From the viewpoint, you are standing at 12,005 feet. Finally, always wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, as ultraviolet light is very strong in the mountains. Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. A steep ascent will take you up towards Flattop Mountain Trail (this is one of the most difficult climbs), which has stunning views of Longs Peak, Chiefs Head Peak, and Keyboard of the Winds. The entire hike is less than a mile in length, making it great for all ages and ability levels. Between the end of May through early October, you must reserve a permit to visit the park. Bear Lake | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. How to Get There:From Estes Park, take Highway 36 to Bear Lake Road until you reach the trailhead and parking lot. Explore the full Adams Falls hike profile below for trail map, driving directions, and all the details you . This saves you time from driving into Estes Park to get lunch. Thanks for your comment. 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. If you plan to visit the park during the summer months, you will also need to reserve your timed permit in advance. And for Rocky Mountain National Park, it is. If you are coming from Estes Park, this drive takes 30 minutes. 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. 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. Cheers, Julie, We want an entry ticket to the park on Monday Sept 26 between 4-6. As you head down into the gorge towards Odessa Lake and Little Matterhorn can be seen directly ahead. This is a gorgeous drive. If you want to check them out for yourself, youre in luck because they both leave from the Glacier Gorge Trailhead. Best Easy Day Hikes Rocky Mountain National Park (Best Easy Day Hikes Series) Kent Dannen 105 Paperback 30 offers from $9.05 Rocky Mountain National Park (National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map) Trails Illustrated Maps 629 Map 15 offers from $11.16 Rocky Mountain National Park: The Complete Guide: (Color Travel Guide) James Kaiser 30 Paperback 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. Obviously, there are more than the hikes listed in this blog post, but if you are visiting for the first time, these will keep you plenty busy and give you a taste of the different environments and ecosystems in the Park. Thanks for sharing!!! The most notable differences was we found Black Lake to be less crowded and slightly easier overall. Hikes in this guide are chosen and reported on by experienced members of the Colorado Mountain Club. The most popular hike 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. Click the star next to the title of the map to add this map to your Google Maps account. At just over a half of a mile, round trip, this hike sounds easy. Those looking for a shorter, easier hike can turn around at this point. In the summertime youll be surrounded by wildflowers. Nymph and Dream Lakes are beautiful, so you will have a wonderful hike if you choose to turn around at Dream Lake. 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. For hikers, I recommend Dream and Emerald Lakes if you are not acclimated to the higher elevation. Have updates, photos, alerts, or just want to leave a comment? 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. Wildland Trekking offers trips with the best of Rocky Mountain: waterfalls, mountains, views, wildlife, solitude, adventure and fascinating natural and cultural interpretation. 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. Guide to the Best Day Hikes in the US National Parks. Gem Lake is a short but strenuous hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. NATIONAL PARKS: In our Guide to the US National Parks, get the full list of national parks with important travel planning information, such as things to do in the parks and sample itineraries. Beyond the Emerald Lake overlook you will reach the summit of Flattop Mountain. 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. Summer and fall are very busy, with the highest visitation from June through September. Denver International Airport is the closest major airport. Less known, but my personal favorite moderate hike in the Bear Lake Trailhead: Jewel Lake. Stop at the Alpine Visitor Center, the highest visitor center in the USA. Park Hours: Park entrances are open 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. 33 places sorted by traveler favorites Clear all filters 2022 1. From the Glacier Gorge parking lot, is a mostly uphill walk to get to Alberta Falls, but it is not too strenuous. Longs Peak, at 14,259 feet, is the only fourteener in the park. Its a one-way hike that utilizes the Parks free shuttle system to get you back to your car after youre done with the hike. 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 Once at the waterfall, you can explore the short trails along Glacier Creek to find your favorite view of the waterfall. Over the next half of a mile, snow and ice can remain on the trail well into June. 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. Cheers, Julie. We hiked to Odessa Lake and Fern Lake as an out-and-back hike from Bear Lake. Around mile six, youll come to Fern Falls, a picturesque waterfall, and over the next couple miles youll hike past two large boulders known as Arch Rocks. A vacuum style bottle, like this one from Day 1 Fitness can keep your water icy cold for hours into your hike. Snowshoeing to Dream Lake is a popular winter time activity, as is cross-country skiing. From the summit of Deer Mountain, enjoy views over Moraine Valley and out to Longs Peak and the surrounding mountains. PRO TRAVEL TIP: It can be 20 to 30 degrees cooler on the alpine tundra than in Estes Park or Grand Lake. 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. Hello Matt. Dream Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park is definitely one of the best day hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park - you can see three lakes in about two miles! Outdoor Project may earn commission on products purchased through our links, which supports the work we do for our readers. LEARN MORE: How to Hike the Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge. Of course, you dont have to hike all of the way to Emerald Lake. best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. How crowded does Rocky Mountain National Park get? Along the trail, there are viewpoints over Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. This trail is not paved (its a gravel trail for most of its length) but it is considered handicap accessible. If you are acclimated to the elevation, the hike to Chasm Lake is another one of our favorites in Rocky Mountain National Park. This has been corrected in the article . Applies to walk-ins, bicycles, and non-commercial . 