Hike up through thick forest, listen to trickling waterfalls, then walk through high alpine meadows until you find yourself at the famous Walker and Griffith homesteads. As part of the Hermit Park There are also trails in RMNP that are less busy with the catch that most are less busy for a reason (not as scenic, more difficult, etc). 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. This makes it a challenging hike for beginners, but the views along the way and at the top are well worth the challenge! Black Lake looks similar to Chasm Lake, as both of these alpine lakes are surrounded by jagged mountain peaks. If you have hiked in the northern Colorado area before, youve probably been warned about frequent afternoon thunderstorms during the summer months. Bierstadt Lake offers amazing alpine lake views and abundant chances to see wildlife up close without venturing too far. Estes Park is packed with its own epic trails and peaks. Early May best route to Estes Park 4:14 pm. 9NEWS+ is where you can watch live breaking news, weather updates, and press conferences. Access both points of interest from the Glacier Gorge Trailhead off of Bear Lake Road in Rocky Mountain National Park, following the Loch Vale Trail to the Andrews Creek Trail. Cairns and survey tape can be found in spots by previous hikers to aid in finding the way. Rocky Mountain National Park has 355 miles of hiking trails. LEARN MORE: How to Hike to Nymph, Dream & Emerald Lakes (+ Add on Bear Lake and Lake Haiyaha). 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. Backpacking or dispersed camping along this trail will also require a Parks camping permit and reservation that can be obtained here. Reply Report inappropriate content 3 replies to this topic 1-3 of 3 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. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. The Twin Owls Loop gives you ad complete tour of this Northeast corner of Rocky Mountain National Park. The quick access to food and water from higher altitude canyons and mountains makes this an ideal spot for local wildlife to move through. Trails at higher elevations might still have ice or snow due to how early in the season it is. At the top, youll get to enjoy panoramic views of the park, including Mount Meeker, Longs Peak, the mountains along the Continental Divide, Estes Cone, and Twin Sisters Peak but not before a steep climb and rock scramble. Up and back, this trail involves 3.4 miles in all and boasts some of the most spectacular views of the Estes Valley along the way. On the Keyhole Route, the hike ends with some serious rock scrambling and lots of exposure. We live in Colorado Springs now and have visited the other 3 Colorado national parks very recently, but its time to get back to uncover more of Rocky Mountain NP! Bierstadt Lake is a family favorite! accessible hikes outside of Rocky Mountain National Park. Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park 1. To download 9NEWS+ on Fire TV search for 9NEWS. Note: Many hikes start at or near Bear Lake: Emerald Lake, Lake Haiyaha, Sky Pond, Black Lake, Fern Lake, Flattop Mountain, and Hallett Peak. The Fern lake Trailhead is located centrally in the park, near the west end of Moraine Park, inside Rocky Mountain National Park. Whether you are walking around a peaceful lake trail or climbing a 14er, this park has something for you! Spend several days in the park, hiking the other trails, to acclimate yourself to the higher elevation. 500 Big Thompson Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517 | 970-577-9900, Colorado State Special District Records Management, official Rocky Mountain National Park website. View from the Alpine Ridge Trail | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. soaring eagles. This trail was destroyed during the 2013 flood and was rebuilt in 2020. If you want to leave the crowds behind, Twin Sisters, Mt. Located just minutes from RMNP and downtown Estes Park, Valhalla Resort makes the perfect jumping-off point for all your hiking adventures, inside and outside the park. Live music, festivals andeventsdot theRiverwalkplazas throughout the year. While Lumpy Ridge is technically part of Rocky Mountain National Park, the trailhead lies just outside the Parks borders and is free to park and enter. If you must hike solo, make sure you tell someone where you are going and what time you'll return. Just about four miles round trip, the out-and-back trail is relatively flat, but includes a few steep stretches and a rock scramble at the end so you can still get a good workout. For scenic walks or hiking in the national park, please visit ourRocky Mountain National Parksection. Past the waterfall, follow the signs to Mills Lake. 