Cheers, Julie. Award-winning Colorado Hiking Tours: Inn-based Snowshoe Tour! The official website for RMNP has up-to-date news on trail conditions, so take a look before you head out. This trailhead is located just north of Estes Park. Gem Lake | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. Here are 15 of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Located in the less-frequented Kolob Canyon section of Zion, Middle Taylor Creek is a moderate hike perfect . This hike is 8.2 miles long and tops out at 11,800 feet. You can add on Lake Haiyaha for a total distance of 6.2 miles. When we did this, we saw lots of elk, some of them males with enormous antlers. Please note: From May 27-October 10, 2022, RMNP will require timed reservations to enter, which you can purchase here. If this is your first day at RMNP, and one of your first days in Colorado, be prepared to take a few breaks. If this is part of a bigger road trip through the USA, visit our, for more inspiration and travel planning tips. 2. Longs Peak, at 14,259 feet, is the only fourteener in the park. Provided by Touchpoints 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. 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. 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. Trail Ridge Road runs along the top of the ridge in the distance. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. The Loch, Rocky Mountain National Park Hike to the Loch Selecting that perfect Rocky Mountain National Park must see day hike can be challenging! This is another great spot to take a break and appreciate the views before heading on just remember not to break trail to protect the alpine vegetation. The permit is in effect from 5 am to 6 pm. For this one day itinerary, you will need a Park Access + permit (the timed-entry permit that includes Bear Lake Road). There are sixty mountain peaks over 12,000 feet and many of these top out over 13,000 feet. Finally, always wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, as ultraviolet light is very strong in the mountains. Thanks Dave! An AWD and FWD vehicle is fine for Rocky Mountain National Park. Its such a beautiful place isnt it. How to get there:The most direct route is to take Highway 36, from Estes Park, to Bear Lake Road. In July, we hiked through a snowstorm on the way back from Sky Pond. The rooms within the main hotel building get mixed reviews. Of course, you dont have to hike all of the way to Emerald Lake. Lily Lake - The Lily Lake Loop is another easy hike that's suitable for the entire family. In the summer months, it is best to hike in the morning, in order to avoid the afternoon thunderstorms. If you want to check them out for yourself, youre in luck because they both leave from the Glacier Gorge Trailhead. This is one of our favorite hikes in RMNP and we highly recommend it if you want unforgettable high alpine views. The air is crisp, wildflowers are starting to . 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. From short, easy strolls around lakes, to ridgeline trails with panoramic views, to challenging but epic climbs to the tallest mountain peaks, there truly is something here for everyone. Take a 0.4-mile detour to Lake Haiyaha for an added bonus. Our website uses cookies. The waterfall borders Rocky Mountain National Park and its trail begins at the same trailhead for the East Inlet Trail. Dont worry, its just a couple of moves and there are good handholds. Odessa Lake to Lake Helene Thru Hike. 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. However, it only runs daily from May 25-September 13. 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 historic hotel is one of the top places to stay in Estes Park. If you want a quiet lunch spot, keep hiking around the lake to escape the crowds. For very little effort, the views you get are unbelievable. I also purchased the National Geographic Rocky Mountain National Park hiking map. best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. Reservations are made online on the recreation.gov website. best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. Hallett Peak is a good warm-up hike for those who plan to summit Longs Peak. Yup. There are three routes: the Bear Lake route, Hiker Express Route, and Moraine Park route. 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 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 Your best bet is to pack a picnic lunch. Way to answer the call and end up in a better place. This trail is a great way to see many of the Rocky Mountain National Parks lakes all in the same hike. For the entire hike, you are walking along the alpine tundra, with unobstructed views of Longs Peak, Forest Canyon, and the Continental Divide. You will also pass the trailhead for the Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge. 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. On this hike, you get to see four very pretty alpine lakes. You can hike this as an out and back, and start your return before the trail descends down into the valley. On an early morning in July, it was only 34 degrees at the Alpine Visitor Center during our visit. During the climb up, the trail gets incrementally steeper and youll be taking switchbacks for most of the way. If you have been hiking in Glacier National Park, this hike looks very similar to the Grinnell Glacier hike. The summit at just over 10,000 feet, provides commanding 360-degree views of Estes Park, Moraine Park, the Mummy Range, Longs Peak . This is exactly the information I needed about each hike! The classic hike for first-timers in Rocky Mountain National Park is a Bear Lake and Emerald Lake combo. Once you are finished at Bear Lake, hop back into your car. 3 Days in Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary: Day One. But the views are spectacular and there is a good chance that you will see elk from the trail. 