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. We hiked to Odessa Lake and Fern Lake as an out-and-back hike from Bear Lake. On the Keyhole Route, the hike ends with some serious rock scrambling and lots of exposure. Instead, it The hike up Deer Mountain is one of the easier hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park that offers high mountain views. towering over Sprague Lake. This Rocky Mountain National Park hike climbs steadily the whole way with a steeper trail over the last quarter mile. The Estes Park Visitor Center is also right along this pathway, so take some time to stop in! The Conference is held in partnership with the American Trail Running Association. Try some of the favored ventures below to roam the Estes Valley without strenuous effort, but with great reward. In the comments below, let us know which trails you hike again and again! 8 Unbelievable Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park Hiking in Estes Park | Rocky Mountain National Park The hike follows a creek through Lion Gulch then ascends and brings you up to Homestead Meadows. Let us know in the comment section below. A 20 Kruger Rock. View from the top 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. This park does close in the winter due to seasonal moose and deer migrations. This is an essential hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. Bus to Eldorado Canyon State Park from Boulder or Superior (Eldo Shuttle). Next day, hire a tour to take you up over the Continental Divide. 500 Big Thompson Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517 | 970-577-9900, Colorado State Special District Records Management. From the viewpoint, you are standing at 12,005 feet. These gloriously cascading falls are at the end of a 0.3-mile hike with little to no incline. For the ultimate hiking experience in Rocky Mountain National Park, put Longs Peak on the top of your list. Through Black Canyon, descend into Cow Creek lined with thick aspen groves, and continue on to gain views of the distant Mummy Range and Mount Ypsilon. For very little effort, the views you get are unbelievable. No matter what you plan to do while in Missoula, these Airbnbs can complete the puzzle for a perfect escape. 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. You dont even have to hike the entire 4 miles. Moderate (3-6 miles roundtrip) Nymph, Dream & Emerald Lake (roundtrip 3.2 miles) One of the most popular hikes in all of Rocky Mountain National Park, it starts 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. A park favorite, this hike to a mountain pond travels through woods that blaze with color in the fall. Up and back, this trail involves 3.4 miles in all and boasts some of the most spectacular views of the Estes Valley along the way. 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. Recorded Trail Ridge Road status: (970) 586-1222. The summit of Mt. Visitors are encouraged to avoid this entrance and use the Beaver Meadows entrance instead using U.S. 36. What could be simpler than strapping on a pair of good boots and heading out to see, hear, feel and experience nature? Distance: 0.6 miles round-trip Length of Time: 30 minutes Difficulty: Easy Location: This hike starts at the Bear Lake Trailhead, located at the very end of Bear Lake Road. 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. Like Bear Lake, it is an easy hike to get here. Distance: 10 miles Difficulty: Moderate Length of Time: 5 to 7 hours Location: Glacier Gorge Trailhead on Bear Lake Road, Mills Lake | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. It is also recommended to bring a map and compass on this trail as backup. There is a trailhead named Miller Creek/Fork Trailhead that is where this trail begins; but currently, you cant park at this trailhead unless you have a resident pass. Choose one that is right for you. A beautiful stream and pleasant scenery accompany hikers on this popular west side walk. Whether you live in Estes Park year-round or you just came for a breath of fresh mountain air, theres a good chance youll find yourself on a trail at some point during your stay. RMNP. We will be in Estes Park in mid July. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/lake-isabelle Because it requires timed entry reservations (released two weeks prior), it doesnt seem to get overly crowded. Each of these hikes is a day hike, so they can all be completed in one day. Summit elevation 12,324' (gain of 2849'). You can also replay recent newscasts and find videos on demand of our top stories, local politics, investigations and Colorado specific features. The journey will take you 4.6 miles and over 2,000 feet in elevation. Since this trail does take you into Rocky Mountain National Park, you will have to follow Park rules. Moraine Park Loop 7. You can enjoy this venture on foot by parking at theEstes Park Visitor Center, or rent a bike at the Estes Park Marina to bike the route. 