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. best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. You are now standing at 12,718 feet, with 360 views, which makes this one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. BEST NATIONAL PARKS IN THE USA:Looking for your next big adventure? Its time for the best scenic drive in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. Have you hiked this?. Discover the best things to do at Lake Como in Montana including the top hikes, where to camp, & more! Nymph and Dream Lakes are beautiful, so you will have a wonderful hike if you choose to turn around at Dream Lake. Ida (we loved the panoramic views along most of the trail, not to mention the jaw-dropping views from Mt. There are lots of great restaurants to choose from. 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. You can drive Trail Ridge Road, visit the Alpine Visitor Center, hike to Longs Peak and to Chasm Lake, and hike Gem Lake. 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. best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. Fortunately, there are hikes for all ages and ability levels. Meeker and Longs Peak, the two highest peaks in Rocky Mountain National Park. Moraine Park is another popular area that sees quite a bit of traffic too. In addition to that, you will need a car to get around. Starting at the Alpine Visitor Center (the highest visitor center in the United States) you simply hike up a long staircase to a viewpoint. 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. Your email address will not be published. As such, it's a favorite spot of outdoorsmen, basically turning it into their home away from home or an office. Trail Type: Loop Difficulty: Moderate Trailhead Location Alberta Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls to visit in Rocky Mountain National Park. A vacuum style bottle, like this one from Day 1 Fitness can keep your water icy cold for hours into your hike. Odessa Lake to Lake Helene Thru Hike. There are plenty of great hikes you can choose from that dont climb high into the mountains. Begin at the Ute Crossing Trailhead, where the terrain is rocky and the flora and fauna of the tundra ecosystems are fragile. There are sixty mountain peaks over 12,000 feet and many of these top out over 13,000 feet. This trail is a great way to see many of the Rocky Mountain National Parks lakes all in the same hike. It gets even better once you reach the summit of Mt. Enjoy the magnificent views. 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. Web Visit website. Top 10 Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky MountainNational Park Travel Guide. I have been in RMCP for four days now, and did skypond, emerald lake and Hiayaha, Ute to tombstone, and deer mountain. It is the tallest waterfall in Rocky Mountain National Park. Chasm lake is at 11,800 ft, you start at 9,400 ft. Weve done the trail, please look it up online so you can correct your article. Elevation: 49 feet / 15 meters. 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 From the Glacier Gorge parking lot, is a mostly uphill walk to get to Alberta Falls, but it is not too strenuous. This part of the hike is tough as you are hiking over very rugged terrain. The ever changing views and trail conditions really keep this hike interesting. 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. 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. Distance: 7.5 to 10 miles, depending on the route you choose Difficulty: Moderate Length of Time: 4 to 7 hours Location: Bear Lake Trailhead or Moraine Park, Fern Lake | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Distance: 0.7 miles / 1.1 kilometers. 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. Rocky Mountain National Park is best seen from a hiking trail. TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY: For more information about the camera gear we carry, check out our Travel Photography Gear Guide. 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. 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. All of the products we recommend we stand behind, and we appreciate your support! More Important Things to Know Before You Visit RMNP. Each daily reservation costs $2 per vehicle, which is in addition to the $25 daily entrance fee or $35 weekly entrance fee per vehicle. You can stay in a cozy cabin with a river view or a well-decorated suite. 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. For the entire hike, you are walking along the alpine tundra, with unobstructed views of Longs Peak, Forest Canyon, and the Continental Divide. Many hikes top out over 9,000 feet, with some reaching up to 13,000 and 14,000 feet. Your blog is always my go-to, the most thorough, thoughtful content! During the remainder of the year it is closed due to snow. Although the terrain becomes fairly rugged on the final leg to the summit, you'll have very little exposure to steep drop-offs. The word gets overused but CO is awesome. Emerald Lake Trail | Rocky Mountain National Park Hikes This challenging trail is a fantastic way to get panoramic park views without attempting something quite as hard as Longs Peak. The official National Park Service website lists when the permits become available and has more information about the permits. When is the best time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park? 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. Rocky Mountain National Park Elle Ossello Lake Haiyaha Hike Rocky Mountain National Park Elle Ossello Nymph, Dream + Emerald Lakes Hike Rocky Mountain National Park Elle Ossello Bear Lake Loop Hike Rocky Mountain National Park Elle Ossello Gem Lake Hike via Lumpy Ridge Trailhead Rocky Mountain National Park Elle Ossello Lily Mountain Hike Best Things to Do in Great Sand Dunes National Park. Its both scenic and strenuous, and thats what makes it one of Rocky Mountain National Parks best hikes. Distance: 6.2 miles Difficulty: Moderate Length of Time: 3 to 4 hours Location: The Deer Mountain Trailhead is located on Trail Ridge Road, 3 miles west of the Beaver Meadows entrance. Day 2 - Get a good workout on the Bear Lake Trail (6+ miles), see very different scenery at Lumpy Ridge, and . COLORADO ITINERARY: With 10 days in Colorado, road trip to all four national parks (Rocky Mountain, Great Sand Dunes, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, and Mesa Verde), linking them together with some very scenic drives. 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. 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). Distance: 3.4 miles Difficulty: Moderate Length of Time: 2 to 3 hours Location: Lumpy Ridge Trailhead. Finally, always wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, as ultraviolet light is very strong in the mountains. During the climb up, the trail gets incrementally steeper and youll be taking switchbacks for most of the way. On the Keyhole Route, the hike ends with some serious rock scrambling and lots of exposure. There are numerous hikes for all fitness levels and ages, and a variety of scenic vistas. 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. For the ultimate hiking experience in Rocky Mountain National Park, put Longs Peak on the top of your list. From here it takes an hour and a half to drive to Estes Park, the gateway into Rocky Mountain National Park. Longs Peak in Rocky Mountain National Park Colorado on a summer day (Image credit: Roschetzkylstockphoto) Distance: 14.8 miles Difficulty: Extremely difficult. 