For the final mile of this hike, you are treated to breathtaking views of Longs Peak, Columbine Falls, Peacock Pond, and finally Chasm Lake. 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. This is my favorite easy day hike in Rocky Mountain National Park and the one I often bring out-of-town friends on. 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. 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. Sometimes, we just need to start small and do simple walks with our friends to get them stoked on doing more outside. We promise not to annoy you, but if you wish, you may unsubscribe at any time. The Shuttle arrives at Fern Lake every 30 minutes. The trail ends at the summit of Hallett Peak. You dont even have to hike the entire 4 miles. 800-715-HIKE (4453) (9-4:30 Every Day) There are plenty of great hikes you can choose from that dont climb high into the mountains. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. Rocky MountainNational Park Travel Guide. This is where the views really start to open up and you can see across the valley towards Longs Peak. To help you plan your trip, we also have articles about the best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park and how to plan the perfect itinerary. How to Visit Black Canyon of the Gunnison. Its about protecting what sustains us. Make a left turn to follow the road all the way to the trailhead and parking lot. On this hike, you get to see four very pretty alpine lakes. 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. SCENIC DRIVES IN COLORADO: Pikes Peak, the Million Dollar Highway, and the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway is just a short list of the scenic drives you can do in Colorado. 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. So, I am confident I would agree with your information on the hikes I havent done! Less known, but my personal favorite moderate hike in the Bear Lake Trailhead: Jewel Lake. Beginning at the Glacier Gorge Trailhead, hike in and follow the same guidance as before, where after a quarter of a mile, youll stay left at the fork and head towards Alberta Falls. 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. Always pack rain gear and be alert, even on a clear day. From the Bear Lake Trailhead, the hike is just over 2 miles round-trip and will take about an hour and a half. Reservations are made online on the recreation.gov website. Best price and money back guarantee! Trail Type: Loop Difficulty: Moderate Trailhead Location There is even a three-bedroom house that can accommodate up to nine people. This is one of our favorite hikes in RMNP and we highly recommend it if you want unforgettable high alpine views. 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. These are some of the best hikes in the park. Its about nourishment and learning. For much of the hike you are walking along the Continental Divide. Look out for cairns here and head directly through the meadow up towards the spot where you can see a waterfall coming out of the rocks from Chasm Lake. However, if you are doing well on time or only plan to do a very short hike in the morning, going into Estes Park for lunch is not a bad idea. Explore Joshua Tree's best day hikes. Practice your rock bouldering skills at one of the many climbing sites. Alberta Falls. 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. If you are acclimated to the elevation, the hike to Chasm Lake is another one of our favorites in Rocky Mountain National Park. Your email address will not be published. Wildland Trekking offers trips with the best of Rocky Mountain: waterfalls, mountains, views, wildlife, solitude, adventure and fascinating natural and cultural interpretation. Cheers, Julie. If you love mountains, this is the place for you. It is 4.2 miles round trip. In this photo you can see the Alpine Visitor Center and Trail Ridge Road. We live in Colorado Springs now and have visited the other 3 Colorado national parks very recently, but its time to get back to uncover more of Rocky Mountain NP! Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. And for Rocky Mountain National Park, it is. If this sounds like a hike you would like to do, it will take some planning and patience. Phone +1 970-586-1206. Another view from Forest Canyon Overlook. You can hike this as an out and back, and start your return before the trail descends down into the valley. For the entire hike, you are walking along the alpine tundra, with unobstructed views of Longs Peak, Forest Canyon, and the Continental Divide. Sky Pond via Glacier Gorge is without a doubt one of the best Rocky Mountain National park hikes. Best for: Historic cabins and quiet trails. 27. And once you are in the park, you can stay as long as you like. Alberta Falls | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. evolving backdrop of beautiful pine forests into the aspen groves, so be aware that due to its popularity it can get crowded. 11 miles of this road is located in the alpine tundra, which is above the tree line. If you are acclimated to the elevation, Sky Pond is an awesome hike. Sky Pond. If you are coming from a lower elevation, I recommend skipping the hikes to the taller peaks and staying low. To get a parking space here, plan on arriving no later than 6:30 am, but even earlier is better. Meanwhile, Kara and I hiked Bear, Nymph, Dream, Emerald and Haiyaha Lakes. 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. 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. For most of this hike you are entirely within a pine forest, so the views are rather lackluster for much of the hike. There are hiking trails and the Fiddle Valley Cafe. Not only are the photos amazing, but the trail descriptions are spot on and the way the book is organized makes it very easy to find a hike thats right for you. Mt. Grab your trekking poles and take it slow. At approximately 1.9 miles in, youll reach Lightning Bridge, a footbridge thats bookended by two signs warning hikers about lightening risk. Estes Park is the bigger of the two gateway cities to Rocky Mountain National Park, and is also closer to the major sites and attractions in the park. Continue hiking past Alberta Falls and turn left at Mills Junction until you reach Mills Lake. This hike has a little bit of everythingwaterfalls, alpine lakes, high mountain views, and fun river and stream crossings. At mile three, theres an unmarked junction that veers off towards Lake Helene, which is worth the extra stop. I think it is better to drive Trail Ridge Road in the afternoon than visit Bear Lake. BEST NATIONAL PARKS IN THE USA:Looking for your next big adventure? 