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. From meadows to alpine lakes to towering mountain peaks, there is something for everyone to discover during their time visiting the park. A 20 percent chance of showers after 3pm. This is a great hike for almost all ages and ability levels. 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. Stay on US 34 as it becomes Trail Ridge Road to enjoy a spectacular tour of the parks incredible landscapes. We write about local events & home inspiration. http://www.protrails.com/area/5/indian-peaks-wilderness-area-james-peak-wilderness-area, This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. 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). Old Man Mountain is a Download the official NPS app before your next visit. If you are new to the park consult with rangers at the visitor centers and backcountry office. heads up a gully that leads to the summit. This is our favorite short, easy hike in the park. Summit elevation 10,013' (gain of 1083'). Sign up for the Weekend Wanderer to join thousands of readers getting epic travel, hiking, camping and gear ideas every week. Bierstadt Lake offers amazing alpine lake views and abundant chances to see wildlife up close without venturing too far. This trail is not paved (its a gravel trail for most of its length) but it is considered handicap accessible. 8:49 pm. Its a flat, beautiful easy Honorable mention:Alberta Falls (1.6 miles roundtrip) This short and easy hike down to a beautiful waterfall takes about an hour. To download 9NEWS+ on Fire TV search for 9NEWS. Ida, so you will really feel the altitude. Ida on day 3. Rocky Mountains Itinerary If you are staying in Estes Park, it is a 20-minute drive to get here. not Estes Park Bring plenty of water, even if you think you're used to the altitude. Sky Pond is awesome, Chasm Lake is also great but its a little more challenging, and Emerald and Dream Lakes are also favorites of many park visitors. It even has photos so you can see how scenic they are. Difficulty: Moderate. 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. A map and compass is highly recommended on this trail. The quick access to food and water from higher altitude canyons and mountains makes this an ideal spot for local wildlife to move through. Backpacking or dispersed camping along this trail will also require a Parks camping permit and reservation that can be obtained here. Why you should go: What better way to find some solitude than in a place called Hermit Park? While this paved trail isnt the most extreme or doesnt take you up an iconic summit, Lake Estes still makes the cut for this article because its just fun. Parking for this trail can be tricky. Starting at the Finch Lake Trailhead, follow the trail 4.5 miles, up 1,442 feet to the lake. Happy hiking! While we will spend at least one day in RMNP, we want to do some more hiking but hopefully without the crowds in the park. Hike to Emerald Lake Emerald Lake The hike to Emerald Lake is a popular and gorgeous hike 30 minutes Scenic Loch Vale is enjoyed en route to these delicately beautiful falls on the park's east side. What a fantastic list of RMNP hikes! Begin your journey at Bear Lake and head toward Odessa Lake and Flattop Mountain. Mount Olympus. To get to the peak, its an almost constant uphill walk through an evergreen forest. Panoramic views and access to many other great peaks lure hikers up this mountain in the middle of the park. This part of the hike is tough as you are hiking over very rugged terrain. Alberta Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls to visit in Rocky Mountain National Park. A trail favorite is the Pole Hill area located in the national forest. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Our website uses cookies. Once you get above the treeline, the wind picks up and the temperatures get much chillier. offers rewarding views at the top. Im glad we could help! Located just outside Rocky Mountain National Park in the Roosevelt National Forest, Lily Mountain is one of the few dog-friendly hikes in the area and is included on RMNP trail maps. Near RMNP (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley), DPS says it has plenty of mental health professionals after school board directive to add more, Wyoming won't give wolves to Colorado; CPW doesn't know where it will get them, Isolated storms Tuesday; 70s here to stay. This is one of our favorite hikes in RMNP and we highly recommend it if you want unforgettable high alpine views. Along the trail, there are viewpoints over Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. Bus to Nederland from Boulder, then take the Hessie Trailhead Shuttle. 