best day hikes in rocky mountain national park
For restaurant recommendations, check out our guide to Estes Park. Find the best Rocky Mountain National Park trails for summer and fall hikes. Its such a beautiful place isnt it. On this hike, you get to see four very pretty alpine lakes. To see fall colors and the elk mating season, plan your visit from mid-September through mid-October. 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. in advance if you plan to do this itinerary between May 27 and October 10, 2022. 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. Snowshoeing to Dream Lake is a popular winter time activity, as is cross-country skiing. Before our trip, I purchased The Essential Guide to Hiking Rocky Mountain National Park by Erik Stensland. 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. Finish at Fern Lake Trailhead. Less known, but my personal favorite moderate hike in the Bear Lake Trailhead: Jewel Lake. Award-winning Colorado Hiking Tours: Inn-based Snowshoe Tour! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Go up there for the solitude and to soak up all the amazing views of the lake, valley, and peaks that surround you. Bear Lake. Aspenglen, Moraine Park, and Glacier Basin are the most popular campgrounds and these get reserved well in advance. The word gets overused but CO is awesome. Distance: 0.6 miles Difficulty: Easy Length of Time: 30 minutes Location: Alpine Visitor Center on Trail Ridge Road. 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. Many hikes top out over 9,000 feet, with some reaching up to 13,000 and 14,000 feet. 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 Your best bet is to pack a picnic lunch. If you are coming from a lower elevation, I recommend skipping the hikes to the taller peaks and staying low. For the ultimate hiking experience in Rocky Mountain National Park, put Longs Peak on the top of your list. Best For: Bragging rights. Dont worry, its just a couple of moves and there are good handholds. To get to Sky Pond, you will rock scramble up a waterfall, which can be refreshing when the weather is warm and downright cold in chilly conditions. Keep in mind that you dont have to do the whole thing. Are we only allowed to be on the trail ridge road until 3? Make a left turn to follow the road all the way to the trailhead and parking lot. Yup. The most notable differences was we found Black Lake to be less crowded and slightly easier overall. Distance: 3.4 miles Difficulty: Moderate Length of Time: 2 to 3 hours Location: Lumpy Ridge Trailhead. I dont know of a travel agency to recommend. Its a scenic waterfall thats easily accessible, so be aware that due to its popularity it can get crowded. Ida. Between the end of May through early October, you must reserve a permit to visit the park. This has been corrected in the article . Each guide describes approximately 20-30 easy-to-follow, scenic trails in and around national parks, cities and urban areas, and popular outdoor destinations across America. Alternatively, the best way to access the trailhead is by using the shuttle to avoid crowds and creating traffic. LEARN MORE: How to Hike the Twin Sister Peak Trail. If you want, you can choose to hike around the well-marked nature trail around Bear Lake. 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. There are lots of great restaurants to choose from. Make a left turn to follow the road all the way to the trailhead and parking lot. It reaches its highest point at 12,183 feet and crosses the Continental Divide at Milner Pass. 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. If you get here late and there are no more parking spaces, you will have to drive back down Bear Lake Road to the Park and Ride and then ride the free park shuttle back to Bear Lake. Our website uses cookies. It is the tallest waterfall in Rocky Mountain National Park. This helps control crowd levels on the roads and hiking trails. Guide to the Best Day Hikes in the US National Parks. Explore one of 39 easy hiking trails in Estes Park or discover kid-friendly routes for your next family trip. About a half of a mile past the falls, youll come to North Longs Peak Trail Junction. Rocky MountainNational Park Travel Guide. 3. Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. Black Lake and Mills Lake are often labeled as two of the prettiest lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Have you hiked this?. Sometimes, we just need to start small and do simple walks with our friends to get them stoked on doing more outside. One of the best seasons for hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park is the spring. Applies to walk-ins, bicycles, and non-commercial . Continue for two more miles until you reach Black Lake. Plan on being at the trailhead by 7am (or earlier) if you want to park at the trailhead itself. Another view from Forest Canyon Overlook. 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. evolving backdrop of beautiful pine forests into the aspen groves, so be aware that due to its popularity it can get crowded. Hang in there and take breaks when you need, because the views of Chiefs Head Peak illuminated in the distance are worth it. If you plan to visit Rocky Mountain National Park in the summer, afternoon thunderstorms occur quite frequently. Its an extra 0.8 miles to the shuttle stop on the dirt road. Do we have to wait to reserve it the day before on Sunday at 5? When we were there in late August, there wasnt too much water coming down the rock scramble, but during peak run-off, you may get your shoes wet here.At 4.5 miles and 10,900 above sea level, youll finally arrive at Sky Pond. Colorado, USA. Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park 1. During the climb up, the trail gets incrementally steeper and youll be taking switchbacks for most of the way. Best price and money back guarantee! But don't be intimidated by its height. Well have to put it on our to do list when we are back in the area. Your email address will not be published. Youre not alone Check out our blog post with tips for taking friends hiking. For very little effort, the views you get are unbelievable. Along the way, there is a good chance that you will spot bighorn sheep and elk. 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. Bearfoot Theory participates in affiliate programs with a variety of retailers and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies, including Amazon, REI, Backcountry and others. This is one of our favorite hikes in RMNP and we highly recommend it if you want unforgettable high alpine views. The Bear Lake Corridor is home to some of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park and typically by 5 am parking is unavailable at any of the trailheads. 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. best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. The biggest feature of this hike is the wildlife, such as elks, marmots, or pikas, and the incredible gardens of the alpine tundra. 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. Start your trip off right, with a hike from the Bear Lake trailhead at the end of Bear Lake Road. 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. 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. If you have warm hiking layers, continue on to summit Hallet Peak, which is only 0.7 miles from the summit of Flattop. So, we all could be making a lot of trips out to Colorado over the next few years, depending on Tylers decision. Let us know in the comment section below. Distance: 0.7 miles / 1.1 kilometers. Wildlife, waterfalls, lakes, big peaks, and more. Happy hiking! What a great place to live! And you can also visit the Alpine Visitor Center, the highest visitor center in the USA. This is a great hike for newbie hikers who want to summit a mountain in Rocky Mountain National Park. If you prefer to keep your hikes short and sweet, read our guide to the Best Short Hikes in the National Parks. 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. Download or read book Best Hikes Rocky Mountain National Park written by Kent Dannen and published by Rowman & Littlefield. Leave from Bear Lake. Get our top tips for visiting Rocky Mountain National Park including when to go, where to camp, hiking tips, how to beat the crowds, and more. The permit is in effect from 9 am to 2 pm. 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. Its about protecting what sustains us. All of the products we recommend we stand behind, and we appreciate your support! The Loch, Rocky Mountain National Park Hike to the Loch Selecting that perfect Rocky Mountain National Park must see day hike can be challenging! Please advise, You can try to reserve it now. For the next mile or so, youll hike up a series of switchbacks until mile 2.4 where youll finally break through the treeline. The entire hike is less than a mile in length, making it great for all ages and ability levels. Trailhead: Glacier Gorge Round Trip Distance: 5.9 mi. Snow can linger on the trails as late as July, especially for the trails at higher elevations. This list starts with the easiest trails and progresses to the longer, more challenging hikes. . best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. 1. Bear Lake. After 3 pm, you dont need the pass. For the full list, read our article about the Best Scenic Drives in Colorado. The good thing is that you wont want to rush by these views. A short hike with plenty of scenery, the Emerald Lake trail is one of the most popular hikes in the park for good reason. Odessa Lake to Lake Helene Thru Hike. 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. 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. This hike does not start at Bear Lake. If you prefer to keep your hikes short and sweet, read our guide to the Best Short Hikes in the National Parks. In fact, hikers will enjoy outstanding panoramic views along much of the route. This is a great hike to do with kids. The Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge is a nice trail with a lot of opportunities to spot wildlife and take in the views. They are also all under 10 miles, well-signed, and easily done within a day. We frequently see them near the Tundra Communities trailhead. On your first day, you will need the Park Access pass (the regular pass) if you plan to enter before 3. Julie Last updated: January 17, 2023 United States 9 Comments. Take it slow and steady, because theres also a steep drop off on your left. Adams Falls in Rocky Mountain National Park. Watch your step and take it slow. View from Deer Mountain | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Each of these hikes is a day hike, so they can all be completed in one day. Denver International Airport is the closest major airport. Your blog is always my go-to, the most thorough, thoughtful content! Park Fee: $25 per vehicle, valid for 1 day or $35 per vehicle, valid for 7 days. Parking in the lot at the end of Bear Lake Road adds roughly .4 miles to the hiking distance above. You can also hike to Fern Lake out-and-back from either Bear Lake or Moraine Park. Fortunately, there are hikes for all ages and ability levels. Thanks for that feedback, Emily! This is a very pretty hike, but there are several other lake hikes that we would recommend first, before putting this hike on your list. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. Continue hiking past Alberta Falls and turn left at Mills Junction until you reach Mills Lake. Im a hiking obsessed, half-time van lifer who is happiest in the mountains. Bear Lake This is the shortest, most popular hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. Located in the less-frequented Kolob Canyon section of Zion, Middle Taylor Creek is a moderate hike perfect . 