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. Cheers, Julie. 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! 3.1 miles (5 km). Before we dive in to all 25+ of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain NP, we've compiled the top 10! Motorcycle - $30.00 Valid for seven consecutive days (including date of purchase). There will be people. Distance: 7.4 miles Difficulty: Moderate Length of Time: 4 to 5 hours Location: Eastern Rocky Mountain National Park, near Lily Lake, Twin Sisters | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, Longs Peak from Twin Sisters | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. On the Keyhole Route, the hike ends with some serious rock scrambling and lots of exposure. If you choose to hike Chasm Lake, you will be skipping Bear Lake. If you are coming from sea level, you will feel the effects of the altitude as soon as you do anything strenuous. back in the day. So, we all could be making a lot of trips out to Colorado over the next few years, depending on Tylers decision. If this sounds like a hike you would like to do, it will take some planning and patience. If this sounds like a hike you would like to do, it will take some planning and patience. 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. At roughly three miles into the hike, you will reach Mills Lake. Are we only allowed to be on the trail ridge road until 3? RMNP has more than one ranger station. If you want to check them out for yourself, youre in luck because they both leave from the Glacier Gorge Trailhead. 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. This historic hotel is one of the top places to stay in Estes Park. 2. Gem Lake | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Read the reviews of your fellow travelers. For the entire hike, you are walking along the alpine tundra, with unobstructed views of Longs Peak, Forest Canyon, and the Continental Divide. Chasm Lake sits at 11,760 feet and puts you right at the base of Longs Peak, RMNPs tallest mountain. If you want to avoid the crowds, begin in the early morning as early as sunrise to have the best experience and the best lighting. 800-715-HIKE (4453) (9-4:30 Every Day) This is one of the easier lake hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Youll be glad you did. CCY Route (Chapin-Chiqiuta-Ypsilon route) Bluebird Lake. Ida: Hands down this is the best hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. Im glad we could help! Get There Early: There are two important reasons to begin your hikes early in the morning in Rocky Mountain National 1)The trail head parking lots fill up early, and 2) in the . Id recommend taking your time and putting your trekking poles away so you can use your hands. With elevations ranging from 7,860 feet to 14,259 feet . Bear Lake is a well-marked trail and is one of the easiest hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. To get here, you will take Devils Gulch Road to Lumpy Ridge Road. But don't be intimidated by its height. Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park: On a Map. Emerald Lake Trail 550 Hiking Trails By pamt464 We also hiked in the Wild Basin area which starts at a lower elevation, but the Emerald Lake hike was our favorite fo. If you prefer to keep your hikes short and sweet, read our guide to the Best Short Hikes in the National Parks. Your blog is always my go-to, the most thorough, thoughtful content! 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. Each daily reservation costs $2 per vehicle, which is in addition to the $25 daily entrance fee or $35 weekly entrance fee per vehicle. After 3 pm, you dont need the pass. Beyond the Emerald Lake overlook you will reach the summit of Flattop Mountain. 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 . 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. This hike takes about 30 minutes of your time. From here, at an elevation of 12,899 feet, the entire park stretches out before you. To visit Rocky Mountain National Park from May 26 to October 22, 2023, you will need to reserve a permit in advance. All great (especially sky pond). The park has gotten so popular that in 2020 a timed entry system was put into effect. Thanks for all the tips on your other articles, really helpful. Find the best Rocky Mountain National Park trails for summer and fall hikes. This has been corrected in the article . For much of the hike you are walking along the Continental Divide. We wanted to do this, but it was incredibly windy and much colder above the treeline than in the parking lot. Bear Lake. The entire hike is less than a mile in length, making it great for all ages and ability levels. When is the best time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park? Julie Last updated: January 17, 2023 United States 9 Comments. There are numerous hikes for all fitness levels and ages, and a variety of scenic vistas. 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). Hang in there and take breaks when you need, because the views of Chiefs Head Peak illuminated in the distance are worth it. The Loch, Rocky Mountain National Park Hike to the Loch Selecting that perfect Rocky Mountain National Park must see day hike can be challenging! On an early morning in July, it was only 34 degrees at the Alpine Visitor Center during our visit. Mt. The official National Park Service website lists when the permits become available and has more information about the permits. Bluebird Lake Hike: This lovely day hike is located in the lesser-visited Wild Basin area of the Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. 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. For most of this hike you are entirely within a pine forest, so the views are rather lackluster for much of the hike. 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. . To continue to Hallett Peak, follow the rocky, somewhat faint trail. Expect lots of wind and cold temperatures, even during the summer months. Best Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park #1 Trail Ridge Road #2 Beaver Meadows Visitor Center #3 Downtown Estes Park See Full Ranking List Tours & Sightseeing Discover Rocky. Thanks for sharing!!! Keep hiking until you reach Timberline Pass, at the two-mile mark. This is a gorgeous drive. Your email address will not be published. The rooms within the main hotel building get mixed reviews. Start your trip off right, with a hike from the Bear Lake trailhead 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. If you plan to visit Rocky Mountain National Park in the summer, afternoon thunderstorms occur quite frequently. On the way down, you can hand your backpack to a friend and then scoot your way down on your butt. 