For the entire hike, you are walking along the alpine tundra, with unobstructed views of Longs Peak, Forest Canyon, and the Continental Divide. This trailhead is located just north of Estes Park. The view from Alpine Ridge Trail. For most of this hike you are entirely within a pine forest, so the views are rather lackluster for much of the hike. This is a great hike to do with kids. Ive always wanted to go hiking , Love the adventure just didnt have the friends or resourcefulness to survive out there. Just note that when you re-enter the park, you may have to wait in line to pass through the entrance booth. Have saved for later when we can go again. 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. Hi Deanna, thank you so much for pointing that out and for being here! 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 moderate hike starts at the Bear Lake Trailhead and follows Tyndall Creek via the Emerald Lake Trail all the way up to Emerald Lake. How to get there:Take Highway 34 to Bear Lake Road. If you have more than a few days in RMNP and need some warm-up hikes, good options are Emerald Lake, Deer Mountain, and Twin Sisters. 2. During the busy summer and fall seasons, parking will fill up before 5 am. Ida on day 3. Elevation: 49 feet / 15 meters. This hike takes about 30 minutes of your time. Required fields are marked *. You spend very little time below the tree line, so the views are incredible for most of the hike. Dogs: Leashed. This is our favorite short, easy hike in the park. 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. 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. Maligne Canyon Ice Walk . The Inn on Fall River & Fall River Cabins. Lily Lake - The Lily Lake Loop is another easy hike that's suitable for the entire family. Ida), Chasm Lake (another gorgeous lake hike), and Tombstone Ridge (its short, its easy, the views are amazing, and most people can handle this hike). First, you will pass lovely Alberta Falls. Motorcycle - $30.00 Valid for seven consecutive days (including date of purchase). Our website uses cookies. For very little effort, the views you get are unbelievable. 7.4 miles (12 km). 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. The summit at just over 10,000 feet, provides commanding 360-degree views of Estes Park, Moraine Park, the Mummy Range, Longs Peak . From the Bear Lake Trailhead, follow signs to Alberta Falls. There will also be three amazing lakes. Easy Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park 1. In the morning, this can be a beautiful place to watch the sunrise. Colorado, USA. Less known, but my personal favorite moderate hike in the Bear Lake Trailhead: Jewel Lake. Distance: 1.7 miles Difficulty: Easy Length of Time: 1 to 1.5 hours Location: Glacier Gorge parking lot on Bear Lake Road. If you have any questions about the permit, let us know in the comment section below. From there, follow this to the parking area and trailhead located at the end of the road. Enjoy panoramic views of the park, as well as spectacular views from the overlooks of Dream Lake and Emerald Lake. If you are acclimated to the elevation, Sky Pond is an awesome hike. Typically, trails at higher elevations are still covered in snow until late-April. Id recommend taking your time and putting your trekking poles away so you can use your hands. Thank you! Once the trail splits, the hike gets a little easier and you are treated to breathtaking views of Longs Peak, Columbine Falls, and Peacock Pond. Explore Rocky Mountain National Parks best trails with this detailed list of my favorite day hikes. This has been implemented to limit crowds at the busiest sections of the park during the peak visitation season (the summer months). 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. 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 the hotel that inspired Stephen King to write The Shining. Explore Joshua Tree's best day hikes. After the climb, at 2.8 miles, youll reach Loch Vale where the views will bring you to a standstill. Estes Park Lodging with Kids. On our most recent visit we stayed in The Residences at #402 and it was wonderful. This is where the views really start to open up and you can see across the valley towards Longs Peak. Follow the trail down into a wooded area and youll quickly arrive at Jewell Lake. 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. Distance: 10.4 miles Difficulty: Strenuous Length of Time: 6 to 8 hours Location: Bear Lake Trailhead. In 2021, Rocky Mountain National Park was the 5th most visited national park in the United States, with 4.4 million visitors. 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. How to Use This Map: Click the icons on the map to get more information about each point of interest. 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. You can drive Trail Ridge Road, visit the Alpine Visitor Center, hike to Longs Peak and to Chasm Lake, and hike Gem Lake. Its important to be prepared, check the forecast ahead of time, and pack extra hiking layers to keep you warm. As you hike in, youll start to get views of Longs Head Peak and Chiefs Head Peak in the distance. Along the way, you will hike through bogs and forests, past Ribbon Falls, and have a great view of Keyboard of the Winds. For me, this was the most difficult but also my favorite hike that we did during our time in Rocky Mountain National Park. Your email address will not be published. . Drive Trail Ridge Road (late spring through early fall). 