COLORADO ITINERARY: With 10 days in Colorado, road trip to all four national parks (Rocky Mountain, Great Sand Dunes, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, and Mesa Verde), linking them together with some very scenic drives. Our favorites are Rainbow Curve Overlook, Forest Canyon Overlook, and Gore Range Overlook. best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. They are also all under 10 miles, well-signed, and easily done within a day. Thank you! Its an extra 0.8 miles to the shuttle stop on the dirt road. From its high glacial snow fields, rounded cirques, and jagged mountain peaks to its placid lakes and stunning montane forests, Rocky Mountain National Park is a territory of extraordinary beauty on a grand scale. This hike takes about 30 minutes of your time. Look for an unmarked trail thats a quick hike out to Lake Helene. There are sixty mountain peaks over 12,000 feet and many of these top out over 13,000 feet. Simply turn around when you are ready, the spectacular views start as soon as your feet hit the trail. I dont know of a travel agency to recommend. This summer itinerary works best from Memorial Day through mid-October, when Trail Ridge Road is open. You can also hike to Fern Lake out-and-back from either Bear Lake or Moraine Park. For the final mile of this hike, you are treated to breathtaking views of Longs Peak, Columbine Falls, Peacock Pond, and finally Chasm Lake. Between the end of May through early October, you must reserve a permit to visit the park. Note: if you plan to hike Sky Pond, it is better to park at the Glacier Gorge parking lot, which is also on Bear Lake Road. Lily Lake - The Lily Lake Loop is another easy hike that's suitable for the entire family. Hiking is one of my favorite and all-the-time go-to activities during my trip abroad. Note: Several more hikes start at Bear Lake, but due to their long distance, massive elevation gains, and the amount of time it takes to do these hikes, I do not think that these are good options if you only have one day in Rocky Mountain National Park. In this photo you can see the Alpine Visitor Center and Trail Ridge Road. If this is part of a bigger road trip through the USA, visit our, for more inspiration and travel planning tips. A few great hikes start and end along this road. From there, follow this to the parking area and trailhead located at the end of the road. The Emerald Lake hike is one of the most popular hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. In early autumn, the snow really returns, covering the roads and trails, turning the park into a wintery wonderland. Sky Pond via Glacier Gorge is without a doubt one of the best Rocky Mountain National park hikes. To visit Rocky Mountain National Park from May 26 to October 22, 2023, you will need to reserve a permit in advance. Continue hiking past Alberta Falls and turn left at Mills Junction until you reach Mills Lake. Sky Pond. You can either hike to Fern Lakes and Odessa Lake as a point-to-point hike, starting at Bear Lake and ending at Moraine Park (or vice versa). For most of this hike you are entirely within a pine forest, so the views are rather lackluster for much of the hike. The views from the summit are simply epic. Its a very short hike (just over a half-mile round trip), but it will literally take your breath away. Before we dive in to all 25+ of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain NP, we've compiled the top 10! Expect lots of wind and cold temperatures, even during the summer months. Important! Tyler starts college later this year and UC at Boulder is #1 on his list. For very little effort, the views you get are unbelievable. The Stanley Hotel offers a wide range of rooms. Hey Kaeshawn! The entire hike is less than a mile in length, making it great for all ages and ability levels. The Aspire rooms are higher-end, modernly decorated rooms but many people state that they are overpriced for what you get. Hi Deanna, thank you so much for pointing that out and for being here! Have you hiked this?. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. This is the most popular hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. A short hike with plenty of scenery, the Emerald Lake trail is one of the most popular hikes in the park for good reason. This helps control crowd levels on the roads and hiking trails. Before you go, get updated trail conditions on the National Park Service website. Which travel agency can book it for me? Granite spires, a clear blue basin, and a hard-earned break makes this scenic vista well worth the effort. It's an 8.5-mile out-and-back hike that takes you past not one, not two but THREE beautiful mountain lakes AND Alberta Falls to top things off! For much of the hike you are walking along the Continental Divide. Finish at Fern Lake Trailhead. This is a great hike for almost all ages and ability levels. If your visit to Rocky Mountain National Park is part of a bigger road trip through Colorado, here is more information for your trip. Park Hours: Park entrances are open 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. LEARN MORE: How to Hike to Nymph, Dream & Emerald Lakes (+ Add on Bear Lake and Lake Haiyaha). if you want a quieter hike, this is one to consider. If you are coming from a lower elevation, I recommend skipping the hikes to the taller peaks and staying low. The trail gains 700 feet as it climbs to Emerald Lake, which sits at 10,110 feet above sea level. How to Visit Black Canyon of the Gunnison. It is 4 miles round-trip and great for kids. Its time for the best scenic drive in Rocky Mountain National Park. Bear Lake This is the shortest, most popular hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. Thanks Dave! 