Sky Pond via Glacier Gorge is without a doubt one of the best Rocky Mountain National park hikes. 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. Middle Taylor Creek. Despite the impressive stats, the peak is generally considered to be one of the easiest 14ers to summit, and the standard Northeast Ridge route . As you drive west on Trail Ridge Road, there are numerous overlooks. Happy hiking! This trailhead is located just north of Estes Park. I love how you outlined which hikes to do, based on what you are looking for. The elevation here is about 11,600, so take your time and stop to catch your breath when you need a break. This is the most popular hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. Are we only allowed to be on the trail ridge road until 3? 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. Typically, trails at higher elevations are still covered in snow until late-April. Beyond the Emerald Lake overlook you will reach the summit of Flattop Mountain. Thank you! Its such a beautiful place isnt it. The Shuttle arrives at Fern Lake every 30 minutes. 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. Park Hours: Park entrances are open 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. 2. If they are sold out, then you will need to be ready to purchase your permit right at 5 pm the day before. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. Enjoy hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you. After youve layered up, keep hiking to mile three, where there is a perfect place to rest and catch your breath at the Emerald Lake Overlook, 1,200 up. 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. For the full list, read our article about the Best Scenic Drives in Colorado. 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. While in Rocky Mountain National Park, please practice the seven principles of Leave No Trace: plan ahead, stay on the trails, pack out what you bring to the hiking trails, properly dispose of waste, leave areas as you found them, minimize campfire impacts, be considerate of other hikers, and do not approach or feed wildlife. 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. 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. Parking in the lot at the end of Bear Lake Road adds roughly .4 miles to the hiking distance above. WorldMark Estes Park. This one comes in multiple colors and three different sizes and has a carabiner to attach to your pack. Rocky Mountain National Park is best seen from a hiking trail. Outdoor Project may earn commission on products purchased through our links, which supports the work we do for our readers. Easy Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park 1. CALYPSO CASCADES. The entire hike is less than a mile in length, making it great for all ages and ability levels. 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. 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 Stanley Hotel. In the winter months, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing top the list. 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. 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. All-inclusive trips, expert guides, Top-rated hiking company on Trip Advisor! Last month, I traveled to Orcas Island in the San Juan archipelago off the coast of Washington state. We appreciate it and made that update so its more clear. In the morning, this can be a beautiful place to watch the sunrise. They are rated easy, moderate or difficult. 3. Discover the best things to do at Lake Como in Montana including the top hikes, where to camp, & more! Best day hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park While there are tons of hiking opportunities in the park, we've narrowed down our top picks for the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park to add to your itinerary. Learn how to combine them all together into one epic road trip in our 10 Day Colorado Itinerary. Covers one motorcycle. best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. PRO TRAVEL TIP: It can be 20 to 30 degrees cooler on the alpine tundra than in Estes Park or Grand Lake. ESTES PARK: In our Guide to Estes Park, learn about where to stay, where to eat, and what to do. 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. Way to answer the call and end up in a better place. 1,400 feet (426 m)of elevation gain. 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. Go up there for the solitude and to soak up all the amazing views of the lake, valley, and peaks that surround you. If you have more than a few days in RMNP and need some warm-up hikes. 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. 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. 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. Adams Falls in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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 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. 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. In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. On this hike, you get to see four very pretty alpine lakes. Book the most popular Winter activities in Rocky Mountain National Park. So, we all could be making a lot of trips out to Colorado over the next few years, depending on Tylers decision. This is a great hike for newbie hikers who want to summit a mountain in Rocky Mountain National Park. This is my favorite easy day hike in Rocky Mountain National Park and the one I often bring out-of-town friends on. The views across the park are incredible. 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. Bearfoot Theory is one of the leading hiking, camping, and van life blogs powered by an all-female team. 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. 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. Youll be glad you did. Crater Lake National Park, Oregon . 3 Days in Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary: Day One. The most popular hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. Along the way, you will hike through bogs and forests, past Ribbon Falls, and have a great view of Keyboard of the Winds. Required fields are marked *. Your email address will not be published. Although its tempting to stop here, there are even more spectacular views up ahead. One Day in Rocky Mountain National Park: Best Things to Do With one day in Rocky Mountain National Park, here are the best things to see and do: Drive Trail Ridge Road (late spring through early fall) Bear Lake Emerald Lake Dream Lake Alberta Falls Alpine Visitor Center Alpine Ridge Trail Go Hiking How to Use This Map: Click the icons on the map to get more information about each point of interest. 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. 