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. You can find her on Instagram at @aka_dmoney. The hotels bar and restaurant are open to the public and I highly recommend at least having one cocktail in their historically preserved bar. While there is no actual summit, hikers will enjoy views of the RMNP. Mount Olympus. Sign up for the Weekend Wanderer to join thousands of readers getting epic travel, hiking, camping and gear ideas every week. LEARN MORE: How to Hike the Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge. Thanks for sharing!!! If you have been hiking in Glacier National Park, this hike looks very similar to the Grinnell Glacier hike. Rocky MountainNational Park Travel Guide. The Information Office is open year-round: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. daily in summer; 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Mondays - Fridays and 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Saturdays - Sundays in winter. 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 part of the hike is tough as you are hiking over very rugged terrain. Wildlife is abundant on this trail, especially the unique birds and raptors that call this section of the Rocky Mountains home. Ida, so you will really feel the altitude. What better way to take in all the spirit of Estes Park than to stroll through the enchanted village, taking in the high-peak views and deep breaths of pine-infused air? 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. These burgers are the instant fix to any long, hard day on the trail. This is a nice hike but honestly not one of our favorites. Discover old mine shafts and hike a 1/4 mile to the top of the continental divide. Its a flat, beautiful easy WebThere were some muddy and slippery points along the route near the Hall Ranch trail junction. With its short distance and manageable elevation gain, it is a great first hike in the park, as you acclimate to the higher elevation (if you havent already spent some time in the Rocky Mountains). distance fool you, the climb to the top of Mt. The classic hike for first-timers in Rocky Mountain National Park is a Bear Lake and Emerald Lake combo. 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. WebYou can get to the Fall River Entrance by driving 5-10 minutes on US 34 west from Estes Park. The peak sits at 12,889 feet, so youll definitely want to bring layers as conditions will be much windier and colder at the top. Hi guys I am a big fan and lived by your Sedona hikes. Hikers in the past have seen moose wading in the lake, so keep your eyes open! IPW includes the Brainard Lake Rec Area mentioned above. 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. Always turn around if the clouds indicate rain or lightning. Estes Valley and Twin Sisters at the summit of Lily Mountain. It is also recommended to bring a map and compass on this trail as backup. Daniell is a freelance writer based out of Fort Collins, Colorado. The trail ends at the summit of Hallett Peak. Looking back at the Alpine Visitor Center and Trail Ridge Road. Its nearby neighbors of Bear Lake, Emerald Lake, and Dream Lake get a lot more visitors, so if you are looking for a relatively uncrowded trail with the chance to visit multiple alpine lakes, this is a nice hike to consider. Recently Updated 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. A 20 Here are the best waterfalls near RMNP and Estes Park, CO, in no particular order: Alberta Falls Alberta Falls in Estes Park, CO. Photo: Bert Cash Alberta Falls is A beautiful stream and pleasant scenery accompany hikers on this popular west side walk. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley), DPS says it has plenty of mental health professionals after school board directive to add more, Wyoming won't give wolves to Colorado; CPW doesn't know where it will get them, Isolated storms Tuesday; 70s here to stay. For those with restriction of time, mobility or skills a simple trek around a lake or meadow will suffice quite nicely. During this time, you get to enjoy panoramic views of Rocky Mountain National Park. Whatever your plans, be sure to take a ride on the Estes Park Aerial Tramway up to the summit of Prospect Mountain for stunning views over the valley. The trail continues past Ouzel The lake and trail are surrounded by beautiful forests of aspen and pine. Cheers, Julie. Bierstadt Lake is the perfect spot to enjoy a picnic or afternoon snack before your hike back. Remember that hiking in Rocky consists mostly of people (or horses) only, so try the national forest for hiking with your canine companion. Dogs, unfortunately, are not allowed on trails. There is a trailhead named Miller Creek/Fork Trailhead that is where this trail begins; but currently, you cant park at this trailhead unless you have a resident pass. Once a beautiful spectacle with a wraparound porch and massive fireplace, the cabin was built by Albert Birch, former city editor of the Denver Post, but burned down on December 21, 1907. Im glad we could help! Have you hiked this?. Watching the falls' namesake - the ouzel, or dipper - plunge into the rushing stream water entertains hikers at this popular spot. Experienced hikers can continue up to Sky Pond! Our website uses cookies. hike to the top requires some scrambling before reaching a wide-open, rocky Enjoy colorful Rocky Mountain National Park So, if not Estes Park and hike RMNP, where else? 500 Big Thompson Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517 | 970-577-9900, Colorado State Special District Records Management. 