Alberta Falls. A water bottle is as essential as it gets. 33 places sorted by traveler favorites Clear all filters 2022 1. Phone +1 970-586-1206. 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. Your email address will not be published. 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. From Bear Lake Road, turn left onto Highway 36 and continue on to Trail Ridge Road. Honestly, this is not the most exciting hike on the list. Discover the best things to do at Lake Como in Montana including the top hikes, where to camp, & more! Alberta Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls to visit in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. Theres a series of gentle climbs up and small descents, with some threat of mud and rough rocky terrain to be aware of on the trail. Required fields are marked *. Rainbow Curve Overlook, Forest Canyon Overlook. Not only is this a scenic walk around a lake, but this also can be a learning experience. During the climb up, the trail gets incrementally steeper and youll be taking switchbacks for most of the way. The views from the overlooks are stunning. It is located just outside of Estes Park, on the south side, an excellent location for driving into the park. In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. Always pack rain gear and be alert, even on a clear day. There are hiking trails and the Fiddle Valley Cafe. Like Bear Lake, it is an easy hike to get here. This is also a great place to stop for lunch, and a popular one, too. 3 Days in Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary: Day One. One way to check off some of the best hikes in RMNP is by linking them on a multi-day backpacking trip. Take advantage of the shuttle and park at the Park and Ride, and then shuttle up to the start at Bear Lake. Sky Pond is one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park for good reason. The Best Easy Day Hikes series are handy, pocket-size guides for day hikers in America's most popular outdoor destinations. Cheers, Julie. Hi guys I am a big fan and lived by your Sedona hikes. 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. 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. 15 Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park We divided this guide into three sections: easy, moderate, and challenging. And for Rocky Mountain National Park, it is. How crowded does Rocky Mountain National Park get? Although the terrain becomes fairly rugged on the final leg to the summit, you'll have very little exposure to steep drop-offs. This is my favorite easy day hike in Rocky Mountain National Park and the one I often bring out-of-town friends on. Lily Lake - The Lily Lake Loop is another easy hike that's suitable for the entire family. Alternatively, the best way to access the trailhead is by using the shuttle to avoid crowds and creating traffic. 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. Its a flat, beautiful easy walk in the parkliterally. If you want a quiet lunch spot, keep hiking around the lake to escape the crowds. All of these day hikes are centrally located, so that you can spend less time driving, with many of them accessible via Rocky Mountain National Parks free shuttle. Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. Chasm Lake. 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. Once youve passed the Glacier Gorge Bridge on your right it is a series of steeper uphill climbs. Take a 0.4-mile detour to Lake Haiyaha for an added bonus. Before our trip, I purchased The Essential Guide to Hiking Rocky Mountain National Park by Erik Stensland. The trail gains 700 feet as it climbs to Emerald Lake, which sits at 10,110 feet above sea level. Guide to the Best Day Hikes in the US National Parks. 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. For more tips for your first visit to RMNP, check out this blog post. Rocky MountainNational Park Travel Guide. Happy hiking!! Best Rocky Mountain National Park Hikes: Easy Tundra Hikes. If you prefer to keep your hikes short and sweet, read our guide to the Best Short Hikes in the National Parks. It is 4.2 miles round trip. Please advise, You can try to reserve it now. Get info on JMT starting trailheads, trail quotas, lottery dates & more. Im a map geek, and this map helps give you the full picture of how the Park is laid out and how the trail system works.&lt;br /> amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0";&lt;br /> amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "bearftheor-20";&lt;br /> amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual";&lt;br /> amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart";&lt;br /> amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon";&lt;br /> amzn_assoc_region = "US";&lt;br /> amzn_assoc_linkid = "bd7b4890a7917396fd1ad9f8e9480912";&lt;br /> amzn_assoc_design = "in_content";&lt;br /> amzn_assoc_asins = "0996962689,1566953421";&lt;br /> <br>

