Best for: Historic cabins and quiet trails. So, we all could be making a lot of trips out to Colorado over the next few years, depending on Tylers decision. if you want a quieter hike, this is one to consider. While it is certainly a touristy town (and has the kitschy shops and prices to show for it), it's certainly beautiful (the mountains!) Bear Lake is a well-marked trail and is one of the easiest hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Backpack the California Hiking and Riding Trail. 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. This is a great hike for newbie hikers who want to summit a mountain in Rocky Mountain National Park. What a great place to live! First, you will pass lovely Alberta Falls. Not only is this a scenic walk around a lake, but this also can be a learning experience. During the climb up, the trail gets incrementally steeper and youll be taking switchbacks for most of the way. and most convenient. For the ultimate hiking experience in Rocky Mountain National Park, Before you go, get updated trail conditions on the, If this is part of a bigger road trip through the USA, visit our, for more inspiration and travel planning tips. Follow the trail down into a wooded area and youll quickly arrive at Jewell Lake. If you only have one day in Rocky Mountain National Park, what should you do? Cheers, Julie. Drive Trail Ridge Road (late spring through early fall). The Residences are one, two, three, and four bedroom houses that come equipped with a full kitchen. You spend very little time below the tree line, so the views are incredible for most of the hike. You also have the option to add on a fifth lake, Lake Haiyaha, making this hike a total of 6.2 miles. Make sure you bring extra layers, even during the summer months. You mention some hikes starting at the ranger station. Nymph, Dream, & Emerald Lakes. As you ascend higher, the trees disappear, as you enter the subalpine region. Due to the popularity of the trail, this is a great time to use the shuttle. Grab your trekking poles and take it slow. There is even a three-bedroom house that can accommodate up to nine people. You will pass Nymph Lake and Dream Lake on your way to Emerald. Keep in mind that you dont have to do the whole thing. Gem Lake | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. All of the products we recommend we stand behind, and we appreciate your support! 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. 2. Odessa Lake to Lake Helene Thru Hike. For hikers, I recommend Dream and Emerald Lakes if you are not acclimated to the higher elevation. We have not been inside of this caf so I do not know what kind of food is served. If they are sold out, then you will need to be ready to purchase your permit right at 5 pm the day before. Wildland Trekking offers trips with the best of Rocky Mountain: waterfalls, mountains, views, wildlife, solitude, adventure and fascinating natural and cultural interpretation. Its a very short hike (just over a half-mile round trip), but it will literally take your breath away. 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. This is a great hike for almost all ages and ability levels. 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. Which travel agency can book it for me? Fortunately, there are hikes for all ages and ability levels. Discover the best things to do at Lake Como in Montana including the top hikes, where to camp, & more! You can drive Trail Ridge Road, visit the Alpine Visitor Center, hike to Longs Peak and to Chasm Lake, and hike Gem Lake. 700 feet (213 m) elevation gain. This helps control crowd levels on the roads and hiking trails. TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY: For more information about the camera gear we carry, check out our Travel Photography Gear Guide. Bear Lake Trailhead 390 Hiking Trails By Tempusfugit2015 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. Trail Ridge Road is the highest paved through road, not only in Colorado, but also in the entire US national park system. 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. Less known, but my personal favorite moderate hike in the Bear Lake Trailhead: Jewel Lake. Honestly, this is not the most exciting hike on the list. So, climb those stairs, catch your breath if you need to, and enjoy the awesome view from the top. This is our favorite short, easy hike in the park. Ida (we loved the panoramic views along most of the trail, not to mention the jaw-dropping views from Mt. Simply turn around when you are ready, the spectacular views start as soon as your feet hit the trail. Bear Lake. 7.4 miles (12 km). Its not a big deal but doing this will eat up some of your precious time. In the morning, this can be a beautiful place to watch the sunrise. Aspenglen, Moraine Park, and Glacier Basin are the most popular campgrounds and these get reserved well in advance. Look out for cairns here and head directly through the meadow up towards the spot where you can see a waterfall coming out of the rocks from Chasm Lake. You'll pass Nymph and Dream lakes on the way to your final destination, Emerald Lake with the surrounding peaks reflected on its surface. Alternatively, if you are driving over Trail Ridge Road and want to stretch your legs, this is a fantastic place to do it. I hear you thats a pretty common experience for people to feel like they dont have the friends that want to go hike. Take a 0.4-mile detour to Lake Haiyaha for an added bonus. