The trail ends at the summit of Hallett Peak. Trail Ridge Road is the highest paved through road, not only in Colorado, but also in the entire US national park system. Click the star next to the title of the map to add this map to your Google Maps account. Our favorite hikes are Sky Pond (super fun hike to a beautiful alpine lake), Mt. Its time for the best scenic drive in Rocky Mountain National Park. Located on the eastern edge of Rocky Mountain National Park, you get panoramic views of Longs Peak and Estes Park from the top of the Twin Sisters Peaks. There are three routes: the Bear Lake route, Hiker Express Route, and Moraine Park route. Take a left onto Bear Lake Road, and arrive at the Glacier Gorge trailhead. or a FWD is also fine? Sky Pond is one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park for good reason. Your email address will not be published. Emerald Lake Trail | Rocky Mountain National Park Hikes To get a parking space here, plan on arriving no later than 6:30 am, but even earlier is better. None of them will disappoint. Take a 0.4-mile detour to Lake Haiyaha for an added bonus. If you plan to visit the park during the summer months, you will also need to reserve your timed permit in advance. Each daily reservation costs $2 per vehicle, which is in addition to the $25 daily entrance fee or $35 weekly entrance fee per vehicle. Update: Beginning June 4, 2020, a timed entry permit or camping reservation will be required to enter ALL areas of Rocky Mountain National Park in a private vehicle between the hours of 6 a.m. and 5 p.m. Reserve a timed entry permit at Recreation.gov. If you're after something moderate but rewarding a visit to The Loch, an iconic subalpine lake framed epicly by the Sharktooth (12,530') and Mt. There are sixty mountain peaks over 12,000 feet and many of these top out over 13,000 feet. Tyler starts college later this year and UC at Boulder is #1 on his list. No An official form of the United States government. Heres the thing: this hike starts just under 12,000 feet of elevation. Bear Lake Trail Image by Wendy Harrison Lawrence via Alltrails Distance: 0.7-mile loop Elevation: 49 feet Difficulty Rating: Easy 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. It is located just outside of Estes Park, on the south side, an excellent location for driving into the park. Trail Ridge Road winds high into the Rockies, taking visitors into the treeless tundra. For very little effort, the views you get are unbelievable. Known for sprawling alpine and subalpine forests filled . Cheers, Julie. We appreciate it and made that update so its more clear. However, if the exposure really bothers you, then the waterfall might be the point where you turn around. Estes Park Lodging with Kids. Mount Ida. CALYPSO CASCADES. 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. Trail Ridge Road will be closed, limiting your visit to Bear Lake and the eastern side of the park. If this is part of a bigger road trip through the USA, visit our, for more inspiration and travel planning tips. 7 best winter hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park By Julia Clarke published November 23, 2022 Crunch through the snow surrounded by dazzling peaks on some of the best winter hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park The summit at just over 10,000 feet, provides commanding 360-degree views of Estes Park, Moraine Park, the Mummy Range, Longs Peak . Hikes in this guide are chosen and reported on by experienced members of the Colorado Mountain Club. WorldMark Estes Park. Ive always wanted to go hiking , Love the adventure just didnt have the friends or resourcefulness to survive out there. Rocky Mountain National Park's 30 Best Hikes Explore an adventure playground full of 14ers, alpine lakes, and over 300 miles of trails. Its an extra 0.8 miles to the shuttle stop on the dirt road. The hike to Deer Mountain is one of the more popular fall hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. 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. This is one of our favorite hikes in RMNP and we highly recommend it if you want unforgettable high alpine views. But even the most fit, acclimated hikers can feel winded and out-of-breath on this short hike. There are three ways to hike to Fern Lake. It starts on the east side of the park, on Highway 7 south of Estes Park. I think it is better to drive Trail Ridge Road in the afternoon than visit Bear Lake. 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. Wildland Trekking offers trips with the best of Rocky Mountain: waterfalls, mountains, views, wildlife, solitude, adventure and fascinating natural and cultural interpretation. This very highly rated property offers two-bedroom apartments that can accommodate up to six people. To get to the peak, its an almost constant uphill walk through an evergreen forest. Longs Peak in Rocky Mountain National Park Colorado on a summer day (Image credit: Roschetzkylstockphoto) Distance: 14.8 miles Difficulty: Extremely difficult. This part of the hike is tough as you are hiking over very rugged terrain. Take advantage of the shuttle and park at the Park and Ride, and then shuttle up to the start at Bear Lake. 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 choose to hike Chasm Lake, you will be skipping Bear Lake. This is a great hike for almost all ages and ability levels. Ida, and Tombstone Ridge are the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park for your list. I love how you outlined which hikes to do, based on what you are looking for. About a half of a mile past the falls, youll come to North Longs Peak Trail Junction. In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. For more information about where to stay and where to eat, read our Guide to Estes Park. The Loch, Rocky Mountain National Park Hike to the Loch Selecting that perfect Rocky Mountain National Park must see day hike can be challenging! Youll get to pass by Alberta Falls (one of the most popular and beautiful waterfalls) or stop for a quick break and take in the views. If this is your first day at RMNP, and one of your first days in Colorado, be prepared to take a few breaks. 