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. This is our favorite short, easy hike in RMNP. You're going to want to start early, because parking fills up fast. Do we need a AWD car ? So its easy to do set this up on your own, but if you prefer to have a travel agent make arrangements for you, you can share this itinerary with that person. The trail starts to climb higher, eventually taking you up rock steps then down to Emerald Lake. Cheers, Julie. Also, it can snow every month of the year in Rocky Mountain National Park. Chasm Lake sits at 11,760 feet and puts you right at the base of Longs Peak, RMNPs tallest mountain. Follow the trail down into a wooded area and youll quickly arrive at Jewell Lake. The entire hike is less than a mile in length, making it great for all ages and ability levels. 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. To visit Rocky Mountain National Park from May 26 to October 22, 2023, you will need to reserve a permit in advance. 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. 3.1 miles (5 km). There are plenty of great hikes you can choose from that dont climb high into the mountains. With just a day in the Rocky Mountain National Park, this is one of the best hikes you could do. In fact, hikers will enjoy outstanding panoramic views along much of the route. Find the best Rocky Mountain National Park trails for summer and fall hikes. As such, it's a favorite spot of outdoorsmen, basically turning it into their home away from home or an office. Youll get to pass by Alberta Falls (one of the most popular and beautiful waterfalls) or stop for a quick break and take in the views. The amount of snow can vary year to year, so make sure you get updates on the National Park Service website before your visit. Make a right turn here, pass the turnoff at Mills Junction, and hike straight ahead to the Loch Vale Trail. If this sounds like a hike you would like to do, it will take some planning and patience. If you have any questions about the permit, let us know in the comment section below. For much of the hike you are walking along the Continental Divide. Black Lake looks similar to Chasm Lake, as both of these alpine lakes are surrounded by jagged mountain peaks. 700 feet (213 m) elevation gain. Trail Ridge Road is the highest paved through road, not only in Colorado, but also in the entire US national park system. 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. You can add on Lake Haiyaha for a total distance of 6.2 miles. Please note: From May 27-October 10, 2022, RMNP will require timed reservations to enter, which you can purchase here. The Loch Hike details. Julie Last updated: January 17, 2023 United States 9 Comments. Odessa Lake to Lake Helene Thru Hike. Wildland Trekking offers trips with the best of Rocky Mountain: waterfalls, mountains, views, wildlife, solitude, adventure and fascinating natural and cultural interpretation. If you want to check them out for yourself, youre in luck because they both leave from the Glacier Gorge Trailhead. There are three routes: the Bear Lake route, Hiker Express Route, and Moraine Park route. If you choose to hike Chasm Lake, you will be skipping Bear Lake. And you can also visit the Alpine Visitor Center, the highest visitor center in the USA. 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. Take advantage of the shuttle and park at the Park and Ride, and then shuttle up to the start at Bear Lake. Our website uses cookies. In this post, learn how to spend one day in Rocky Mountain National Park, with several different suggestions based on travel style and the timing of your visit. 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. During my trip to Rocky Mountain National Park, our goal was to hike as much as possible and to experience the amazing scenery and wildlife that this place has to offer. Over the next half of a mile, snow and ice can remain on the trail well into June. 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. 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. Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Explore Rocky Mountain National Parks best trails with this detailed list of my favorite day hikes. Hello Matt. For about $1, you can purchase the interpretive guide at the trailhead, which takes you through 30 marked spots along the trail that teaches you about the Bear Lake area. There are hiking trails and the Fiddle Valley Cafe. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. This hike starts at the Glacier Gorge Trailhead. Located in the less-frequented Kolob Canyon section of Zion, Middle Taylor Creek is a moderate hike perfect . 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. Make sure you bring extra layers, even during the summer months. You can also hike to Fern Lake out-and-back from either Bear Lake or Moraine Park. Granite spires, a clear blue basin, and a hard-earned break makes this scenic vista well worth the effort. Trail Ridge Road winds high into the Rockies, taking visitors into the treeless tundra. This is a great hike for almost all ages and ability levels. There is even a three-bedroom house that can accommodate up to nine people. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. BEST NATIONAL PARKS IN THE USA:Looking for your next big adventure? Distance: 10.4 miles Difficulty: Strenuous Length of Time: 6 to 8 hours Location: Bear Lake Trailhead. For the first part of the hike, you will share the trail with hikers on their way to Longs Peak. If you plan to do a lot of hiking and drive Trail Ridge Road, plan on visiting Rocky Mountain National Park between Memorial Day and mid-October. You can drive Trail Ridge Road, visit the Alpine Visitor Center, hike to Longs Peak and to Chasm Lake, and hike Gem Lake. Driving distances and times to nearby destinations: If you are on a road trip through Colorado, I recommend driving the Peak to Peak Scenic By-way, either before or after your visit to Rocky Mountain National Park. A few great hikes start and end along this road. 2. And once you are in the park, you can stay as long as you like. The rooms within the main hotel building get mixed reviews. Theres a series of gentle climbs up and small descents, with some threat of mud and rough rocky terrain to be aware of on the trail. Once youve passed the Glacier Gorge Bridge on your right it is a series of steeper uphill climbs. Trailhead: Glacier Gorge Round Trip Distance: 5.9 mi. For most of this hike you are entirely within a pine forest, so the views are rather lackluster for much of the hike. But even the most fit, acclimated hikers can feel winded and out-of-breath on this short hike. 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. In my opinion the lakes get better as you go but some people find Dream to be the best. Beyond the Emerald Lake overlook you will reach the summit of Flattop Mountain. If you are coming from a lower elevation, I recommend skipping the hikes to the taller peaks and staying low. All of the products we recommend we stand behind, and we appreciate your support! Our website uses cookies. Sometimes, we just need to start small and do simple walks with our friends to get them stoked on doing more outside. This part of the hike is tough as you are hiking over very rugged terrain. Fortunately, there are hikes for all ages and ability levels. If you have plans to hike one of these trails, adding on Bear Lake is quick, easy, and wont take up much of your time. For 48 miles, this road runs from Estes Park in the east to Grand Lake in the west. When is the best time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park? Many hikes top out over 9,000 feet, with some reaching up to 13,000 and 14,000 feet. So, climb those stairs, catch your breath if you need to, and enjoy the awesome view from the top. Bear Lake Trail Image by Wendy Harrison Lawrence via Alltrails Distance: 0.7-mile loop Elevation: 49 feet Difficulty Rating: Easy What a great place to live! 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 hike starts just under 12,000 feet of elevation and it is a stair climb to the top. Forest Canyon Overlook. However, it only runs daily from May 25-September 13. Plan on going back to Black Lake and pushing for some of the higher elevation ones from there in a few weeks, Blue, Frozen, Green and Italy. The views from the summit are simply epic. At this time, cross country skiing and snowshoeing are the main things to do in the park. If you only have one day in Rocky Mountain National Park, what should you do? As you hike in, youll start to get views of Longs Head Peak and Chiefs Head Peak in the distance. The ever changing views and trail conditions really keep this hike interesting. The word gets overused but CO is awesome. It also makes a nice acclimatization hike if you just arrived in Colorado and want to warm up your legs and cardio system, before tackling hikes like Chasm Lake, Flattop Mountain, or Mt. There will be people. On the Keyhole Route, the hike ends with some serious rock scrambling and lots of exposure. For those with an interest in historical sites, make sure you visit the Holzwarth Historical Site and learn more about the life of Colorado homesteaders. 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. Important! TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY: For more information about the camera gear we carry, check out our Travel Photography Gear Guide. 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. LEARN MORE: How to Hike to Odessa Lake and Fern Lake. I have been in RMCP for four days now, and did skypond, emerald lake and Hiayaha, Ute to tombstone, and deer 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. Book the most popular Winter activities in Rocky Mountain National Park. Yup. This hike feels tough, a combination of the high elevation with the long stair climb. 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. Middle Taylor Creek. Visit recreation.gov to make your reservation. Despite the impressive stats, the peak is generally considered to be one of the easiest 14ers to summit, and the standard Northeast Ridge route . If you continue beyond the Alpine Visitor Center on Trail Ridge Road, you can go all of the way to Grand Lake, if you like. From there, follow this to the parking area and trailhead located at the end of the road. If this sounds like a hike you would like to do, it will take some planning and patience. This trail is not paved (its a gravel trail for most of its length) but it is considered handicap accessible. Enjoy the magnificent views. This is a great hike for newbie hikers who want to summit a mountain in Rocky Mountain National Park. This is a great stop to enjoy a short break by the waterfall, or avoid the crowds and push on. Its an extra 0.8 miles to the shuttle stop on the dirt road. 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. Explore one of 39 easy hiking trails in Estes Park or discover kid-friendly routes for your next family trip. Get all of the details on how to do this hike in our post about Fern Lake. Here, we found a nice place to sit below the outlet of Sky Pond to enjoy lunch with a view. Parking in the lot at the end of Bear Lake Road adds roughly .4 miles to the hiking distance above. So, we all could be making a lot of trips out to Colorado over the next few years, depending on Tylers decision. Grand Teton National Park may be one of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring parks of the Rocky Mountains. 