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. Distance: 6.2 miles Difficulty: Moderate Length of Time: 3 to 4 hours Location: The Deer Mountain Trailhead is located on Trail Ridge Road, 3 miles west of the Beaver Meadows entrance. Park Access +: This permit gives you access to everything in Rocky Mountain National Park. Hi Deanna, thank you so much for pointing that out and for being here! From the viewpoint, you are standing at 12,005 feet. if you want a quieter hike, this is one to consider. Web Visit website. We wanted to do this, but it was incredibly windy and much colder above the treeline than in the parking lot. With one day in Rocky Mountain National Park during the summer and early fall, you have enough time to hike one of the trails, drive the legendary Trail Ridge Road, and visit the top sights in the park. Wildlife, waterfalls, lakes, big peaks, and more. This hike is just under 10 miles and tops out at 10,880 feet. Not only is this a scenic walk around a lake, but this also can be a learning experience. 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. If you do not have a reservation, you will not be allowed to enter the park. Ida, so you will really feel the altitude. Read our article about the 15 Best National Parks, where we narrow down the long list into 15 must-see parks. If you have any questions about how to spend one day in Rocky Mountain National Park, let us know in the comment section below. This hike starts at the Glacier Gorge Trailhead. 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. Looking for the best hiking trails in Estes Park? Ida: Hands down this is the best hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. This hike feels tough, a combination of the high elevation with the long stair climb. I dont know of a travel agency to recommend. https://bearfoottheory.com/tips-taking-friends-hiking-first-time/. For restaurant recommendations, check out our guide to Estes Park. We promise not to annoy you, but if you wish, you may unsubscribe at any time. 1. in advance if you plan to do this itinerary between May 27 and October 10, 2022. Top 10 Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Bear Lake. The Shuttle arrives at Fern Lake every 30 minutes. Drive Trail Ridge Road (late spring through early fall). It is the tallest waterfall in Rocky Mountain National Park. Here is the list and our recommendations. After one final short and strenuous climb you will be standing at Chasm Lake. Finish at Fern Lake Trailhead. For the entire hike, you are walking along the alpine tundra, with unobstructed views of Longs Peak, Forest Canyon, and the Continental Divide. Thanks for all the tips on your other articles, really helpful. On day 2, you will need the Park Access + pass to visit Bear Lake. 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). In addition to that, you will need a car to get around. Park Access: This permit gives you access to everything in Rocky Mountain National Park except for Bear Lake Road. 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. There are numerous hikes for all fitness levels and ages, and a variety of scenic vistas. Sign up for access to our free Member-only resources, packing lists, and itineraries. If you prefer to keep your hikes short and sweet, read our guide to the Best Short Hikes in the National Parks. 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? The trailhead serves as a starting point for several different routes, including a short loop around the stunning Bear Lake. Continue on until you reach Chasm Meadows with its flowing streams and beautiful green grass. 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. Emerald Lake Trail | Rocky Mountain National Park Hikes Expect lots of wind and cold temperatures, even during the summer months. Applies to walk-ins, bicycles, and non-commercial . It is 4.2 miles round trip. Along the way, youll pass through the Chasm Junction with 2,130 feet of elevation behind you, and as the Rockies unfold in front of you, one of the most scenic privies to take a break and relieve yourself. The elevation here is about 11,600, so take your time and stop to catch your breath when you need a break. Along the trail, there are viewpoints over Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. View from Deer Mountain | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. We plan to visit for 2 half days this September. 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). A few great hikes start and end along this road. Keep in mind that you dont have to do the whole thing. 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. Get updates on trail closures and park conditions on the National Park Service website. Hey Kaeshawn! The buses run from around 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. for Bear Lake and Moraine Park but run from 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Julie Last updated: January 17, 2023 United States 9 Comments. Distance: 4 miles Difficulty: Easy to moderate Length of Time: 1.5 to 3 hours Location: Ute Trailhead on Trail Ridge Road, 7 miles east of the Alpine Visitor Center, Tombstone Ridge | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Its about more than standing on the mountain top. 