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. 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). Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. In July, we hiked through a snowstorm on the way back from Sky Pond. After the climb, at 2.8 miles, youll reach Loch Vale where the views will bring you to a standstill. This is a great hike for almost all ages and ability levels. After a mile and a half, youll come to the end of Dream Lake. This charming island is home. This hike has a little bit of everythingwaterfalls, alpine lakes, high mountain views, and fun river and stream crossings. This helps control crowd levels on the roads and hiking trails. This is a great hike for almost all ages and ability levels. As it goes with all of the destinations shared on Bearfoot Theory, please remember to Leave No Trace. Here are the best section hikes on the John Muir Trail that require less than a week to complete. This is a great stop to enjoy a short break by the waterfall, or avoid the crowds and push on. 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. Bear Lake | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. in advance if you plan to do this itinerary between May 27 and October 10, 2022. 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. You can drive Trail Ridge Road, visit the Alpine Visitor Center, hike to Longs Peak and to Chasm Lake, and hike Gem Lake. For the entire hike, you are walking along the alpine tundra, with unobstructed views of Longs Peak, Forest Canyon, and the Continental Divide. Not too long after youve past Nymph, youll find yourself at the midway point between there and Dream Lake. If you want a quiet lunch spot, keep hiking around the lake to escape the crowds. Please advise, You can try to reserve it now. On the way down, you can hand your backpack to a friend and then scoot your way down on your butt. 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. Julie Last updated: February 23, 2023 United States 8 Comments. If you dont get a ticket, you can still enter the park after 3 pm but you will not be allowed to drive down Bear Lake Road. Maybe you should say Longs Peak ranger station, or Longs Peak trailhead instead. By: The Outbound Collective+ Save to a List It's no surprise that Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most popular parks in the country. Not only do you get to visit a pretty lake but you also get sweeping views of Estes Park with Longs Peak in the distance. The Loch Hike details. Through this post, I have come to know a lot more about these adventurous hiking trails in Rockey Mountain National Park. Its such a beautiful place isnt it. back in the day. This trail is a great way to see many of the Rocky Mountain National Parks lakes all in the same hike. There are fantastic hiking options in the valleytrails at elevations of 8,000 to 9,500 feet. Day Hikes In Grand Teton National Park includes a thorough selection of 89 day hikes throughout this national park . Continue for two more miles until you reach Black Lake. If the parking lot is full, park in the large parking lot at the end of Bear Lake Road. From the Glacier Gorge parking lot, is a mostly uphill walk to get to Alberta Falls, but it is not too strenuous. One way to check off some of the best hikes in RMNP is by linking them on a multi-day backpacking trip. Distance: 0.7 miles / 1.1 kilometers. 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. There youll find a cascading waterfall with a small, rocky path that leads you up the side of it for a truly unique vantage point. 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. At approximately 1.9 miles in, youll reach Lightning Bridge, a footbridge thats bookended by two signs warning hikers about lightening risk. 2021Outdoor Project. If you want, you can choose to hike around the well-marked nature trail around Bear Lake. The permit is in effect from 9 am to 2 pm. Best Rocky Mountain National Park Hikes: Easy Tundra Hikes. You can add on Lake Haiyaha for a total distance of 6.2 miles. The trailhead serves as a starting point for several different routes, including a short loop around the stunning Bear Lake. Visit our. 800-715-HIKE (4453) (9-4:30 Every Day) There will be people. ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK: For an overview of Rocky Mountain National Park and links to all of our RMNP articles, take a look at our Rocky MountainNational Park Travel Guide. Cheers, Julie, The Rocky mountain national park looks amazing dear. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Earth Trekkers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn advertising fees by advertising & linking to Amazon.com. Stick to the maintained trail, and whenever possible, step on rocks instead of vegetation. 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. CCY Route (Chapin-Chiqiuta-Ypsilon route) Bluebird Lake. Taylor (13,651'), won't disappoint. We wanted to do this, but it was incredibly windy and much colder above the treeline than in the parking lot. In the summer months, it is best to hike in the morning, in order to avoid the afternoon thunderstorms. Spend several days in the park, hiking the other trails, to acclimate yourself to the higher elevation. Elevation Gain: 1,062' Max Elevation: 10,210' Winter Skill Level: Beginner Why it rocks. Obviously, there are more than the hikes listed in this blog post, but if you are visiting for the first time, these will keep you plenty busy and give you a taste of the different environments and ecosystems in the Park. In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. Before we dive in to all 25+ of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain NP, we've compiled the top 10! At 14,433 feet, Mount Elbert is the tallest 14er in Colorado and the highest peak in the entire Rocky Mountain Range. The official website for RMNP has up-to-date news on trail conditions, so take a look before you head out. In 2021, Rocky Mountain National Park was the 5th most visited national park in the United States, with 4.4 million visitors. . Be prepared and ask your shuttle driver in the morning what times they stop at Fern Lake to line it up with the end of your hike. Your email address will not be published. Guide to the Best Day Hikes in the US National Parks. 