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. Your email address will not be published. Outdoor Project may earn commission on products purchased through our links, which supports the work we do for our readers. Each of these hikes is a day hike, so they can all be completed in one day. WorldMark Estes Park. After that date, it only runs during the weekends through October 20. Download or read book Best Hikes Rocky Mountain National Park written by Kent Dannen and published by Rowman & Littlefield. It gets even better once you reach the summit of Mt. 800-715-HIKE (4453) (9-4:30 Every Day) But even the most fit, acclimated hikers can feel winded and out-of-breath on this short hike. Distance: 3.6 miles Difficulty: Easy to moderate Length of Time: 2 to 3 hours Location: Bear Lake Trailhead, at the end of Bear Lake Road, Emerald Lake | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, Dream Lake | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. If you dont get a ticket, you can still enter the park after 3 pm but you will not be allowed to drive down Bear Lake Road. Although its tempting to stop here, there are even more spectacular views up ahead. If you love mountains, this is the place for you. 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. Guide to the Best Day Hikes in the US National Parks. All rights reserved. This is a great hike for almost all ages and ability levels. We wanted to do this, but it was incredibly windy and much colder above the treeline than in the parking lot. As you ascend higher, the trees disappear, as you enter the subalpine region. See the top Minnesota road trip stops for outdoor adventure including State Parks, scenic drives, waterfalls, and day trips from Minneapolis. Well have to put it on our to do list when we are back in the area. They are rated easy, moderate or difficult. There are plenty of great hikes you can choose from that dont climb high into the mountains. On the way down, you can hand your backpack to a friend and then scoot your way down on your butt. Chasm Lake is one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Each guidebook provides twenty of the best hikes in the area they represent . 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. Required fields are marked *. Guide to the Best Day Hikes in the US National Parks. Black Lake looks similar to Chasm Lake, as both of these alpine lakes are surrounded by jagged mountain peaks. in advance if you plan to do this itinerary between May 27 and October 10, 2022. One way to check off some of the best hikes in RMNP is by linking them on a multi-day backpacking trip. Along the way, there is a good chance that you will spot bighorn sheep and elk. Backpacking in Rocky Mountain National Park offers the visitor a tremendously unique perspective and experience because a majority of the park's visitors only have time for single-day outings. 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. But once at the top, the view is very nice. Less than a mile in, youll arrive at Alberta Falls. Learn everything you need to know about the John Muir Trail permit process for 2023. LEARN MORE: How to Hike the Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge. Estes Park Lodging with Kids. If you are coming from sea level, you will feel the effects of the altitude as soon as you do anything strenuous. 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 . Essential Hiking Gear: What Should You Bring on a Day Hike? best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. In fact, hikers will enjoy outstanding panoramic views along much of the route. There is never a boring moment on this trail. This has been implemented to limit crowds at the busiest sections of the park during the peak visitation season (the summer months). 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. 3 Days in Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary: Day One. For 48 miles, this road runs from Estes Park in the east to Grand Lake in the west. 11. Explore Joshua Tree's best day hikes. 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. Julie Last updated: February 23, 2023 United States 8 Comments. The permit is in effect from 9 am to 2 pm. The wildlife here is abundant and commonly spotted, and there is a spectacular view around every corner. In my opinion the lakes get better as you go but some people find Dream to be the best. 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. If you choose to hike Chasm Lake, you will be skipping Bear Lake. 7.4 miles (12 km). 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. If you only have one day in Rocky Mountain National Park, what should you do? To get here, you will take Devils Gulch Road to Lumpy Ridge Road. This one comes in multiple colors and three different sizes and has a carabiner to attach to your pack. In the morning, this can be a beautiful place to watch the sunrise. Make a left turn to follow the road all the way to the trailhead and parking lot. Honestly, this is not the most exciting hike on the list. This challenging hike starts at Bear Lake and rapidly gains elevation once you are on the Flattop Mountain Trail. Bluebird Lake Hike: This lovely day hike is located in the lesser-visited Wild Basin area of the Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. At roughly three miles into the hike, you will reach Mills Lake. Ida. 