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. 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. Several great hikes start at the Bear Lake Trailhead. From Bear Lake Road, turn left onto Highway 36 and continue on to Trail Ridge Road. 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. The biggest feature of this hike is the wildlife, such as elks, marmots, or pikas, and the incredible gardens of the alpine tundra. Although the terrain becomes fairly rugged on the final leg to the summit, you'll have very little exposure to steep drop-offs. Crater Lake National Park, Oregon . 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. 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. For much of the hike you are walking along the Continental Divide. In the morning, this can be a beautiful place to watch the sunrise. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Of course, you dont have to hike all of the way to Emerald Lake. 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. Snowshoeing to Dream Lake is a popular winter time activity, as is cross-country skiing. Book excerpt: Best Hikes Rocky Mountain National Park features the best hiking throughout Rocky Mountain National Park. Along the way, you will hike through bogs and forests, past Ribbon Falls, and have a great view of Keyboard of the Winds. Sign up to receive our newsletter packed with the best adventure guides, travel ideas, news, and articles. If you want to stay in the park, you will be limited to campgrounds. As you hike in, youll start to get views of Longs Head Peak and Chiefs Head Peak in the distance. They are rated easy, moderate or difficult. Ida. Longs Peak and Timber Creek Campgrounds are easier to get reservations. Hike Further: Be sure to hike and additional approx 1.25 mile (one-way) to Timberline Falls to see one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Rocky Mountain National Park. Provided by Touchpoints If you have been hiking in Glacier National Park, this hike looks very similar to the Grinnell Glacier hike. Your email address will not be published. If you plan to visit the park during the summer months, you will also need to reserve your timed permit in advance. How to get there:Take Highway 34 to Bear Lake Road. Continue for two more miles until you reach Black Lake. 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. Along the way, there is a good chance that you will spot bighorn sheep and elk. Read our article about the 15 Best National Parks, where we narrow down the long list into 15 must-see parks. The elevation here is about 11,600, so take your time and stop to catch your breath when you need a break. 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). There are sixty mountain peaks over 12,000 feet and many of these top out over 13,000 feet. 7.4 miles (12 km). Each guidebook provides twenty of the best hikes in the area they represent . if you want a quieter hike, this is one to consider. Required fields are marked *. It gets even better once you reach the summit of Mt. CALYPSO CASCADES. Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. Park Fee: $25 per vehicle, valid for 1 day or $35 per vehicle, valid for 7 days. 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. The hike up Deer Mountain is one of the easier hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park that offers high mountain views. Black Lake looks similar to Chasm Lake, as both of these alpine lakes are surrounded by jagged mountain peaks. All of the products we recommend we stand behind, and we appreciate your support! 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. Moraine Park is another popular area that sees quite a bit of traffic too. They are also all under 10 miles, well-signed, and easily done within a day. 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. If they are sold out, then you will need to be ready to purchase your permit right at 5 pm the day before. 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. Dont worry, its just a couple of moves and there are good handholds. Trailhead - Glacier Gorge Trailhead. Hiking is one of my favorite and all-the-time go-to activities during my trip abroad. It is located just outside of Estes Park, on the south side, an excellent location for driving into the park. 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. We have not been inside of this caf so I do not know what kind of food is served. This is your spot to turn around and descend back to Ute Crossing. The summit at just over 10,000 feet, provides commanding 360-degree views of Estes Park, Moraine Park, the Mummy Range, Longs Peak . The best time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park without the summer crowds, an open Trail Ridge Road, and a good chance of pleasant weather is in late spring or in the fall. Begin at the Ute Crossing Trailhead, where the terrain is rocky and the flora and fauna of the tundra ecosystems are fragile. Its both scenic and strenuous, and thats what makes it one of Rocky Mountain National Parks best hikes. Phone +1 970-586-1206. 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. Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. Take a 0.4-mile detour to Lake Haiyaha for an added bonus. The Loch Hike details. Do a Hike Near Bear Lake. Its one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park to get great views of the Continental Divide, and a great trail to acclimate to the altitude before tackling the more strenuous hikes on this list. Aspenglen, Moraine Park, and Glacier Basin are the most popular campgrounds and these get reserved well in advance. Guide to the Best Day Hikes in the US National Parks. Past the waterfall, follow the signs to Mills Lake. Many hikes top out over 9,000 feet, with some reaching up to 13,000 and 14,000 feet. It is home to abundant wildlife, stunning forests, and breathtaking views. Your best bet is to pack a picnic lunch. But the whole reason to do this hike is for the view of Sky Pond, one of the most spectacular lakes in the park. 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. 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. 