longs Peak, Forest Canyon, and the Continental Divide. Park Access +: This permit gives you access to everything in Rocky Mountain National Park. If you are staying in Estes Park, it is a 20-minute drive to get here. Nice hike list! If your visit to Rocky Mountain National Park is part of a bigger road trip through Colorado, here is more information for your trip. https://bearfoottheory.com/tips-taking-friends-hiking-first-time/. But if you wanted to do this one day itinerary, you would have to book a hotel in Estes ParK (ideally for 2 nights) and book your Rocky Mountain National Park timed entry ticket online. Ida, you really feel like you are walking on top of the world. Today I hiked CCY Chapin to Chiquita to Ypres and summited on Chiquita. On day 2, you will need the Park Access + pass to visit Bear Lake. The wildlife here is abundant and commonly spotted, and there is a spectacular view around every corner. 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. There is a large parking lot here but it can fill up by 9 am, so get here early, not only to get a parking spot, but to also avoid the large crowds on the trail. Our favorite hikes are Sky Pond (super fun hike to a beautiful alpine lake), Mt. The Emerald Lake hike is a family friendly hike and it also makes a great intro to hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park. On this hike, you get to see four very pretty alpine lakes (Bear Lake, Nymph Lake, Dream Lake, and Emerald Lake) over a relatively short distance. 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. 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. For the final mile of this hike, you are treated to breathtaking views of Longs Peak, Columbine Falls, Peacock Pond, and finally Chasm Lake. When we did this, we saw lots of elk, some of them males with enormous antlers. Some visitors complain of noise and hot temperatures in the summer (there is no air conditioning). To help you plan your trip, we also have articles about the best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park, the best hikes in the park, and how to plan the perfect itinerary. Finally, always wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, as ultraviolet light is very strong in the mountains. At 14,433 feet, Mount Elbert is the tallest 14er in Colorado and the highest peak in the entire Rocky Mountain Range. The trailhead serves as a starting point for several different routes, including a short loop around the stunning Bear Lake. Begin at Bear Lake Trailhead, and take the Bear Lake Trail through a forested area full of aspens past Bear Lake. I also purchased the National Geographic Rocky Mountain National Park hiking map. Before we dive in to all 25+ of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain NP, we've compiled the top 10! 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). Take a left onto Bear Lake Road, and arrive at the Glacier Gorge trailhead. Park Hours: Park entrances are open 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. Also, it can snow every month of the year in Rocky Mountain National Park. . Honestly, this is not the most exciting hike on the list. If you prefer to keep your hikes short and sweet, read our guide to the Best Short Hikes in the National Parks. You are now standing at 12,718 feet, with 360 views, which makes this one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. These are some of the best hikes in the park. 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. A vacuum style bottle, like this one from Day 1 Fitness can keep your water icy cold for hours into your hike. Bluebird Lake Hike: This lovely day hike is located in the lesser-visited Wild Basin area of the Rocky Mountain National Park. This is a great stop to enjoy a short break by the waterfall, or avoid the crowds and push on. Lily Lake - The Lily Lake Loop is another easy hike that's suitable for the entire family. Julie Last updated: January 17, 2023 United States 9 Comments. 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. However, this is a good spot to put on a warmer layer, or even a rain jacket if you have one. If you want to avoid the crowds, begin in the early morning as early as sunrise to have the best experience and the best lighting. As you drive west on Trail Ridge Road, there are numerous overlooks. Sky Pond is awesome, Chasm Lake is also great but its a little more challenging, and Emerald and Dream Lakes are also favorites of many park visitors. A well-graded trail circles around the lake. The permit is in effect from 5 am to 6 pm. 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! Watch your step and take it slow. If you love mountains, this is the place for you. Thanks!! Gem Lake is a short but strenuous hike in Rocky Mountain National 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). There are plenty of great hikes you can choose from that dont climb high into the mountains. 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. For hikers, I recommend Dream and Emerald Lakes if you are not acclimated to the higher elevation. 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. 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. Not only is this a scenic walk around a lake, but this also can be a learning experience. 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. They are rated easy, moderate or difficult. Distance: 3.4 miles Difficulty: Moderate Length of Time: 2 to 3 hours Location: Lumpy Ridge Trailhead. However, it only runs daily from May 25-September 13. Chasm Lake is one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Click the star next to the title of the map to add this map to your Google Maps account. During the 15+ miles of hiking, you will ascend more that 5,000 feet. Rocky Mountain National Park is a massive and spectacularly beautiful area spanning 400 square miles. As you head down into the gorge towards Odessa Lake and Little Matterhorn can be seen directly ahead. How to get there: The most direct route is to take Highway 36, from Estes Park, to Bear Lake Road. Visit our Colorado Travel Guide for more things to do in Colorado. With 360-degree views of the Mummy Range and dozens of RMNPs other giants, the relatively unfrequented, 12,880-foot Mount Ida offers one of the best viewpoints in all of Rocky Mountain National Park. It starts on the east side of the park, on Highway 7 south of Estes Park. . What a fantastic list of RMNP hikes! ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. After one final short and strenuous climb you will be standing at Chasm Lake. Once youve passed the Glacier Gorge Bridge on your right it is a series of steeper uphill climbs. The waterfall borders Rocky Mountain National Park and its trail begins at the same trailhead for the East Inlet Trail. The next morning we plan on taking a hike on Bear Lake and would need the Park Access+. This 3.5-mile roundtrip hike fits in a ton of incredible scenery in a short distance. 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