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. I absolutely loved it. 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. Your blog is always my go-to, the most thorough, thoughtful content! During the busy summer and fall seasons, parking will fill up before 5 am. Not only is this a scenic walk around a lake, but this also can be a learning experience. Forest Canyon Overlook. In addition to that, you will need a car to get around. One Day in Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary - Top Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado. 15 Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park We divided this guide into three sections: easy, moderate, and challenging. Important! The sweet spot months are from late May until mid-June and from early September after Labor Day until mid-October. How to Get There:From the eastern entrance of the park, take Highway 7 all the way in and turn left onto Longs Peak Road, from there its a short drive to the trailhead and an easily accessible parking lot. If you are not acclimated to the higher elevation, its normal to get out of breath very easily. 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. If you want to leave the crowds behind, Twin Sisters, Mt. 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. 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. For much of the hike you are walking along the Continental Divide. 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. 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. The trail gains 700 feet as it climbs to Emerald Lake, which sits at 10,110 feet above sea level. Elevation Gain - 1,761 Feet. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. Make sure you bring extra layers, even during the summer months. Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Keep hiking until you reach Timberline Pass, at the two-mile mark. Phone +1 970-586-1206. 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. . Alberta Falls | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. 1. Spectacular views of the Never Summer Mountains are only some of the peaks to be seen on this trail. Our website uses cookies. 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. The Stanley Hotel offers a wide range of rooms. 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. How to get there:Take Highway 34 into the park and turn right onto Trail Ridge Road to the trailhead parking lot. In the morning, this can be a beautiful place to watch the sunrise. In this post, learn how to spend one day in Rocky Mountain National Park, with several different suggestions based on travel style and the timing of your visit. I have been in RMCP for four days now, and did skypond, emerald lake and Hiayaha, Ute to tombstone, and deer mountain. Park Fee: $25 per vehicle, valid for 1 day or $35 per vehicle, valid for 7 days. 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. This loop trail is 0.7 miles in length and can be busy at times. Bear Lake is a well-marked trail and is one of the easiest hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Expect lots of wind and cold temperatures, even during the summer months. If you are coming from sea level, you will feel the effects of the altitude as soon as you do anything strenuous. Middle Taylor Creek. The entire hike is less than a mile in length, making it great for all ages and ability levels. But don't be intimidated by its height. This is an essential hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. You also have the option to add on a fifth lake, Lake Haiyaha, making this hike a total of 6.2 miles. Ida, so you will really feel the altitude. Essential Hiking Gear: What Should You Bring on a Day Hike? Hang in there and take breaks when you need, because the views of Chiefs Head Peak illuminated in the distance are worth it. Rocky Mountain National Park made our list of the best national parks for kids. 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. Have updates, photos, alerts, or just want to leave a comment? If you have warm hiking layers, continue on to summit Hallet Peak, which is only 0.7 miles from the summit of Flattop. Begin at Bear Lake Trailhead, and take the Bear Lake Trail through a forested area full of aspens past Bear Lake. Bear Lake This is the shortest, most popular hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. This hike feels tough, a combination of the high elevation with the long stair climb. Provided by Touchpoints Looking back at the Alpine Visitor Center and Trail Ridge Road. Hallett Peak is a good warm-up hike for those who plan to summit Longs Peak. Best price and money back guarantee! On day 2, you will need the Park Access + pass to visit Bear Lake. Cheers, Julie, Your email address will not be published. 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. When you finally make it to Chasm Lake youll have a full-on view of Longs Peak, and a high alpine lake where you can rest your legs. Thank you! If you are coming from Estes Park, this drive takes 30 minutes. Follow the trail down into a wooded area and youll quickly arrive at Jewell Lake. Very nice list, Sky Pond is my favorite, as well as Black Lake. 7.4 miles (12 km). Let us know in the comment section below. Trail conditions, so you will really feel the effects of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park amazing. The same hike 0.7 miles from the Glacier Gorge parking lot, is a mostly uphill walk to get Alberta! And trail Ridge Road bring you to a friend and then scoot your way down your... This can be a beautiful alpine Lake ), Mt: what should you bring on a multi-day trip! Park, this can be a learning experience paved through Road, not only Colorado. Over very rugged terrain Deer Mountain is one of the best Day hikes in Teton! 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