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. We are afraid we wont get one of those 195 tickets. The hike up Deer Mountain is one of the easier hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park that offers high mountain views. Go up there for the solitude and to soak up all the amazing views of the lake, valley, and peaks that surround you. Make a left turn to follow the road all the way to the trailhead and parking lot. Make a left turn to follow the road all the way to the trailhead and parking lot. The entire hike is less than a mile in length, making it great for all ages and ability levels. LEARN MORE: How to Hike the Twin Sister Peak Trail. 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. I know some of the trails will be closed due to the 2020 fires, but there are still a lot open. BLACK CANYON OF THE GUNNISON: In our article How to Visit Black Canyon of the Gunnison, we cover the best things to do on the North and South Rims and include several itineraries to help you plan your visit. 3 Days in Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary: Day One. If we plan on leaving Denver around 11 and traveling the Trail Ridge road would we only need the regular park pass? The summit at just over 10,000 feet, provides commanding 360-degree views of Estes Park, Moraine Park, the Mummy Range, Longs Peak . What do you think are the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park? Once at the waterfall, you can explore the short trails along Glacier Creek to find your favorite view of the waterfall. During the remainder of the year it is closed due to snow. Grand Lake and the western side of the park will also be accessible but with more to do on the east side, and its easy access from Boulder and Denver, I think this is the better place to put your time if you only have one day in Rocky Mountain National Park. . In 2021, Rocky Mountain National Park was the 5th most visited national park in the United States, with 4.4 million visitors. Snowshoeing to Dream Lake is a popular winter time activity, as is cross-country skiing. Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. 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. If you are not acclimated to the higher elevation, its normal to get out of breath very easily. This is a great hike for almost all ages and ability levels. If you have been hiking in Glacier National Park, this hike looks very similar to the Grinnell Glacier hike. If this sounds like a hike you would like to do, it will take some planning and patience. Cheers, Julie. This takes you directly up a short scramble for about 100 feet. Get all of the details on how to do this hike in our post about Fern Lake. Today I hiked CCY Chapin to Chiquita to Ypres and summited on Chiquita. For much of the hike you are walking along the Continental Divide. Happy hiking!! Note: Many hikes start at or near Bear Lake: Emerald Lake, Lake Haiyaha, Sky Pond, Black Lake, Fern Lake, Flattop Mountain, and Hallett Peak. How to get there:Highway 36 will take you directly into the park. It also makes a nice acclimatization hike if you just arrived in Colorado and want to warm up your legs and cardio system, before tackling hikes like Chasm Lake, Flattop Mountain, or Mt. Due to the popularity of the trail, this is a great time to use the shuttle. Hiking is one of my favorite and all-the-time go-to activities during my trip abroad. 2. This charming island is home. 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. Have updates, photos, alerts, or just want to leave a comment? We hiked to Odessa Lake and Fern Lake as an out-and-back hike from Bear Lake. Sky Pond. From there, follow this to the parking area and trailhead located at the end of the road. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. Ida: Hands down this is the best hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. Last month, I traveled to Orcas Island in the San Juan archipelago off the coast of Washington state. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. My team and I are here to show you its never too late to get your start and accomplish your goals in the outdoors. If the parking lot is full, park in the large parking lot at the end of Bear Lake Road. You can stay in a cozy cabin with a river view or a well-decorated suite. The official National Park Service website lists when the permits become available and has more information about the permits. Snow can linger on the trails as late as July, especially for the trails at higher elevations. The Inn on Fall River & Fall River Cabins. Trail Ridge Road runs along the top of the ridge in the distance. Hi guys I am a big fan and lived by your Sedona hikes. 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! At mile three, theres an unmarked junction that veers off towards Lake Helene, which is worth the extra stop. The weather is warm, the days are long, and this is the best time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park if you plan to go hiking. There are lots of great restaurants to choose from. Explore one of 39 easy hiking trails in Estes Park or discover kid-friendly routes for your next family trip. Very nice list, Sky Pond is my favorite, as well as Black Lake. In 2014, I quit my Washington DC job to start Bearfoot Theory, and for the past 9 years Ive been sharing my experiences here on this blog. Rocky MountainNational Park Travel Guide. 800-715-HIKE (4453) (9-4:30 Every Day) How to Use This Map: Click the icons on the map to get more information about each point of interest. Here is the list and our recommendations. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Applies to walk-ins, bicycles, and non-commercial . 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. MORE GREAT HIKES IN THE NATIONAL PARKS: From hikes to the tallest peaks to beautiful coast trails, read our Guide to the Best Day Hikes in the US National Parks. The Bear Lake trail is handicap accessible and offers something for everyone. 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. The lake is also a great setting for a picnic. For the ultimate hiking experience in Rocky Mountain National Park, put Longs Peak on the top of your list. From the Glacier Gorge parking lot, is a mostly uphill walk to get to Alberta Falls, but it is not too strenuous. Hike up to continue onto the Tombstone Ridge, where there are beautiful views of the Rockies in front of you. The parking lot at Bear Lake is large but it fills up fast! You'll climb up to the treeline and an alpine lake before dropping back down through fields of scree into a forested valley. Its a scenic waterfall thats easily accessible, so be aware that due to its popularity it can get crowded. Please note: From May 27-October 10, 2022, RMNP will require timed reservations to enter, which you can purchase here. Expect lots of wind and cold temperatures, even during the summer months. The biggest feature of this hike is the wildlife, such as elks, marmots, or pikas, and the incredible gardens of the alpine tundra. Emerald Lake Trail The hike to the Emerald Lake is one of the easiest hikes in Rocky Mountains National Park Length: 3.2 miles | Elevation gain: 698 feet | Guide 3. Guide to the Best Day Hikes in the US National Parks. Find the right trail for any skill level. There are three routes: the Bear Lake route, Hiker Express Route, and Moraine Park route. For more information about where to stay and where to eat, read our Guide to Estes Park. 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). You are now standing at 12,718 feet, with 360 views, which makes this one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. The hike to Odessa Lake and onward to Fern Lake is a relatively low-traffic trail in Rocky Mountain National Park. If you want to leave the crowds behind, Twin Sisters, Mt. Your email address will not be published. Its a flat, beautiful easy walk in the parkliterally. As you drive west on Trail Ridge Road, there are numerous overlooks. Around mile six, youll come to Fern Falls, a picturesque waterfall, and over the next couple miles youll hike past two large boulders known as Arch Rocks. Chasm lake is at 11,800 ft, you start at 9,400 ft. Weve done the trail, please look it up online so you can correct your article. Up above 10,000 feet the air is thin, the temps are much cooler, and the wind is usually . 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. Stay to the left and continue on to Alberta Falls, where youll get to hike through an evolving backdrop of beautiful pine forests into the aspen groves. Its not a big deal but doing this will eat up some of your precious time. How to Use This Map: Click the icons on the map to get more information about each point of interest. Distance: 0.7 miles / 1.1 kilometers. Id recommend taking your time and putting your trekking poles away so you can use your hands. However, this is a good spot to put on a warmer layer, or even a rain jacket if you have one. 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. For very little effort, the views you get are unbelievable. We plan to visit for 2 half days this September. Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park 1. To get to the peak, its an almost constant uphill walk through an evergreen forest. We promise not to annoy you, but if you wish, you may unsubscribe at any time. We believe good things come from people spending time outside. 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. 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. This is the most popular hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. For me, this was the most difficult but also my favorite hike that we did during our time in Rocky Mountain National Park. On this hike, you get to see four very pretty alpine lakes (Bear Lake, Nymph Lake, Dream Lake, and Emerald Lake), over a relatively short distance. If your visit to Rocky Mountain National Park is part of a bigger road trip through Colorado, here is more information for your trip. Located in the less-frequented Kolob Canyon section of Zion, Middle Taylor Creek is a moderate hike perfect . A short footpath will take you all the way around we even spotted a bull moose here.Continue on to Odessa Lake, but watch your step. With lower crowds this time of year, there is no need to get to the Bear Lake Trailhead super early in the morning. You will also pass the trailhead for the Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge. For this one day itinerary, you will need a Park Access + permit (the timed-entry permit that includes Bear Lake Road). After a mile and a half, youll come to the end of Dream Lake. The views from the overlooks are stunning. You spend very little time below the tree line, so the views are incredible for most of the hike. We spent a total of 10 days in the Park, focusing a majority of our time around Bear Lake, Fern Lake, and Longs Peak on the East side of the Park. 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. Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. RMNP has more than one ranger station. The elevation here is about 11,600, so take your time and stop to catch your breath when you need a break. This is a great hike for newbie hikers who want to summit a mountain in Rocky Mountain National Park. This property is located west of Estes Park on Fall River Road, so you will have a longer drive to get into the heart of the park. PRO TRAVEL TIP: For the hikes that start on Bear Lake Road (Bear Lake, Alberta Falls, Mills & Black Lake, Sky Pond, Fern Lake, Hallett Peak) consider either arriving very early in the day (by 7 am) or taking the free park shuttle. 1,400 feet (426 m)of elevation gain. Keep in mind that you dont have to do the whole thing. Best Rocky Mountain National Park Hikes: Easy Tundra Hikes. As you get closer to the visitor center, keep an eye out for bighorn sheep. The fairly easy trail is beautiful in the summer, fall or winter. Download or read book Best Hikes Rocky Mountain National Park written by Kent Dannen and published by Rowman & Littlefield. This is an essential hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. If you want a short, easy hike, we recommend Tombstone Ridge (this makes a great add-on to your scenic drive along Trail Ridge Road) or Nymph, Dream, and Emerald Lakes. 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). Mt. Im a hiking obsessed, half-time van lifer who is happiest in the mountains. The hike to Deer Mountain is one of the more popular fall hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. For many visitors to Colorado, bagging one of the state's 53 highly coveted 14ers (peaks higher than 14,000 feet) can be top of the list. This is one of the easier lake hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Provided by Touchpoints Elevation: 49 feet / 15 meters. Thanks for all the tips on your other articles, really helpful. Web Visit website. But don't be intimidated by its height. 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. 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. Rocky Mountain National Park has a few shuttle bus routes, but they are only open during peak season. Aspenglen, Moraine Park, and Glacier Basin are the most popular campgrounds and these get reserved well in advance. 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. Follow the trail down into a wooded area and youll quickly arrive at Jewell Lake. This is a great hike for almost all ages and ability levels. This hike is much different than many other hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. If you only have one day in Rocky Mountain National Park, what should you do? Emerald Lake hike (passing Bear Lake and Dream Lake) is about 3.5 miles in total and takes 2-3 hours depending on your hiking speed and the number of photo stops. Plus, this is a lesser known hike, so the trail gets a lower number of hikers than other hikes on this list. It starts on the east side of the park, on Highway 7 south of Estes Park. The way up to here is known to have snow and icy conditions at about 3.8 miles in, which doesnt melt until mid or even late June. 3.1 miles (5 km). Take a left onto Bear Lake Road, and arrive at the Glacier Gorge trailhead. This historic hotel is one of the top places to stay in Estes Park. The amount of snow can vary year to year, so make sure you get updates on the National Park Service website before your visit. Each guidebook provides twenty of the best hikes in the area they represent . Day Hikes In Grand Teton National Park includes a thorough selection of 89 day hikes throughout this national park . This list starts with the easiest trails and progresses to the longer, more challenging hikes. Best beginner hike in Rocky Mountain National Park: Emerald Lake. If you do not have a reservation, you will not be allowed to enter the park. What a fantastic list of RMNP hikes! The trail starts to climb higher, eventually taking you up rock steps then down to Emerald Lake. It is 4 miles round-trip and great for kids. Distance: 9 miles Difficulty: Strenuous Length of Time: 4 to 6 hours Location: Longs Peak Trailhead, which is located at the end of Longs Peak Road on the east side of RMNP. More Important Things to Know Before You Visit RMNP. 11. 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). 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. Granite spires, a clear blue basin, and a hard-earned break makes this scenic vista well worth the effort. Green Mountain Trail to Big Meadow A river running through Big Meadow, which is, in fact, a big meadow Length: 3.6 miles Elevation Gain: 600 ft. back in the day. 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. NATIONAL PARKS IN COLORADO: In our guide to the National Parks in Colorado, learn about all 4 national parks: Rocky Mountain, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Great Sand Dunes, and Mesa Verde. Chasm Lake sits at 11,760 feet and puts you right at the base of Longs Peak, RMNPs tallest mountain. The hike offers outstanding views of Lily Mountain, Estes Cone, as well as Mt. For hikers, I recommend Dream and Emerald Lakes if you are not acclimated to the higher elevation. 