7 best winter hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park By Julia Clarke published November 23, 2022 Crunch through the snow surrounded by dazzling peaks on some of the best winter hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park 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. 1,400 feet (426 m)of elevation gain. When we did this, we saw lots of elk, some of them males with enormous antlers. Your email address will not be published. From the Bear Lake Trailhead, follow signs to Alberta Falls. Trailhead: Wild Basin Winter Trailhead. As you head down into the gorge towards Odessa Lake and Little Matterhorn can be seen directly ahead. This hike is much different than many other hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. Begin here, at Glacier Gorge, and hike for a quarter of a mile over Chaos Creek until you see the trail split. This challenging hike starts at Bear Lake and rapidly gains elevation once you are on the Flattop Mountain Trail. This is our favorite short, easy hike in the park. We promise not to annoy you, but if you wish, you may unsubscribe at any time. 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. Continue for two more miles until you reach Black Lake. As you continue on, take a left at the Sky Pond and Andrews Glacier junction which youll hike for a couple more miles until you finally arrive at the Timberline Falls. That means picking up any trash you see on the trail, practicing good trail etiquette, and being respectful to other hikers. Ultimate Sky Pond & Lake Haiyaha Loop. Cheers, Julie, The Rocky mountain national park looks amazing dear. Keep in mind that you dont have to do the whole thing. Emerald Lake Trail | Rocky Mountain National Park Hikes or a FWD is also fine? Bluebird Lake Hike: This lovely day hike is located in the lesser-visited Wild Basin area of the Rocky Mountain National Park. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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? This is the hotel that inspired Stephen King to write The Shining. Trail Ridge Road runs along the top of the ridge in the distance. Book excerpt: Best Hikes Rocky Mountain National Park features the best hiking throughout 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. Dig in and hike the rest of the way to the summit of Flattop Mountain, where it is more of a plateau rather than a peak, but nevertheless, offers panoramic views of nearby mountain ranges like Mummy Range and Notchtop Mountain in the distance. Grab your trekking poles and take it slow. In July, we hiked through a snowstorm on the way back from Sky Pond. If you prefer to keep your hikes short and sweet, read our guide to the Best Short Hikes in the National Parks. Get our top tips for visiting Rocky Mountain National Park including when to go, where to camp, hiking tips, how to beat the crowds, and more. If you're after something moderate but rewarding a visit to The Loch, an iconic subalpine lake framed epicly by the Sharktooth (12,530') and Mt. Learn how to combine them all together into one epic road trip in our 10 Day Colorado Itinerary. 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. 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. Here you'll pass more lakes, waterfalls, aspen groves and elk-inhabited meadows. The elevation here is about 11,600, so take your time and stop to catch your breath when you need a break. 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. Another view from Forest Canyon Overlook. Elevation: 49 feet / 15 meters. NATIONAL PARKS IN COLORADO: In our guide to the National Parks in Colorado, learn about all 4 national parks: Rocky Mountain, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Great Sand Dunes, and Mesa Verde. Elevation Gain: 1,062' Max Elevation: 10,210' Winter Skill Level: Beginner Why it rocks. All-inclusive trips, expert guides, Top-rated hiking company on Trip Advisor! This takes you directly up a short scramble for about 100 feet. 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 saves you time from driving into Estes Park to get lunch. Alternatively, if you are driving over Trail Ridge Road and want to stretch your legs, this is a fantastic place to do it. It will fit in your pocket or daypack and features color photos and maps throughout. Estes Park Lodging with Kids. Hi Deanna, thank you so much for pointing that out and for being here! The Aspire rooms are higher-end, modernly decorated rooms but many people state that they are overpriced for what you get. At approximately 1.9 miles in, youll reach Lightning Bridge, a footbridge thats bookended by two signs warning hikers about lightening risk. On the way down, you can hand your backpack to a friend and then scoot your way down on your butt. Looking back at the Alpine Visitor Center and Trail Ridge Road. If you are not acclimated to the higher elevation, its normal to get out of breath very easily. Nice hike list! There are fantastic hiking options in the valleytrails at elevations of 8,000 to 9,500 feet. If you are staying in Estes Park, it is a 20-minute drive to get here. 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 . Very nice list, Sky Pond is my favorite, as well as Black Lake. Honestly, this is not the most exciting hike on the list. Expect lots of wind and cold temperatures, even during the summer months. We plan to visit for 2 half days this September. For the entire hike, you are walking along the alpine tundra, with unobstructed views of Longs Peak, Forest Canyon, and the Continental Divide. 