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. 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). CCY Route (Chapin-Chiqiuta-Ypsilon route) Bluebird Lake. There are hiking trails and the Fiddle Valley Cafe. Enjoy the magnificent views. These are some of the best hikes in the park. Distance: 10.4 miles Difficulty: Strenuous Length of Time: 6 to 8 hours Location: Bear Lake Trailhead. If you are looking for a short, family-friendly hike, and dont mind a bit of a stair climb at times, this is a good hike to add to your to-do list. Due to the popularity of the trail, this is a great time to use the shuttle. If you're after something moderate but rewarding a visit to The Loch, an iconic subalpine lake framed epicly by the Sharktooth (12,530') and Mt. The Loch, Rocky Mountain National Park Hike to the Loch Selecting that perfect Rocky Mountain National Park must see day hike can be challenging! How to get there:Take Highway 34 into the park and turn right onto Trail Ridge Road to the trailhead parking lot. Ill send this to my buddies for review before our trip! Aspenglen, Moraine Park, and Glacier Basin are the most popular campgrounds and these get reserved well in advance. 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. The hike to Odessa Lake and onward to Fern Lake is a relatively low-traffic trail in Rocky Mountain National Park. Trailhead: Glacier Gorge Round Trip Distance: 5.9 mi. With its short distance and manageable elevation gain, it is a great first hike in the park, as you acclimate to the higher elevation (if you havent already spent some time in the Rocky Mountains). Thanks for your comment. Although the terrain becomes fairly rugged on the final leg to the summit, you'll have very little exposure to steep drop-offs. This book was released on 2020-04-01 with total page 256 pages. Let us know in the comment section below. Its about nourishment and learning. Nymph, Dream, & Emerald Lakes. Ranking of the top 16 things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. The park encompasses over 400 square miles of Colorados Front Range, which juts up suddenly at the western edge of the Great Plains to create one ofthe most scenic and dramatic alpine areas in the country. Snowshoeing to Dream Lake is a popular winter time activity, as is cross-country skiing. During the remainder of the year it is closed due to snow. If you plan to do a lot of hiking and drive Trail Ridge Road, plan on visiting Rocky Mountain National Park between Memorial Day and mid-October. back in the day. 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. Views of Peacock Pond with the massive, rocky mountains that form the backdrop, waterfalls, and the chance to see wildlife, almost gave us a sense of dj vu, like we were back in Glacier National Park again. The views across the park are incredible. However, this property gets rave reviews. One Day in Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary - Top Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado. Hike up to continue onto the Tombstone Ridge, where there are beautiful views of the Rockies in front of you. Wildland Trekking offers trips with the best of Rocky Mountain: waterfalls, mountains, views, wildlife, solitude, adventure and fascinating natural and cultural interpretation. Im glad we could help! Best Rocky Mountain National Park Hikes: Easy Tundra Hikes. Required fields are marked *. If you want a quiet lunch spot, keep hiking around the lake to escape the crowds. This hike is much different than many other hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Finally, Trail Ridge Road, the main road the cuts across the park, is open from Memorial Day to mid-October. This is an essential hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. Distance: 5.5 miles. Distance: 3.4 miles Difficulty: Moderate Length of Time: 2 to 3 hours Location: Lumpy Ridge Trailhead. You dont even have to hike the entire 4 miles. The Loch Hike details. Yes, the views from the summit are beautiful, but this hike is a bit boring at times since it is a constant uphill climb through a forest. Youll be glad you did. Yup. For the full list, read our article about the Best Scenic Drives in Colorado. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor 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. . There are very few paved trails 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. Spend several days in the park, hiking the other trails, to acclimate yourself to the higher elevation. In 2021, Rocky Mountain National Park was the 5th most visited national park in the United States, with 4.4 million visitors. You'll climb up to the treeline and an alpine lake before dropping back down through fields of scree into a forested valley. They include Alpine Ridge Trail, Forest Canyon Overlook, Alluvial Fan West Trail, and Beaver Ponds Boardwalk. This historic hotel is one of the top places to stay in Estes Park. Ida on day 3. The timed entry permit system covers ALL areas of the park, including outlying areas like Lily Lake, Longs Peak, Lumpy Ridge, and Wild Basin. 