Do a Hike Near Bear Lake. 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. To get here, take Highway 7 south from Estes Park. The Residences are one, two, three, and four bedroom houses that come equipped with a full kitchen. There are sixty mountain peaks over 12,000 feet and many of these top out over 13,000 feet. 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. 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. Located in the less-frequented Kolob Canyon section of Zion, Middle Taylor Creek is a moderate hike perfect . 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. 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. Watch your step and take it slow. Another view from Forest Canyon Overlook. Distance: 5.5 miles. 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. 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. One of the most beloved summit hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park is the Flattop Mountain and Hallett Peak hike, which spans just over 10 miles and 3,293 feet of elevation gain. This is my favorite easy day hike in Rocky Mountain National Park and the one I often bring out-of-town friends on. At approximately 1.9 miles in, youll reach Lightning Bridge, a footbridge thats bookended by two signs warning hikers about lightening risk. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. CCY Route (Chapin-Chiqiuta-Ypsilon route) Bluebird Lake. Simply turn around when you are ready, the spectacular views start as soon as your feet hit the trail. 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. This is an essential hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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! Required fields are marked *. It is the tallest waterfall in Rocky Mountain National Park. The Bear Lake trail is handicap accessible and offers something for everyone. From the Glacier Gorge parking lot, is a mostly uphill walk to get to Alberta Falls, but it is not too strenuous. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. If we plan on leaving Denver around 11 and traveling the Trail Ridge road would we only need the regular park pass? Hikes in this guide are chosen and reported on by experienced members of the Colorado Mountain Club. best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. During the climb up, the trail gets incrementally steeper and youll be taking switchbacks for most of the way. 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. But once at the top, the view is very nice. Explore Rocky Mountain National Parks best trails with this detailed list of my favorite day hikes. The waterfall borders Rocky Mountain National Park and its trail begins at the same trailhead for the East Inlet Trail. Here are the best section hikes on the John Muir Trail that require less than a week to complete. Beginning at the Glacier Gorge Trailhead, hike in and follow the same guidance as before, where after a quarter of a mile, youll stay left at the fork and head towards Alberta Falls. If you only have one day in Rocky Mountain National Park, what should you do? This trail is not paved (its a gravel trail for most of its length) but it is considered handicap accessible. In fact, hikers will enjoy outstanding panoramic views along much of the route. Jasper Skyline Trail. If your visit to Rocky Mountain National Park is part of a bigger road trip through Colorado, here is more information for your trip. Chasm Lake is one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. 2. 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. Guide to the Best Day Hikes in the US National Parks. Your email address will not be published. In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. There are hiking trails and the Fiddle Valley Cafe. Best For: Bragging rights. An AWD and FWD vehicle is fine for Rocky Mountain National Park. To continue to Hallett Peak, follow the rocky, somewhat faint trail. Heres the thing: this hike starts just under 12,000 feet of elevation. Cheers, Julie, The Rocky mountain national park looks amazing dear. We have not been inside of this caf so I do not know what kind of food is served. 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). However, this property gets rave reviews. Much of this hike is above the treeline, so its imperative to get an early start to beat any afternoon thunderstorms. More Important Things to Know Before You Visit RMNP. Its about building relationships with the outdoors and each other. 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. 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 . This gives you a wonderful view down into the gorge below as the Icy Brooks waterfalls tumble down the mountainside. 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. From here it takes an hour and a half to drive to Estes Park, the gateway into Rocky Mountain National Park. If you want a quiet lunch spot, keep hiking around the lake to escape the crowds. Read the reviews of your fellow travelers. For much of the hike you are walking along the Continental Divide. We appreciate it and made that update so its more clear. See the top Minnesota road trip stops for outdoor adventure including State Parks, scenic drives, waterfalls, and day trips from Minneapolis. In July, we hiked through a snowstorm on the way back from Sky Pond. 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. Many of the best hiking trails are situated within Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP). From the viewpoint, you are standing at 12,005 feet. Its about more than standing on the mountain top. Ill send this to my buddies for review before our trip! 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. 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. Its about nourishment and learning. 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. It gets even better once you reach the summit of Mt. The entire hike is less than a mile in length, making it great for all ages and ability levels. At 14,433 feet, Mount Elbert is the tallest 14er in Colorado and the highest peak in the entire Rocky Mountain Range. To visit Rocky Mountain National Park from May 26 to October 22, 2023, you will need to reserve a permit in advance. There will be people. At the very end of the hike, there is one steep section and a short scramble. There are fantastic hiking options in the valleytrails at elevations of 8,000 to 9,500 feet. How to get there:Take Highway 34 to Bear Lake Road. Read more: 14 Best Hikes in Jasper National Park - Alberta Canada. 