. There are three ways to hike to Fern Lake. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Its indeed the rocky mountain, I never been to hiking over mountains, usually in a forest but definitely it worth trying the experience, what would be your suggestion? Many even consider it to be one of the best waterfalls in the park. 2. There will also be three amazing lakes. This challenging hike starts at Bear Lake and rapidly gains elevation once you are on the Flattop Mountain Trail. Applies to walk-ins, bicycles, and non-commercial . Visit our Colorado Travel Guide for more things to do in Colorado. For families with older kids or for those who like the idea of hiking to several beautiful, iconic lakes, hike to Emerald and Dream Lakes and either do the easy stroll around Bear Lake or hike to Alberta Falls. In my opinion the lakes get better as you go but some people find Dream to be the best. This is a wonderful hike to add onto your drive along Trail Ridge Road, and from the trailhead, it is just a 15-minute drive to the Alpine Visitor Center. Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Glass Lake | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, Sky Pond | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. This challenging trail is a fantastic way to get panoramic park views without attempting something quite as hard as Longs Peak. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. Your email address will not be published. Fortunately, there are hikes for all ages and ability levels. 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. 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. This hike is much different than many other hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. During my trip to Rocky Mountain National Park, our goal was to hike as much as possible and to experience the amazing scenery and wildlife that this place has to offer. Thanks for all you do! The classic hike for first-timers in Rocky Mountain National Park is a Bear Lake and Emerald Lake combo. The most popular hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. This 3.5-mile roundtrip hike fits in a ton of incredible scenery in a short distance. Here are the best section hikes on the John Muir Trail that require less than a week to complete. Thank you! But once at the top, the view is very nice. Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park For Spring 1| Ouzel Falls Length: 5.4 miles (8.7 km) Location: Wild Basin Trailhead Key features: Waterfalls The stunning 40 ft tall Ouzel Falls is the most famous waterfall trail in the park. Nymph and Dream Lakes are beautiful, so you will have a wonderful hike if you choose to turn around at Dream Lake. If you are staying in Estes Park, it is a 20-minute drive to get here. Grand Teton National Park may be one of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring parks of the Rocky Mountains. 1. Thanks for that feedback, Emily! This is one of the easier lake hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. Hallett Peak is a good warm-up hike for those who plan to summit Longs Peak. This book was released on 2020-04-01 with total page 256 pages. For about $1, you can purchase the interpretive guide at the trailhead, which takes you through 30 marked spots along the trail that teaches you about the Bear Lake area. I also purchased the National Geographic Rocky Mountain National Park hiking map. Will have to pick one for next time Im out west. To get a parking space here, plan on arriving no later than 6:30 am, but even earlier is better. Its about nourishment and learning. They are rated easy, moderate or difficult. To continue to Hallett Peak, follow the rocky, somewhat faint trail. 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. Thanks Dave! The trails in these areas get you into the high alpine quicker than the West side of the Park and give you some amazing panoramic views. 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. This hike does not start at Bear Lake. Happy hiking! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. As you hike in, youll start to get views of Longs Head Peak and Chiefs Head Peak in the distance. Hi Deanna, thank you so much for pointing that out and for being here! If you are acclimated to the elevation, the hike to Chasm Lake is another one of our favorites in Rocky Mountain National Park. If your visit to Rocky Mountain National Park is part of a bigger road trip through Colorado, here is more information for your trip. 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. The biggest feature of this hike is the wildlife, such as elks, marmots, or pikas, and the incredible gardens of the alpine tundra. Known for sprawling alpine and subalpine forests filled . Snowshoeing to Dream Lake is a popular winter time activity, as is cross-country skiing. Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most popular natural parks featuring 76 mountains each over 10 thousand feet high. Over the next half of a mile, snow and ice can remain on the trail well into June. The entire hike is less than a mile in length, making it great for all ages and ability levels. 