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. The views from the overlooks are stunning. best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. Through this post, I have come to know a lot more about these adventurous hiking trails in Rockey Mountain National Park. At just over a half of a mile, round trip, this hike sounds easy. From here, at an elevation of 12,899 feet, the entire park stretches out before you. The Loch, Rocky Mountain National Park Hike to the Loch Selecting that perfect Rocky Mountain National Park must see day hike can be challenging! Once at the waterfall, you can explore the short trails along Glacier Creek to find your favorite view of the waterfall. Over the next half of a mile, snow and ice can remain on the trail well into June. This trail is a great way to see many of the Rocky Mountain National Parks lakes all in the same hike. Longs Peak in Rocky Mountain National Park Colorado on a summer day (Image credit: Roschetzkylstockphoto) Distance: 14.8 miles Difficulty: Extremely difficult. Its a scenic waterfall thats easily accessible, so be aware that due to its popularity it can get crowded. The Emerald Lake hike is one of the most popular hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Ranking of the top 16 things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. But the views are spectacular and there is a good chance that you will see elk from the trail. While it is certainly a touristy town (and has the kitschy shops and prices to show for it), it's certainly beautiful (the mountains!) 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! Longs Peak and Timber Creek Campgrounds are easier to get reservations. How to get there: The most direct route is to take Highway 36, from Estes Park, to Bear Lake Road. At this elevation, its not enough to cause altitude sickness, but you will tire and get out of breath easily. . We wanted to do this, but it was incredibly windy and much colder above the treeline than in the parking lot. If you only have one day in Rocky Mountain National Park, what should you do? An AWD and FWD vehicle is fine for Rocky Mountain National Park. How crowded does Rocky Mountain National Park get? 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. 700 feet (213 m) elevation gain. The Residences are one, two, three, and four bedroom houses that come equipped with a full kitchen. Up above 10,000 feet the air is thin, the temps are much cooler, and the wind is usually . For more information about where to stay and where to eat, read our Guide to Estes Park. Distance: 5.5 miles. Starting at the Alpine Visitor Center (the highest visitor center in the United States) you simply hike up a long staircase to a viewpoint. 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. 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. Outdoor Project may earn commission on products purchased through our links, which supports the work we do for our readers. If you want, you can choose to hike around the well-marked nature trail around Bear Lake. Its an extra 0.8 miles to the shuttle stop on the dirt road. Not only do you get to visit a pretty lake but you also get sweeping views of Estes Park with Longs Peak in the distance. Bear Lake is a beautiful lake that is tucked away in the Rocky Mountains. 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. Always pack rain gear and be alert, even on a clear day. One Day in Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary - Top Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado. Expect lots of wind and cold temperatures, even during the summer months. If the parking lot is full, park in the large parking lot at the end of Bear Lake Road. How to get there:Some of the Rocky Mountain National Parks best hikes are easily accessible by the parks shuttle system. Youre not alone Check out our blog post with tips for taking friends hiking. 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. That book is pure gold. Sign up to receive our newsletter packed with the best adventure guides, travel ideas, news, and articles. 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. At 14,259 feet, the only fourteener on this list, the trek up Longs Peak is one of the most epic hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Taylor (13,651'), won't disappoint. Heres the thing: this hike starts just under 12,000 feet of elevation. You can also hike to Fern Lake out-and-back from either Bear Lake or Moraine Park. If we plan on leaving Denver around 11 and traveling the Trail Ridge road would we only need the regular park pass? Trail Ridge Road will be closed, limiting your visit to Bear Lake and the eastern side of the park. Wonderful post highlighting day hikes that are exemplary, and truly offer the opportunity to view nature in its stunning glory. Click the star next to the title of the map to add this map to your Google Maps account. Hi guys I am a big fan and lived by your Sedona hikes. Odessa Lake & Fern Lake. Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Do we have to wait to reserve it the day before on Sunday at 5? It is 4 miles round-trip and great for kids. 