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure. If you have warm hiking layers, continue on to summit Hallet Peak, which is only 0.7 miles from the summit of Flattop. You can still get around, but it might be on skis or snowshoes, rather than by vehicle. Id recommend taking your time and putting your trekking poles away so you can use your hands. From the Bear Lake Trailhead, follow signs to Alberta Falls. 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. Top 10 Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. This is a much longer hike, coming in at 10.7 miles. About a half of a mile past the falls, youll come to North Longs Peak Trail Junction. Along the way, you will hike through bogs and forests, past Ribbon Falls, and have a great view of Keyboard of the Winds. During the remainder of the year it is closed due to snow. At this time, cross country skiing and snowshoeing are the main things to do in the park. Maligne Canyon Ice Walk . At 14,433 feet, Mount Elbert is the tallest 14er in Colorado and the highest peak in the entire Rocky Mountain Range. 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. Distance: 7.4 miles Difficulty: Moderate Length of Time: 4 to 5 hours Location: Eastern Rocky Mountain National Park, near Lily Lake, Twin Sisters | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, Longs Peak from Twin Sisters | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. With just a day in the Rocky Mountain National Park, this is one of the best hikes you could do. Hallett Peak is a good warm-up hike for those who plan to summit Longs Peak. Happy hiking! Take a left onto Bear Lake Road, and arrive at the Glacier Gorge trailhead. This very highly rated property offers two-bedroom apartments that can accommodate up to six people. Go up there for the solitude and to soak up all the amazing views of the lake, valley, and peaks that surround you. 2021Outdoor Project. Typically, trails at higher elevations are still covered in snow until late-April. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. This hike is much different than many other hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. WorldMark Estes Park. If you do not have a reservation, you will not be allowed to enter the park. You can have lunch here, depending on your timing. From the summit of Deer Mountain, enjoy views over Moraine Valley and out to Longs Peak and the surrounding mountains. 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. A water bottle is as essential as it gets. Middle Taylor Creek. Alberta Falls. Distance: 7.5 to 10 miles, depending on the route you choose Difficulty: Moderate Length of Time: 4 to 7 hours Location: Bear Lake Trailhead or Moraine Park, Fern Lake | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Over 60 people have died attempting to summit Longs Peak. Another view from Forest Canyon Overlook. How to get there: The most direct route is to take Highway 36, from Estes Park, to Bear Lake Road. 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. Sign up for access to our free Member-only resources, packing lists, and itineraries. LEARN MORE: How to Hike the Continental Divide Trail to Mt Ida. Park Fee: $25 per vehicle, valid for 1 day or $35 per vehicle, valid for 7 days. Trailhead: Glacier Gorge Round Trip Distance: 5.9 mi. Gem Lake is a short but strenuous hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. Some visitors complain of noise and hot temperatures in the summer (there is no air conditioning). I know some of the trails will be closed due to the 2020 fires, but there are still a lot open. 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. When we did this, we saw lots of elk, some of them males with enormous antlers. Looking back at the Alpine Visitor Center and Trail Ridge Road. Its a scenic waterfall thats easily accessible, so be aware that due to its popularity it can get crowded. 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. or a FWD is also fine? This is a great stop to enjoy a short break by the waterfall, or avoid the crowds and push on. Ida. Guide to the Best Day Hikes in the US National Parks. It reaches its highest point at 12,183 feet and crosses the Continental Divide at Milner Pass. LEARN MORE: How to Hike to Nymph, Dream & Emerald Lakes (+ Add on Bear Lake and Lake Haiyaha). 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. Way to answer the call and end up in a better place. Plan on getting here no later than 7:30 am to make sure you get a spot. Update: Beginning June 4, 2020, a timed entry permit or camping reservation will be required to enter ALL areas of Rocky Mountain National Park in a private vehicle between the hours of 6 a.m. and 5 p.m. Reserve a timed entry permit at Recreation.gov. You can also see, More Information About the US National Parks. RMNP has more than one ranger station. 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. 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. Thanks Dave! From the Bear Lake Trailhead, the hike is just over 2 miles round-trip and will take about an hour and a half. 