You can hike this as an out and back, and start your return before the trail descends down into the valley. Plus, this is a lesser known hike, so the trail gets a lower number of hikers than other hikes on this list. Rocky Mountain National Park is bursting with an abundance of natural beautyincluding six glaciers, some of the highest mountains in the continental U.S., and, on either side of the Continental Divide, over 100 pristine mountain lakes, forested valleys, and the kind of majestic high . But once at the top, the view is very nice. You can add on Lake Haiyaha for a total distance of 6.2 miles. In fact, hikers will enjoy outstanding panoramic views along much of the route. Here, we found a nice place to sit below the outlet of Sky Pond to enjoy lunch with a view. This challenging trail is a fantastic way to get panoramic park views without attempting something quite as hard as Longs Peak. The Aspire rooms are higher-end, modernly decorated rooms but many people state that they are overpriced for what you get. Beginning at the Ranger Station, head onto the Bear Lake Trailhead and stay to the right, when at a half a mile, the trail turns off into a boulder field and passes through the aspen groves up to the Bierstadt Moraine. Its about more than standing on the mountain top. This hike is just under 10 miles and tops out at 10,880 feet. Heralded as Colorado's most popular park, Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) is a wealth of natural wonder, with alpine meadows, craggy mountain summits, lush forests, and babbling rivers. Ida, and Tombstone Ridge are the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park for your list. Rocky Mountain National Park has a few shuttle bus routes, but they are only open during peak season. However, this is a good spot to put on a warmer layer, or even a rain jacket if you have one. Located in the less-frequented Kolob Canyon section of Zion, Middle Taylor Creek is a moderate hike perfect . Continue hiking past Alberta Falls and turn left at Mills Junction until you reach Mills Lake. Distance: 1.7 miles Difficulty: Easy Length of Time: 1 to 1.5 hours Location: Glacier Gorge parking lot on Bear Lake Road. Discover the best things to do at Lake Como in Montana including the top hikes, where to camp, & more! The Stanley Hotel offers a wide range of rooms. Begin at Deer Ridge Trailhead, 3 miles west of the Beaver Meadows entrance, to follow the North Deer Mountain Trail. For me, this was the most difficult but also my favorite hike that we did during our time in Rocky Mountain National Park. The Perfect Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary, 15 Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, 10 Best Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park, Complete Guide to the Twin Sisters Peak Trail, RMNP. The hike to Deer Mountain is one of the more popular fall hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. But if you wanted to do this one day itinerary, you would have to book a hotel in Estes ParK (ideally for 2 nights) and book your Rocky Mountain National Park timed entry ticket online. PRO TRAVEL TIP: It can be 20 to 30 degrees cooler on the alpine tundra than in Estes Park or Grand Lake. Take it slow and steady, because theres also a steep drop off on your left. This is a great hike to do with kids. Bearfoot Theory is one of the leading hiking, camping, and van life blogs powered by an all-female team. Do we need a AWD car ? Each guide describes approximately 20-30 easy-to-follow, scenic trails in and around national parks, cities and urban areas, and popular outdoor destinations across America. Travelers favorites include #1 Trail Ridge Road, #2 Beaver Meadows Visitor Center and more. How to Use This Map: Click the icons on the map to get more information about each point of interest. It reaches its highest point at 12,183 feet and crosses the Continental Divide at Milner Pass. If you have any questions about the permit, let us know in the comment section below. Please advise, You can try to reserve it now. The biggest feature of this hike is the wildlife, such as elks, marmots, or pikas, and the incredible gardens of the alpine tundra. Learn everything you need to know about the John Muir Trail permit process for 2023. If this is your first day at RMNP, and one of your first days in Colorado, be prepared to take a few breaks. Rocky Mountain National Park is a massive and spectacularly beautiful area spanning 400 square miles. If you are looking for a short, family-friendly hike, and dont mind a bit of a stair climb at times, this is a good hike to add to your to-do list. Summer and fall are very busy, with the highest visitation from June through September. Park Access +: This permit gives you access to everything in Rocky Mountain National Park. A vacuum style bottle, like this one from Day 1 Fitness can keep your water icy cold for hours into your hike. Required fields are marked *. This has been implemented to limit crowds at the busiest sections of the park during the peak visitation season (the summer months). Like Bear Lake, it is an easy hike to get here. For most of this hike you are entirely within a pine forest, so the views are rather lackluster for much of the hike. If you want a quiet lunch spot, keep hiking around the lake to escape the crowds. 3.1 miles (5 km). Best For: Bragging rights. Alberta Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls to visit in Rocky Mountain National Park. Denver International Airport is the closest major airport. This historic hotel is one of the top places to stay in Estes Park. Rocky Mountain National Park is best seen from a hiking trail. 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. From what we noticed, most of the people on this trail were either locals (this is a popular trail running route) or those who had already checked off a bunch of hikes in RMNP. Thanks for sharing!!! The Inn on Fall River & Fall River Cabins. If you want to check them out for yourself, youre in luck because they both leave from the Glacier Gorge Trailhead. One Day in Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary - Top Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado. Once at the waterfall, you can explore the short trails along Glacier Creek to find your favorite view of the waterfall. Its both scenic and strenuous, and thats what makes it one of Rocky Mountain National Parks best hikes. Cheers, Julie, We want an entry ticket to the park on Monday Sept 26 between 4-6. evolving backdrop of beautiful pine forests into the aspen groves, so be aware that due to its popularity it can get crowded. MORE 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. I love how you outlined which hikes to do, based on what you are looking for. Best Rocky Mountain National Park Hikes: Easy Tundra Hikes. The Residences are one, two, three, and four bedroom houses that come equipped with a full kitchen. On the way down, you can hand your backpack to a friend and then scoot your way down on your butt. Ultimate Sky Pond & Lake Haiyaha Loop. 