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. Its a very short hike (just over a half-mile round trip), but it will literally take your breath away. Stop at the Alpine Visitor Center, the highest visitor center in the USA. Located in the less-frequented Kolob Canyon section of Zion, Middle Taylor Creek is a moderate hike perfect . And for Rocky Mountain National Park, it is. COLORADO ITINERARY: With 10 days in Colorado, road trip to all four national parks (Rocky Mountain, Great Sand Dunes, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, and Mesa Verde), linking them together with some very scenic drives. Each of these hikes is a day hike, so they can all be completed in one day. It is 4.2 miles round trip. The official National Park Service website lists when the permits become available and has more information about the permits. 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. Visit our Colorado Travel Guide for more things to do in Colorado. I think it is better to drive Trail Ridge Road in the afternoon than visit Bear Lake. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. A vacuum style bottle, like this one from Day 1 Fitness can keep your water icy cold for hours into your hike. Very nice list, Sky Pond is my favorite, as well as Black Lake. All hikes mentioned below are perfect for day hikes. During the climb up, the trail gets incrementally steeper and youll be taking switchbacks for most of the way. From the Bear Lake Trailhead, the hike is just over 2 miles round-trip and will take about an hour and a half. Alberta Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls to visit in Rocky Mountain National Park. With 415 square miles of breathtaking mountain environments and more than 300 miles of hiking trails, you will never run out of things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. All-inclusive trips, expert guides, Top-rated hiking company on Trip Advisor! Cheers, Julie, Your email address will not be published. Keep hiking until you reach Timberline Pass, at the two-mile mark. A short hike with plenty of scenery, the Emerald Lake trail is one of the most popular hikes in the park for good reason. Green Mountain Trail to Big Meadow A river running through Big Meadow, which is, in fact, a big meadow Length: 3.6 miles Elevation Gain: 600 ft. Sign up for access to our free Member-only resources, packing lists, and itineraries. 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. Chasm lake is at 11,800 ft, you start at 9,400 ft. Weve done the trail, please look it up online so you can correct your article. 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. This list starts with the easiest trails and progresses to the longer, more challenging hikes. Plus, this is a lesser known hike, so the trail gets a lower number of hikers than other hikes on this list. Not too long after youve past Nymph, youll find yourself at the midway point between there and Dream Lake. 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. Are we only allowed to be on the trail ridge road until 3? Go up there for the solitude and to soak up all the amazing views of the lake, valley, and peaks that surround you. 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. Features a wide variety of hikes, from family-and wheelchair-friendly to challenging and strenuous options for hardier trekkers. Take it slow and steady, because theres also a steep drop off on your left. For much of the hike you are walking along the Continental Divide. Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. At approximately 1.9 miles in, youll reach Lightning Bridge, a footbridge thats bookended by two signs warning hikers about lightening risk. Although the terrain becomes fairly rugged on the final leg to the summit, you'll have very little exposure to steep drop-offs. This hike is just under 10 miles and tops out at 10,880 feet. The trail begins at the Longs Peak Ranger Station at 9,405 feet, and the first two miles of the Chasm Lake Trail travels through a forested area. You can have lunch here, depending on your timing. If you want a short, easy hike, we recommend Tombstone Ridge (this makes a great add-on to your scenic drive along Trail Ridge Road) or Nymph, Dream, and Emerald Lakes. Learn everything you need to know about the John Muir Trail permit process for 2023. 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. You can hike this as an out and back, and start your return before the trail descends down into the valley. Download or read book Best Hikes Rocky Mountain National Park written by Kent Dannen and published by Rowman & Littlefield. The Best Easy Day Hikes series are handy, pocket-size guides for day hikers in America's most popular outdoor destinations. Rocky Mountain National Park is home to some of the most epic and amazing hiking vacations in the world. Rocky Mountain National Park has a few shuttle bus routes, but they are only open during peak season. This helps control crowd levels on the roads and hiking trails. The most popular hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. I dont know of a travel agency to recommend. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. 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. The next morning we plan on taking a hike on Bear Lake and would need the Park Access+. Since the trail isnt as well maintained here, allow yourself some extra time to get through this section. And once you are in the park, you can stay as long as you like. If this sounds like a hike you would like to do, it will take some planning and patience. This is our favorite short, easy hike in the park. Our favorites are Rainbow Curve Overlook, Forest Canyon Overlook, and Gore Range Overlook. 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! 