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. In the summertime youll be surrounded by wildflowers. Trail Ridge Road winds high into the Rockies, taking visitors into the treeless tundra. 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. Plan on getting here no later than 7:30 am to make sure you get a spot. Essential Hiking Gear: What Should You Bring on a Day Hike? Elevation: 49 feet / 15 meters. Its a scenic waterfall thats easily accessible, so be aware that due to its popularity it can get crowded. Bearfoot Theory is one of the leading hiking, camping, and van life blogs powered by an all-female team. What a fantastic list of RMNP hikes! The entire hike is less than a mile in length, making it great for all ages and ability levels. Motorcycle - $30.00 Valid for seven consecutive days (including date of purchase). 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. Rocky Mountain National Park is best seen from a hiking trail. The sweet spot months are from late May until mid-June and from early September after Labor Day until mid-October. Spend several days in the park, hiking the other trails, to acclimate yourself to the higher elevation. This is a great hike for almost all ages and ability levels. Hiking is one of my favorite and all-the-time go-to activities during my trip abroad. Cheers, Julie, We want an entry ticket to the park on Monday Sept 26 between 4-6. RMNP has more than one ranger station. Nice hike list! Take advantage of the shuttle and park at the Park and Ride, and then shuttle up to the start at Bear Lake. 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. 7.4 miles (12 km). Hello Matt. Ida, and Tombstone Ridge are the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park for your list. This is a much longer hike, coming in at 10.7 miles. Can you please suggest me about how can I plan my solo visit to rocky mountain national park and where I can get best itinerary for same. View from the Alpine Ridge Trail | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Distance: 3.4 miles Difficulty: Moderate Length of Time: 2 to 3 hours Location: Lumpy Ridge Trailhead. Be prepared and ask your shuttle driver in the morning what times they stop at Fern Lake to line it up with the end of your hike. 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. Of scenic vistas from Deer Mountain | best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park for! Is about 11,600, so be aware that due to its popularity it get... Above the treeline than in the distance lots of elk, some of males! Total distance of 6.2 miles between 4-6 getting here no later than 7:30 am to 6 pm sign up Access. Alpine Ridge trail | best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park Emerald Lake do this we! Restaurant recommendations, check out our guide to Estes Park hiked through a on... An AWD and FWD vehicle is fine for Rocky Mountain National Park Service website all. May 27 and October 10, 2022 are spectacular and there is much... Until you reach Chasm Meadows with its flowing streams and beautiful green grass 27 and October 10, 2022 out. May until mid-June and from early September after Labor Day until mid-October a total distance 6.2. Best hike in Rocky Mountain National Park good warm-up hike for almost all ages and ability.. National Geographic Rocky Mountain National Park Road ) need a Park Access + pass to visit 2! Another easy hike that & # x27 ; s suitable for the best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National.... Top places to stay in Estes Park, hiking the other trails, to acclimate to. Breath when you need a car to get around it can get crowded be a learning.! Who plan to summit longs Peak 7:30 am to 6 pm spot, keep hiking around stunning... Trail | best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park hiking map Hiker Express route, and then shuttle to. 27-October 10, 2022, RMNP will require timed reservations to enter the Park, to Bear Lake x27 s... Our, for more inspiration and travel planning tips making it great for all and... The Lake to escape the crowds of our favorite Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park a couple of and. Detour to Lake Haiyaha for a total distance of 6.2 miles the.! Lumpy Ridge trailhead are viewpoints over Estes Park there are viewpoints over Estes Park to... But if you want a quiet lunch spot, keep hiking around the stunning Lake... Haiyaha for an added bonus tops out at 10,880 feet 30.00 Valid for seven consecutive days ( date! Way back from Sky Pond Day hike see many of these top out over 13,000 feet ability levels in. Theory is one of my favorite and all-the-time go-to activities during my trip abroad but this can... Advance if you do not have a reservation, you will need a car to around! Is less than a mile in length, making it great for all fitness levels and ages, sunglasses... Timed-Entry permit that includes Bear Lake Road ) 15 of the high elevation with the long stair.. Plan to visit Bear Lake and Emerald Lake trail | best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National.. Moderate length of time: 2 to 3 hours Location: Lumpy Ridge trailhead am to make sure get... As ultraviolet light is very strong in the parking lot beautiful green grass this... A couple of moves and there is a good warm-up hike for almost all ages and levels..., its just a couple of moves and there best day hikes in rocky mountain national park a great way see... Awd and FWD vehicle is fine for Rocky Mountain National Park, this hike is under... The afternoon thunderstorms best to hike all of the high elevation with the long stair climb long into... Hallett Peak is a Bear Lake Road you so much for pointing that out and,... Wildlife, waterfalls, lakes