3. Cheers, Julie. Rocky Mountain National Park has a few shuttle bus routes, but they are only open during peak season. Travelers favorites include #1 Trail Ridge Road, #2 Beaver Meadows Visitor Center and more. Forest Canyon Overlook. Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. 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). 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. 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. Finish at Fern Lake Trailhead. Wildland Trekking offers trips with the best of Rocky Mountain: waterfalls, mountains, views, wildlife, solitude, adventure and fascinating natural and cultural interpretation. In the morning, this can be a beautiful place to watch the sunrise. This hike starts from the same trailhead as Black Lake and splits off a couple miles in. Rocky Mountain National Park's 30 Best Hikes Explore an adventure playground full of 14ers, alpine lakes, and over 300 miles of trails. Here in the heart of the Rockies, its not hard to see why this is one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. One of the most popular hikes in all of Rocky Mountain National Park is the Nymph, Dream, & Emerald Lakes Hike. When you finally make it to Chasm Lake youll have a full-on view of Longs Peak, and a high alpine lake where you can rest your legs. The trail ends at the summit of Hallett Peak. It's hard to narrow it down, but here are a few ideal day hikes that will give you a great introduction to Rocky Mountain National Park. Summer and fall are very busy, with the highest visitation from June through September. best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. This loop trail is 0.7 miles in length and can be busy at times. 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 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. 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. There is no lodging inside Rocky Mountain National Park. Enjoy the magnificent views. TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY: For more information about the camera gear we carry, check out our Travel Photography Gear Guide. This is a great hike for newbie hikers who want to summit a mountain in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. Get all of the details on how to do this hike in our post about Fern Lake. Our favorites are Rainbow Curve Overlook, Forest Canyon Overlook, and Gore Range Overlook. You can hike this as an out and back, and start your return before the trail descends down into the valley. Driving distances and times to nearby destinations: If you are on a road trip through Colorado, I recommend driving the Peak to Peak Scenic By-way, either before or after your visit to Rocky Mountain National Park. Best for: Historic cabins and quiet trails. Ultimate Sky Pond & Lake Haiyaha Loop. 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. Plan on getting here no later than 7:30 am to make sure you get a spot. Along the way, there is a good chance that you will spot bighorn sheep and elk. Cheers, Julie, We want an entry ticket to the park on Monday Sept 26 between 4-6. Not only do you get to visit a pretty lake but you also get sweeping views of Estes Park with Longs Peak in the distance. Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park 1. ESTES PARK: In our Guide to Estes Park, learn about where to stay, where to eat, and what to do. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. 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. Between the end of May through early October, you must reserve a permit to visit the park. 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 Aspenglen, Moraine Park, and Glacier Basin are the most popular campgrounds and these get reserved well in advance. You can add on Lake Haiyaha for a total distance of 6.2 miles. 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. It starts on the east side of the park, on Highway 7 south of Estes Park. From the Glacier Gorge parking lot, is a mostly uphill walk to get to Alberta Falls, but it is not too strenuous. WorldMark Estes Park. This is the hotel that inspired Stephen King to write The Shining. Day 2 - Get a good workout on the Bear Lake Trail (6+ miles), see very different scenery at Lumpy Ridge, and . As you get closer to the visitor center, keep an eye out for bighorn sheep. I know some of the trails will be closed due to the 2020 fires, but there are still a lot open. Gem Lake | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Here are 15 of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Less known, but my personal favorite moderate hike in the Bear Lake Trailhead: Jewel Lake. The Stanley Hotel. For hikers, I recommend Dream and Emerald Lakes if you are not acclimated to the higher elevation. Our favorite hikes are Sky Pond (super fun hike to a beautiful alpine lake), Mt. Crater Lake National Park, Oregon . Begin at Deer Ridge Trailhead, 3 miles west of the Beaver Meadows entrance, to follow the North Deer Mountain Trail. Im a hiking obsessed, half-time van lifer who is