Over 60 people have died attempting to summit Longs Peak. But the whole reason to do this hike is for the view of Sky Pond, one of the most spectacular lakes in the park. Your email address will not be published. Read our article about the 15 Best National Parks, where we narrow down the long list into 15 must-see parks. Park Access: This permit gives you access to everything in Rocky Mountain National Park except for Bear Lake Road. Unless you're Superman (I very much am not), you can't possibly cover this much ground in one day. This one comes in multiple colors and three different sizes and has a carabiner to attach to your pack. Parking in the lot at the end of Bear Lake Road adds roughly .4 miles to the hiking distance above. There will also be three amazing lakes. Between the end of May through early October, you must reserve a permit to visit the park. Note: This post contains affiliate links. This is exactly the information I needed about each hike! 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). Best For: Bragging rights. Before our trip, I purchased The Essential Guide to Hiking Rocky Mountain National Park by Erik Stensland. A few great hikes start and end along this road. 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. If you are coming from a lower elevation, I recommend skipping the hikes to the taller peaks and staying low. There are numerous hikes for all fitness levels and ages, and a variety of scenic vistas. The hike to Deer Mountain is one of the more popular fall hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. You can drive Trail Ridge Road, visit the Alpine Visitor Center, hike to Longs Peak and to Chasm Lake, and hike Gem Lake. Distance: 1.7 miles Difficulty: Easy Length of Time: 1 to 1.5 hours Location: Glacier Gorge parking lot on Bear Lake Road. Sky Pond. Required fields are marked *. For the first part of the hike, you will share the trail with hikers on their way to Longs Peak. You'll pass Nymph and Dream lakes on the way to your final destination, Emerald Lake with the surrounding peaks reflected on its surface. The best path up the scramble is to follow the crushed and broken rocks, indicating a footpath worn in by previous hikers. 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. Your blog is always my go-to, the most thorough, thoughtful content! At this elevation, its not enough to cause altitude sickness, but you will tire and get out of breath easily. The Stanley Hotel. This hike starts just under 12,000 feet of elevation and it is a stair climb to the top. Odessa Lake & Fern Lake. 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. From the summit of Deer Mountain, enjoy views over Moraine Valley and out to Longs Peak and the surrounding mountains. Adams Falls in Rocky Mountain National Park. Cheers, Julie. It can be very windy and cold here, and in true Rocky Mountain fashion, the weather can turn without much warning. Your best bet is to pack a picnic lunch. Happy hiking! Ida (we loved the panoramic views along most of the trail, not to mention the jaw-dropping views from Mt. If you have more than a few days in RMNP and need some warm-up hikes, good options are Emerald Lake, Deer Mountain, and Twin Sisters. If you are acclimated to the elevation, the hike to Chasm Lake is another one of our favorites in Rocky Mountain National Park. You will pass Nymph Lake and Dream Lake on your way to Emerald. I think it is better to drive Trail Ridge Road in the afternoon than visit Bear Lake. Mt. The entire hike is less than a mile in length, making it great for all ages and ability levels. 1. Explore Rocky Mountain National Parks best trails with this detailed list of my favorite day hikes. How to Use This Map: Click the icons on the map to get more information about each point of interest. 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. This challenging trail is a fantastic way to get panoramic park views without attempting something quite as hard as Longs Peak. 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. 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. Bear Lake Trailhead 390 Hiking Trails By Tempusfugit2015 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. Sign up for access to our free Member-only resources, packing lists, and itineraries. You can hike this as an out and back, and start your return before the trail descends down into the valley. Hike up to continue onto the Tombstone Ridge, where there are beautiful views of the Rockies in front of you. Alternatively, if you are driving over Trail Ridge Road and want to stretch your legs, this is a fantastic place to do it. However, if the exposure really bothers you, then the waterfall might be the point where you turn around. Maligne Canyon Ice Walk . Alberta Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls to visit in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. Longs Peak and Timber Creek Campgrounds are easier to get reservations. Just note that when you re-enter the park, you may have to wait in line to pass through the entrance booth. I absolutely loved it. There are three routes: the Bear Lake route, Hiker Express Route, and Moraine Park route. The Residences are one, two, three, and four bedroom houses that come equipped with a full kitchen. How to get there:The most direct route is to take Highway 36, from Estes Park, to Bear Lake Road. PRO TRAVEL TIP: It can be 20 to 30 degrees cooler on the alpine tundra than in Estes Park or Grand Lake. best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. This is another great spot to take a break and appreciate the views before heading on just remember not to break trail to protect the alpine vegetation. 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. On the way down, you can hand your backpack to a friend and then scoot your way down on your butt. The summit at just over 10,000 feet, provides commanding 360-degree views of Estes Park, Moraine Park, the Mummy Range, Longs Peak . Keep in mind that you dont have to do the whole thing. CALYPSO CASCADES. So, climb those stairs, catch your breath if you need to, and enjoy the awesome view from the top. The permit is in effect from 5 am to 6 pm. At just over a half of a mile, round trip, this hike sounds easy. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure. We frequently see them near the Tundra Communities trailhead. Thanks for your comment. This hike starts at the Glacier Gorge Trailhead. When you get to the end, take the trail all the way out to the farthest left end of the lake. With lower crowds this time of year, there is no need to get to the Bear Lake Trailhead super early in the morning. 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. Here is the list and our recommendations. For the ultimate hiking experience in Rocky Mountain National Park, put Longs Peak on the top of your list. If you have any questions about the permit, let us know in the comment section below. For very little effort, the views you get are unbelievable. Aspenglen, Moraine Park, and Glacier Basin are the most popular campgrounds and these get reserved well in advance. All great (especially sky pond). 3 Days in Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary: Day One. Id recommend taking your time and putting your trekking poles away so you can use your hands. Finish at Fern Lake Trailhead. Park Hours: Park entrances are open 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. Estes Park Lodging with Kids. Covers one motorcycle. This is our favorite short, easy hike in the park. Ultimate Sky Pond & Lake Haiyaha Loop. 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! The entire hike is less than a mile in length, making it great for all ages and ability levels. Explore Joshua Tree's best day hikes. 11 miles of this road is located in the alpine tundra, which is above the tree line. The ever changing views and trail conditions really keep this hike interesting. Finally, Trail Ridge Road, the main road the cuts across the park, is open from Memorial Day to mid-October. None of them will disappoint. From the Glacier Gorge parking lot, is a mostly uphill walk to get to Alberta Falls, but it is not too strenuous. So, I am confident I would agree with your information on the hikes I havent done! 15 Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park We divided this guide into three sections: easy, moderate, and challenging. This hike feels tough, a combination of the high elevation with the long stair climb. Stop at the Alpine Visitor Center, the highest visitor center in the USA. Always pack rain gear and be alert, even on a clear day. For about $1, you can purchase the interpretive guide at the trailhead, which takes you through 30 marked spots along the trail that teaches you about the Bear Lake area. Cross over to the outlet and boulder hop your way to the right side of the lake to find a private spot to sit and take it all in. This hike has a little bit of everythingwaterfalls, alpine lakes, high mountain views, and fun river and stream crossings. The Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge is a wonderful, short, easy hike to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. Less than a mile in, youll arrive at Alberta Falls. At mile three, theres an unmarked junction that veers off towards Lake Helene, which is worth the extra stop. About a half of a mile past the falls, youll come to North Longs Peak Trail Junction. If your visit to Rocky Mountain National Park is part of a bigger road trip through Colorado, here is more information for your trip. It's well worth making the effort to get here, as the trail passes through some spectacular scenery, traversing a dense pine forest and passing by the lovely Ouzel Falls, before finally reaching Bluebird Lake. This is the most popular hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. If the parking lot is full, park in the large parking lot at the end of Bear Lake Road. For the final mile of this hike, you are treated to breathtaking views of Longs Peak, Columbine Falls, Peacock Pond, and finally Chasm Lake. Best Things to Do in Great Sand Dunes National Park. It is the tallest waterfall in Rocky Mountain National Park. On the Keyhole Route, the hike ends with some serious rock scrambling and lots of exposure. 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! Located in the less-frequented Kolob Canyon section of Zion, Middle Taylor Creek is a moderate hike perfect . 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. If you are coming from sea level, you will feel the effects of the altitude as soon as you do anything strenuous. Trailhead - Glacier Gorge Trailhead. With one day in Rocky Mountain National Park during the summer and early fall, you have enough time to hike one of the trails, drive the legendary Trail Ridge Road, and visit the top sights in the park. Here you'll pass more lakes, waterfalls, aspen groves and elk-inhabited meadows. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. The descent down towards Fern Lake is just as scenic, with a new vantage point of the same mountains, and a deep blue alpine lake. This was one of our favorite hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park and we highly recommend it. Yup. Distance: 9.5 miles Difficulty: Strenuous Length of Time: 4 to 6 hours Location: Glacier Gorge Trailhead on Bear Lake Road. 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. 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. If you have any questions about how to spend one day in Rocky Mountain National Park, let us know in the comment section below. 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. 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. On our most recent visit we stayed in The Residences at #402 and it was wonderful. LEARN MORE: How to Hike to Nymph, Dream & Emerald Lakes (+ Add on Bear Lake and Lake Haiyaha). 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 In the summer months, the best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park are hiking, driving Trail Ridge Road, taking a stroll around Bear Lake, driving Old Fall River Road, and mountaineering. This 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. 