With 360-degree views of the Mummy Range and dozens of RMNPs other giants, the relatively unfrequented, 12,880-foot Mount Ida offers one of the best viewpoints in all of Rocky Mountain National Park. For the entire hike, you are walking along the alpine tundra, with unobstructed views of Longs Peak, Forest Canyon, and the Continental Divide. You can also see, More Information About the US National Parks. 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. The hike offers outstanding views of Lily Mountain, Estes Cone, as well as Mt. 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. 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. 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. When you get to the end, take the trail all the way out to the farthest left end of the lake. Its important to be prepared, check the forecast ahead of time, and pack extra hiking layers to keep you warm. Find the right trail for any skill level. And once you are in the park, you can stay as long as you like. In my opinion the lakes get better as you go but some people find Dream to be the best. 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. For this one day itinerary, you will need a Park Access + permit (the timed-entry permit that includes Bear Lake Road). The craggy Teton peaks reach as high as 13,770 feet, forming a bony ridge through Wyoming along the Continental Divide. This hike is much different than many other hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. The timed entry permit system covers ALL areas of the park, including outlying areas like Lily Lake, Longs Peak, Lumpy Ridge, and Wild Basin. However, snow is possible at both times at higher . Ive always wanted to go hiking , Love the adventure just didnt have the friends or resourcefulness to survive out there. 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. CCY Route (Chapin-Chiqiuta-Ypsilon route) Bluebird Lake. How to Use This Map: Click the icons on the map to get more information about each point of interest. This is the most popular hike in Rocky Mountain National 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. From here, at an elevation of 12,899 feet, the entire park stretches out before you. Unless you're Superman (I very much am not), you can't possibly cover this much ground in one day. Black Lake and Mills Lake are often labeled as two of the prettiest lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Distance: 9.8 miles Difficulty: Strenuous Length of Time: 4.5 to 6.5 hours Location: Poudre Lake/Milner Pass on Trail Ridge Road, 4.5 miles south of the Alpine Visitor Center, Continental Divide Trail | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Each guide describes approximately 20-30 easy-to-follow, scenic trails in and around national parks, cities and urban areas, and popular outdoor destinations across America. This very highly rated property offers two-bedroom apartments that can accommodate up to six people. This road connects Central City with Estes Park, running alongside the eastern edge of Rocky Mountain National Park. There are three routes: the Bear Lake route, Hiker Express Route, and Moraine Park route. 700 feet (213 m) elevation gain. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. This summer itinerary works best from Memorial Day through mid-October, when Trail Ridge Road is open. Grab your trekking poles and take it slow. 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. Bear Lake. It is the tallest waterfall in Rocky Mountain National Park. Meeker and Longs Peak, the two highest peaks in Rocky Mountain National Park. It gets even better once you reach the summit of Mt. 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. If you want to check them out for yourself, youre in luck because they both leave from the Glacier Gorge Trailhead. As such, it's a favorite spot of outdoorsmen, basically turning it into their home away from home or an office. Many hikes top out over 9,000 feet, with some reaching up to 13,000 and 14,000 feet. This hike feels tough, a combination of the high elevation with the long stair climb. Granite spires, a clear blue basin, and a hard-earned break makes this scenic vista well worth the effort. Lake Haiyaha, Rocky Mountain National Park Rocky Mountain National Park boasts a wide variety of attractions and wildlife in its different ecological zones, like mountains, alpine lakes, forests, and tundra. For the next mile or so, youll hike up a series of switchbacks until mile 2.4 where youll finally break through the treeline. This is a great hike for almost all ages and ability levels. Plan on being at the trailhead by 7am (or earlier) if you want to park at the trailhead itself. Rest your legs here, especially if you have sensitive knees because it only continues to go down (and at some points never seems to end). If this is your first day at RMNP, and one of your first days in Colorado, be prepared to take a few breaks. This is also a great place to stop for lunch, and a popular one, too. Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most popular natural parks featuring 76 mountains each over 10 thousand feet high. Are we only allowed to be on the trail ridge road until 3? If you plan to visit Rocky Mountain National Park in the summer, afternoon thunderstorms occur quite frequently. The summit at just over 10,000 feet, provides commanding 360-degree views of Estes Park, Moraine Park, the Mummy Range, Longs Peak . 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. . Let us know in the comment section below. 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 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. Looking back at the Alpine Visitor Center and Trail Ridge Road. 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. About a half of a mile past the falls, youll come to North Longs Peak Trail Junction. How to get there:Take Highway 34 into the park and turn right onto Trail Ridge Road to the trailhead parking lot. You can hike this as an out and back, and start your return before the trail descends down into the valley. If you are looking for a short, easy hike with spectacular views of Rocky Mountain National Park, put this hike at the top of your list. This hike is much different than many other hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. If this sounds like a hike you would like to do, it will take some planning and patience. Rocky Mountain National Park is home to some of the most epic and amazing hiking vacations in the world. Dream Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park is definitely one of the best day hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park - you can see three lakes in about two miles! Simply turn around when you are ready, the spectacular views start as soon as your feet hit the trail. There are sixty mountain peaks over 12,000 feet and many of these top out over 13,000 feet. 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. Find the best Rocky Mountain National Park trails for summer and fall hikes. Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park: On a Map. Heres the thing: this hike starts just under 12,000 feet of elevation. Rocky Mountain National Park is known for sudden changes in the weather. Its not a big deal but doing this will eat up some of your precious time. Grand Teton National Park may be one of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring parks of the Rocky Mountains. Im glad we could help! Emerald Lake Trail | Rocky Mountain National Park Hikes Have updates, photos, alerts, or just want to leave a comment? Cheers, Julie. For me, this was the most difficult but also my favorite hike that we did during our time 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. 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. Distance: 5.5 miles. Of course, you dont have to hike all of the way to Emerald Lake. 11. Our favorite hikes are Sky Pond (super fun hike to a beautiful alpine lake), Mt. 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. Alberta Falls. 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. Bear Lake Trail Image by Wendy Harrison Lawrence via Alltrails Distance: 0.7-mile loop Elevation: 49 feet Difficulty Rating: Easy Along the way, youll pass through the Chasm Junction with 2,130 feet of elevation behind you, and as the Rockies unfold in front of you, one of the most scenic privies to take a break and relieve yourself. The official National Park Service website lists when the permits become available and has more information about the permits. The Aspire rooms are higher-end, modernly decorated rooms but many people state that they are overpriced for what you get. From the summit of Deer Mountain, enjoy views over Moraine Valley and out to Longs Peak and the surrounding mountains. What a fantastic list of RMNP hikes! Backpack the California Hiking and Riding Trail. Best For: Bragging rights. One Day in Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary - Top Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado. Hey Kaeshawn! However, this is a good spot to put on a warmer layer, or even a rain jacket if you have one. 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. Read our article about the 15 Best National Parks, where we narrow down the long list into 15 must-see parks. It is home to abundant wildlife, stunning forests, and breathtaking views. Expect lots of wind and cold temperatures, even during the summer months. Practice your rock bouldering skills at one of the many climbing sites. Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the highest national parks in the USA. Emerald Lake Trail 550 Hiking Trails By pamt464 We also hiked in the Wild Basin area which starts at a lower elevation, but the Emerald Lake hike was our favorite fo. Applies to walk-ins, bicycles, and non-commercial . Here are 15 of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Then, pick the day with the clearest weather forecast, get a very early start (many hikers begin at 3 or 4 am), and keep your fingers crossed that afternoon thunderstorms dont come rumbling through the park. With elevations ranging from 7,860 feet to 14,259 feet . Follow the trail down into a wooded area and youll quickly arrive at Jewell Lake. Bear Lake is a beautiful lake that is tucked away in the Rocky Mountains. Bear Lake. This hike has a little bit of everythingwaterfalls, alpine lakes, high mountain views, and fun river and stream crossings. 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. Rocky MountainNational Park Travel Guide. For the full list, read our article about the Best Scenic Drives in Colorado. 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. 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. 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. Youre not alone Check out our blog post with tips for taking friends hiking. Distance: 0.7 miles / 1.1 kilometers. The Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge is a nice trail with a lot of opportunities to spot wildlife and take in the views. Your email address will not be published. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The Shuttle arrives at Fern Lake every 30 minutes. Mount Ida. Ida, you really feel like you are walking on top of the world. You will pass Nymph Lake and Dream Lake on your way to Emerald. This is one of the easier lake hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. Nymph, Dream, & Emerald Lakes. If you want, you can choose to hike around the well-marked nature trail around Bear Lake. What a great place to live! If your visit to Rocky Mountain National Park is part of a bigger road trip through Colorado, here is more information for your trip. During the remainder of the year it is closed due to snow. You also have the option to purchase the Rocky Mountain National Park Annual Pass ($70) or the America the Beautiful Pass ($80 and valid for all of the national parks for one year). Last month, I traveled to Orcas Island in the San Juan archipelago off the coast of Washington state. 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. Trailhead: Wild Basin Winter Trailhead. Chasm Lake sits at 11,760 feet and puts you right at the base of Longs Peak, RMNPs tallest mountain. 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 Hiking is one of my favorite and all-the-time go-to activities during my trip abroad. More Important Things to Know Before You Visit RMNP. The trail starts to climb higher, eventually taking you up rock steps then down to Emerald Lake. To get here, take Highway 7 south from Estes Park. A vacuum style bottle, like this one from Day 1 Fitness can keep your water icy cold for hours into your hike. Our website uses cookies. Sign up to receive our newsletter packed with the best adventure guides, travel ideas, news, and articles. 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. 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. In fact, hikers will enjoy outstanding panoramic views along much of the route. Please note: From May 27-October 10, 2022, RMNP will require timed reservations to enter, which you can purchase here. Sky Pond via Glacier Gorge is without a doubt one of the best Rocky Mountain National park hikes. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. One way to check off some of the best hikes in RMNP is by linking them on a multi-day backpacking trip. 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. LEARN MORE: How to Hike the Twin Sister Peak Trail. I think it is better to drive Trail Ridge Road in the afternoon than visit Bear Lake. This is a gorgeous drive. As you continue, the trail turns into a narrow boardwalk to carry you through the marshlands, and then into a forested area where there are remnants of downed trees from a devastating storm. RMNP has more than one ranger station. However, if the exposure really bothers you, then the waterfall might be the point where you turn around. Honestly, this is not the most exciting hike on the list. At 14,433 feet, Mount Elbert is the tallest 14er in Colorado and the highest peak in the entire Rocky Mountain Range. Thank you, Hello Minal. We promise not to annoy you, but if you wish, you may unsubscribe at any time. For hikers, I recommend Dream and Emerald Lakes if you are not acclimated to the higher elevation. 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