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. View from the Alpine Ridge Trail | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park is home to some of the most epic and amazing hiking vacations in the world. If you want, you can choose to hike around the well-marked nature trail around Bear Lake. 27. You can stay in a cozy cabin with a river view or a well-decorated suite. After that date, it only runs during the weekends through October 20. Trailhead: Wild Basin Winter Trailhead. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Our website uses cookies. Chasm Lake sits at 11,760 feet and puts you right at the base of Longs Peak, RMNPs tallest mountain. Visit our Colorado Travel Guide for more things to do in Colorado. Park Fee: $25 per vehicle, valid for 1 day or $35 per vehicle, valid for 7 days. The Loch, Rocky Mountain National Park Hike to the Loch Selecting that perfect Rocky Mountain National Park must see day hike can be challenging! If this sounds like a hike you would like to do, it will take some planning and patience. As you drive west on Trail Ridge Road, there are numerous overlooks. 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). There are two different types of timed entry permits. As you ascend higher, the trees disappear, as you enter the subalpine region. We frequently see them near the Tundra Communities trailhead. Your best bet is to pack a picnic lunch. For more information about where to stay and where to eat, read our Guide to Estes Park. At this time, cross country skiing and snowshoeing are the main things to do in the park. Snow can linger on the trails as late as July, especially for the trails at higher elevations. From the summit of Deer Mountain, enjoy views over Moraine Valley and out to Longs Peak and the surrounding mountains. Read our article about the 15 Best National Parks, where we narrow down the long list into 15 must-see parks. From the Glacier Gorge parking lot, is a mostly uphill walk to get to Alberta Falls, but it is not too strenuous. The permit is in effect from 5 am to 6 pm. From here, at 1.7 miles, you will arrive at Dream Lake Overlook and can also see down into the turquoise waters of Dream Lake from above. Lake Haiyaha, Rocky Mountain National Park Rocky Mountain National Park boasts a wide variety of attractions and wildlife in its different ecological zones, like mountains, alpine lakes, forests, and tundra. 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. At mile three, theres an unmarked junction that veers off towards Lake Helene, which is worth the extra stop. All of the products we recommend we stand behind, and we appreciate your support! 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. Middle Taylor Creek. Trail Type: Loop Difficulty: Moderate Trailhead Location if you want a quieter hike, this is one to consider. Best Easy Day Hikes Rocky Mountain National Park (Best Easy Day Hikes Series) Kent Dannen 105 Paperback 30 offers from $9.05 Rocky Mountain National Park (National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map) Trails Illustrated Maps 629 Map 15 offers from $11.16 Rocky Mountain National Park: The Complete Guide: (Color Travel Guide) James Kaiser 30 Paperback We appreciate it and made that update so its more clear. One way to check off some of the best hikes in RMNP is by linking them on a multi-day backpacking trip. A short footpath will take you all the way around we even spotted a bull moose here.Continue on to Odessa Lake, but watch your step. 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. Rocky Mountain National Park's 30 Best Hikes Explore an adventure playground full of 14ers, alpine lakes, and over 300 miles of trails. You can still get around, but it might be on skis or snowshoes, rather than by vehicle. 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. 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. With elevations ranging from 7,860 feet to 14,259 feet . Bear Lake Trailhead 390 Hiking Trails By Tempusfugit2015 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. 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. Enjoy hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you. Cheers, Julie. This is a wonderful hike to add onto your drive along Trail Ridge Road, and from the trailhead, it is just a 15-minute drive to the Alpine Visitor Center. 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! How to get there:Take Highway 34 into the park and turn right onto Trail Ridge Road to the trailhead parking lot. Its a scenic waterfall thats easily accessible, so be aware that due to its popularity it can get crowded. Happy hiking! Ive always wanted to go hiking , Love the adventure just didnt have the friends or resourcefulness to survive out there. Your email address will not be published. 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. Begin at the Ute Crossing Trailhead, where the terrain is rocky and the flora and fauna of the tundra ecosystems are fragile. That means picking up any trash you see on the trail, practicing good trail etiquette, and being respectful to other hikers. 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. 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. 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. Continue on until you reach Chasm Meadows with its flowing streams and beautiful green grass. 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. Start your trip off right, with a hike from the Bear Lake trailhead at the end of Bear Lake Road. Snow can linger on the trails as late as July, especially for the trails at higher elevations. best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. We are afraid we wont get one of those 195 tickets. Here is the list and our recommendations. If you love mountains, this is the place for you. 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. Each daily reservation costs $2 per vehicle, which is in addition to the $25 daily entrance fee or $35 weekly entrance fee per vehicle. If you are coming from sea level, you will feel the effects of the altitude as soon as you do anything strenuous. Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. This road connects Central City with Estes Park, running alongside the eastern edge of Rocky Mountain National Park. Moraine Park is another popular area that sees quite a bit of traffic too. You can arrive mid-morning, hike one of the trails that start at Bear Lake, and then spend the afternoon and evening at Estes Park. 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. The elevation of the lowest sections of the park range from 5,600 to 9,500 feet. 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. The entire hike is less than a mile in length, making it great for all ages and ability levels. You can also hike to Fern Lake out-and-back from either Bear Lake or Moraine Park. Explore Rocky Mountain National Parks best trails with this detailed list of my favorite day hikes. 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. Read more: 14 Best Hikes in Jasper National Park - Alberta Canada. Leave from Bear Lake. But the whole reason to do this hike is for the view of Sky Pond, one of the most spectacular lakes in the park. The most notable differences was we found Black Lake to be less crowded and slightly easier overall. Get all of the details on how to do this hike in our post about Fern Lake. 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