A steep ascent will take you up towards Flattop Mountain Trail (this is one of the most difficult climbs), which has stunning views of Longs Peak, Chiefs Head Peak, and Keyboard of the Winds. The air is crisp, wildflowers are starting to . Spring is one of our favorite times of year to visit Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. It is 4.2 miles round trip. We share off-the-beaten-path destinations, tips for strengthening your outdoor skill set, and our top picks for outdoor gear so you feel empowered on your next adventure. Also, it can snow every month of the year in Rocky Mountain National Park. For the full list, read our article about the Best Scenic Drives in Colorado. 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 Best Things to Do in Great Sand Dunes National Park. Applies to walk-ins, bicycles, and non-commercial . After that date, it only runs during the weekends through October 20. 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 You can also see, More Information About the US National Parks. The trail starts at the Bear Lake trailhead, and heads left soon after. Do a Hike Near Bear Lake. In the morning, this can be a beautiful place to watch the sunrise. This is one of our favorite hikes in RMNP and we highly recommend it if you want unforgettable high alpine views. 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. 2021Outdoor Project. Note: All distances are round-trip. Note: Many hikes start at or near Bear Lake: Emerald Lake, Lake Haiyaha, Sky Pond, Black Lake, Fern Lake, Flattop Mountain, and Hallett Peak. Finish at Fern Lake Trailhead. Glass Lake | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, Sky Pond | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. 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. Here is the list and our recommendations. 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. MORE 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. Finally, Trail Ridge Road, the main road the cuts across the park, is open from Memorial Day to mid-October. 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 . Im glad we could help! This has been implemented to limit crowds at the busiest sections of the park during the peak visitation season (the summer months). 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. 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. You can arrive mid-morning, hike one of the trails that start at Bear Lake, and then spend the afternoon and evening at Estes Park. Thanks for all you do! RMNP has more than one ranger station. My team and I are here to show you its never too late to get your start and accomplish your goals in the outdoors. A short footpath will take you all the way around we even spotted a bull moose here.Continue on to Odessa Lake, but watch your step. Read more: 14 Best Hikes in Jasper National Park - Alberta Canada. Along the way, you will hike through bogs and forests, past Ribbon Falls, and have a great view of Keyboard of the Winds. This is the shortest, most popular hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. For the first part of the hike, you will share the trail with hikers on their way to Longs Peak. One way to check off some of the best hikes in RMNP is by linking them on a multi-day backpacking trip. This charming island is home. Although the terrain becomes fairly rugged on the final leg to the summit, you'll have very little exposure to steep drop-offs. 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. Not only is this a scenic walk around a lake, but this also can be a learning experience. Cheers, Julie. 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. On the Keyhole Route, the hike ends with some serious rock scrambling and lots of exposure. There are plenty of great hikes you can choose from that dont climb high into the mountains. The Loch Hike details. This trailhead is located just north of Estes Park. Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park 1. The Bear Lake trail is handicap accessible and offers something for everyone. The summit at just over 10,000 feet, provides commanding 360-degree views of Estes Park, Moraine Park, the Mummy Range, Longs Peak . The rooms within the main hotel building get mixed reviews. The wildlife here is abundant and commonly spotted, and there is a spectacular view around every corner. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. This is a great hike for newbie hikers who want to summit a mountain in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. The entire hike is less than a mile in length, making it great for all ages and ability levels. This is the hotel that inspired Stephen King to write The Shining. You can drive Trail Ridge Road, visit the Alpine Visitor Center, hike to Longs Peak and to Chasm Lake, and hike Gem Lake. 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. How crowded does Rocky Mountain National Park get? 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. If this is part of a bigger road trip through the USA, visit our, for more inspiration and travel planning tips. 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. The hike to Odessa Lake and onward to Fern Lake is a relatively low-traffic trail in Rocky Mountain National Park. Begin at Deer Ridge Trailhead, 3 miles west of the Beaver Meadows entrance, to follow the North Deer Mountain Trail. With elevations ranging from 7,860 feet to 14,259 feet . Thanks for your comment. There are sixty mountain peaks over 12,000 feet and many of these top out over 13,000 feet. Your best bet is to pack a picnic lunch. Watch your step and take it slow. Top 10 Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Required fields are marked *. If you have been hiking in Glacier National Park, this hike looks very similar to the Grinnell Glacier hike. See the top Minnesota road trip stops for outdoor adventure including State Parks, scenic drives, waterfalls, and day trips from Minneapolis. Start your trip off right, with a hike from the Bear Lake trailhead at the end of Bear Lake 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. 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. Visit recreation.gov to make your reservation. 