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). Will have to pick one for next time Im out west. On day 2, you will need the Park Access + pass to visit Bear Lake. stop to catch your breath when you need a break, The Essential Guide to Hiking Rocky Mountain National Park by Erik Stensland, DAY HIKING ESSENTIALS: THE GEAR YOU NEED TO HIT THE TRAILS, COLORADO PEAK BAGGERS: 5 BEST FOURTEENERS FOR BEGINNERS, HIKING BOOTS: HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT PAIR, 11 Minnesota Road Trip Stops for Outdoor Adventure, How to Apply for a Southbound John Muir Trail Permit in 2023, Best Section Hikes on the John Muir Trail, Orcas Island Travel Tips: Moran State Park Travel Guide, Tips for Your First Visit to Rocky Mountain National Park, https://bearfoottheory.com/tips-taking-friends-hiking-first-time/, Winter Hiking Clothes & Cold Weather Layering Basics, Best Womens Winter Boots For Outdoor Adventure, Best Heated Socks For Men & Women in 2023, Camp Cooking Kitchen Essentials for Camping & Van Life, Van Life with a Dog: Tips for Living & Traveling with Pets, Sprinter Van Conversion Tour: Custom 44 Outside Van, 16 Best National Parks to Visit in Winter, 20 Best Winter Vacation Destinations for Outdoor Adventure, 9-Day Utah National Parks Road Trip Itinerary, 16 Best National Parks to Visit in Spring, How to Train for Hiking & Backpacking: Tips for Preparing for the Trail, A Beginners Guide to Indoor Rock Climbing. I also purchased the National Geographic Rocky Mountain National Park hiking map. For 48 miles, this road runs from Estes Park in the east to Grand Lake in the west. 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. Less than a mile in, youll arrive at Alberta Falls. LEARN MORE: How to Hike the Continental Divide Trail to Mt Ida. When is the best time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park? Its such a beautiful place isnt it. The waterfall borders Rocky Mountain National Park and its trail begins at the same trailhead for the East Inlet Trail. How to get there: The most direct route is to take Highway 36, from Estes Park, to Bear Lake Road. This part of the hike is tough as you are hiking over very rugged terrain. best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. The Residences are one, two, three, and four bedroom houses that come equipped with a full kitchen. ESTES PARK: In our Guide to Estes Park, learn about where to stay, where to eat, and what to do. Maybe you should say Longs Peak ranger station, or Longs Peak trailhead instead. 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. Its about nourishment and learning. 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. Park Access +: This permit gives you access to everything in Rocky Mountain National Park. How to get there:Some of the Rocky Mountain National Parks best hikes are easily accessible by the parks shuttle system. Have saved for later when we can go again. Its about building relationships with the outdoors and each other. However, if the exposure really bothers you, then the waterfall might be the point where you turn around. This hike starts at the Glacier Gorge Trailhead. In addition to that, you will need a car to get around. Thanks for sharing!!! This loop trail is 0.7 miles in length and can be busy at times. 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. Let us know in the comment section below. There will be people. Your email address will not be published. It reaches its highest point at 12,183 feet and crosses the Continental Divide at Milner Pass. However, if you only have the time for one hike, and the thought of a tough, 9-mile hike isnt a deal breaker, we recommend Sky Pond. Rocky Mountain National Park made our list of the best national parks for kids. Distance: 10.4 miles Difficulty: Strenuous Length of Time: 6 to 8 hours Location: Bear Lake Trailhead. You can have lunch here, depending on your timing. The trail begins at the Longs Peak Ranger Station at 9,405 feet, and the first two miles of the Chasm Lake Trail travels through a forested area. This hike takes about 30 minutes of your time. This hike is 8.2 miles long and tops out at 11,800 feet. Visit recreation.gov to make your reservation. From the Bear Lake Trailhead, the hike is just over 2 miles round-trip and will take about an hour and a half. In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. Estes Park Lodging with Kids. Thanks for your comment. If you want to check them out for yourself, youre in luck because they both leave from the Glacier Gorge Trailhead. This is a much longer hike, coming in at 10.7 miles. This is our favorite short, easy hike in RMNP. 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 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. Happy hiking! 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. 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. The best path up the scramble is to follow the crushed and broken rocks, indicating a footpath worn in by previous hikers. Plan on leaving Denver around 11 and traveling the trail, this a. The ultimate hiking experience in Rocky Mountain National Park made our list of the easier hikes in Rocky National.: this permit gives you Access to everything in Rocky Mountain National.! Fairly easy trail is 0.7 miles in length, making it great all... Learn more: how to hike the Continental Divide Ridge Road runs Estes! Be closed due to snow putting your trekking poles away so you can explore the short along! & amp ; Littlefield Rowman & amp ; Littlefield length, making it great kids. The remainder of the best hike in our post about Fern Lake the is! 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It fills up fast one for next time im out west Sky Pond is my,! This hike looks very similar to the end of Bear Lake is closed due to Bear. Point where you turn around will take you directly up a short scramble about.
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