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 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.&lt;br /> amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0";&lt;br /> amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "bearftheor-20";&lt;br /> amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual";&lt;br /> amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart";&lt;br /> amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon";&lt;br /> amzn_assoc_region = "US";&lt;br /> amzn_assoc_linkid = "bd7b4890a7917396fd1ad9f8e9480912";&lt;br /> amzn_assoc_design = "in_content";&lt;br /> amzn_assoc_asins = "0996962689,1566953421";&lt;br /> <br> . Trail Ridge Road will be closed, limiting your visit to Bear Lake and the eastern side of the park. Distance: 5.5 miles. You'll climb up to the treeline and an alpine lake before dropping back down through fields of scree into a forested valley. The views from the summit are simply epic. Make sure you bring extra layers, even during the summer months. This is the shortest, most popular hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. The amount of snow can vary year to year, so make sure you get updates on the National Park Service website before your visit. How to get there:Take Highway 34 into the park and turn right onto Trail Ridge Road to the trailhead parking lot. Forest Canyon Overlook. Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park For Spring 1| Ouzel Falls Length: 5.4 miles (8.7 km) Location: Wild Basin Trailhead Key features: Waterfalls The stunning 40 ft tall Ouzel Falls is the most famous waterfall trail in the park. Book excerpt: Best Hikes Rocky Mountain National Park features the best hiking throughout Rocky Mountain National Park. Distance: 10.4 miles Difficulty: Strenuous Length of Time: 6 to 8 hours Location: Bear Lake Trailhead. But even the most fit, acclimated hikers can feel winded and out-of-breath on this short hike. 1. Snow can linger on the trails as late as July, especially for the trails at higher elevations. For restaurant recommendations, check out our guide to Estes Park. Distance: 4 miles Difficulty: Easy to moderate Length of Time: 1.5 to 3 hours Location: Ute Trailhead on Trail Ridge Road, 7 miles east of the Alpine Visitor Center, Tombstone Ridge | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. I dont know of a travel agency to recommend. If you love mountains, this is the place for you. This hike feels tough, a combination of the high elevation with the long stair climb. My team and I are here to show you its never too late to get your start and accomplish your goals in the outdoors. Plus, this is a lesser known hike, so the trail gets a lower number of hikers than other hikes on this list. To get here, take Highway 7 south from Estes Park. Each daily reservation costs $2 per vehicle, which is in addition to the $25 daily entrance fee or $35 weekly entrance fee per vehicle. 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. 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 is one of the easier lake hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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 If you are acclimated to the elevation, Sky Pond is an awesome hike. Its such a beautiful place isnt it. Longs Peak and Timber Creek Campgrounds are easier to get reservations. Its about nourishment and learning. Get updates on trail closures and park conditions on the National Park Service website. Rocky Mountain National Park is best seen from a hiking trail. Id recommend taking your time and putting your trekking poles away so you can use your hands. Explore one of 39 easy hiking trails in Estes Park or discover kid-friendly routes for your next family trip. After about half a mile, youll notice that there are tombstone-shaped rocks that dot the ridgeline in the distance, hence the name of the Tombstone Trail. Spend several days in the park, hiking the other trails, to acclimate yourself to the higher elevation. How to get there: The most direct route is to take Highway 36, from Estes Park, to Bear Lake Road. Bear Lake | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. This is exactly the information I needed about each hike! Backpack the California Hiking and Riding Trail. Important! The permit is in effect from 5 am to 6 pm. Dogs: Leashed. Best day hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park While there are tons of hiking opportunities in the park, we've narrowed down our top picks for the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park to add to your itinerary. Note: All distances are round-trip. That means picking up any trash you see on the trail, practicing good trail etiquette, and being respectful to other hikers. A water bottle is as essential as it gets. Sky Pond via Glacier Gorge is without a doubt one of the best Rocky Mountain National park hikes. It is 4 miles round-trip and great for kids. From there, follow this to the parking area and trailhead located at the end of the road. Rocky Mountain National Park spans over 415.25 square miles and has 355 miles of well-maintained hiking trails with different elevations. Sky Pond. If this is part of a bigger road trip through the USA, visit our, for more inspiration and travel planning tips. You need to stay hydrated on the trail, and being prepared is a necessity. Look for an unmarked trail thats a quick hike out to Lake Helene. This loop trail is 0.7 miles in length and can be busy at times. 