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. Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Choose one that is right for you. She has had the privilege of working for Colorados most experienced climbing guide service as an Office & Marketing Manager and an Outdoor Climbing Guide. Along the way, youll also pass the historic MacGregor Ranch, views of Longs Peak, and Paul Bunyans Boot, a huge boot-shaped rock with a hole through it. Visitors are encouraged to avoid this entrance and use the Beaver Meadows entrance instead using U.S. 36. Begin your journey at Bear Lake and head toward Odessa Lake and Flattop Mountain. Hiking Length: 5.5 miles. Like Bear Lake, it is an easy hike to get here. This hike features sweeping fields of wildflowers in the spring. I have been in RMCP for four days now, and did skypond, emerald lake and Hiayaha, Ute to tombstone, and deer mountain. The views across the park are incredible. Speaking of the altitude, go slow and take it steady. Andrews Tarn & Andrews Glacier:This frigid, glacier-fed lake resides at over 11,000 feet. Keep your distance and do not feed the wildlife. Why you should go: Go back in time as you hike up through pristine alpine country to the remains of 8 homesteads that date back to 1889. Be sure to follow the cairns 6-7 nights in Estes park yesterday. WebThe national forest allows hiking with your leashed dog and can be accessed in a number of areas around Estes Park. 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. Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. Sky Pond is one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park for good reason. Visit our Colorado Travel Guide for more things to do in Colorado. Keep your eye out for signs and cairns that will mark the trail in places and keep trekking the view is worth it! This is a very pretty hike, but there are several other lake hikes that we would recommend first, before putting this hike on your list. One popular option near Estes is the Gem Lake Trail. best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. Along the trail, there are viewpoints over Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. Honorable mention: Deer Mountain Trail is a good hike for early in the season because it's relatively snow-free due to its southern exposure. This premium paved trail takes you on a grand exploration of the lake and a 365-degree visual tour of the Estes Valley landscape. as the trail can be hard to follow. It even has photos so you can see how scenic they are. Rocky Mountain National Park is best seen from a hiking trail. Enjoy panoramic views of the park, as well as spectacular views from the overlooks of Dream Lake and Emerald Lake. Estes Park Chasm Lake is one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. This will barely scratch the surface, but this is what I recommend if you are looking for hikes close to Estes that are accessible in the spring. The trailhead is located south of Estes Park, off of Highway 7. But easily passable with hiking poles. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. This is a great hike for almost all ages and ability levels. Climb through aspen Hikes Near Estes Park in Rocky Mountain 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. Fishing is also allowed in the lake and both the pier and trail are wheelchair accessible. More in the need of a classic cocktail? A short and challenging Guided hikes can offer even the experienced hiker or backpacker some lessons in navigation, endurance, and form - making you a better hiker for life. Moose are also very abundant in this area and are known to become aggressive when they feel threatened. Granite Falls Trail 6. From the Poudre Lake Trailhead at Milner Pass, this trail begins around Poudre Lake and continues up challenging terrain to provide some of the best views in the park. This gain brings you high into the Rockies and provides vast 360-degree views of Rocky Mountain National Park, Big Thompson Canyon, the Cache La Poudre Canyon, and the meadows below. Distance: 4 miles Difficulty: Easy to moderate Length of Time: 1.5 to 3 hours Location: Ute Trailhead on Trail Ridge Road, 7 miles east of the Alpine Visitor Center, Tombstone Ridge | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. 