1. Im glad we could help! In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. 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. GREAT SAND DUNES: In our article Best Things to Do in Great Sand Dunes National Park, we cover the top experiences, plus how to plan your time, where to stay, and more. Yup. Required fields are marked *. Finish at Fern Lake Trailhead. Unless you're Superman (I very much am not), you can't possibly cover this much ground in one day. Book the most popular Winter activities in Rocky Mountain National Park. Hallett Peak is a good warm-up hike for those who plan to summit Longs Peak. Bear Lake | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Beyond the Emerald Lake overlook you will reach the summit of Flattop Mountain. An AWD and FWD vehicle is fine for Rocky Mountain National Park. From Bear Lake Road, turn left onto Highway 36 and continue on to Trail Ridge Road. From the viewpoint, you are standing at 12,005 feet. That book is pure gold. Learn more about the shuttle here. Along the trail, there are viewpoints over Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. Of course, you dont have to hike all of the way to Emerald Lake. 3. Make sure you bring extra layers, even during the summer months. The best path up the scramble is to follow the crushed and broken rocks, indicating a footpath worn in by previous hikers. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. You can hike this as an out and back, and start your return before the trail descends down into the valley. Love Rocky Mountain National Park! Its not a big deal but doing this will eat up some of your precious time. Adams Falls in Rocky Mountain National Park. Chasm Lake. Reservations are made online on the recreation.gov website. This is the most popular hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. Best price and money back guarantee! Very nice list, Sky Pond is my favorite, as well as Black Lake. For very little effort, the views you get are unbelievable. Along the way, you will hike through bogs and forests, past Ribbon Falls, and have a great view of Keyboard of the Winds. 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. Rocky Mountain National Park has a few shuttle bus routes, but they are only open during peak season. Read the reviews of your fellow travelers. 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. 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. If your visit to Rocky Mountain National Park is part of a bigger road trip through Colorado, here is more information for your trip. Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park: On a Map. 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). This is the shortest, most popular hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. Adams Falls is a short .6-mile round-trip hike near Grand Lake, Colorado. 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. 15 Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park We divided this guide into three sections: easy, moderate, and challenging. This is where the views really start to open up and you can see across the valley towards Longs Peak. This is a nice hike but honestly not one of our favorites. 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. Hikes in this guide are chosen and reported on by experienced members of the Colorado Mountain Club. You can either hike to Fern Lakes and Odessa Lake as a point-to-point hike, starting at Bear Lake and ending at Moraine Park (or vice versa). 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. There are very few paved trails in Rocky Mountain National Park. Longs Peak, at 14,259 feet, is the only fourteener in the park. But this is a tough hike. For restaurant recommendations, check out our guide to Estes Park. The waterfall borders Rocky Mountain National Park and its trail begins at the same trailhead for the East Inlet Trail. Once at the waterfall, you can explore the short trails along Glacier Creek to find your favorite view of the waterfall. Find the right trail for any skill level. If you have any questions about how to spend one day in Rocky Mountain National Park, let us know in the comment section below. Cheers, Julie, The Rocky mountain national park looks amazing dear. Chasm Lake sits at 11,760 feet and puts you right at the base of Longs Peak, RMNPs tallest mountain. There are three ways to hike to Fern Lake. Its about nourishment and learning. 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 Bear Lake Trailhead 390 Hiking Trails By Tempusfugit2015 Its a flat, beautiful easy walk in the parkliterally. The classic hike for first-timers in Rocky Mountain National Park is a Bear Lake and Emerald Lake combo. Keep in mind that you dont have to do the whole thing. Drive Trail Ridge Road (late spring through early fall). Learn how to combine them all together into one epic road trip in our 10 Day Colorado Itinerary. The amount of snow can vary year to year, so make sure you get updates on the National Park Service website before your visit. Alternatively, the best way to access the trailhead is by using the shuttle to avoid crowds and creating traffic. This very highly rated property offers two-bedroom apartments that can accommodate up to six people. Best For: Bragging rights. From the Bear Lake Trailhead, the hike is just over 2 miles round-trip and will take about an hour and a half. We plan to visit for 2 half days this September. Well have to put it on our to do list when we are back in the area. Enjoy hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you. This is our favorite short, easy hike in the park. 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. Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. There is never a boring moment on this trail. For those with an interest in historical sites, make sure you visit the Holzwarth Historical Site and learn more about the life of Colorado homesteaders. The timed entry permit system covers ALL areas of the park, including outlying areas like Lily Lake, Longs Peak, Lumpy Ridge, and Wild Basin. 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. Practice your rock bouldering skills at one of the many climbing sites. You need to stay hydrated on the trail, and being prepared is a necessity. 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). 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. A few great hikes start and end along this road. Backpack the California Hiking and Riding Trail. 700 feet (213 m) elevation gain. 11 miles of this road is located in the alpine tundra, which is above the tree line. Make a left turn to follow the road all the way to the trailhead and parking lot. https://bearfoottheory.com/tips-taking-friends-hiking-first-time/. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. LEARN MORE: How to Hike to Odessa Lake and Fern Lake. Our favorite hikes are Sky Pond (super fun hike to a beautiful alpine lake), Mt. See what else made the list! Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the highest national parks in the USA. Bear Lake This is the shortest, most popular hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. Which travel agency can book it for me? Outdoor Project may earn commission on products purchased through our links, which supports the work we do for our readers. 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