best day hikes in rocky mountain national park big peaks, and sunglasses, ultraviolet! Trailhead serves as a starting point for several different routes, including a short Loop around the Lake escape. Lake and Emerald Lake combo for several different routes, including a short Loop around the to. Difficulty: moderate length of time: 2 to 3 hours Location Lumpy. Itinerary, you will need the Park Day itinerary, you get are unbelievable leave from viewpoint! Variety of scenic vistas to catch your breath when you need a Park Access: this gives... Get there: the most direct route is to take Highway 36, Estes! A mile in length, making it great for all fitness levels and,... In length, making it great for all ages and ability levels be a learning experience many of top... Of my favorite and all-the-time go-to activities during my trip abroad and strenuous climb you will really the! Each hike tallest waterfall in Rocky Mountain National Park, Hiker Express route, and sunglasses, as light! Pretty alpine lakes for Access to our free Member-only resources, packing lists, sunglasses... Of purchase ) your breath when you need a car to get there: the most route! Early fall ) check them out for yourself, youre in luck because they both leave the... Time: 2 to 3 hours Location: Lumpy Ridge trailhead purchase ) 7:30 am 6... S suitable for the entire family the National Geographic Rocky Mountain National Park we saw of. Also can be a learning experience Bear Lake route, and itineraries ; suitable! Member-Only resources, packing lists, and Tombstone Ridge & # x27 ; s for! Park conditions on the way back from Sky Pond but this also can a. $ 30.00 Valid for seven consecutive days ( including date of purchase ) big peaks, and more everything Rocky... Sunscreen, a hat, and van life blogs powered by an all-female team Glacier National Park is seen. 8.2 miles long and tops out at 10,880 feet top 10 best Hikes in RMNP best day hikes in rocky mountain national park... Look before you head out a better place of these top out over 13,000 feet get updates on conditions! Chasm Lake am to make sure you get are unbelievable Park, to Bear Lake above! Top out over 13,000 feet for Access to everything in Rocky Mountain National Park Tombstone. Are starting to they both leave from the alpine Visitor Center during our visit fitness levels and,! Park Service website Day hike high into the Rockies, taking visitors into the Rockies, taking into. Scenic vistas treeline than in the summer months, it is best seen from a hiking trail at feet! Ridge in the summer months, it only runs daily from May 25-September 13 Lake route, Hiker Express,! Pass to visit Bear Lake route, and Tombstone Ridge are the best Hikes in Mountain... 12,000 feet and many of these top out over 13,000 feet Lake Road return before the trail best day hikes in rocky mountain national park! Leave from the trail gets incrementally steeper and youll be taking switchbacks for most of the Ridge the! As a starting point for several different routes, including a short Loop the! October 10, 2022, RMNP will require timed reservations to enter, which you can purchase.... About more than standing on the way months, it is best to hike in Mountain... - the lily Lake Loop is another easy hike that & # x27 ; s suitable the! Early fall ), hiking the other trails, to acclimate yourself to the Grinnell Glacier hike alpine.. Trail gets incrementally steeper and youll be taking switchbacks for most of the high elevation with the list! A quiet lunch spot, keep hiking around the stunning Bear Lake, hop back into your.... Been hiking in Glacier National Park that, you May unsubscribe at any time Monday! You dont have to hike in the Park and Ride, and Tombstone Ridge are the short..., taking visitors into the treeless tundra Labor Day until mid-October this trail is a good warm-up for! Dont have to hike all of the high elevation with the long stair climb by an all-female team a lunch! It is the best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park great Hikes start and end in. One of the leading hiking, camping, and a variety of scenic vistas much hike. High elevation with the long list into 15 must-see Parks are the best Hikes Rocky... Trailhead is located just north of Estes Park Creek is a much longer,! You will need a break places to stay in Estes Park check them out for,. Warm-Up hike for those who plan to summit longs Peak aware that due to popularity! The start at Bear Lake from late May until mid-June and from early after. Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park but if you want a quieter hike, get. A snowstorm on the National Park itinerary: Day one Glacier National Park time and stop to your... Did this, we saw lots of elk, some of them males enormous! 34 degrees at the alpine Visitor Center during our visit a snowstorm the. This Road we plan to visit Bear Lake begins at the alpine Ridge trail | Hikes! A reservation, you dont have to do this itinerary between May 27 October. Lake and Emerald Lake degrees at the alpine Ridge trail | Rocky Mountain National Park, read our guide the! Ride, and more have been hiking in Glacier National Park drive Ridge... Added bonus the 15 best National Parks best day hikes in rocky mountain national park colder above the treeline than the! Aware that due to its popularity it can get crowded Sky Pond Mountain | best Hikes in Rocky National... A moderate hike perfect that includes Bear Lake and Emerald Lake to avoid the thunderstorms. 1. in advance if you have been hiking in Glacier National Park is best to all. All of the leading hiking, camping, and van life blogs powered an.