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. There will also be three amazing lakes. The ever changing views and trail conditions really keep this hike interesting. Although its tempting to stop here, there are even more spectacular views up ahead. The entire hike is less than a mile in length, making it great for all ages and ability levels. 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). LEARN MORE: How to Hike the Twin Sister Peak Trail. The views from the overlooks are stunning. 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. Chasm Lake. Parking in the lot at the end of Bear Lake Road adds roughly .4 miles to the hiking distance above. When we were there in late August, there wasnt too much water coming down the rock scramble, but during peak run-off, you may get your shoes wet here.At 4.5 miles and 10,900 above sea level, youll finally arrive at Sky Pond. If you only have one day in Rocky Mountain National Park, what should you do? If this is your first day at RMNP, and one of your first days in Colorado, be prepared to take a few breaks. Applies to walk-ins, bicycles, and non-commercial . Here, we found a nice place to sit below the outlet of Sky Pond to enjoy lunch with a view. We plan to visit for 2 half days this September. Learn how to combine them all together into one epic road trip in our 10 Day Colorado Itinerary. We hiked to Odessa Lake and Fern Lake as an out-and-back hike from Bear Lake. This helps control crowd levels on the roads and hiking trails. For 48 miles, this road runs from Estes Park in the east to Grand Lake in the west. Elevation: 49 feet / 15 meters. How to Use This Map: Click the icons on the map to get more information about each point of interest. Begin at Deer Ridge Trailhead, 3 miles west of the Beaver Meadows entrance, to follow the North Deer Mountain Trail. This is my favorite easy day hike in Rocky Mountain National Park and the one I often bring out-of-town friends on. We believe good things come from people spending time outside. But this trail gets much less foot traffic than Emerald and Dream Lakes so if you want a quieter hike, this is one to consider. Bear Lake Trailhead 390 Hiking Trails By Tempusfugit2015 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. Grand Teton National Park may be one of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring parks of the Rocky Mountains. 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. This one comes in multiple colors and three different sizes and has a carabiner to attach to your pack. 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. If the parking lot is full, park in the large parking lot at the end of Bear Lake Road. For much of the hike you are walking along the Continental Divide. Beyond the Emerald Lake overlook you will reach the summit of Flattop Mountain. Web Visit website. 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. After 3 pm, you dont need the pass. Ill send this to my buddies for review before our trip! Its about more than standing on the mountain top. 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. 3 Days in Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary: Day One. Longs Peak in Rocky Mountain National Park Colorado on a summer day (Image credit: Roschetzkylstockphoto) Distance: 14.8 miles Difficulty: Extremely difficult. Continue hiking past Alberta Falls and turn left at Mills Junction until you reach Mills Lake. This is a much longer hike, coming in at 10.7 miles. 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. It is home to abundant wildlife, stunning forests, and breathtaking views. TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY: For more information about the camera gear we carry, check out our Travel Photography Gear Guide. Bear Lake. . That book is pure gold. 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. 15 Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park We divided this guide into three sections: easy, moderate, and challenging. Heralded as Colorado's most popular park, Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) is a wealth of natural wonder, with alpine meadows, craggy mountain summits, lush forests, and babbling rivers. evolving backdrop of beautiful pine forests into the aspen groves, so be aware that due to its popularity it can get crowded. Maybe you should say Longs Peak ranger station, or Longs Peak trailhead instead. Thanks for sharing!!! Hang in there and take breaks when you need, because the views of Chiefs Head Peak illuminated in the distance are worth it. This is our favorite short, easy hike in the park. Best price and money back guarantee! Also, it can snow every month of the year in Rocky Mountain National Park. The vast majority of these people visited the park between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Finally, always wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, as ultraviolet light is very strong in the mountains. Your blog is always my go-to, the most thorough, thoughtful content! The lake is also a great setting for a picnic. Have you hiked this?. How to get there:The most direct route is to take Highway 36, from Estes Park, to Bear Lake Road. Park Access +: This permit gives you access to everything in Rocky Mountain National 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. However, if you only have the time for one hike, and the thought of a tough, 9-mile hike isnt a deal breaker, we recommend Sky Pond. If your visit to Rocky Mountain National Park is part of a bigger road trip through Colorado, here is more information for your trip. 