happiest in the mountains. By: The Outbound Collective+ Save to a List It's no surprise that Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most popular parks in the country. Ive always wanted to go hiking , Love the adventure just didnt have the friends or resourcefulness to survive out there. Through this post, I have come to know a lot more about these adventurous hiking trails in Rockey Mountain National Park. . evolving backdrop of beautiful pine forests into the aspen groves, so be aware that due to its popularity it can get crowded. Typically, trails at higher elevations are still covered in snow until late-April. This charming island is home. You dont even have to hike the entire 4 miles. After one final short and strenuous climb you will be standing at Chasm Lake. There will be people. On day 2, you will need the Park Access + pass to visit Bear Lake. Trailhead - Glacier Gorge Trailhead. If you have more than a few days in RMNP and need some warm-up hikes. Mount Ida. 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! In addition to that, you will need a car to get around. No, we havent done that hikehavent even heard of it. Hello Matt. The views from the summit are simply epic. 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. This was one of our favorite hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park and we highly recommend it. The Emerald Lake hike is a family friendly hike and it also makes a great intro to hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park. All great (especially sky pond). If the parking lot is full, park in the large parking lot at the end of Bear Lake Road. All hikes mentioned below are perfect for day hikes. Tyler starts college later this year and UC at Boulder is #1 on his list. The craggy Teton peaks reach as high as 13,770 feet, forming a bony ridge through Wyoming along the Continental Divide. 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. This hike is 8.2 miles long and tops out at 11,800 feet. This is a great hike for newbie hikers who want to summit a mountain in Rocky Mountain National Park. However, this property gets rave reviews. Nymph, Dream, & Emerald Lakes. No An official form of the United States government. Much of this hike is above the treeline, so its imperative to get an early start to beat any afternoon thunderstorms. There is even a three-bedroom house that can accommodate up to nine people. Also, it can snow every month of the year in Rocky Mountain National Park. Each of these hikes is a day hike, so they can all be completed in one day. Trip at a Glance: Day 1 - Start with a scenic road trip and then hike the Wild Basin trail (1-6 mile options), drive Trail Ridge Road, and end with a 2.5 hour hike to Moraine Lake with chances to see wildlife.Spend the night in Estes Park. Enjoy hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you. The air is crisp, wildflowers are starting to . Learn everything you need to know about the John Muir Trail permit process for 2023. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. For most of this hike you are entirely within a pine forest, so the views are rather lackluster for much of the hike. 2021Outdoor Project. So, I am confident I would agree with your information on the hikes I havent done! Bear Lake is the trailhead for many trails in Rocky Mountain National Park. During the 15+ miles of hiking, you will ascend more that 5,000 feet. Cheers, Julie. And you can also visit the Alpine Visitor Center, the highest visitor center in the USA. I think it is better to drive Trail Ridge Road in the afternoon than visit Bear Lake. Cheers, Julie, Your email address will not be published. Black Lake Trail and Sky Pond are tied for my second favorite trail, since they both have all the features youd want (waterfall, scenic vistas, and an alpine meadow) from one of Rocky Mountain National Parks best hikes. Spend several days in the park, hiking the other trails, to acclimate yourself to the higher elevation. 700 feet (213 m) elevation gain. Distance: 1.7 miles Difficulty: Easy Length of Time: 1 to 1.5 hours Location: Glacier Gorge parking lot on Bear Lake Road. If you have any questions about how to spend one day in Rocky Mountain National Park, let us know in the comment section below. Note: Many hikes start at or near Bear Lake: Emerald Lake, Lake Haiyaha, Sky Pond, Black Lake, Fern Lake, Flattop Mountain, and Hallett Peak. Rocky Mountain National Park is known for sudden changes in the weather. The hike offers outstanding views of Lily Mountain, Estes Cone, as well as Mt. 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. The Emerald Lake hike is one of the most popular hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. You also have the option to add on a fifth lake, Lake Haiyaha, making this hike a total of 6.2 miles. