Last month, I traveled to Orcas Island in the San Juan archipelago off the coast of Washington state. 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. However, if you are doing well on time or only plan to do a very short hike in the morning, going into Estes Park for lunch is not a bad idea. My team and I are here to show you its never too late to get your start and accomplish your goals in the outdoors. With one day in Rocky Mountain National Park, here are the best things to see and do: Rocky Mountain National Park is best seen from a hiking trail. Finally, always wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, as ultraviolet light is very strong in the mountains. Its important to be prepared, check the forecast ahead of time, and pack extra hiking layers to keep you warm. LEARN MORE: How to Hike the Continental Divide Trail to Mt Ida. Have saved for later when we can go again. This gives you a wonderful view down into the gorge below as the Icy Brooks waterfalls tumble down the mountainside. 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. During the climb up, the trail gets incrementally steeper and youll be taking switchbacks for most of the way. Starting at the Alpine Visitor Center (the highest visitor center in the United States) you simply hike up a long staircase to a viewpoint. For the first part of the hike, you will share the trail with hikers on their way to Longs Peak. 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. The trailhead serves as a starting point for several different routes, including a short loop around the stunning Bear Lake. The entire hike is less than a mile in length, making it great for all ages and ability levels. 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. If you are staying in Estes Park, it is a 20-minute drive to get here. Rocky Mountain National Park is home to some of the most epic and amazing hiking vacations in the world. You need to stay hydrated on the trail, and being prepared is a necessity. If your visit to Rocky Mountain National Park is part of a bigger road trip through Colorado, here is more information for your trip. Finally, Trail Ridge Road, the main road the cuts across the park, is open from Memorial Day to mid-October. Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most popular natural parks featuring 76 mountains each over 10 thousand feet high. Its about protecting what sustains us. If you want to stay in the park, you will be limited to campgrounds. Let us know in the comment section below. Required fields are marked *. There are sixty mountain peaks over 12,000 feet and many of these top out over 13,000 feet. When is the best time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park? find gorgeous views on your choice of easy routes with little to no incline, moderate trails extending 3.4 - 4.5 miles, or challenging routes recommended for experienced hikers only. At the very end of the hike, there is one steep section and a short scramble. The Emerald Lake hike is one of the most popular hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. back in the day. By: The Outbound Collective+ Save to a List It's no surprise that Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most popular parks in the country. Over 60 people have died attempting to summit Longs Peak. The word gets overused but CO is awesome. This is an essential hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. To get here, you will take Devils Gulch Road to Lumpy Ridge Road. Thanks for your comment. Jasper Skyline Trail. The hike to Odessa Lake and onward to Fern Lake is a relatively low-traffic trail in Rocky Mountain National Park. Begin at Deer Ridge Trailhead, 3 miles west of the Beaver Meadows entrance, to follow the North Deer Mountain Trail. Your email address will not be published. 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. Located in the less-frequented Kolob Canyon section of Zion, Middle Taylor Creek is a moderate hike perfect . 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 Loch, Rocky Mountain National Park Hike to the Loch Selecting that perfect Rocky Mountain National Park must see day hike can be challenging! 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. Up above 10,000 feet the air is thin, the temps are much cooler, and the wind is usually . Will have to pick one for next time Im out west. Be prepared and ask your shuttle driver in the morning what times they stop at Fern Lake to line it up with the end of your hike. Begin here, at Glacier Gorge, and hike for a quarter of a mile over Chaos Creek until you see the trail split. Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park: On a Map. 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. In the summertime youll be surrounded by wildflowers. Longs Peak and Timber Creek Campgrounds are easier to get reservations. Grab your trekking poles and take it slow. Click the star next to the title of the map to add this map to your Google Maps account. When you get to the end, take the trail all the way out to the farthest left end of the lake. 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 If you plan to visit the park during the summer months, you will also need to reserve your timed permit in advance. It's hard to narrow it down, but here are a few ideal day hikes that will give you a great introduction to Rocky Mountain National Park. This is a great hike for almost all ages and ability levels. Odessa Lake to Lake Helene Thru Hike. But even the most fit, acclimated hikers can feel winded and out-of-breath on this short hike. 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? For the final mile of this hike, you are treated to breathtaking views of Longs Peak, Columbine Falls, Peacock Pond, and finally Chasm Lake. Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. Bear Lake. Important! Its best to hike in the morning and to be below the tree line by 1 pm. That book is pure gold. 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 stay in a cozy cabin with a river view or a well-decorated suite. Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. On the hike to Mt. Grand Teton National Park may be one of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring parks of the Rocky Mountains. Which travel agency can book it for me? Bear Lake | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Known for sprawling alpine and subalpine forests filled . Your blog is always my go-to, the most thorough, thoughtful content! 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. 