There are plenty of great hikes you can choose from that dont climb high into the mountains. Your email address will not be published. Odessa Lake to Lake Helene Thru Hike. Required fields are marked *. Emerald Lake hike (passing Bear Lake and Dream Lake) is about 3.5 miles in total and takes 2-3 hours depending on your hiking speed and the number of photo stops. The entire hike is less than a mile in length, making it great for all ages and ability levels. With numerous hotels and restaurants, and a great location near the heart of Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park is a great place to stay. Required fields are marked *. For much of the hike you are walking along the Continental Divide. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. Distance: 0.6 miles Difficulty: Easy Length of Time: 30 minutes Location: Alpine Visitor Center on Trail Ridge Road. 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). Get updates on trail closures and park conditions on the National Park Service website. 11. All great (especially sky pond). Chasm Lake sits at 11,760 feet and puts you right at the base of Longs Peak, RMNPs tallest mountain. The ever changing views and trail conditions really keep this hike interesting. Its an extra 0.8 miles to the shuttle stop on the dirt 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. This saves you time from driving into Estes Park to get lunch. Rocky Mountain National Park's 30 Best Hikes Explore an adventure playground full of 14ers, alpine lakes, and over 300 miles of trails. This takes you directly up a short scramble for about 100 feet. Best hike for lake views 9.2 miles, 5 hours, moderate This day hike is a ranger favorite and is known for its diverse scenery. Wildlife, waterfalls, lakes, big peaks, and more. 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. This is an essential hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. If this sounds like a hike you would like to do, it will take some planning and patience. If the parking lot is full, park in the large parking lot at the end of Bear Lake Road. Hiking is one of my favorite and all-the-time go-to activities during my trip abroad. For me, this was the most difficult but also my favorite hike that we did during our time in Rocky Mountain National Park. Ida, you really feel like you are walking on top of the world. Required fields are marked *. 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. And you can also visit the Alpine Visitor Center, the highest visitor center in the USA. Alberta Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls to visit in Rocky Mountain National Park. As you ascend higher, the trees disappear, as you enter the subalpine region. Keep in mind that you dont have to do the whole thing. Cheers, Julie, We want an entry ticket to the park on Monday Sept 26 between 4-6. You can have lunch here, depending on your timing. To see fall colors and the elk mating season, plan your visit from mid-September through mid-October. This has been corrected in the article . For the first part of the hike, you will share the trail with hikers on their way to Longs Peak. What should you not miss in Rocky Mountain National Park? 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. The timed entry permit system covers ALL areas of the park, including outlying areas like Lily Lake, Longs Peak, Lumpy Ridge, and Wild Basin. The Shuttle arrives at Fern Lake every 30 minutes. A short hike with plenty of scenery, the Emerald Lake trail is one of the most popular hikes in the park for good reason. 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. 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. For more information about where to stay and where to eat, read our Guide to Estes Park. . If you plan to visit the park during the summer months, you will also need to reserve your timed permit in advance. I will discuss these hikes in more detail below, or you can click over to our Best Hikes in RMNP post now to learn more (it will open in a new browser tab so you wont lose your spot here). 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. 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. 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 Rocky Mountain National Park in the summer, afternoon thunderstorms occur quite frequently. In the winter months, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing top the list. LEARN MORE: How to Hike the Twin Sister Peak Trail. Before our trip, I purchased The Essential Guide to Hiking Rocky Mountain National Park by Erik Stensland. Nymph and Dream Lakes are beautiful, so you will have a wonderful hike if you choose to turn around at Dream Lake. The weather is warm, the days are long, and this is the best time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park if you plan to go hiking. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. Before you go, get updated trail conditions on the National Park Service website. 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. 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: 9.5 miles Difficulty: Strenuous Length of Time: 4 to 6 hours Location: Glacier Gorge Trailhead on Bear Lake Road. It is 4.2 miles round trip. Read the reviews of your fellow travelers. How crowded does Rocky Mountain National Park get? This hike is 8.2 miles long and tops out at 11,800 feet. Nice hike list! 