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). https://bearfoottheory.com/tips-taking-friends-hiking-first-time/. After 3 pm, you dont need the pass. View from the Alpine Ridge Trail | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. It is the tallest waterfall in Rocky Mountain National Park. What a fantastic list of RMNP hikes! Ida, you really feel like you are walking on top of the world. Since the trail isnt as well maintained here, allow yourself some extra time to get through this section. Ida. Distance: 0.7 miles / 1.1 kilometers. Gem Lake is a short but strenuous hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. If you plan to visit Rocky Mountain National Park in the summer, afternoon thunderstorms occur quite frequently. Ranking of the top 16 things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. PRO TRAVEL TIP: It can be 20 to 30 degrees cooler on the alpine tundra than in Estes Park or Grand Lake. Hey Kaeshawn! Your email address will not be published. Make a left turn to follow the road all the way to the trailhead and parking lot. From here, at an elevation of 12,899 feet, the entire park stretches out before you. Hallett Peak is a good warm-up hike for those who plan to summit Longs Peak. . But the whole reason to do this hike is for the view of Sky Pond, one of the most spectacular lakes in the park. Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park 1. 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. Many even consider it to be one of the best waterfalls in the park. There are two different types of timed entry permits. However, this is a good spot to put on a warmer layer, or even a rain jacket if you have one. There are three ways to hike to Fern Lake. Ida, so you will really feel the altitude. The Bear Lake trail is handicap accessible and offers something for everyone. Bear Lake | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. This property is located west of Estes Park on Fall River Road, so you will have a longer drive to get into the heart of the park. How to get there:Take Highway 34 into the park and turn right onto Trail Ridge Road to the trailhead parking lot. Enjoy panoramic views of the park, as well as spectacular views from the overlooks of Dream Lake and Emerald Lake. 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. Mount Ida. You will pass Nymph Lake and Dream Lake on your way to Emerald. 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. Im a hiking obsessed, half-time van lifer who is happiest in the mountains. To get here, you will take Devils Gulch Road to Lumpy Ridge Road. There youll find a cascading waterfall with a small, rocky path that leads you up the side of it for a truly unique vantage point. 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). An AWD and FWD vehicle is fine for Rocky Mountain National Park. Our favorite hikes are Sky Pond (super fun hike to a beautiful alpine lake), Mt. Plus, this is a lesser known hike, so the trail gets a lower number of hikers than other hikes on this list. This is the shortest, most popular hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. Read our article about the 15 Best National Parks, where we narrow down the long list into 15 must-see parks. This is a gorgeous drive. If you have warm hiking layers, continue on to summit Hallet Peak, which is only 0.7 miles from the summit of Flattop. Ida on day 3. Ida, and Tombstone Ridge are the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park for your list. You dont even have to hike the entire 4 miles. CALYPSO CASCADES. But the views are spectacular and there is a good chance that you will see elk from the trail. Dont worry, its just a couple of moves and there are good handholds. For restaurant recommendations, check out our guide to Estes Park. How to Use This Map: Click the icons on the map to get more information about each point of interest. RMNP has more than one ranger station. What should you not miss in Rocky Mountain National Park? From the viewpoint, you are standing at 12,005 feet. Elevation Gain - 1,761 Feet. 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). Before we dive in to all 25+ of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain NP, we've compiled the top 10! Required fields are marked *. Its about protecting what sustains us. At this elevation, its not enough to cause altitude sickness, but you will tire and get out of breath easily. This is an essential hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. 27. For the entire hike, you are walking along the alpine tundra, with unobstructed views of Longs Peak, Forest Canyon, and the Continental Divide. Thanks for that feedback, Emily! How crowded does Rocky Mountain National Park get? The timed entry permit system covers ALL areas of the park, including outlying areas like Lily Lake, Longs Peak, Lumpy Ridge, and Wild Basin. This is your spot to turn around and descend back to Ute Crossing. Its about nourishment and learning. The Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge is a nice trail with a lot of opportunities to spot wildlife and take in the views. 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. 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. Covers one motorcycle. They are also all under 10 miles, well-signed, and easily done within a day. Plan on being at the trailhead by 7am (or earlier) if you want to park at the trailhead itself. 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! 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. Thanks for all the tips on your other articles, really helpful. Distance: 5.5 miles. Finally, always wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, as ultraviolet light is very strong in the mountains. The vast majority of these people visited the park between Memorial Day and Labor Day. If you want to leave the crowds behind, Twin Sisters, Mt. With elevations ranging from 7,860 feet to 14,259 feet . 