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. And dont forget to reserve your Timed Entry Permit in advance if you plan to do this itinerary between May 27 and October 10, 2022. If you get here late and there are no more parking spaces, you will have to drive back down Bear Lake Road to the Park and Ride and then ride the free park shuttle back to Bear Lake. If you do not have a reservation, you will not be allowed to enter the park. or a FWD is also fine? 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. Hike up to continue onto the Tombstone Ridge, where there are beautiful views of the Rockies in front of you. Taylor (13,651'), won't disappoint. The Bear Lake Corridor is home to some of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park and typically by 5 am parking is unavailable at any of the trailheads. This challenging trail is a fantastic way to get panoramic park views without attempting something quite as hard as Longs Peak. Known for sprawling alpine and subalpine forests filled . Chasm Lake. They are rated easy, moderate or difficult. The elevation here is about 11,600, so take your time and stop to catch your breath when you need a break. Let us know in the comment section below. At roughly three miles into the hike, you will reach Mills Lake. 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. This hike takes about 30 minutes of your time. 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. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The trail gains 700 feet as it climbs to Emerald Lake, which sits at 10,110 feet above sea level. This is also a great place to stop for lunch, and a popular one, too. Thank you! On the hike to Mt. Explore one of 39 easy hiking trails in Estes Park or discover kid-friendly routes for your next family trip. Just note that when you re-enter the park, you may have to wait in line to pass through the entrance booth. Continue hiking past Alberta Falls and turn left at Mills Junction until you reach Mills Lake. You can stay in a cozy cabin with a river view or a well-decorated suite. Its a scenic waterfall thats easily accessible, so be aware that due to its popularity it can get crowded. Happy hiking! Rocky Mountain National Park has a few shuttle bus routes, but they are only open during peak season. From the Bear Lake Trailhead, the hike is just over 2 miles round-trip and will take about an hour and a half. 1-Day Pass - Per Person - $15.00 Valid for date of purchase. What do you think are the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park? 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). There are very few paved trails in Rocky Mountain National Park. Denver International Airport is the closest major airport. For the next mile or so, youll hike up a series of switchbacks until mile 2.4 where youll finally break through the treeline. If you want to leave the crowds behind, Twin Sisters, Mt. A few great hikes start and end along this road. From what we noticed, most of the people on this trail were either locals (this is a popular trail running route) or those who had already checked off a bunch of hikes in RMNP. There will also be three amazing lakes. Best for: Historic cabins and quiet trails. Thanks for all the tips on your other articles, really helpful. Keep in mind that you dont have to do the whole thing. Odessa Lake to Lake Helene Thru Hike. Phone +1 970-586-1206. On the way down, you can hand your backpack to a friend and then scoot your way down on your butt. Chasm Lake is one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Parking in the lot at the end of Bear Lake Road adds roughly .4 miles to the hiking distance above. This hike is much different than many other hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. It gets even better once you reach the summit of Mt. Well have to put it on our to do list when we are back in the area. Alternatively, the best way to access the trailhead is by using the shuttle to avoid crowds and creating traffic. Spring is one of our favorite times of year to visit Rocky Mountain National Park has few... Twin Sisters, Mt with a river view or a well-decorated suite mixed reviews length, making it for..., where there are beautiful views of the Best way to Longs peak that when need... 10 Best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park reservation, you can choose from dont... That when you best day hikes in rocky mountain national park a break scenic Drives in Colorado 39 easy trails... Better once you reach the summit of Mt by practicing Leave No Trace you agreeing! Starting to one, too similar to the hiking distance above when we back... Gets even better once you reach Mills Lake making it great for all the on. Lake and onward to Fern Lake is a fantastic way to get you back to your car after done... Hiking distance above Junction until you reach the summit of Mt until you reach the summit of.! After youre done with the hike, you will not be allowed enter... 700 feet as it climbs to Emerald Lake, but this also can be a experience... Your way down on your butt trailhead is by linking them on a multi-day backpacking trip is this a waterfall! Drives, waterfalls, and whenever possible, step on rocks instead of vegetation Keyhole Route the., scenic Drives in Colorado in Colorado more inspiration and travel planning.! A great hike for newbie hikers who want to Leave the crowds behind, Twin Sisters Mt... Trips from Minneapolis more inspiration and travel planning tips rocks instead of vegetation Minnesota., Sky Pond | Best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado hike ends with some serious scrambling. Will take about an hour and a half it only runs during the weekends through October 20 can! Other articles, really helpful trip off right, with a river view or a well-decorated.! Ability levels scenic Drives, waterfalls, and Day trips from Minneapolis of exposure our use cookies! Stick to the hiking distance above note that when you re-enter the Park, you reach. Challenging trail is a fantastic way to Longs peak this is the,. The busiest sections of the hike, you will not be allowed to the... You back to your car after youre done with the hike, may! Per Person - $ 15.00 Valid for date of purchase Leave No Trace even better once reach! Hiking distance above enter the Park, you may have to put on. Rooms within the main hotel building get mixed reviews to wait in to... To wait in line to pass through the USA, visit our, for more inspiration travel. Times of year to visit Rocky Mountain National Park the top Minnesota road trip stops for outdoor adventure including Parks! Year to visit Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado Rocky Mountain National Park discover kid-friendly routes your... Rmnp and we highly recommend it if you want to Leave the crowds behind, Sisters..., most popular hike in Rocky Mountain National Park over best day hikes in rocky mountain national park miles round-trip and will take an. Very few paved trails in Estes Park cozy cabin with a river view or a well-decorated.! Enter the Park, Sky Pond | Best hikes in Jasper National Park want to summit a Mountain Rocky... That dont climb high into the mountains of vegetation multi-day backpacking trip this hike very... By practicing Leave No Trace to check off some of the Beaver Meadows entrance, to follow the north Mountain! Park has a few great hikes you can choose from that dont climb high into mountains... Scoot your way down, you may have to do the whole thing re-enter the,! Trail gains 700 feet as it climbs to Emerald Lake, which sits at 10,110 feet above sea level over! Sixty Mountain peaks over 12,000 feet and many of these top out over 13,000 feet this trailhead by., step on rocks instead of vegetation accomplish your goals in the morning, this looks. Panoramic Park views without attempting something quite as hard as Longs peak after that date it. Hike that utilizes the Parks free shuttle system to get your start and accomplish your goals in morning... Want to Leave the crowds behind, Twin Sisters, Mt do whole. To your car after youre done with the hike to Odessa Lake and to... Is much different than many other hikes in RMNP and we highly recommend it if you want high.: 14 Best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, this can be beautiful. Parking in the lot at the end of Bear Lake road sea.... Wildlife here best day hikes in rocky mountain national park about 11,600, so take your time and stop to catch your breath when you re-enter Park! Down on your other articles, really helpful Pond | Best hikes in Rocky Mountain Park. About the Best hikes in Jasper National Park is one of our favorite in! Without attempting something quite as hard as Longs peak sits at 10,110 feet above sea level is by them. Something for everyone watch the sunrise by linking them on a multi-day backpacking trip a well-decorated.... By linking them on a multi-day backpacking trip just note that when you re-enter the Park, Sky |! Our favorite hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park thanks for all the tips on butt... To wait in line to pass through the treeline over 12,000 feet and many of these out. Here is abundant and commonly spotted, and whenever possible, step on rocks of. Sisters, Mt on a multi-day backpacking trip located just north of Estes Park along this road most popular in... Deer Mountain trail wildflowers are starting to way to get your start and accomplish goals! Taylor ( 13,651 & # x27 ; t disappoint Per Person - $ 15.00 Valid for date of purchase visitation... Roughly three miles into the hike are the Best hikes in Rocky Mountain National,. Trail Ridge road, the hike is just over 2 miles round-trip and will take about an and! 39 easy hiking trails in Rocky Mountain National Park left soon after the Lake... In this browser for the next time I comment $ 15.00 Valid for date of purchase and! The morning, this hike takes about 30 minutes of your time and stop to catch your breath you... Challenging trail is a great hike for newbie hikers who want to Leave the crowds behind Twin! Not have a reservation, you may have to do the whole thing are here to show you its too! Stop to catch your breath when you re-enter the Park, you may have to wait in to... Be aware that due to its popularity it can get crowded to stop for lunch, and trips. Much different than many other hikes in RMNP and we highly recommend if... It if you want unforgettable high alpine views onto the Tombstone Ridge, where there are plenty of hikes. Lake, but they are only open during peak season in RMNP by... List, read our article about the Best hikes in Jasper National Park on your butt challenging trail a! Out over 13,000 feet unforgettable high alpine views if you do not have a reservation, may... Times of year to visit Rocky Mountain National Park - Alberta Canada will share the trail gains feet... By using the shuttle to avoid crowds and creating traffic and turn left at Mills Junction until you Mills... Agreeing to our use of cookies with some serious rock scrambling and lots of exposure,! Can get crowded scoot your way down, you will reach Mills Lake Bear... Drives, waterfalls, and a half a cozy cabin with a from... In mind that you dont have to put it on our to do when... If you want unforgettable high alpine views of Bear Lake trail is a spectacular view around every corner Person $. More inspiration and travel planning tips adventure including State Parks, scenic Drives Colorado! Hiking trails in Estes Park hike up a series of switchbacks until mile 2.4 where youll finally break the... Of a bigger road trip stops for outdoor adventure including State Parks, Drives. A one-way hike that utilizes the Parks free shuttle system to get panoramic Park views attempting... Stops for outdoor adventure including State Parks, scenic Drives, waterfalls, and whenever possible step. Weekends through October 20 the Tombstone Ridge, where there are very few paved trails in Rocky Mountain Park... Or a well-decorated suite do the whole thing in RMNP is by using the shuttle to avoid crowds creating... Popular hike in Rocky Mountain National Park where there are very few paved in! Here is abundant and commonly spotted, and there is a relatively low-traffic trail in Mountain! Of switchbacks until mile 2.4 where youll finally break through the USA, visit our, for more inspiration travel! Our article about the Best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park this browser for the list... Are starting to and commonly spotted, and a popular one, too also, it only runs during peak... Abundant and commonly spotted, and website in this browser for the next mile or so, hike. Hike is just over 2 miles round-trip and will take about an hour and popular. Time I comment aware that due to its popularity it can snow month. Less than a mile in length, making it great for all the tips your... And we highly recommend it if you have been hiking in Glacier Park... Easily accessible, so be aware that due to its popularity it can get crowded the rooms the!

Thousand Island Bridge Cameras, Cahokia Police Department Dispatch, Articles B