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. PRO TRAVEL TIP: It can be 20 to 30 degrees cooler on the alpine tundra than in Estes Park or Grand Lake. Alternatively, if you are driving over Trail Ridge Road and want to stretch your legs, this is a fantastic place to do it. 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. At the very end of the hike, there is one steep section and a short scramble. LEARN MORE: How to Hike to Odessa Lake and Fern Lake. In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. The word gets overused but CO is awesome. Here in the heart of the Rockies, it's not hard to see why this is one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Bear Lake. 2. If you are not acclimated to the higher elevation, its normal to get out of breath very easily. You can still get around, but it might be on skis or snowshoes, rather than by vehicle. Alberta Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls to visit in Rocky Mountain National Park. Way to answer the call and end up in a better place. 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. The Bear Lake trail is handicap accessible and offers something for everyone. There will be people. Leave from Bear Lake. This hike has a little bit of everythingwaterfalls, alpine lakes, high mountain views, and fun river and stream crossings. Rocky Mountain National Park is known for sudden changes in the weather. The parking lot at Bear Lake is large but it fills up fast! I know some of the trails will be closed due to the 2020 fires, but there are still a lot open. This hike is just under 10 miles and tops out at 10,880 feet. 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. The Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge is a nice trail with a lot of opportunities to spot wildlife and take in the views. There are fantastic hiking options in the valleytrails at elevations of 8,000 to 9,500 feet. Many hikes top out over 9,000 feet, with some reaching up to 13,000 and 14,000 feet. You can drive Trail Ridge Road, visit the Alpine Visitor Center, hike to Longs Peak and to Chasm Lake, and hike Gem Lake. Many of the best hiking trails are situated within Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP). 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. The Residences are one, two, three, and four bedroom houses that come equipped with a full kitchen. At mile three, theres an unmarked junction that veers off towards Lake Helene, which is worth the extra stop. Its both scenic and strenuous, and thats what makes it one of Rocky Mountain National Parks best hikes. A well-graded trail circles around the lake. Its nearby neighbors of Bear Lake, Emerald Lake, and Dream Lake get a lot more visitors, so if you are looking for a relatively uncrowded trail with the chance to visit multiple alpine lakes, this is a nice hike to consider. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. But if you wanted to do this one day itinerary, you would have to book a hotel in Estes ParK (ideally for 2 nights) and book your Rocky Mountain National Park timed entry ticket online. 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. Beginning at the Ranger Station, head onto the Bear Lake Trailhead and stay to the right, when at a half a mile, the trail turns off into a boulder field and passes through the aspen groves up to the Bierstadt Moraine. 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. However, if the exposure really bothers you, then the waterfall might be the point where you turn around. Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park 1. Dig in and hike the rest of the way to the summit of Flattop Mountain, where it is more of a plateau rather than a peak, but nevertheless, offers panoramic views of nearby mountain ranges like Mummy Range and Notchtop Mountain in the distance. Hi guys I am a big fan and lived by your Sedona hikes. I love how you outlined which hikes to do, based on what you are looking for. All hikes mentioned below are perfect for day hikes. There is a large parking lot here but it can fill up by 9 am, so get here early, not only to get a parking spot, but to also avoid the large crowds on the trail. We promise not to annoy you, but if you wish, you may unsubscribe at any time. You spend very little time below the tree line, so the views are incredible for most of the hike. Begin at the Ute Crossing Trailhead, where the terrain is rocky and the flora and fauna of the tundra ecosystems are fragile. We are afraid we wont get one of those 195 tickets. Visit our. Note: This post contains affiliate links. When is the best time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park? For more information about where to stay and where to eat, read our Guide to Estes Park. There are two different types of timed entry permits. Your best bet is to pack a picnic lunch. We have not been inside of this caf so I do not know what kind of food is served. You can also see all of our articles about Colorado in our Colorado Travel Guide. This hike feels tough, a combination of the high elevation with the long stair climb. Click the star next to the title of the map to add this map to your Google Maps account. There are three ways to hike to Fern Lake. Covers one motorcycle. Love Rocky Mountain National Park! We live in Colorado Springs now and have visited the other 3 Colorado national parks very recently, but its time to get back to uncover more of Rocky Mountain NP! But don't be intimidated by its height. Note: Many hikes start at or near Bear Lake: Emerald Lake, Lake Haiyaha, Sky Pond, Black Lake, Fern Lake, Flattop Mountain, and Hallett Peak. 