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. Estes Park is the bigger of the two gateway cities to Rocky Mountain National Park, and is also closer to the major sites and attractions in the park. The hike to Deer Mountain is one of the more popular fall hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Bear Lake. A vacuum style bottle, like this one from Day 1 Fitness can keep your water icy cold for hours into your hike. Our website uses cookies. 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. Rocky MountainNational Park Travel Guide. The trailhead serves as a starting point for several different routes, including a short loop around the stunning Bear Lake. Practice your rock bouldering skills at one of the many climbing sites. 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. This is a great hike for newbie hikers who want to summit a mountain in Rocky Mountain National Park. Numerous trails start right from this spot, so if you only have one day in Rocky Mountain National Park, this is a great place to visit. WorldMark Estes 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. This is one of our favorite hikes in RMNP and we highly recommend it if you want unforgettable high alpine views. 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. . and most convenient. The Emerald Lake hike is one of the most popular hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. I know some of the trails will be closed due to the 2020 fires, but there are still a lot open. How to get there:Some of the Rocky Mountain National Parks best hikes are easily accessible by the parks shuttle system. 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. Here, we found a nice place to sit below the outlet of Sky Pond to enjoy lunch with a view. Best beginner hike in Rocky Mountain National Park: Emerald Lake. How to Use This Map: Click the icons on the map to get more information about each point of interest. With just a day in the Rocky Mountain National Park, this is one of the best hikes you could do. Wildlife, waterfalls, lakes, big peaks, and more. This has been corrected in the article . This is a gorgeous drive. 1-Day Pass - Per Person - $15.00 Valid for date of purchase. Ida. Note: Many hikes start at or near Bear Lake: Emerald Lake, Lake Haiyaha, Sky Pond, Black Lake, Fern Lake, Flattop Mountain, and Hallett Peak. 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. 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 This is the shortest, most popular hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. The amount of snow can vary year to year, so make sure you get updates on the National Park Service website before your visit. As you ascend higher, the trees disappear, as you enter the subalpine region. You can arrive mid-morning, hike one of the trails that start at Bear Lake, and then spend the afternoon and evening at Estes Park. 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. This hike is much different than many other hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. That means picking up any trash you see on the trail, practicing good trail etiquette, and being respectful to other hikers. Rocky Mountain National Park is a massive and spectacularly beautiful area spanning 400 square miles. Thanks!! Estes Park Lodging with Kids. It includes Bear Lake Road and the hikes that start here (Bear Lake, Emerald and Dream Lakes, Alberta Falls, Sky Pond, Hallett Peak, and Sprague Lake). This loop trail is 0.7 miles in length and can be busy at times. If you're after something moderate but rewarding a visit to The Loch, an iconic subalpine lake framed epicly by the Sharktooth (12,530') and Mt. Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park: On a Map. At this elevation, its not enough to cause altitude sickness, but you will tire and get out of breath easily. 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. Once youve passed the Glacier Gorge Bridge on your right it is a series of steeper uphill climbs. Have saved for later when we can go again. After the climb, at 2.8 miles, youll reach Loch Vale where the views will bring you to a standstill. The word gets overused but CO is awesome. PRO TRAVEL TIP: It can be 20 to 30 degrees cooler on the alpine tundra than in Estes Park or Grand Lake. Ida, so you will really feel the altitude. 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. I have been in RMCP for four days now, and did skypond, emerald lake and Hiayaha, Ute to tombstone, and deer mountain. Not only is this a scenic walk around a lake, but this also can be a learning experience. Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the highest national parks in the USA. Ida on day 3. Stay to the left and continue on to Alberta Falls, where youll get to hike through an evolving backdrop of beautiful pine forests into the aspen groves. You can still get around, but it might be on skis or snowshoes, rather than by vehicle. 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. Trailhead: Glacier Gorge Round Trip Distance: 5.9 mi. Get updates on trail closures and park conditions on the National Park Service website. Looking for the best hiking trails in Estes Park? The elevation of the lowest sections of the park range from 5,600 to 9,500 feet. LEARN MORE: How to Hike the Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge. Elevation Gain: 1,062' Max Elevation: 10,210' Winter Skill Level: Beginner Why it rocks. Maybe you should say Longs Peak ranger station, or Longs Peak trailhead instead. This very highly rated property offers two-bedroom apartments that can accommodate up to six people. For the entire hike, you are walking along the alpine tundra, with unobstructed views of Longs Peak, Forest Canyon, and the Continental Divide. If you have more than a few days in RMNP and need some warm-up hikes. 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). Go up there for the solitude and to soak up all the amazing views of the lake, valley, and peaks that surround you. Your best bet is to pack a picnic lunch. How crowded does Rocky Mountain National Park get? This one comes in multiple colors and three different sizes and has a carabiner to attach to your pack. Note: Several more hikes start at Bear Lake, but due to their long distance, massive elevation gains, and the amount of time it takes to do these hikes, I do not think that these are good options if you only have one day in Rocky Mountain National Park. In addition to that, you will need a car to get around. 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. I have done several of them, and agree with everything you have written about them. 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. 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