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. In 2021, Rocky Mountain National Park was the 5th most visited national park in the United States, with 4.4 million visitors. This is an essential hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. This charming island is home. The fairly easy trail is beautiful in the summer, fall or winter. 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. 3. The Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge is a wonderful, short, easy hike to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. However, if the exposure really bothers you, then the waterfall might be the point where you turn around. You spend very little time below the tree line, so the views are incredible for most of the hike. Bear Lake. Many even consider it to be one of the best waterfalls in the park. This is a great stop to enjoy a short break by the waterfall, or avoid the crowds and push on. Travelers favorites include #1 Trail Ridge Road, #2 Beaver Meadows Visitor Center and more. 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. 7.4 miles (12 km). Black Lake looks similar to Chasm Lake, as both of these alpine lakes are surrounded by jagged mountain peaks. 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. Yes, it is on the long side and it can be challenging, but you get a great pay-off at the end, with the jaw-dropping view of Sky Pond. 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. For this one day itinerary, you will need a Park Access + permit (the timed-entry permit that includes Bear Lake Road). Award-winning Colorado Hiking Tours: Inn-based Snowshoe Tour! Top 10 Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. This hike has a little bit of everythingwaterfalls, alpine lakes, high mountain views, and fun river and stream crossings. Hiking is one of my favorite and all-the-time go-to activities during my trip abroad. As such, it's a favorite spot of outdoorsmen, basically turning it into their home away from home or an office. As you head down into the gorge towards Odessa Lake and Little Matterhorn can be seen directly ahead. The trailhead serves as a starting point for several different routes, including a short loop around the stunning Bear Lake. Suggested Hikes - Rocky Mountain National Park (U.S. National Park Service) Rocky Mountain National Park Colorado NPS.gov Park Home Plan Your Visit Things To Do Hiking Suggested Hikes Suggested Hikes Last updated: November 13, 2020 Was this page helpful? Ive always wanted to go hiking , Love the adventure just didnt have the friends or resourcefulness to survive out there. Thanks for all you do! Each of these hikes is a day hike, so they can all be completed in one day. How to Get There:From Estes Park, take Highway 36 to Bear Lake Road until you reach the trailhead and parking lot. You also have the option to purchase the Rocky Mountain National Park Annual Pass ($70) or the America the Beautiful Pass ($80 and valid for all of the national parks for one year). How to get there:Some of the Rocky Mountain National Parks best hikes are easily accessible by the parks shuttle system. On the way down, you can hand your backpack to a friend and then scoot your way down on your butt. For more tips for your first visit to RMNP, check out this blog post. There are sixty mountain peaks over 12,000 feet and many of these top out over 13,000 feet. The timed entry permit system covers ALL areas of the park, including outlying areas like Lily Lake, Longs Peak, Lumpy Ridge, and Wild Basin. A few great hikes start and end along this road. 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. 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. 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. Heres the thing: this hike starts just under 12,000 feet of elevation. At this elevation, its not enough to cause altitude sickness, but you will tire and get out of breath easily. For me, this was the most difficult but also my favorite hike that we did during our time in Rocky Mountain National Park. The Perfect Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary, 15 Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, 10 Best Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park, Complete Guide to the Twin Sisters Peak Trail, RMNP. Continue on until you reach Chasm Meadows with its flowing streams and beautiful green grass. This is an essential hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. No, we havent done that hikehavent even heard of it. 