9NEWS+ has multiple live daily shows including 9NEWS Mornings, Next with Kyle Clark and 9NEWS+ Daily, an original streaming program. Suggested Hikes - Rocky Mountain National Park (U.S. These two peaks sit off by themselves to the east, offering outstanding vistas sweeping in all directions. The most popular trail there is Lake Isabelle. While there are plenty of trails to explore inside Rocky Mountain National Park, there are many outside the parks boundaries that are just as beautiful. This is a great hike for almost all ages and ability levels. But even the most fit, acclimated hikers can feel winded and out-of-breath on this short hike. before reaching the top, hikers will climb 1,000 feet in elevation, making this They allow you to hydrate, fuel up and enjoy the scenery. Located in Roosevelt National Forest, this is a popular and relatively short trail used for backpacking. WebLocated south of Estes Park in Rocky Mountain National Park, this trail is easy to access directly along Highway 7. The loop trail follows This is an essential hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. Ida. 15 Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park Earth If you prefer to keep your hikes short and sweet, read our guide to the Best Short Hikes in the National Parks. ESTES PARK, Colo. Did you know that Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) encompasses 415 square miles (265,807 acres)? Relevance Fortunately, there are hikes for all ages and ability levels. This list starts with the easiest trails and progresses to the longer, more challenging hikes. Angler Chris Atkins of Allendale, Mich., fly fishes on a pristine meandering stream inside Rocky Mountain National Park, near Estes Park, Colo., on Aug. 4, 2016. After traversing the wildflower and wildlife-filled landscape, youll reach Timberline Pass which is where most hikers end their Ute Trail trek. Sprague Lake:A second wheelchair accessible, looped trail to explore is the Sprague Lake Nature Trail. Homestead Meadows is now home to many moose and elk herds that just love roaming through this tucked away alpine wonder. The 10 Best Hiking Trails Near Estes Park, Colorado Please do your research on theofficial Rocky Mountain National Park websiteand take all precautions necessary for your safety. ESTES PARK: In our Guide to Estes Park, learn about where to stay, where to eat, and what to do. A 20 percent chance of showers after 3pm. offers rewarding views at the top. It gets even better once you reach the summit of Mt. bikers, and walkers. Why you should go: Experience the charm of Estes Park and take a stroll around its namesake. Parking in the lot at the end of Bear Lake Road adds roughly .4 miles to the hiking distance above. The hike follows a creek through Lion Gulch then ascends and brings you up to Homestead Meadows. However, if you want to hike a lower-traffic trail that is just a short drive from Estes Park, this is a nice one to consider. Where hikers tread, so do runners. This hike has a little bit of everythingwaterfalls, alpine lakes, high mountain views, and fun river and stream crossings. Hiking. Rocky Mountains Itinerary Moose especially love this lakeside spot to search for food. Starting at the Alpine Visitor Center (the highest visitor center in the United States) you simply hike up a long staircase to a viewpoint. Entry into Hermit Park will cost $6, but the views at the top are worth it! Once at the waterfall, you can explore the short trails along Glacier Creek to find your favorite view of the waterfall. Apr 12, 2023 Bustang Seasonal Services: Estes Park (RMNP) June 2023 Apr 08, 2023 Reservation Julian, Cracktop Mountain, Longs Peak, Julian Lake, Shadow Mountain Lake, Azure Lake, and Inkwell Lake and thats just the short list! Has Denver seen its last snow of the season? 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. Stay on US 34 as it becomes Trail Ridge Road to enjoy a spectacular tour of the parks incredible landscapes. Copeland Falls:Enjoy an easy hike with a great payoff! There are others as well. More popular among rock climbers than hikers, this trail is a lightly traveled local secret. It was easy going the rest of the way WebRide above the tundra line near the glaciers. Distance: 0.6 miles Difficulty: Easy Length of Time: 30 minutes Location: Alpine Visitor Center on Trail Ridge Road. So, if not Estes Park and hike RMNP, where else? The trail crosses this creek several times, so come prepared with waterproof hiking shoes or Chacos! It starts at 10,800 feet and tops out at 12,899 on Mt. Are Dogs Allowed in Rocky Mountain National Park in If you are staying in Estes Park, it is a 20-minute drive to get here. Our Favorite Stops on RMNP Trail Ridge Road, Top Places for Springtime Photography in Estes Park, Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth with these Estes Park Candy Shops. Hiking Trails near Rocky Mountain National Park - Hiking If you are not acclimated to the higher elevation, its normal to get out of breath very easily. Youll be glad you did. 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. WebEasy Rocky Mountain National Park Hikes: Rocky Mountain National Park Hikes with Kids Bear Lake Nature Trail Emerald Lake Trail Coyote Valley Nature Trail Alpine Ridge Trail Alberta Falls Trail Adams Falls Trail Other Easy RMNP Hiking Trails Hiking in RMNP with Older Kids Best Rocky Mountain National Park Viewpoints heads up a gully that leads to the summit. Views of Peacock Pond with the massive, rocky mountains that form the backdrop, waterfalls, and the chance to see wildlife, almost gave us a sense of dj vu, like we were back in Glacier National Park again.