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. They are rated easy, moderate or difficult. We appreciate it and made that update so its more clear. There is even a three-bedroom house that can accommodate up to nine people. Get all of the details on how to do this hike in our post about Fern Lake. If you have any questions about the permit, let us know in the comment section below. If you have plans to hike one of these trails, adding on Bear Lake is quick, easy, and wont take up much of your time. It is 4.2 miles round trip. How to Use This Map: Click the icons on the map to get more information about each point of interest. To get to the peak, its an almost constant uphill walk through an evergreen forest. There are three routes: the Bear Lake route, Hiker Express Route, and Moraine Park route. 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). 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. The Emerald Lake hike is one of the most popular hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Practice your rock bouldering skills at one of the many climbing sites. Day Hikes In Grand Teton National Park includes a thorough selection of 89 day hikes throughout this national park . You also have the option to add on a fifth lake, Lake Haiyaha, making this hike a total of 6.2 miles. CCY Route (Chapin-Chiqiuta-Ypsilon route) Bluebird Lake. When is the best time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park? ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. Dont worry, its just a couple of moves and there are good handholds. In the winter months, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing top the list. Lily Lake - The Lily Lake Loop is another easy hike that's suitable for the entire family. This is a great hike to do with kids. It also makes a nice acclimatization hike if you just arrived in Colorado and want to warm up your legs and cardio system, before tackling hikes like Chasm Lake, Flattop Mountain, or Mt. Youll be glad you did. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure. This is a great hike for almost all ages and ability levels. On your first day, you will need the Park Access pass (the regular pass) if you plan to enter before 3. This is one of our favorite hikes in RMNP and we highly recommend it if you want unforgettable high alpine views. I absolutely loved it. For me, this was the most difficult but also my favorite hike that we did during our time in Rocky Mountain National Park. Its about nourishment and learning. As you drive west on Trail Ridge Road, there are numerous overlooks. If your visit to Rocky Mountain National Park is part of a bigger road trip through Colorado, here is more information for your trip. And once you are in the park, you can stay as long as you like. Visit our Colorado Travel Guide for more things to do in Colorado. Learn everything you need to know about the John Muir Trail permit process for 2023. Bear Lake is a beautiful lake that is tucked away in the Rocky Mountains. Rocky MountainNational Park Travel Guide. Download or read book Best Hikes Rocky Mountain National Park written by Kent Dannen and published by Rowman & Littlefield. 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. 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. LEARN MORE: How to Hike the Continental Divide Trail to Mt Ida. Begin here, at Glacier Gorge, and hike for a quarter of a mile over Chaos Creek until you see the trail split. After 3 pm, you dont need the pass. The sweet spot months are from late May until mid-June and from early September after Labor Day until mid-October. During this time, you get to enjoy panoramic views of Rocky Mountain National Park. Park Fee: $25 per vehicle, valid for 1 day or $35 per vehicle, valid for 7 days. 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. There are hiking trails and the Fiddle Valley Cafe. A well-graded trail circles around the lake. This hike does not start at Bear Lake. Distance: 3.4 miles Difficulty: Moderate Length of Time: 2 to 3 hours Location: Lumpy Ridge Trailhead. Do a Hike Near Bear Lake. 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. About a half of a mile past the falls, youll come to North Longs Peak Trail Junction. Have saved for later when we can go again. Julie Last updated: January 17, 2023 United States 9 Comments. I have been to RMNP in March when there was very little snow on the ground and I was able to go hiking without any special gear. The best time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park without the summer crowds, an open Trail Ridge Road, and a good chance of pleasant weather is in late spring or in the fall. However, this property gets rave reviews. 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. This hike starts from the same trailhead as Black Lake and splits off a couple miles in. The entire hike is less than a mile in length, making it great for all ages and ability levels. Im a hiking obsessed, half-time van lifer who is happiest in the mountains. Mount Ida. There are nearly 360 miles of hiking trails that range from very accessible to arduous and rewarding treks up to any number of incredible peaks within the park. From here it takes an hour and a half to drive to Estes Park, the gateway into Rocky Mountain National Park. Each of these hikes is a day hike, so they can all be completed in one day. For much of the hike you are walking along the Continental Divide. With just a day in the Rocky Mountain National Park, this is one of the best hikes you could do. 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. 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. You spend very little time below the tree line, so the views are incredible for most of the hike. If this sounds like a hike you would like to do, it will take some planning and patience. Cheers, Julie. Rocky Mountain National Park is home to some of the most epic and amazing hiking vacations in the world. The Residences are one, two, three, and four bedroom houses that come equipped with a full kitchen. All hikes mentioned below are perfect for day hikes. From the Bear Lake Trailhead, the hike is just over 2 miles round-trip and will take about an hour and a half. Finish at Fern Lake Trailhead. 