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). Thanks for your comment. Heres the thing: this hike starts just under 12,000 feet of elevation. The summit at just over 10,000 feet, provides commanding 360-degree views of Estes Park, Moraine Park, the Mummy Range, Longs Peak . Thank you! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. 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? Distance: 7.4 miles Difficulty: Moderate Length of Time: 4 to 5 hours Location: Eastern Rocky Mountain National Park, near Lily Lake, Twin Sisters | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, Longs Peak from Twin Sisters | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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 parking lot at Bear Lake is large but it fills up fast! There is even a three-bedroom house that can accommodate up to nine people. Despite the impressive stats, the peak is generally considered to be one of the easiest 14ers to summit, and the standard Northeast Ridge route . Day 2 - Get a good workout on the Bear Lake Trail (6+ miles), see very different scenery at Lumpy Ridge, and . Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. 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. 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. A vacuum style bottle, like this one from Day 1 Fitness can keep your water icy cold for hours into your hike. This gives you a wonderful view down into the gorge below as the Icy Brooks waterfalls tumble down the mountainside. 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. You are now standing at 12,718 feet, with 360 views, which makes this one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. You can still get around, but it might be on skis or snowshoes, rather than by vehicle. Nymph, Dream, & Emerald Lakes. find gorgeous views on your choice of easy routes with little to no incline, moderate trails extending 3.4 - 4.5 miles, or challenging routes recommended for experienced hikers only. At this time, cross country skiing and snowshoeing are the main things to do in the park. Enjoy panoramic views of the park, as well as spectacular views from the overlooks of Dream Lake and Emerald Lake. Meanwhile, Kara and I hiked Bear, Nymph, Dream, Emerald and Haiyaha Lakes. We spent a total of 10 days in the Park, focusing a majority of our time around Bear Lake, Fern Lake, and Longs Peak on the East side of the Park. I have been in RMCP for four days now, and did skypond, emerald lake and Hiayaha, Ute to tombstone, and deer mountain. https://bearfoottheory.com/tips-taking-friends-hiking-first-time/. Distance: 0.6 miles round-trip Length of Time: 30 minutes Difficulty: Easy Location: This hike starts at the Bear Lake Trailhead, located at the very end of Bear Lake Road. We are afraid we wont get one of those 195 tickets. With just a day in the Rocky Mountain National Park, this is one of the best hikes you could do. To get a parking space here, plan on arriving no later than 6:30 am, but even earlier is better. There are numerous hikes for all fitness levels and ages, and a variety of scenic vistas. The Shuttle arrives at Fern Lake every 30 minutes. 1. Many even consider it to be one of the best waterfalls in the park. See the top Minnesota road trip stops for outdoor adventure including State Parks, scenic drives, waterfalls, and day trips from Minneapolis. In the summer months, it is best to hike in the morning, in order to avoid the afternoon thunderstorms. Look for an unmarked trail thats a quick hike out to Lake Helene. This one comes in multiple colors and three different sizes and has a carabiner to attach to your pack. or a FWD is also fine? Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. How to get there: The most direct route is to take Highway 36, from Estes Park, to Bear Lake Road. This is a great hike for almost all ages and ability levels. From here it takes an hour and a half to drive to Estes Park, the gateway into Rocky Mountain National Park. Distance: 5 miles round trip (from Wild Basin Winter trailhead which adds about 1.5 miles round trip) Difficulty: Easy Located in the stunning but less-frequented southeast corner of Rocky Mountain National Park, this hike delivers not just gorgeous views at the end, but glimpses of various waterfalls throughout the journey. For the first part of the hike, you will share the trail with hikers on their way to Longs Peak. 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. Over the next half of a mile, snow and ice can remain on the trail well into June. 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. With lower crowds this time of year, there is no need to get to the Bear Lake Trailhead super early in the morning. At 14,433 feet, Mount Elbert is the tallest 14er in Colorado and the highest peak in the entire Rocky Mountain Range. Ultimate Sky Pond & Lake Haiyaha Loop. 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. For hikers, I recommend Dream and Emerald Lakes if you are not acclimated to the higher elevation. 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. In the morning, this can be a beautiful place to watch the sunrise. You can also see all of our articles about Colorado in our Colorado Travel Guide. At this elevation, its not enough to cause altitude sickness, but you will tire and get out of breath easily. From Bear Lake Road, turn left onto Highway 36 and continue on to Trail Ridge Road. An AWD and FWD vehicle is fine for Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. If you want to stay in the park, you will be limited to campgrounds. To visit the alpine Visitor Center on trail Ridge Road in this browser for the full list, our!, from Estes Park, as well as spectacular views from the Bear Lake trailhead at the end of Lake... The trailhead is by using the shuttle stop on the dirt Road 9... Up, the most direct route is to take Highway 36, from Estes Park of elevation list, our! 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