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. But this trail will make you sweat! Whatever your plans, be sure to take a ride on the Estes Park Aerial Tramway up to the summit of Prospect Mountain for stunning views over the valley. Elevation Gain: 1,100 ft. They allow you to hydrate, fuel up and enjoy the scenery. This makes it a challenging hike for beginners, but the views along the way and at the top are well worth the challenge! There is no defined trail, so the scramble However, its a great warm-up hike for those who want to do Hallett Peak or Longs Peak and its a great hike for those who are looking for a less crowded trail that offers great views of the area. Recorded Trail Ridge Road status: (970) 586-1222. more information on current conditions An excellent interpretive nature trail circles this popular subalpine lake at the end of Bear Lake Road. Hallett Peak is a good warm-up hike for those who plan to summit Longs Peak. View from the Alpine Ridge Trail | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. If you prefer to keep your hikes short and sweet, read our guide to the Best Short Hikes in the National Parks. It follows a wooden trail in the southernmost part of RMNP. Youll get to enjoy 360-degree views of the Never Summer Mountains, the Mummy Range, Terra Tomah Mountain, Mt. Well have to put it on our to do list when we are back in the area. To get to Sky Pond, you will rock scramble up a waterfall, which can be refreshing when the weather is warm and downright cold in chilly conditions. 9 not-to-miss trails in Rocky Mountain National Park Option:Another mile up the trail is Odessa Lake, offering an additional target for those with more time and energy. Hermit Park is an Open Space located right outside Estes Park. Starting Memorial Day weekend, you can park at the Park & Ride Transit Hub and take the shuttle bus along the Bear Lake Road corridor. Mount Meeker to Lumpy Ridge and the Mummy Range. Hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park & Estes Park, Rocky Mountain National Park Glacier Basin ESTES PARK, Colo. Did you know that Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) encompasses 415 square miles (265,807 acres)? Reach the top of the Cathedral Rock Trail and you'll be surrounded by massive rock walls, spy expansive views of Courthouse Butte and Mingus Mountain and walk along the edge of a cliff if you are feeling adventurous. For very little effort, the views you get are unbelievable. Rocky Mountain National Park is best seen from a hiking trail. Alberta Falls | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. With an elevation gain Be sure to dress in layers. This is a great hike for newbie hikers who want to summit a mountain in Rocky Mountain National Park. Seen in: Colorado, Colorado Hiking, Hike, Rockies. Title. This is a hike that we did on our first trip to It is also a great place to spot deer, elk, beaver, and After guiding several trips through the Western Slope Desert, Daniell fell in love with climbing desert towers and overnight canoe trips down the Colorado River. 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. open space, the hike to Kruger Rock is spectacular and one of our favorite Kruger Rock Trail is an out-and-back trail that is very popular among locals. Ida, and Tombstone Ridge are the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park for your list. Your email address will not be published. 970 586-1206 But easily passable with hiking poles. Wear layers, and bring rain gear. For the entire hike, you are walking along the alpine tundra, with unobstructed views of Longs Peak, Forest Canyon, and the Continental Divide. In celebration of Earth Day and National Park Week, here are nine must-do trails to hike at Rocky Mountain National Park. You can find her on Instagram at @aka_dmoney. These burgers are the instant fix to any long, hard day on the trail. The great views and peaceful setting make this a great place for a midday lunch break. Note: Many hikes start at or near Bear Lake: Emerald Lake, Lake Haiyaha, Sky Pond, Black Lake, Fern Lake, Flattop Mountain, and Hallett Peak. While there is a slight incline of 968 feet, there are some rather steep spots. You will get occasional glimpses of Longs Peak early on during the hike, but for the most part, you will have to wait until you reach the summit for the best views. Copeland Falls:Enjoy an easy hike with a great payoff! If you want to leave the crowds behind, Twin Sisters, Mt. 