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. Im glad we could help! As such, it's a favorite spot of outdoorsmen, basically turning it into their home away from home or an office. Well have to put it on our to do list when we are back in the area. This is the hotel that inspired Stephen King to write The Shining. Cheers, Julie. What a great place to live! Best for: Historic cabins and quiet trails. 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. All great (especially sky pond). 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. That book is pure gold. Day 2 - Get a good workout on the Bear Lake Trail (6+ miles), see very different scenery at Lumpy Ridge, and . 11 miles of this road is located in the alpine tundra, which is above the tree line. How to get there:The most direct route is to take Highway 36, from Estes Park, to Bear Lake Road. Its a scenic waterfall thats easily accessible, so be aware that due to its popularity it can get crowded. Will have to pick one for next time Im out west. The ever changing views and trail conditions really keep this hike interesting. However, if you only have the time for one hike, and the thought of a tough, 9-mile hike isnt a deal breaker, we recommend Sky Pond. Youre not alone Check out our blog post with tips for taking friends hiking. Emerald Lake Trail The hike to the Emerald Lake is one of the easiest hikes in Rocky Mountains National Park Length: 3.2 miles | Elevation gain: 698 feet | Guide But the views are spectacular and there is a good chance that you will see elk from the trail. 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 are looking for a short, easy hike, How to Hike the Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge, How to Hike to Nymph, Dream & Emerald Lakes (+ Add on Bear Lake and Lake Haiyaha), panoramic views of Longs Peak and Estes Park, How to Hike the Continental Divide Trail to Mt Ida. Ida, you really feel like you are walking on top of the world. 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. Best price and money back guarantee! Bear Lake. 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. Here are 15 of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. The Inn on Fall River & Fall River Cabins. 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. Its a very short hike (just over a half-mile round trip), but it will literally take your breath away. 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. Its not a big deal but doing this will eat up some of your precious time. 1-Day Pass - Per Person - $15.00 Valid for date of purchase. 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. Longs Peak in Rocky Mountain National Park Colorado on a summer day (Image credit: Roschetzkylstockphoto) Distance: 14.8 miles Difficulty: Extremely difficult. This is a great stop to enjoy a short break by the waterfall, or avoid the crowds and push on. Elevation Gain: 1,062' Max Elevation: 10,210' Winter Skill Level: Beginner Why it rocks. Julie Last updated: February 23, 2023 United States 8 Comments. Book excerpt: Best Hikes Rocky Mountain National Park features the best hiking throughout Rocky Mountain National Park. Pause here to layer on an insulated jacket or windbreaker before entering into the exposed tundra ahead. Just be aware that this is also the busiest time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park. You're going to want to start early, because parking fills up fast. 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. Its such a beautiful place isnt it. The good thing is that you wont want to rush by these views. Plan on getting here no later than 7:30 am to make sure you get a spot. 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. In this photo you can see the Alpine Visitor Center and Trail Ridge Road. Moraine Park is another popular area that sees quite a bit of traffic too. There are two different types of timed entry permits. This is our favorite short, easy hike in RMNP. Alberta Falls. Always pack rain gear and be alert, even on a clear day. One Day in Rocky Mountain National Park: Best Things to Do. Distance: 9.5 miles Difficulty: Strenuous Length of Time: 4 to 6 hours Location: Glacier Gorge Trailhead on Bear Lake Road. GREAT SAND DUNES: In our article Best Things to Do in Great Sand Dunes National Park, we cover the top experiences, plus how to plan your time, where to stay, and more. 1. 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. Look out for cairns here and head directly through the meadow up towards the spot where you can see a waterfall coming out of the rocks from Chasm Lake. We plan to visit for 2 half days this September. Look for an unmarked trail thats a quick hike out to Lake Helene. If you want low crowds and dont mind cold temperatures and snow, plan your visit from November through May. 2021Outdoor Project. Find the best Rocky Mountain National Park trails for summer and fall hikes. For the entire hike, you are walking along the alpine tundra, with unobstructed views of Longs Peak, Forest Canyon, and the Continental Divide. Hey Kaeshawn! As you get closer to the visitor center, keep an eye out for bighorn sheep. This is a nice hike but honestly not one of our favorites. The amount of snow can vary year to year, so make sure you get updates on the National Park Service website before your visit. I know some of the trails will be closed due to the 2020 fires, but there are still a lot open. Alberta Falls | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. Granite spires, a clear blue basin, and a hard-earned break makes this scenic vista well worth the effort. Make a left turn to follow the road all the way to the trailhead and parking lot. Your email address will not be published. There are fantastic hiking options in the valleytrails at elevations of 8,000 to 9,500 feet. Your best bet is to pack a picnic lunch. LEARN MORE: How to Hike to Odessa Lake and Fern Lake. The hike to Deer Mountain is one of the more popular fall hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. The air is crisp, wildflowers are starting to . At this time, cross country skiing and snowshoeing are the main things to do in the park. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. Our website uses cookies. 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