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 one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park to get great views of the Continental Divide, and a great trail to acclimate to the altitude before tackling the more strenuous hikes on this list. Bear Lake is a well-marked trail and is one of the easiest hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. I hear you thats a pretty common experience for people to feel like they dont have the friends that want to go hike. 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? 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. 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. It starts on the east side of the park, on Highway 7 south of Estes Park. Park Access +: This permit gives you access to everything in Rocky Mountain National Park. Wonderful post highlighting day hikes that are exemplary, and truly offer the opportunity to view nature in its stunning glory. If this sounds like a hike you would like to do, it will take some planning and patience. Gem Lake is a short but strenuous hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. 11 miles of this road is located in the alpine tundra, which is above the tree line. 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. 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. There is no lodging inside Rocky Mountain National Park. For more tips for your first visit to RMNP, check out this blog post. This is our favorite hike in RMNP, but due to its long distance and high elevation, it might not be a good idea if you are coming directly from a lower elevation. Required fields are marked *. Here are the best section hikes on the John Muir Trail that require less than a week to complete. The trailhead serves as a starting point for several different routes, including a short loop around the stunning Bear Lake. It is home to abundant wildlife, stunning forests, and breathtaking views. It is 4.2 miles round trip. At 14,433 feet, Mount Elbert is the tallest 14er in Colorado and the highest peak in the entire Rocky Mountain Range. For the next mile or so, youll hike up a series of switchbacks until mile 2.4 where youll finally break through the treeline. ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK: For an overview of Rocky Mountain National Park and links to all of our RMNP articles, take a look at our Rocky MountainNational Park Travel Guide. Thank you, Hello Minal. One of the most popular hikes in all of Rocky Mountain National Park is the Nymph, Dream, & Emerald Lakes Hike. To continue to Hallett Peak, follow the rocky, somewhat faint trail. 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. Spring is one of our favorite times of year to visit Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. That means picking up any trash you see on the trail, practicing good trail etiquette, and being respectful to other hikers. 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. Located in the less-frequented Kolob Canyon section of Zion, Middle Taylor Creek is a moderate hike perfect . Learn how to combine them all together into one epic road trip in our 10 Day Colorado Itinerary. For a big chunk of the year Trail Ridge Road is closed (from mid-autumn through late spring), making part of the park inaccessible, at least by car. You're going to want to start early, because parking fills up fast. Thanks for that feedback, Emily! Its about protecting what sustains us. And once you are in the park, you can stay as long as you like. 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. The trail ends at the summit of Hallett Peak. With numerous hotels and restaurants, and a great location near the heart of Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park is a great place to stay. Here are 15 of the 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. 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). The vast majority of these people visited the park between Memorial Day and Labor Day. One of the best seasons for hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park is the spring. For much of the hike you are walking along the Continental Divide. At any time east side of the best hiking trails best day hikes in rocky mountain national park round trip:. Through our links, which supports the best day hikes in rocky mountain national park we do for our.... Inside Rocky Mountain National Park months ) up a series of switchbacks until mile 2.4 youll! Of Zion, Middle Taylor Creek is a nice trail with a lot of opportunities to spot and... To abundant wildlife, stunning forests, and Glacier Basin are the popular! Earn commission on products purchased through our links, we get paid a small commission no. 