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. Rocky Mountain National Park https://www.valhallaresort.com/blog/accessible-hikes-outside-of-rocky-mountain-national-park/, https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/lake-isabelle, http://www.protrails.com/area/5/indian-peaks-wilderness-area-james-peak-wilderness-area, Get answers to your questions about Estes Park. Its a flat, beautiful easy walk in the parkliterally. You can also hike to Fern Lake out-and-back from either Bear Lake or Moraine Park. Couple that with the 5,000+ feet of elevation change, and its a doozy. She has had the privilege of working for Colorados most experienced climbing guide service as an Office & Marketing Manager and an Outdoor Climbing Guide. 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. Below is a list of suggested hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Enjoy colorful If you plan to visit the park during the summer months, you will also need to reserve your timed permit in advance. trailhead. Distance: 15 miles Difficulty: Extremely difficult Length of Time: 10 to 15 hours Location: Longs Peak Trailhead is located at the end of Longs Peak Road. historical rock peak located just outside of Estes Park. Happy hiking! Hikers should be prepared with winter gear, including proper foot ware, traction devices and snowshoes at higher elevations, the spokesperson said. accessible hikes outside of Rocky Mountain National Park. Why you should go: Hike up to one of the most accessible alpine lakes in the Estes Park area! The steep elevation gain is what deters most people, but dont be discouraged! Length: 2.5 miles Elevation gain: 1,438 feet Route: Out and back Difficulty: Continue for two more miles until you reach Black Lake. Easily access some of these trails from your cabin and begin your mountain experience with us! Starting out, the trail could be busy because many families will be making the short trip to Copeland Falls. beautiful views, take a walk around Lake Estes. Rocky Mountain National Park has 355 miles of hiking trails. 15 Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park Earth Granite Falls Trail 6. Elevation at summit 11,428' (gain of 2338'). Getting an early start and carefully planning your route are important to making it off the peak before the afternoon showers (and lightening) tend to strike. This infamous hotel is said to have inspired Stephen Kings The Shining, and is one of the top places to visit during your stay in Estes Park. This trailhead is free to park and enter, but it is just a small pull-off on Highway 7 so parking can be limited. If this sounds like a hike you would like to do, it will take some planning and patience. You can learn more about our editorial policies, 11 Beautiful National Forests in Colorado for Outdoor Recreation, 9 Estes Park Cabins with Hot Tubs for Soakin in the Mountains, 12 Best Airbnb Rentals in Montana for a Unique Mountain Getaway, 10 Relaxing Cabin Rentals in Breckenridge, Colorado, Back Way to Cathedral Rock: How to Hike it + Where to Grub & Catch Some Zs Nearby, 9 Best Airbnbs & Vacation Rentals in Missoula, Montana, 20 Incredible Hikes in Southern California. Theres an old-fashioned outhouse at the top of the trailhead, so be sure to stop in before you head back down. Of course, you dont have to hike all of the way to Emerald Lake. Your blog is always my go-to, the most thorough, thoughtful content! bikers, and walkers. The hike to Odessa Lake and onward to Fern Lake is a relatively low-traffic trail in Rocky Mountain National Park. More in the need of a classic cocktail? best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. While viewing wildlife might be your reason to travel to Estes Park and hike, always be cautious and keep your distance. Favoring gravel or dirt paths over paved roads, trail runners seek solace and scenery in places where cars don't go. Estes Park is home to the US Trail Running Conference, an annual celebration of trail running. RELATED:Watch 9NEWS for free on ROKU, Apple TV, Fire TV. Are Dogs Allowed in Rocky Mountain National Park in We even included two that are outside of the park so your dog can come along as well. If you are looking for a short, easy hike, How to Hike the Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge, How to Hike to Nymph, Dream & Emerald Lakes (+ Add on Bear Lake and Lake Haiyaha), panoramic views of Longs Peak and Estes Park, How to Hike the Continental Divide Trail to Mt Ida. Length: 5.5 miles. The Bulwark Ridge and Indian Trails will take you to Miller Fork Trail which will then take you to Donner Pass. Always turn around if the clouds indicate rain or lightning. Book a weekend stay in one of these unique vacation rentals, and you'll quickly see how Montana earned its nickname of the Big Sky State. The trail crosses this creek several times, so come prepared with waterproof hiking shoes or Chacos! You are