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. Lily Lake - The Lily Lake Loop is another easy hike that's suitable for the entire family. 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. There is no lodging inside Rocky Mountain National Park. Learn more about the shuttle here. Like Bear Lake, it is an easy hike to get here. The official website for RMNP has up-to-date news on trail conditions, so take a look before you head out. I have done several of them, and agree with everything you have written about them. 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. This is a great hike for newbie hikers who want to summit a mountain in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. 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 too long after youve past Nymph, youll find yourself at the midway point between there and Dream Lake. You can add on Lake Haiyaha for a total distance of 6.2 miles. 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. If this sounds like a hike you would like to do, it will take some planning and patience. Practice your rock bouldering skills at one of the many climbing sites. If you want to check them out for yourself, youre in luck because they both leave from the Glacier Gorge Trailhead. The next morning we plan on taking a hike on Bear Lake and would need the Park Access+. Here are the best section hikes on the John Muir Trail that require less than a week to complete. However, this property gets rave reviews. and most convenient. On the hike to Mt. Finally, Trail Ridge Road, the main road the cuts across the park, is open from Memorial Day to mid-October. Begin here, at Glacier Gorge, and hike for a quarter of a mile over Chaos Creek until you see the trail split. Guide to the Best Day Hikes in the US National Parks. Bear Lake is a well-marked trail and is one of the easiest 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. 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. Trip at a Glance: Day 1 - Start with a scenic road trip and then hike the Wild Basin trail (1-6 mile options), drive Trail Ridge Road, and end with a 2.5 hour hike to Moraine Lake with chances to see wildlife.Spend the night in Estes Park. The answer to this question depends on several factorsthe time of year you plan to visit Rocky Mountain National Park, if you are traveling with children, how much you like to hike, and if you are acclimated to the higher elevation. If you plan to visit the park during the summer months, you will also need to reserve your timed permit in advance. Find the best Rocky Mountain National Park trails for summer and fall hikes. For the ultimate hiking experience in Rocky Mountain National Park, Before you go, get updated trail conditions on the, If this is part of a bigger road trip through the USA, visit our, for more inspiration and travel planning tips. Bearfoot Theory is one of the leading hiking, camping, and van life blogs powered by an all-female team. If you plan to visit Rocky Mountain National Park in the summer, afternoon thunderstorms occur quite frequently. All hikes mentioned below are perfect for day hikes. 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. Its a flat, beautiful easy walk in the parkliterally. Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park 1. The most popular hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. To get to the peak, its an almost constant uphill walk through an evergreen forest. Through this post, I have come to know a lot more about these adventurous hiking trails in Rockey Mountain National Park. Gem Lake is a short but strenuous hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. . Meanwhile, Kara and I hiked Bear, Nymph, Dream, Emerald and Haiyaha Lakes. Along the way, there is a good chance that you will spot bighorn sheep and elk. When we did this, we saw lots of elk, some of them males with enormous antlers. Leave from Bear Lake. First, you will pass lovely Alberta Falls. Start your trip off right, with a hike from the Bear Lake trailhead at the end of Bear Lake Road. Learn everything you need to know about the John Muir Trail permit process for 2023. Maligne Canyon Ice Walk . Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. This hike is just under 10 miles and tops out at 10,880 feet. This is a great hike to do with kids. During this time, you get to enjoy panoramic views of Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. One of the best seasons for hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park is the spring. After youve past Nymph, youll find yourself at the end of the best Rocky Mountain National.! Maybe you should say Longs Peak ranger station, or Longs Peak Timber..., including a short loop around the stunning Bear Lake Road blog is always my go-to the. You have written about them process for 2023 Mountain top the main Road the cuts across the Park see the... An essential hike in Rocky Mountain National Park trail is 0.7 miles in length and can busy! 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