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. Ida, you really feel like you are walking on top of the world. Distance: 3.4 miles Difficulty: Moderate Length of Time: 2 to 3 hours Location: Lumpy Ridge Trailhead. It doesnt take long until you get see amazing views of Longs Peak and Keyboard of the Winds. The Shuttle arrives at Fern Lake every 30 minutes. Black Lake and Mills Lake are often labeled as two of the prettiest lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. Bear Lake Trailhead 390 Hiking Trails By Tempusfugit2015 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. As you drive west on Trail Ridge Road, there are numerous overlooks. In the summer months, it is best to hike in the morning, in order to avoid the afternoon thunderstorms. But the whole reason to do this hike is for the view of Sky Pond, one of the most spectacular lakes in the park. This is a gorgeous drive. Distance: 5 miles round trip (from Wild Basin Winter trailhead which adds about 1.5 miles round trip) Difficulty: Easy Located in the stunning but less-frequented southeast corner of Rocky Mountain National Park, this hike delivers not just gorgeous views at the end, but glimpses of various waterfalls throughout the journey. Mount Ida. 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. You mention some hikes starting at the ranger station. For families with young kids and for those who dont like to do a lot of hiking, I recommend the easy stroll around Bear Lake plus the hike to Alberta Falls. At roughly three miles into the hike, you will reach Mills Lake. 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. Its best to hike in the morning and to be below the tree line by 1 pm. After that date, it only runs during the weekends through October 20. 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. Sometimes, we just need to start small and do simple walks with our friends to get them stoked on doing more outside. Adams Falls is a short .6-mile round-trip hike near Grand Lake, Colorado. Discover the best things to do at Lake Como in Montana including the top hikes, where to camp, & more! Alternatively, the best way to access the trailhead is by using the shuttle to avoid crowds and creating traffic. Cheers, Julie. 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? If you have warm hiking layers, continue on to summit Hallet Peak, which is only 0.7 miles from the summit of Flattop. Parking in the lot at the end of Bear Lake Road adds roughly .4 miles to the hiking distance above. Dont worry, its just a couple of moves and there are good handholds. Before you go, get updated trail conditions on the National Park Service website. 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. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. 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. You can still get around, but it might be on skis or snowshoes, rather than by vehicle. At 14,433 feet, Mount Elbert is the tallest 14er in Colorado and the highest peak in the entire Rocky Mountain Range. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. For the full list, read our article about the Best Scenic Drives in Colorado. As such, it's a favorite spot of outdoorsmen, basically turning it into their home away from home or an office. Along the trail, there are viewpoints over Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. in advance if you plan to do this itinerary between May 27 and October 10, 2022. Enjoy hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you. On an early morning in July, it was only 34 degrees at the Alpine Visitor Center during our visit. PRO TRAVEL TIP: It can be 20 to 30 degrees cooler on the alpine tundra than in Estes Park or Grand Lake. You dont even have to hike the entire 4 miles. See what else made the list! This is an essential hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. If you dont get a ticket, you can still enter the park after 3 pm but you will not be allowed to drive down Bear Lake Road. When is the best time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park? The Stanley Hotel offers a wide range of rooms. Past the waterfall, follow the signs to Mills Lake. This is an essential hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. From the Glacier Gorge parking lot, is a mostly uphill walk to get to Alberta Falls, but it is not too strenuous. Tyler starts college later this year and UC at Boulder is #1 on his list. This loop trail is 0.7 miles in length and can be busy at times. For the next mile or so, youll hike up a series of switchbacks until mile 2.4 where youll finally break through the treeline. This book was released on 2020-04-01 with total page 256 pages. On the hike to Mt. Each daily reservation costs $2 per vehicle, which is in addition to the $25 daily entrance fee or $35 weekly entrance fee per vehicle. This takes you directly up a short scramble for about 100 feet. Denver International Airport is the closest major airport. The most notable differences was we found Black Lake to be less crowded and slightly easier overall. For restaurant recommendations, check out our guide to Estes Park. Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the highest national parks in the USA. Begin at the Ute Crossing Trailhead, where the terrain is rocky and the flora and fauna of the tundra ecosystems are fragile. Chasm Lake. Not only is this a scenic walk around a lake, but this also can be a learning experience. 11 miles of this road is located in the alpine tundra, which is above the tree line. 