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). The Best Easy Day Hikes series are handy, pocket-size guides for day hikers in America's most popular outdoor destinations. Explore the full Adams Falls hike profile below for trail map, driving directions, and all the details you . 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. Distance: 3.4 miles Difficulty: Moderate Length of Time: 2 to 3 hours Location: Lumpy Ridge Trailhead. All of the products we recommend we stand behind, and we appreciate your support! find gorgeous views on your choice of easy routes with little to no incline, moderate trails extending 3.4 - 4.5 miles, or challenging routes recommended for experienced hikers only. 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. Hang in there and take breaks when you need, because the views of Chiefs Head Peak illuminated in the distance are worth it. How to Get There:From Estes Park, take Highway 36 to Bear Lake Road until you reach the trailhead and parking lot. If you want low crowds and dont mind cold temperatures and snow, plan your visit from November through May. 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). With elevations ranging from 7,860 feet to 14,259 feet . If this sounds like a hike you would like to do, it will take some planning and patience. For restaurant recommendations, check out our guide to Estes Park. Can you please suggest me about how can I plan my solo visit to rocky mountain national park and where I can get best itinerary for same. 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. Trail Ridge Road will be closed, limiting your visit to Bear Lake and the eastern side of the park. This is one of the easier lake hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Many of the best hiking trails are situated within Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP). Many hikes top out over 9,000 feet, with some reaching up to 13,000 and 14,000 feet. For much of the hike you are walking along the Continental Divide. This is where the views really start to open up and you can see across the valley towards Longs Peak. Explore one of 39 easy hiking trails in Estes Park or discover kid-friendly routes for your next family trip. From here, at 1.7 miles, you will arrive at Dream Lake Overlook and can also see down into the turquoise waters of Dream Lake from above. I hear you thats a pretty common experience for people to feel like they dont have the friends that want to go hike. Ida. This is a great stop to enjoy a short break by the waterfall, or avoid the crowds and push on. 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. In 2021, Rocky Mountain National Park was the 5th most visited national park in the United States, with 4.4 million visitors. 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. If you choose to hike Chasm Lake, you will be skipping Bear Lake. Ranking of the top 16 things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. What do you think are the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park? You'll climb up to the treeline and an alpine lake before dropping back down through fields of scree into a forested valley. 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 even a three-bedroom house that can accommodate up to nine people. Glass Lake | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, Sky Pond | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. This is a great hike for newbie hikers who want to summit a mountain in Rocky Mountain National Park. 700 feet (213 m) elevation gain. Looking back at the Alpine Visitor Center and Trail Ridge Road. Bear Lake. If they are sold out, then you will need to be ready to purchase your permit right at 5 pm the day before. You spend very little time below the tree line, so the views are incredible for most of the hike. 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. If you have warm hiking layers, continue on to summit Hallet Peak, which is only 0.7 miles from the summit of Flattop. Do a Hike Near Bear Lake. Wildlife, waterfalls, lakes, big peaks, and more. Each of these hikes is a day hike, so they can all be completed in one day. Cheers, Julie, We want an entry ticket to the park on Monday Sept 26 between 4-6. Bear Lake | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. From here, you can walk up the Alpine Ridge Trail. Well have to put it on our to do list when we are back in the area. 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 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. 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. Thanks!! It reaches its highest point at 12,183 feet and crosses the Continental Divide at Milner Pass. Its best to hike in the morning and to be below the tree line by 1 pm. The amount of snow can vary year to year, so make sure you get updates on the National Park Service website before your visit. Best price and money back guarantee! 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. There is something here for everyone, ranging from easy, lakeside strolls to short hikes to waterfalls to challenging hikes up the tallest peaks. Youll be glad you did. Get our top tips for visiting Rocky Mountain National Park including when to go, where to camp, hiking tips, how to beat the crowds, and more. 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). This is an essential hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. However, if you are doing well on time or only plan to do a very short hike in the morning, going into Estes Park for lunch is not a bad idea. One of the best seasons for hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park is the spring. 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). The views across the park are incredible. This loop trail is 0.7 miles in length and can be busy at times. Continue for two more miles until you reach Black Lake. From the viewpoint, you are standing at 12,005 feet. Up above 10,000 feet the air is thin, the temps are much cooler, and the wind is usually . 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