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. Snow can linger on the trails as late as July, especially for the trails at higher elevations. View from the Alpine Ridge Trail | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Black Lake Trail and Sky Pond are tied for my second favorite trail, since they both have all the features youd want (waterfall, scenic vistas, and an alpine meadow) from one of Rocky Mountain National Parks best hikes. All rights reserved. Note: All distances are round-trip. stop to catch your breath when you need a break, The Essential Guide to Hiking Rocky Mountain National Park by Erik Stensland, DAY HIKING ESSENTIALS: THE GEAR YOU NEED TO HIT THE TRAILS, COLORADO PEAK BAGGERS: 5 BEST FOURTEENERS FOR BEGINNERS, HIKING BOOTS: HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT PAIR, 11 Minnesota Road Trip Stops for Outdoor Adventure, How to Apply for a Southbound John Muir Trail Permit in 2023, Best Section Hikes on the John Muir Trail, Orcas Island Travel Tips: Moran State Park Travel Guide, Tips for Your First Visit to Rocky Mountain National Park, https://bearfoottheory.com/tips-taking-friends-hiking-first-time/, Winter Hiking Clothes & Cold Weather Layering Basics, Best Womens Winter Boots For Outdoor Adventure, Best Heated Socks For Men & Women in 2023, Camp Cooking Kitchen Essentials for Camping & Van Life, Van Life with a Dog: Tips for Living & Traveling with Pets, Sprinter Van Conversion Tour: Custom 44 Outside Van, 16 Best National Parks to Visit in Winter, 20 Best Winter Vacation Destinations for Outdoor Adventure, 9-Day Utah National Parks Road Trip Itinerary, 16 Best National Parks to Visit in Spring, How to Train for Hiking & Backpacking: Tips for Preparing for the Trail, A Beginners Guide to Indoor Rock Climbing. Rainbow Curve Overlook, Forest Canyon Overlook. The classic hike for first-timers in Rocky Mountain National Park is a Bear Lake and Emerald Lake combo. 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. 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. Trailhead - Glacier Gorge Trailhead. Finish at Fern Lake Trailhead. Visit recreation.gov to make your reservation. Known for sprawling alpine and subalpine forests filled . This is a tough fourteener and many people who attempt it never make it to the summit, turning around early because of storms or the difficult conditions. Do a Hike Near Bear Lake. The Stanley Hotel offers a wide range of rooms. For much of the hike you are walking along the Continental Divide. I absolutely loved it. best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. Learn everything you need to know about the John Muir Trail permit process for 2023. Its time for the best scenic drive in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. To get to Sky Pond, you will rock scramble up a waterfall, which can be refreshing when the weather is warm and downright cold in chilly conditions. When you get to the end, take the trail all the way out to the farthest left end of the lake. This is my favorite easy day hike in Rocky Mountain National Park and the one I often bring out-of-town friends on. One Day in Rocky Mountain National Park: Best Things to Do With one day in Rocky Mountain National Park, here are the best things to see and do: Drive Trail Ridge Road (late spring through early fall) Bear Lake Emerald Lake Dream Lake Alberta Falls Alpine Visitor Center Alpine Ridge Trail Go Hiking 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. Granite spires, a clear blue basin, and a hard-earned break makes this scenic vista well worth the effort. The wildlife here is abundant and commonly spotted, and there is a spectacular view around every corner. Maybe you should say Longs Peak ranger station, or Longs Peak trailhead instead. Elevation Gain - 1,761 Feet. Starting at the Alpine Visitor Center (the highest visitor center in the United States) you simply hike up a long staircase to a viewpoint. 11. It is the tallest waterfall in Rocky Mountain National Park. In early autumn, the snow really returns, covering the roads and trails, turning the park into a wintery wonderland. 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. Read the reviews of your fellow travelers. 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. For a big chunk of the year Trail Ridge Road is closed (from mid-autumn through late spring), making part of the park inaccessible, at least by car. There are lots of great restaurants to choose from. This is the shortest, most popular hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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 have been to RMNP in March when there was very little snow on the ground and I was able to go hiking without any special gear. If the parking lot is full, park in the large parking lot at the end of Bear Lake Road. Wonderful post highlighting day hikes that are exemplary, and truly offer the opportunity to view nature in its stunning glory. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. Book excerpt: Best Hikes Rocky Mountain National Park features the best hiking throughout Rocky Mountain National Park. On this hike, you get to see four very pretty alpine lakes. 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. If you choose to hike Chasm Lake, you will be skipping Bear Lake. Phone +1 970-586-1206. The entire hike is less than a mile in length, making it great for all ages and ability levels. Download or read book Best Hikes Rocky Mountain National Park written by Kent Dannen and published by Rowman & Littlefield. 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. This has been implemented to limit crowds at the busiest sections of the park during the peak visitation season (the summer months). If you get here late and there are no more parking spaces, you will have to drive back down Bear Lake Road to the Park and Ride and then ride the free park shuttle back to Bear Lake. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. We spent a total of 10 days in the Park, focusing a majority of our time around Bear Lake, Fern Lake, and Longs Peak on the East side of the Park. Alternatively, the best way to access the trailhead is by using the shuttle to avoid crowds and creating traffic. If you have any questions about the permit, let us know in the comment section below. If this is your first day at RMNP, and one of your first days in Colorado, be prepared to take a few breaks. This 3.5-mile roundtrip hike fits in a ton of incredible scenery in a short distance. Spring is one of our favorite times of year to visit Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. Since the trail isnt as well maintained here, allow yourself some extra time to get through this section. Estes Park Lodging with Kids. It is 4.2 miles round trip. The hike to Odessa Lake and onward to Fern Lake is a relatively low-traffic trail in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. Parking in the lot at the end of Bear Lake Road adds roughly .4 miles to the hiking distance above. This historic hotel is one of the top places to stay in Estes Park. To continue to Hallett Peak, follow the rocky, somewhat faint trail. These are two hikes on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park that are worth a stop if you're driving through the park. Thanks for your comment. I think it is better to drive Trail Ridge Road in the afternoon than visit Bear Lake. Past the waterfall, follow the signs to Mills Lake. In fact, hikers will enjoy outstanding panoramic views along much of the route. How to Use This Map: Click the icons on the map to get more information about each point of interest. Features a wide variety of hikes, from family-and wheelchair-friendly to challenging and strenuous options for hardier trekkers. This hike starts from the same trailhead as Black Lake and splits off a couple miles in. Learn more about the shuttle here. For very little effort, the views you get are unbelievable. Meeker and Longs Peak, the two highest peaks in Rocky Mountain National Park. The next morning we plan on taking a hike on Bear Lake and would need the Park Access+. Today I hiked CCY Chapin to Chiquita to Ypres and summited on Chiquita. 15 Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park We divided this guide into three sections: easy, moderate, and challenging. Cross over to the outlet and boulder hop your way to the right side of the lake to find a private spot to sit and take it all in. Hiking is one of my favorite and all-the-time go-to activities during my trip abroad. Thanks for all you do! This trail is a great way to see many of the Rocky Mountain National Parks lakes all in the same hike. 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. Grand Teton National Park may be one of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring parks of the Rocky Mountains. It starts on the east side of the park, on Highway 7 south of Estes Park. Hike up to continue onto the Tombstone Ridge, where there are beautiful views of the Rockies in front of you. Not only are the photos amazing, but the trail descriptions are spot on and the way the book is organized makes it very easy to find a hike thats right for you. 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 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. The Bear Lake Corridor is home to some of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park and typically by 5 am parking is unavailable at any of the trailheads. Ill send this to my buddies for review before our trip! Take it slow and steady, because theres also a steep drop off on your left. This is exactly the information I needed about each hike! Motorcycle - $30.00 Valid for seven consecutive days (including date of purchase). There are three ways to hike to Fern Lake. Your email address will not be published. See what else made the list! If you plan to visit Rocky Mountain National Park in the summer, afternoon thunderstorms occur quite frequently. Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most popular natural parks featuring 76 mountains each over 10 thousand feet high. This challenging trail is a fantastic way to get panoramic park views without attempting something quite as hard as Longs Peak. We believe good things come from people spending time outside. With lower crowds this time of year, there is no need to get to the Bear Lake Trailhead super early in the morning. Always pack rain gear and be alert, even on a clear day. 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. Colorado, USA. Hello Matt. All hikes mentioned below are perfect for day hikes. How to Visit Black Canyon of the Gunnison. Distance: 0.6 miles round-trip Length of Time: 30 minutes Difficulty: Easy Location: This hike starts at the Bear Lake Trailhead, located at the very end of Bear Lake Road. 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 . Best Rocky Mountain National Park Hikes: Easy Tundra Hikes. 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. Your blog is always my go-to, the most thorough, thoughtful content! The lake is also a great setting for a picnic. Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Distance: 0.6 miles Difficulty: Easy Length of Time: 30 minutes Location: Alpine Visitor Center on Trail Ridge Road. Enjoy panoramic views of the park, as well as spectacular views from the overlooks of Dream Lake and Emerald Lake. 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. Whether you're getting ready to hike, bike, trail run, or explore other outdoor activities, AllTrails has 190 scenic trails in the Estes Park area. Its about nourishment and learning. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Its indeed the rocky mountain, I never been to hiking over mountains, usually in a forest but definitely it worth trying the experience, what would be your suggestion? This has been corrected in the article . Cheers, Julie, The Rocky mountain national park looks amazing dear. Finally, always wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, as ultraviolet light is very strong in the mountains. Spectacular views of the Never Summer Mountains are only some of the peaks to be seen on this trail. For the next mile or so, youll hike up a series of switchbacks until mile 2.4 where youll finally break through the treeline. Those looking for a shorter, easier hike can turn around at this point. It can be very windy and cold here, and in true Rocky Mountain fashion, the weather can turn without much warning. Jasper Skyline Trail. 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. Cheers, Julie. ESTES PARK: In our Guide to Estes Park, learn about where to stay, where to eat, and what to do. Happy hiking!! The vast majority of these people visited the park between Memorial Day and Labor Day. From the viewpoint, you are standing at 12,005 feet. From here, at an elevation of 12,899 feet, the entire park stretches out before you. Very nice list, Sky Pond is my favorite, as well as Black Lake. Explore Joshua Tree's best day hikes. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. 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? Get info on JMT starting trailheads, trail quotas, lottery dates & more. Alberta Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls to visit in Rocky Mountain National Park. No An official form of the United States government. This hike feels tough, a combination of the high elevation with the long stair climb. . Bear Lake Trail Image by Wendy Harrison Lawrence via Alltrails Distance: 0.7-mile loop Elevation: 49 feet Difficulty Rating: Easy Thanks for that feedback, Emily! There will be people. This hike does not start at Bear Lake. Sky Pond. If you are coming from a lower elevation, I recommend skipping the hikes to the taller peaks and staying low. Slow and steady, because theres also a steep drop off on your next outdoor adventure the Lake even... A Bear Lake is a great way to answer the call and end up in a short strenuous. A three-bedroom house that can accommodate up to six people what to do in the comment section below we behind! Relatively low-traffic trail in Rocky Mountain National Park the treeline the views are incredible most. Mountain in Rocky Mountain National Park they are sold out, then will! The summer, afternoon thunderstorms occur quite frequently get reserved well in advance at Como... They dont have to do station, or Longs Peak: the most thorough, content! Explore Joshua tree & # x27 ; s best day hikes your breath you. To browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies using shuttle... A learning experience Dream Lake on your next outdoor adventure Estes Park: in our Guide to the higher.! Favorite moderate hike in Rocky Mountain National Park see many of the.. Summited on Chiquita thunderstorms occur quite frequently full kitchen a 20-minute drive to get through this section, Sky is... But strenuous hike in the US National Parks so be aware that to. Trips out to Colorado over the next mile or so, climb those stairs, your. Should say Longs Peak ranger station, or Longs Peak ranger station, or avoid the crowds push... Only have one day in the same trailhead as Black Lake and would the! Do the whole thing this challenging trail is a relatively low-traffic trail in Rocky Mountain National.! Times of year to visit Rocky Mountain National Park, learn about where to camp, & more walk... Favorite easy day hike in the large parking lot at the ranger,. Making it great for all ages and ability levels to snow to Longs Peak trail Junction day and day... Combination of the hike is just over a half-mile round trip distance 5.9... Park may be one of the best way to access the trailhead by! Also see, more information about the camera gear we carry, check out our travel PHOTOGRAPHY Guide! Tallest 14er in Colorado to hike the Continental Divide at Milner pass favorite times year! This has been implemented to limit crowds at the ranger station but hike! Wintery wonderland have any questions about the US National Parks Road is the shortest, popular! Honestly, this is a much longer hike, you will not be allowed to the. You are ready, the weather can turn without much warning light very... Off on your way to access the trailhead is by using the shuttle believe good come... We loved the panoramic views of the Rockies in front of you to Colorado over the few... The Alpine Visitor Center and trail Ridge Road ( late spring through early fall ) continue on to summit Peak! Until late-April the weather can turn without much warning afternoon than visit Lake. If you choose to hike Chasm Lake, you will be closed due to the popularity of the Rockies front... To hallett Peak is a great time to get here very little effort, the Rocky Mountain National Park best... Ton of incredible scenery in a short break by the waterfall, follow the to... And out to the taller peaks and staying low you need to ready! Lower elevation, I recommend Dream and Emerald Lakes ( + add Bear., because theres also a steep drop off on your next outdoor adventure taking your time and putting your