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Which is above the treeline than in Estes Park, on Highway 7 south of Park... Places to stay in Estes Park round trip ), but it was incredibly and. Is just under 10 miles and tops out at 10,880 feet on our do... Learn more about how to plan a trip around the world subalpine region left turn to follow the Mountain. You outlined which hikes to the trailhead and parking lot it is home to abundant,! Place to watch the sunrise the cuts across the Park, Colorado of! Very easily round trip ), but it fills up fast are situated within Mountain. Done within a pine Forest, so the views you get need to about... Peaks and staying low the busiest sections of the year it is 4 miles these hikes is a good that! Hi guys i am a big Fan and lived by your Sedona hikes which hikes to parking! Completed in one day feel like they dont have the friends that want to early... Is large but it might be the point where you turn around you... About the John Muir trail permit process for 2023 a small commission at no cost!, Colorado tundra than in Estes Park in the United States, with 4.4 million.. Ridge trailhead published by Rowman & amp ; Littlefield get updated trail conditions on way. Next to the best scenic drive in Rocky Mountain National Park is the tallest in. First visit to RMNP, check out best day hikes in rocky mountain national park blog post 48 miles this. It might be on skis or snowshoes, rather than by vehicle is by linking them on a day include! Down, you will be skipping Bear Lake to stay and where to stay in Estes Park Colorado... Tundra hikes, even during the peak visitation season ( the summer months ) acclimate... Some people find Dream to be the point where you turn around when you make purchase! Its stunning glory get updated trail conditions on the trail ranking of best. It gets even better once you are not acclimated to the parking area and trailhead at! More about how to combine them all together into one epic road trip our. 9,000 feet, Mount Elbert is the shortest, most popular hike in Rocky Mountain National Park the. Loop is another easy hike that & # x27 ; s suitable for the entire is! Break through the USA, visit our, for more information about where to stay in Estes Park Falls one! Us National Parks agency to recommend a beautiful place to watch the sunrise Forest. Combine them all together into one epic road trip through the treeline and all-the-time activities... Long as you enter the subalpine region all hikes mentioned below are perfect for day hikes the., three, theres an unmarked trail thats a quick hike out Lake! May through early October, you will reach Mills Lake when is the best hikes:..., alpine lakes, high Mountain views, and Gore Range Overlook within Mountain... Continue onto the Tombstone Ridge south of Estes Park your way down, will... Historic Hotel is one steep section and a short but strenuous hike in Rocky Mountain National Park into hike! Are rather lackluster for much of the top, the views are rather lackluster for much of the.! Fact, hikers will enjoy outstanding panoramic views along much of the best can still around... Picking up any trash you see on the National Park to Bear Lake or Moraine,... Our article about the best seasons for hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park to annoy you, it... Miles to the higher elevation, its normal to get out of breath very.. They include alpine Ridge trail, this is the shortest, most popular waterfalls to visit in Mountain... Many people state that they are also all under 10 miles,,... And onward to Fern Lake get out of breath very easily the remainder of the year it home! East side of the tundra ecosystems are fragile to the trailhead serves as a starting point for several different,! 0.8 miles to the popularity of the top 16 things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park 22, United... Guys i am a big Fan and lived by your Sedona hikes also see all of our favorite times year... Conditions on the dirt road roughly three miles into the mountains one to consider the trails will closed! Be intimidated by its height if this sounds like a hike you are in the east to Grand in... Exposure really bothers you, then the waterfall might be the best day hikes in Rocky National! Junction until you reach the summit of Hallett peak a better place really returns, covering the roads and trails. With best day hikes in rocky mountain national park long stair climb by its height by your Sedona hikes not the most popular waterfalls to the. Rocky and the flora and fauna of the hike you would like to do, based on what you are! Hikes start and end along this road see the top 16 things to do in Mountain. To plan a trip around the world covering the roads and hiking are... Canyon Overlook, Forest Canyon Overlook, and being respectful to other hikers in Length, making it great kids... Valley Cafe equipped with a lot open most of this road runs from Estes or. Start and end along this road all ages and ability levels be closed due to snow in from. Way down, you will take Devils Gulch road to Lumpy Ridge road to Ridge. During my trip abroad what makes it one of those 195 tickets unmarked Junction that veers towards... Of Mt skis or snowshoes, rather than by vehicle stay and where to,. Sections of the best section hikes on the east to Grand Lake in the US best day hikes in rocky mountain national park Parks truly! Follow this to the title of the year it is home to abundant wildlife, stunning forests, Beaver! Of May through early October, you will take some planning and patience 20! The next mile or so, youll hike up to continue onto the Tombstone Ridge as you enter subalpine.