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. Its a very short hike (just over a half-mile round trip), but it will literally take your breath away. 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. 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. 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. The best path up the scramble is to follow the crushed and broken rocks, indicating a footpath worn in by previous hikers. There are three ways to hike to Fern Lake. The Inn on Fall River & Fall River Cabins. The trail gains 700 feet as it climbs to Emerald Lake, which sits at 10,110 feet above sea level. Granite spires, a clear blue basin, and a hard-earned break makes this scenic vista well worth the effort. 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. In the morning, this can be a beautiful place to watch the sunrise. TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY: For more information about the camera gear we carry, check out our Travel Photography Gear Guide. As you drive west on Trail Ridge Road, there are numerous overlooks. 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: 3.4 miles Difficulty: Moderate Length of Time: 2 to 3 hours Location: Lumpy Ridge Trailhead. Beyond the Emerald Lake overlook you will reach the summit of Flattop Mountain. Just be aware that this is also the busiest time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park. Bear Lake | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. The elevation here is about 11,600, so take your time and stop to catch your breath when you need a break. When is the best time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park? Web Visit website. Longs Peak in Rocky Mountain National Park Colorado on a summer day (Image credit: Roschetzkylstockphoto) Distance: 14.8 miles Difficulty: Extremely difficult. The amount of snow can vary year to year, so make sure you get updates on the National Park Service website before your visit. Since the trail isnt as well maintained here, allow yourself some extra time to get through this section. That means picking up any trash you see on the trail, practicing good trail etiquette, and being respectful to other hikers. Several great hikes start at the Bear Lake Trailhead. 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. 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. Crater Lake National Park, Oregon . Best price and money back guarantee! best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. Mt. PRO TRAVEL TIP: It can be 20 to 30 degrees cooler on the alpine tundra than in Estes Park or Grand Lake. LEARN MORE: How to Hike the Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge. Ida. The buses run from around 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. for Bear Lake and Moraine Park but run from 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. back in the day. Book excerpt: Best Hikes Rocky Mountain National Park features the best hiking throughout 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. Our favorites are Rainbow Curve Overlook, Forest Canyon Overlook, and Gore Range Overlook. Cheers, Julie. This is a great hike for newbie hikers who want to summit a mountain in Rocky Mountain National Park. LEARN MORE: How to Hike to Odessa Lake and Fern Lake. Looking back at the Alpine Visitor Center and Trail Ridge Road. There are lots of great restaurants to choose from. 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. Phone +1 970-586-1206. Keep hiking up to Black Lake, where youll encounter a meadow. The trail starts to climb higher, eventually taking you up rock steps then down to Emerald Lake. Our website uses cookies. https://bearfoottheory.com/tips-taking-friends-hiking-first-time/. The biggest feature of this hike is the wildlife, such as elks, marmots, or pikas, and the incredible gardens of the alpine tundra. Learn more about the shuttle here. On our most recent visit we stayed in The Residences at #402 and it was wonderful. 33 places sorted by traveler favorites Clear all filters 2022 1. Important! 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. Read our article about the 15 Best National Parks, where we narrow down the long list into 15 must-see parks. 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). The permit is in effect from 9 am to 2 pm. Although its tempting to stop here, there are even more spectacular views up ahead. Here is the list and our recommendations. Elevation: 49 feet / 15 meters. It is located just outside of Estes Park, on the south side, an excellent location for driving into the park. There is never a boring moment on this trail. If you only have one day in Rocky Mountain National Park, what should you do? You can also see all of our articles about Colorado in our Colorado Travel Guide. With one day in Rocky Mountain National Park, here are the best things to see and do: Rocky Mountain National Park is best seen from a hiking trail. Tim and Tyler hiked Odessa and Fern Lakes on our first day in the park and we came right from sea level (we live on the east coast of the USA). Bear Lake is a well-marked trail and is one of the easiest hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. From the Bear Lake Trailhead, follow signs to Alberta Falls. 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. 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