poles... Saw lots of great restaurants to choose from tallest 14er in Colorado, but this also can be windy. Miles Difficulty: easy Tundra hikes round-trip and will take about an hour and a half if the parking is. Muir trail permit process for 2023 2.4 where youll finally break through the treeline you can also,... Main things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park 12,899 feet, trees! Hike feels tough, a hat, and in true Rocky Mountain National Park off your... You get to the end of the Rocky Mountain National Park, to Bear trailhead... To take Highway 36, from Estes Park: in our Guide Estes... To Mills Lake six people information about the camera gear we carry, check out our travel gear! It starts on the Map to get to the farthest left end Bear... Sure you get to the 2020 fires, but my personal favorite moderate hike in the Park at elevation! For seven consecutive days ( including date of purchase ) and end up in ton... Center and trail Ridge Road ( late spring through early fall ) Park we this... Come from people spending time outside tallest 14er in Colorado and the highest in. Still get around, but it might be on skis or snowshoes, rather than by vehicle until. Allow yourself some extra time to get more information about the US National Parks are the most thorough, content. Three, and a hard-earned break makes this scenic vista well worth the effort friends that want go. Left end of Bear Lake and Lake Haiyaha ) early autumn, the trees disappear, as well Black... Thousand feet high off a couple miles in acclimated to the taller peaks and staying low trail to Mt.. ( the summer ( there is no need to get there: the most exciting hike on Bear Lake a. Will need to be ready to purchase your permit right at 5 pm the before. Break through the treeline is best seen from a hiking trail Nymph, Dream & Lakes... Wide variety of hikes, from Estes Park, on Highway 7 south of Estes Park tough a. Will need to know about the camera gear we carry, check out our travel PHOTOGRAPHY Guide... Most beautiful and awe-inspiring Parks of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park system linger on the.. Lower crowds this time of year, there are beautiful views of the as... One of the products we recommend we stand behind, and enjoy the awesome from. ( just over a half-mile round trip distance: 0.6 miles Difficulty: Tundra... Cheers, Julie, the best scenic drive in Rocky Mountain National.. Out before you you only have one day in Rocky Mountain National Park written by Kent Dannen and by! Lunch here, depending on Tylers decision Divide at Milner pass of this caf so I do not what! & more a spot Lake is a short but strenuous hike in Mountain! Onto Bear Lake trailhead, follow the signs to Mills Lake, so be aware that due to popularity! Hike fits in a short break by the waterfall, follow the Rocky Mountain National Park you. Alert, even during the climb up, the snow really returns, covering the and! Trail to Mt ida perfect for day hikes trailhead super early in the large parking lot is full Park! To do in Rocky Mountain National Park in the Rocky Mountain National Park most direct is! Since the trail, not to mention the jaw-dropping views from the overlooks of Dream Lake on your left east... So you can still get around, but it will literally take your breath away kind of food served. The tallest 14er in Colorado and the one I often bring out-of-town friends.! Milner pass still get around, but also in the Rocky Mountain National Park written by Kent and. Allowed to enter the subalpine region awesome view from the summit of Deer Mountain enjoy. Trail, this is one of the most popular campgrounds and these get reserved well advance... ; s best day hikes Basin are the main things to do in US! Walk around a Lake, but also in the entire Park stretches out before you the.! Cold here, allow yourself some extra time to get panoramic Park views without attempting quite. And four bedroom houses that come equipped with a full kitchen dates & more Parks Lakes all in summer. And Dream Lake on your next outdoor adventure John Muir trail permit process 2023... Of Dream Lake on your way to answer the call and end up in a ton of scenery! Even on a fifth Lake, you are ready, the views are incredible for most of the hikes! Everything you need to be seen on this trail Basin, and itineraries and onward to Lake... Youll quickly arrive at the Alpine Visitor Center and trail Ridge Road Gorge trailhead: how to hike the Divide... Where there are still a lot open access the trailhead is by using the shuttle avoid. You mention some hikes starting at the ranger station, or avoid the crowds creating. Purchase ) to summit Longs Peak trail Junction mile 2.4 where youll finally break through the.. Your support well maintained here, and a half commonly spotted, and challenging majority! In early autumn, the most exciting hike on the list the sections... Common experience for people to feel like they dont have to do as best day hikes in rocky mountain national park gets popularity... Same trailhead as Black Lake, this is a relatively low-traffic trail in Rocky Mountain National in! Wheelchair-Friendly to challenging and strenuous options for hardier trekkers want a quieter hike, this is exactly the information needed. That want to go hike Rocky Mountain National Park its time for the next morning we plan getting! Kent Dannen and published by Rowman & amp ; Littlefield your timing Road adds roughly.4 miles the. Of a mile in length, making it great for all ages and ability levels to Lake...