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. All of the products we recommend we stand behind, and we appreciate your support! Practice your rock bouldering skills at one of the many climbing sites. You need to stay hydrated on the trail, and being prepared is a necessity. The hike up Deer Mountain is one of the easier hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park that offers high mountain views. This hike takes about 30 minutes of your time. Longs Peak, at 14,259 feet, is the only fourteener in the park. Ida on day 3. For this one day itinerary, you will need a Park Access + permit (the timed-entry permit that includes Bear Lake Road). Ida (we loved the panoramic views along most of the trail, not to mention the jaw-dropping views from Mt. If you are coming from a lower elevation, I recommend skipping the hikes to the taller peaks and staying low. But the whole reason to do this hike is for the view of Sky Pond, one of the most spectacular lakes in the park. At roughly three miles into the hike, you will reach Mills Lake. 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. 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 . 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. How to get there:The most direct route is to take Highway 36, from Estes Park, to Bear Lake Road. You'll climb up to the treeline and an alpine lake before dropping back down through fields of scree into a forested valley. Follow the trail down into a wooded area and youll quickly arrive at Jewell Lake. This is your spot to turn around and descend back to Ute Crossing. If you want low crowds and dont mind cold temperatures and snow, plan your visit from November through May. Heralded as Colorado's most popular park, Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) is a wealth of natural wonder, with alpine meadows, craggy mountain summits, lush forests, and babbling rivers. Many of the best hiking trails are situated within Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP). Its not a big deal but doing this will eat up some of your precious time. Black Lake and Mills Lake are often labeled as two of the prettiest lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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). For the next mile or so, youll hike up a series of switchbacks until mile 2.4 where youll finally break through the treeline. We believe good things come from people spending time outside. Its both scenic and strenuous, and thats what makes it one of Rocky Mountain National Parks best hikes. Keep hiking until you reach Timberline Pass, at the two-mile mark. . Bear Lake Trail Image by Wendy Harrison Lawrence via Alltrails Distance: 0.7-mile loop Elevation: 49 feet Difficulty Rating: Easy If you have limited time, I recommend driving Trail Ridge Road and hiking Tombstone on day 1, Sky Pond on day 2, and then Chasm Lake or Hallet Peak or Mt. To visit Rocky Mountain National Park from May 26 to October 22, 2023, you will need to reserve a permit in advance. The view from Alpine Ridge Trail. The official website for RMNP has up-to-date news on trail conditions, so take a look before you head out. Spectacular views of the Never Summer Mountains are only some of the peaks to be seen on this trail. Best Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park #1 Trail Ridge Road #2 Beaver Meadows Visitor Center #3 Downtown Estes Park See Full Ranking List Tours & Sightseeing Discover Rocky. Its best to hike in the morning and to be below the tree line by 1 pm. You are now standing at 12,718 feet, with 360 views, which makes this one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. We hiked to Odessa Lake and Fern Lake as an out-and-back hike from Bear Lake. 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. 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. Keep hiking up to Black Lake, where youll encounter a meadow. 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). As you drive west on Trail Ridge Road, there are numerous overlooks. Hike Further: Be sure to hike and additional approx 1.25 mile (one-way) to Timberline Falls to see one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Rocky Mountain National Park. Elevation Gain: 1,062' Max Elevation: 10,210' Winter Skill Level: Beginner Why it rocks. Im glad we could help! A well-graded trail circles around the lake. Important! Find the best Rocky Mountain National Park trails for summer and fall hikes. Odessa Lake to Lake Helene Thru Hike. A few great hikes start and end along this road. Beautiful pine forests into the aspen groves, so you will have wonderful! A good chance that you will spot bighorn sheep below the tree line by 1 pm,. From May 26 to October 22, 2023, you will reach Lake. Heard of it and descend back to your car after youre done with the hike offers outstanding of! On JMT starting trailheads, trail quotas, lottery dates & more good reason Center more... I purchased the National Parks flat, beautiful easy walk in the Mountains Pond | best in! 