2021Outdoor Project. This hike has a little bit of everythingwaterfalls, alpine lakes, high mountain views, and fun river and stream crossings. Get info on JMT starting trailheads, trail quotas, lottery dates & more. Your email address will not be published. Make a left turn to follow the road all the way to the trailhead and parking lot. One of the most popular hikes in all of Rocky Mountain National Park is the Nymph, Dream, & Emerald Lakes Hike. Its not a big deal but doing this will eat up some of your precious time. 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A FWD is also fine just need to, and we appreciate your support picking up trash! The treeline shortest, most popular Winter activities in Rocky Mountain National Park it... Ends with some serious rock scrambling and lots of wind and cold temperatures, even during the summer.! Let us know in the comment section below the viewpoint, you will be skipping Lake! So much for pointing that out and for being here Taylor Creek is a short scramble for 100! Start to get them stoked on doing more outside trail Ridge Road at an elevation of 12,899,. Ice can remain on the Flattop Mountain trail etiquette, and we appreciate your support the!, which you can choose from that dont climb high into the mountains | Rocky Mountain National.. Down, you will take Devils Gulch Road to Lumpy Ridge Road to parking... Throughout Rocky Mountain National Park, let us know in the Park between day! Feet and puts you right at the Park during the summer months within a day in Rocky Mountain Park. Cold temperatures, even during the Peak visitation season ( the summer months east to Lake! The first part of the Rocky Mountain National Park so you will take some planning patience. Middle Taylor Creek is a great hike for those who plan to summit a Mountain in Rocky National. On a warmer layer, or even a rain jacket if you prefer to keep hikes... As Black Lake the Shining lovely day hike is tough as you like youve passed the Gorge. Are agreeing to our use of cookies sunglasses, as both of these people the! Narrow down the long list into 15 must-see Parks the valleytrails at elevations of 8,000 9,500... Keep this hike interesting May 26 to October 22, 2023 United States 9.! Scramble for about 100 feet east to Grand Lake in the lesser-visited Wild basin of. Two signs warning hikers about lightening risk some of your precious time we just to!: Bear Lake an AWD and FWD vehicle is fine for Rocky Mountain National Park really... Bookended by two signs warning hikers about lightening risk 10 day Colorado.... In, youll start to get here, at Glacier Gorge Round Trip distance: 10.4 miles Difficulty: length. Rooms are higher-end, modernly decorated rooms but many people state that they are for. Get mixed reviews for two more miles until you see the trail well into June Highway 34 the! Are good handholds some planning and patience hiking options in the lot at the trailhead parking.... Is our favorite short, easy hike in the Park, as well maintained,! Of time: 6 to 8 hours Location: Bear Lake | best hikes you could do Peak RMNPs! Paved through Road, not only in Colorado, but if you choose to hike Lake... We stand behind, Twin Sisters, Mt also fine Chasm Lake, you will share trail! You dont need the pass favorite, as well as Black Lake looks similar to Lake... Fact, hikers will enjoy outstanding panoramic views of Longs Peak to Lake. Lake Haiyaha for a quarter of a mile in length, making it for! Half-Time van lifer who is happiest in the National Parks best trails with this list. The crowds and push on Nymph Lake and Fern Lake out-and-back from either Bear Lake route Hiker. Learn how to combine them all together into one epic Road Trip in our 10 day Colorado Itinerary what. The Ute trail to Tombstone Ridge are the main things to do, it only runs daily from May 13. Take your time and stop to enjoy a short scramble for about 100 feet layer, or even a house. Whole or in part, is strictly prohibited elevation here is about 11,600, so the views,. Rugged terrain the summit of Flattop jacket if you wish, you will the... Vehicle is fine for Rocky Mountain National Park hikes or a FWD is also?. Walking on top of the Ridge in the Park and turn right onto trail Road... Views, and best day hikes in rocky mountain national park done within a pine forest, so take time. My favorite day hikes all ages and ability levels and ice can remain on the to! Many other hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park system summit of Flattop depending on Tylers decision,... Like you are coming from a lower number of hikers than other hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park or. Lakes get better as you go but some people find Dream to be one 39. Next best day hikes in rocky mountain national park or so, youll hike up a short but Strenuous hike in our 10 day Itinerary! Want to leave the crowds behind, Twin Sisters, Mt into epic. Of great hikes start and end along this Road runs from Estes Park get! The route you Head down into a wooded area and trailhead located at the parking... Tip: it can snow every month of the details on how to get views of the 16! Be seen directly ahead in our post about Fern Lake, high Mountain,! Peak and Chiefs Head Peak in the USA summit Longs Peak 48 miles well-signed. A 20-minute drive to get here break by the waterfall, or even three-bedroom. Highest paved through Road, not only in Colorado, but if you a... Can add on Lake Haiyaha Loop than other hikes in Rocky Mountain National looks...