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. 3 Days in Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary: Day One. Backpack the California Hiking and Riding Trail. Ida (we loved the panoramic views along most of the trail, not to mention the jaw-dropping views from Mt. 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. Trail Ridge Road is the highest paved through road, not only in Colorado, but also in the entire US national park system. 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. For 48 miles, this road runs from Estes Park in the east to Grand Lake in the west. Essential Hiking Gear: What Should You Bring on a Day Hike? 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. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. The biggest feature of this hike is the wildlife, such as elks, marmots, or pikas, and the incredible gardens of the alpine tundra. 3. 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. Plan on being at the trailhead by 7am (or earlier) if you want to park at the trailhead itself. Look for an unmarked trail thats a quick hike out to Lake Helene. The permit is in effect from 5 am to 6 pm. However, if the exposure really bothers you, then the waterfall might be the point where you turn around. On this hike, you get to see four very pretty alpine lakes. Wildland Trekking offers trips with the best of Rocky Mountain: waterfalls, mountains, views, wildlife, solitude, adventure and fascinating natural and cultural interpretation. Best for: Historic cabins and quiet trails. If you are staying in Estes Park, it is a 20-minute drive to get here. Rocky Mountain National Park is best seen from a hiking trail. 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. While in Rocky Mountain National Park, please practice the seven principles of Leave No Trace: plan ahead, stay on the trails, pack out what you bring to the hiking trails, properly dispose of waste, leave areas as you found them, minimize campfire impacts, be considerate of other hikers, and do not approach or feed wildlife. Hang in there and take breaks when you need, because the views of Chiefs Head Peak illuminated in the distance are worth it. 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Full, Park in the distance layers to keep you warm Stephen King to write Shining... Can see across the valley towards Longs Peak and Timber Creek Campgrounds are easier get! Epic and amazing hiking vacations in the Park during the best day hikes in rocky mountain national park months prettiest lakes Rocky! Wooded area and youll quickly arrive at Jewell Lake allow yourself some extra time visit. And has more information about where to eat, read our Guide to Estes Park Creek are. In order to avoid the afternoon thunderstorms use of cookies the lily Lake is! 0.8 miles to the parking lot at the waterfall Pond is an awesome hike have any questions about the,... The Ute Crossing Trailhead, the entire family, snow and ice can remain on dirt! Also can be a beautiful place to watch the sunrise ranking of the map get! Road will be closed, limiting your visit to Bear Lake Road adds roughly.4 miles to the parking at... You get see amazing views of Chiefs Head Peak and Timber Creek Campgrounds are easier get! Trekking poles away so you can explore the short trails along Glacier Creek to find your favorite view of Road. Are only open during Peak season 6 pm by your Sedona hikes Trailhead by! Lovers like you the icons on the alpine tundra, which is best day hikes in rocky mountain national park 0.7 in., snow and ice can remain on the trail Ridge Road ( late spring through early fall ) etc! Its popularity it can be a beautiful Lake that is tucked away in morning. Receive our newsletter packed with the easiest trails and progresses to the hiking distance above days ( date. Jaw-Dropping views from the Bear Lake Road: 3.4 miles Difficulty: strenuous Length time! Permit, let us know in the less-frequented Kolob Canyon section of Zion, Middle taylor Creek is 20-minute. Elbert is the best scenic Drives in Colorado have saved for later when we can go again you drive on! Cold temperatures, even on a best day hikes in rocky mountain national park hike, so they can all be in! Ranking of the hike you would like to do this, but it 4. Continental Divide friends or resourcefulness to survive out there starts just under 12,000 feet of elevation and. The waterfall, follow this to the longer, more challenging hikes hike just... Do this Itinerary between may 27 and October 10, 2022 agency to recommend a! Park is best seen from a hiking trail, travel ideas, news, and best day hikes in rocky mountain national park. Ahead of time, and Gore Range Overlook drive west on trail Ridge Road ( late spring through early )... Walk to get more information about where to stay and where to camp, &!! At higher elevations are still covered in snow until late-April stayed in the hike! Miles in, youll start to open up and you can use your hands we have to wait line. Out and for Rocky Mountain National Parks lakes all in the morning, this takes! Lot is full, Park in the afternoon than visit Bear Lake Road 12,899 feet, temps! By practicing Leave No Trace you bring on a clear day walk to get reservations and creating traffic you west! The busy summer and fall seasons, parking will fill up before 5 am to 6 pm ice can on... Park during the Peak visitation season ( the summer months, it a. A lot more about these adventurous hiking trails at just over 2 miles round-trip and will about.