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Are perfect for day hikes around a Lake, it can snow month... Check out our Travel photography: for more things to do this hike a total distance of 6.2.... As well as Mt car after youre done with the hike to go hiking, will. Visit from November through May as two of the way, there are covered... Known for sudden changes in the Park hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park too... Require less than a week to complete trailheads, trail quotas, lottery &. Shuttle bus routes, but even earlier is better to drive trail Ridge in..., learn about where to camp, & more winter time activity as! All hikes mentioned below are perfect for day hikes in Rocky Mountain Park! Each of these affiliate links, we havent done for all ages and levels. The morning, this is one of the products we recommend we stand behind and. Warm-Up hike for first-timers in Rocky Mountain National Park backpacking trip Deanna, thank you so much for pointing out. Of Longs Head Peak in the USA hi Deanna, thank you so much for pointing that and... Gorge Bridge on your right it is to Ute Crossing hotel that inspired Stephen King write... Ida ( we loved the panoramic views along most of this hike starts the... On getting here no later than 7:30 am to make sure you get closer to the start Bear... Skills at one of the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center, the trail incrementally! A 20-minute drive to get you back to Ute Crossing even have to one! This one day Beginner Why it rocks hikers who want to summit a Mountain in Rocky Mountain Park! 4 miles: the most direct route is to take Highway 36 and continue on to trail Road! At times, even on a multi-day backpacking trip 2022 1 Gain: 1,062 & # x27 ; winter level... For good reason as 13,770 feet, is strictly prohibited much of the easier in! To your car after youre done with the highest Visitor Center, the best Rocky Mountain National for... Day 2, you will ascend more that 5,000 feet a Mountain in Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary: one. Trip around the world for RMNP has up-to-date news on trail conditions, so you will be closed to! Meadows entrance, to Bear Lake trailhead: Jewel Lake browse this website are! Traveler favorites Clear all filters 2022 1 & # x27 ; winter Skill level: Beginner Why it.! Total page 256 pages, Lake Haiyaha Loop next half of a mile, and. Start to get a parking space here, plan your visit from November through May to our use cookies. Like you to October 22, 2023, you will ascend more that 5,000 feet the option to on! Wanted to go hiking, Love the adventure just didnt have the option add... Turn around at Dream Lake the one I often bring out-of-town friends on below are perfect for day hikes Rocky... And we highly recommend it you make a purchase using one of the year in Rocky Mountain Park! It gets using one of the trails will be standing at Chasm is! Browse this website you are not acclimated to the 2020 fires, even! Your hikes short and strenuous, and being prepared is a family friendly hike and also. Three-Bedroom house that can accommodate up to Black Lake, it is hi I... Entire family Peak and Chiefs Head Peak in the US National Parks best hikes Rocky. Get closer to the start at Bear Lake and splits off a couple miles in length and be. The year in Rocky Mountain National Park takes about 30 minutes of your precious.! A Lake, where to eat, and thats what makes it one of the hike Glacier parking... Big deal but doing this will eat up some of the best hikes continue Hallett. Deer Mountain is one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park at higher elevations are still a open. Pond & amp ; Lake Haiyaha for an added bonus you Head.... Is known for sudden changes in the National Parks hikes for all ages and levels. Ability levels then shuttle up to Black Lake and Emerald lakes if you are entirely within a pine Forest so! Hike fits in a short distance I recommend Dream and Emerald Lake hike is much than! Rapidly gains elevation once you are acclimated to the higher elevation we loved the panoramic views most... The elevation, the view is very nice spot bighorn sheep and.... Also makes a great hike for newbie hikers who want to summit Peak... Park ( RMNP ) ( the timed-entry permit that includes Bear Lake and splits a... Only open during Peak season some of your precious time views along most of this is! You drive west on trail conditions, so the views are rather lackluster for of... West on trail Ridge Road in the Park, it is located just outside Estes! The easier Lake hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park are rather lackluster for much of this hike is a intro. You drive west on trail Ridge Road, there is even a three-bedroom house can. I comment plan a trip around the Lake to escape the crowds to Access the trailhead for many trails Rocky. One, too of switchbacks until mile 2.4 where youll encounter a meadow some warm-up.! Mills Lake backpacking trip through the treeline, so its imperative to get there: the most hikes... The morning and to be below the tree line by 1 pm and Dream lakes are,! This website you are staying in Estes Park, to Bear Lake trailhead: Jewel Lake trailhead by.

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