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. Rocky Mountain National Park is a massive and spectacularly beautiful area spanning 400 square miles. To get here, take Highway 7 south from Estes Park. There are lots of great restaurants to choose from. Many hikes top out over 9,000 feet, with some reaching up to 13,000 and 14,000 feet. 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. A water bottle is as essential as it gets. 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 This hike is 8.2 miles long and tops out at 11,800 feet. This is a nice hike but honestly not one of our favorites. 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 has been corrected in the article . Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. Best Things to Do in Great Sand Dunes National Park. Trailhead - Glacier Gorge Trailhead. 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. In this photo you can see the Alpine Visitor Center and Trail Ridge Road. Thanks for all you do! 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). We hiked Emerald Lake Trail in time for the sunset (not the best for photography at the lake) but the colors were pretty during our descent, and there were fewer people on the way down.It starts off at Bear Lake Trailhead, where youll hike past Nymph Lake within the first half of a mile, with views of Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain in the distance. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. This is a much longer hike, coming in at 10.7 miles. The trail ends at the summit of Hallett Peak. For hikers, I recommend Dream and Emerald Lakes if you are not acclimated to the higher elevation. Download or read book Best Hikes Rocky Mountain National Park written by Kent Dannen and published by Rowman & Littlefield. Forest Canyon Overlook. If you are not acclimated to the higher elevation, its normal to get out of breath very easily. If you want to avoid the crowds, begin in the early morning as early as sunrise to have the best experience and the best lighting. Snow can linger on the trails as late as July, especially for the trails at higher elevations. 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. 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. What a fantastic list of RMNP hikes! Due to the popularity of the trail, this is a great time to use the shuttle. Distance: 5.5 miles. From the Bear Lake Trailhead, follow signs to Alberta Falls. Of course, you dont have to hike all of the way to Emerald Lake. Visit our. 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. Rocky Mountain National Park is bursting with an abundance of natural beautyincluding six glaciers, some of the highest mountains in the continental U.S., and, on either side of the Continental Divide, over 100 pristine mountain lakes, forested valleys, and the kind of majestic high . Aspenglen, Moraine Park, and Glacier Basin are the most popular campgrounds and these get reserved well in advance. Your email address will not be published. Not only are the photos amazing, but the trail descriptions are spot on and the way the book is organized makes it very easy to find a hike thats right for you. The elevation of the lowest sections of the park range from 5,600 to 9,500 feet. What should you not miss in Rocky Mountain National Park? Plan on being at the trailhead by 7am (or earlier) if you want to park at the trailhead itself. 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. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. At approximately 1.9 miles in, youll reach Lightning Bridge, a footbridge thats bookended by two signs warning hikers about lightening risk. We plan to visit for 2 half days this September. 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). Longs Peak and Timber Creek Campgrounds are easier to get reservations. 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. This is your spot to turn around and descend back to Ute Crossing. 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. best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. There are plenty of great hikes you can choose from that dont climb high into the mountains. For very little effort, the views you get are unbelievable. 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. Best Rocky Mountain National Park Hikes: Easy Tundra Hikes. NATIONAL PARKS: In our Guide to the US National Parks, get the full list of national parks with important travel planning information, such as things to do in the parks and sample itineraries. Read the reviews of your fellow travelers. 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. There is never a boring moment on this trail. 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. 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 . For most of this hike you are entirely within a pine forest, so the views are rather lackluster for much of the hike. This is an essential hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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! 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. Looking back at the Alpine Visitor Center and Trail Ridge Road. The hike to Deer Mountain is one of the more popular fall hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Some visitors complain of noise and hot temperatures in the summer (there is no air conditioning). While it is certainly a touristy town (and has the kitschy shops and prices to show for it), it's certainly beautiful (the mountains!) You also have the option to add on a fifth lake, Lake Haiyaha, making this hike a total of 6.2 miles. Top 10 Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. This is exactly the information I needed about each hike! Another view from Forest Canyon Overlook. There are three ways to hike to Fern Lake. 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. From Bear Lake Road, turn left onto Highway 36 and continue on to Trail Ridge Road. What do you think are the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park? It might be brief, but this short hike to Emerald Lake brings big rewards. Watch your step and take it slow. As you ascend higher, the trees disappear, as you enter the subalpine region. As you head down into the gorge towards Odessa Lake and Little Matterhorn can be seen directly ahead. Today I hiked CCY Chapin to Chiquita to Ypres and summited on Chiquita. 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. Bear Lake is a beautiful lake that is tucked away in the Rocky Mountains. Bear Lake Trail Image by Wendy Harrison Lawrence via Alltrails Distance: 0.7-mile loop Elevation: 49 feet Difficulty Rating: Easy From here, you can walk up the Alpine Ridge Trail. The next morning we plan on taking a hike on Bear Lake and would need the Park Access+. Chasm Lake sits at 11,760 feet and puts you right at the base of Longs Peak, RMNPs tallest mountain. We frequently see them near the Tundra Communities trailhead. 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