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. Bear Lake is a well-marked trail and is one of the easiest hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. What a fantastic list of RMNP hikes! If you have been hiking in Glacier National Park, this hike looks very similar to the Grinnell Glacier hike. Gem Lake | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Today I hiked CCY Chapin to Chiquita to Ypres and summited on Chiquita. 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. 2. Up above 10,000 feet the air is thin, the temps are much cooler, and the wind is usually . Adams Falls is a short .6-mile round-trip hike near Grand Lake, Colorado. The view from Alpine Ridge Trail. Whether you're getting ready to hike, bike, trail run, or explore other outdoor activities, AllTrails has 190 scenic trails in the Estes Park area. Distance: 9.5 miles Difficulty: Strenuous Length of Time: 4 to 6 hours Location: Glacier Gorge Trailhead on Bear Lake Road. Ida, you really feel like you are walking on top of the world. It is 4 miles round-trip and great for kids. This is a great hike for almost all ages and ability levels. Features a wide variety of hikes, from family-and wheelchair-friendly to challenging and strenuous options for hardier trekkers. Meeker and Longs Peak, the two highest peaks in Rocky Mountain National Park. Are we only allowed to be on the trail ridge road until 3? Many hikes top out over 9,000 feet, with some reaching up to 13,000 and 14,000 feet. Yup. How to get there:Highway 36 will take you directly into the 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. Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. If you have any questions about the permit, let us know in the comment section below. This hike starts from the same trailhead as Black Lake and splits off a couple miles in. 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! If you plan to visit Rocky Mountain National Park in the summer, afternoon thunderstorms occur quite frequently. Best Things to Do in Great Sand Dunes National Park. Due to the popularity of the trail, this is a great time to use the shuttle. 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. You can also see, More Information About the US National Parks. Best beginner hike in Rocky Mountain National Park: Emerald Lake. Watch your step and take it slow. Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *. To help you plan your trip, we also have articles about the best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park, the best hikes in the park, and how to plan the perfect itinerary. To see fall colors and the elk mating season, plan your visit from mid-September through mid-October. Learn how to combine them all together into one epic road trip in our 10 Day Colorado Itinerary. The elevation of the lowest sections of the park range from 5,600 to 9,500 feet. Maligne Canyon Ice Walk . This moderate hike starts at the Bear Lake Trailhead and follows Tyndall Creek via the Emerald Lake Trail all the way up to Emerald Lake. 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 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. Forest Canyon Overlook. If the parking lot is full, park in the large parking lot at the end of Bear Lake Road. Your best bet is to pack a picnic lunch. Take a 0.4-mile detour to Lake Haiyaha for an added bonus. The Best Easy Day Hikes series are handy, pocket-size guides for day hikers in America's most popular outdoor destinations. On day 2, you will need the Park Access + pass to visit Bear Lake. 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. Covers one motorcycle. Summer and fall are very busy, with the highest visitation from June through September. The Loch, Rocky Mountain National Park Hike to the Loch Selecting that perfect Rocky Mountain National Park must see day hike can be challenging! Let us know in the comment section below. Less than a mile in, youll arrive at Alberta Falls. Ida. Through this post, I have come to know a lot more about these adventurous hiking trails in Rockey Mountain National Park. With elevations ranging from 7,860 feet to 14,259 feet . This was one of our favorite hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park and we highly recommend it. On an early morning in July, it was only 34 degrees at the Alpine Visitor Center during our visit. The Residences are one, two, three, and four bedroom houses that come equipped with a full kitchen. 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. 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. Note: Several more hikes start at Bear Lake, but due to their long distance, massive elevation gains, and the amount of time it takes to do these hikes, I do not think that these are good options if you only have one day in Rocky Mountain National Park. Once you are finished at Bear Lake, hop back into your car. A vacuum style bottle, like this one from Day 1 Fitness can keep your water icy cold for hours into your hike. Happy hiking! This hike is just under 10 miles and tops out at 10,880 feet. The Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge is a wonderful, short, easy hike to do in Rocky Mountain National 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. This is the most popular hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. Ida: Hands down this is the best hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. Elevation Gain: 1,062' Max Elevation: 10,210' Winter Skill Level: Beginner Why it rocks. 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. The biggest feature of this hike is the wildlife, such as elks, marmots, or pikas, and the incredible gardens of the alpine tundra. 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. Leave from Bear Lake. 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. This trail is not paved (its a gravel trail for most of its length) but it is considered handicap accessible. Also, it can snow every month of the year in Rocky Mountain National Park. Enjoy panoramic views of the park, as well as spectacular views from the overlooks of Dream Lake and Emerald Lake. As you continue, the trail turns into a narrow boardwalk to carry you through the marshlands, and then into a forested area where there are remnants of downed trees from a devastating storm. 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. NATIONAL PARKS: In our Guide to the US National Parks, get the full list of national parks with important travel planning information, such as things to do in the parks and sample itineraries. Go up there for the solitude and to soak up all the amazing views of the lake, valley, and peaks that surround you. LEARN MORE: How to Hike to Nymph, Dream & Emerald Lakes (+ Add on Bear Lake and Lake Haiyaha). 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. Download or read book Best Hikes Rocky Mountain National Park written by Kent Dannen and published by Rowman & Littlefield. 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