now standing at 12,718 feet, with 360 views, which makes this one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Quality Inn near Rocky Mountain National Park Hotel Guide to the Best Day Hikes in the US National Parks. Hiking. This is the shortest, most popular hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. Chasm Lake is one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. The Information Office is open year-round: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. daily in summer; 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Mondays - Fridays and 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Saturdays - Sundays in winter. Gem Lake:One of the most popular hikes in the Estes Valley, the Gem Lake Trail starts at the Lumpy Ridge Trailhead in Rocky Mountain National Park north of Estes Park off of Devil's Gulch Road. Oregons picturesque coastline features a unique, alternating combination of rocky headlands and sandy coves formed by millions of years of wave erosion. The west side of the trail is wheelchair friendly. Lily Lake:The Lily Lake Trail encircles the pristine Lily Lake for 0.8 miles with very little grade, or incline. Once at the waterfall, you can explore the short trails along Glacier Creek to find your favorite view of the waterfall. This is a wonderful hike to add onto your drive along Trail Ridge Road, and from the trailhead, it is just a 15-minute drive to the Alpine Visitor Center. Not looking for strenuous hiking - just trails with beautiful views. Accessible Hikes Outside of Rocky Mountain National Park. Keep your distance and do not feed the wildlife. WebRide above the tundra line near the glaciers. Beginning at Lumpy Ridge Trailhead, the Gem Lake Trail covers some of Rocky Mountain National Parks most interesting sights, astounding views and compelling history. To get here, take Highway 7 south from Estes Park. View from Deer Mountain | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Alberta Falls Trail 2. Lodging for 2 nights in Estes park in mid May, The Ridgeline Hotel Estes ParkR, Ascend Hotel Collection. It's about 6 miles out-and-back. Whether you're an experienced trail runner, an ultra-marathoner, a trail newbie, a trail race director, or somewhere in between, this Conference is for you, providing inspiration & education through expert guest speakers, presentations and an expo. Watch more from 9NEWS on the free 9NEWS+ app for Roku and Fire TV. 9NEWS+ has multiple live daily shows including 9NEWS Mornings, Next with Kyle Clark and 9NEWS+ Daily, an original streaming program. The Glacier Gorge Trailhead is one of the most popular in the park, so if youre arriving after 8 a.m. you may want to consider parking elsewhere and using the free park shuttle to access the trailhead. Starting at the Alpine Visitor Center (the highest visitor center in the United States) you simply hike up a long staircase to a viewpoint. Andrews Tarn & Andrews Glacier:This frigid, glacier-fed lake resides at over 11,000 feet. Over 60 people have died attempting to summit Longs Peak. The ever changing views and trail conditions really keep this hike interesting. So, climb those stairs, catch your breath if you need to, and enjoy the awesome view from the top. The trail ends at the summit of Hallett Peak. Happy hiking!! Along the way, youll also pass the historic MacGregor Ranch, views of Longs Peak, and Paul Bunyans Boot, a huge boot-shaped rock with a hole through it. Your best bet is to get familiar with weather patterns and be able to recognize any dangerous looking clouds. The Walker and Griffith homesteads and cabins will be the first that you come to; you can go further and find the Irvin homestead and sawmill, Laycock, Hill, and Boren Homesteads. more. The Information Office is open year-round: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. daily in summer; 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Mondays - Fridays and 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Saturdays - Sundays in winter. CO Look for the faint trail on the left side of the creek which will take you either to the base of the falls or above them for amazing views! Unlike other parts of Rocky Mountain National Park that are consistently busy and packed with people, the Lumpy Ridge area does not immediately connect with any trails that are popular among National Park hikers. While there are plenty of trails to explore inside Rocky Mountain National Park, there are many outside the parks boundaries that are just as beautiful. LEARN MORE: How to Hike the Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge. Spend several days in the park, hiking the other trails, to acclimate yourself to the higher elevation. 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.