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! I know some of the trails will be closed due to the 2020 fires, but there are still a lot open. Over 60 people have died attempting to summit Longs Peak. How to get there: The most direct route is to take Highway 36, from Estes Park, to Bear Lake Road. Backpacking in Rocky Mountain National Park offers the visitor a tremendously unique perspective and experience because a majority of the park's visitors only have time for single-day outings. 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. Alberta Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls to visit in Rocky Mountain National Park. From short, easy strolls around lakes, to ridgeline trails with panoramic views, to challenging but epic climbs to the tallest mountain peaks, there truly is something here for everyone. An AWD and FWD vehicle is fine for Rocky Mountain National Park. Grand Teton National Park may be one of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring parks of the Rocky Mountains. Click the star next to the title of the map to add this map to your Google Maps account. Pause here to layer on an insulated jacket or windbreaker before entering into the exposed tundra ahead. Explore Rocky Mountain National Parks best trails with this detailed list of my favorite day hikes. But if you wanted to do this one day itinerary, you would have to book a hotel in Estes ParK (ideally for 2 nights) and book your Rocky Mountain National Park timed entry ticket online. From the viewpoint, you are standing at 12,005 feet. It starts at 10,800 feet and tops out at 12,899 on Mt. From the Bear Lake Trailhead, follow signs to Alberta Falls. How to get there:Take Highway 34 into the park and turn right onto Trail Ridge Road to the trailhead parking lot. Like Bear Lake, it is an easy hike to get here. Im a map geek, and this map helps give you the full picture of how the Park is laid out and how the trail system works.<br /> amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0";<br /> amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "bearftheor-20";<br /> amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual";<br /> amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart";<br /> amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon";<br /> amzn_assoc_region = "US";<br /> amzn_assoc_linkid = "bd7b4890a7917396fd1ad9f8e9480912";<br /> amzn_assoc_design = "in_content";<br /> amzn_assoc_asins = "0996962689,1566953421";<br /> <br>
. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. Also, it can snow every month of the year in Rocky Mountain National Park. After one final short and strenuous climb you will be standing at Chasm Lake. This is our favorite short, easy hike in the park. If this is part of a bigger road trip through the USA, visit our United States Travel Guide for more inspiration and travel planning tips. Bear Lake Trail Image by Wendy Harrison Lawrence via Alltrails Distance: 0.7-mile loop Elevation: 49 feet Difficulty Rating: Easy Ida on day 3. This hike does not start at Bear Lake. WorldMark Estes Park. Numerous trails start right from this spot, so if you only have one day in Rocky Mountain National Park, this is a great place to visit. Chasm Lake | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. This trail is not paved (its a gravel trail for most of its length) but it is considered handicap accessible. View from Deer Mountain | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. However, if the exposure really bothers you, then the waterfall might be the point where you turn around. For the full list, read our article about the Best Scenic Drives in Colorado. Its nearby neighbors of Bear Lake, Emerald Lake, and Dream Lake get a lot more visitors, so if you are looking for a relatively uncrowded trail with the chance to visit multiple alpine lakes, this is a nice hike to consider. This is the most popular hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. We plan to visit for 2 half days this September. Hey Kaeshawn! For more tips for your first visit to RMNP, check out this blog post. Ultimate Sky Pond & Lake Haiyaha Loop. The lake is also a great setting for a picnic. The only place that you can get food inside the park is at the Trail Ridge Store, a caf and coffee house that sits next to the Alpine Visitor Center. Rocky MountainNational Park Travel Guide. Its important to be prepared, check the forecast ahead of time, and pack extra hiking layers to keep you warm. More Important Things to Know Before You Visit RMNP. In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. 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. Meeker and Longs Peak, the two highest peaks in Rocky Mountain National Park. in advance if you plan to do this itinerary between May 27 and October 10, 2022. Located in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, Jasper National Park was officially established in 1907, after a group of Canadian Pacific Railway . It is the tallest waterfall in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most popular natural parks featuring 76 mountains each over 10 thousand feet high. The Aspire rooms are higher-end, modernly decorated rooms but many people state that they are overpriced for what you get. Sign up for access to our free Member-only resources, packing lists, and itineraries. Estes Park Lodging with Kids. Thanks for that feedback, Emily! This summer itinerary works best from Memorial Day through mid-October, when Trail Ridge Road is open. Visit our Colorado Travel Guide for more things to do in Colorado. A vacuum style bottle, like this one from Day 1 Fitness can keep your water icy cold for hours into your hike. How to get there:The most direct route is to take Highway 36, from Estes Park, to Bear Lake Road. 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. 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. No An official form of the United States government. Rocky Mountain National Park is known for sudden changes in the weather. 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. Once at the waterfall, you can explore the short trails along Glacier Creek to find your favorite view of the waterfall. LEARN MORE: How to Hike the Continental Divide Trail to Mt Ida. You can hike this as an out and back, and start your return before the trail descends down into the valley. 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. 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