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. Happy hiking!! Find the best Rocky Mountain National Park trails for summer and fall hikes. As you continue, the trail turns into a narrow boardwalk to carry you through the marshlands, and then into a forested area where there are remnants of downed trees from a devastating storm. Ida, you really feel like you are walking on top of the world. Bluebird Lake Hike: This lovely day hike is located in the lesser-visited Wild Basin area of the Rocky Mountain National Park. Less known, but my personal favorite moderate hike in the Bear Lake Trailhead: Jewel Lake. 7 best winter hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park By Julia Clarke published November 23, 2022 Crunch through the snow surrounded by dazzling peaks on some of the best winter hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park If you do not have a reservation, you will not be allowed to enter the park. 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. How to get there: The most direct route is to take Highway 36, from Estes Park, to Bear Lake Road. This is a great hike for almost all ages and ability levels. Parking in the lot at the end of Bear Lake Road adds roughly .4 miles to the hiking distance above. Like Bear Lake, it is an easy hike to get here. You mention some hikes starting at the ranger station. There are lots of great restaurants to choose from. Applies to walk-ins, bicycles, and non-commercial . Looking for the best hiking trails in Estes Park? 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. Its a very short hike (just over a half-mile round trip), but it will literally take your breath away. Bearfoot Theory participates in affiliate programs with a variety of retailers and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies, including Amazon, REI, Backcountry and others. 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. Once at the waterfall, you can explore the short trails along Glacier Creek to find your favorite view of the waterfall. Best Rocky Mountain National Park Hikes: Easy Tundra Hikes. 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. CCY Route (Chapin-Chiqiuta-Ypsilon route) Bluebird Lake. This is a great hike for almost all ages and ability levels. There are three ways to hike to Fern Lake. Its not a big deal but doing this will eat up some of your precious time. The views across the park are incredible. Web Visit website. For most of this hike you are entirely within a pine forest, so the views are rather lackluster for much of the hike. The Emerald Lake hike is a family friendly hike and it also makes a great intro to hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park. The vast majority of these people visited the park between Memorial Day and Labor Day. After the climb, at 2.8 miles, youll reach Loch Vale where the views will bring you to a standstill. Located in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, Jasper National Park was officially established in 1907, after a group of Canadian Pacific Railway . However, if the exposure really bothers you, then the waterfall might be the point where you turn around. Nice hike list! Happy hiking! Download or read book Best Hikes Rocky Mountain National Park written by Kent Dannen and published by Rowman & Littlefield. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Trailhead: Wild Basin Winter Trailhead. Easy Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park 1. View from the Alpine Ridge Trail | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. If you are coming from a lower elevation, I recommend skipping the hikes to the taller peaks and staying low. Wonderful post highlighting day hikes that are exemplary, and truly offer the opportunity to view nature in its stunning glory. 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. How to Get There:From the eastern entrance of the park, take Highway 7 all the way in and turn left onto Longs Peak Road, from there its a short drive to the trailhead and an easily accessible parking lot. Continue for two more miles until you reach Black Lake. 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. Chasm Lake | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. It is the tallest waterfall in Rocky Mountain National Park. Sign up to receive our newsletter packed with the best adventure guides, travel ideas, news, and articles. The lake is also a great setting for a picnic. And dont forget to reserve your Timed Entry Permit in advance if you plan to do this itinerary between May 27 and October 10, 2022. Continue hiking past Alberta Falls and turn left at Mills Junction until you reach Mills Lake. Best For: Bragging rights. Denver International Airport is the closest major airport. You dont even have to hike the entire 4 miles. 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. The permit is in effect from 5 am to 6 pm. In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. 800-715-HIKE (4453) (9-4:30 Every Day) This hike starts from the same trailhead as Black Lake and splits off a couple miles in. Maybe you should say Longs Peak ranger station, or Longs Peak trailhead instead. This hike is much different than many other hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Hike up to continue onto the Tombstone Ridge, where there are beautiful views of the Rockies in front of you. We plan to visit for 2 half days this September. Leave from Bear Lake. Spring is one of our favorite times of year to visit Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. If you choose to hike Chasm Lake, you will be skipping Bear Lake. It includes Bear Lake Road and the hikes that start here (Bear Lake, Emerald and Dream Lakes, Alberta Falls, Sky Pond, Hallett Peak, and Sprague Lake). Ive always wanted to go hiking , Love the adventure just didnt have the friends or resourcefulness to survive out there. 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. 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). Enjoy the magnificent views. How to Visit Black Canyon of the Gunnison. From the summit of Deer Mountain, enjoy views over Moraine Valley and out to Longs Peak and the surrounding mountains. Summer and fall are very busy, with the highest visitation from June through September. Here are the best section hikes on the John Muir Trail that require less than a week to complete. This is a great stop to enjoy a short break by the waterfall, or avoid the crowds and push on. LEARN MORE: How to Hike to Nymph, Dream & Emerald Lakes (+ Add on Bear Lake and Lake Haiyaha). This is also a great place to stop for lunch, and a popular one, too. If we plan on leaving Denver around 11 and traveling the Trail Ridge road would we only need the regular park pass? The descent down towards Fern Lake is just as scenic, with a new vantage point of the same mountains, and a deep blue alpine lake. 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. It can be very windy and cold here, and in true Rocky Mountain fashion, the weather can turn without much warning. LEARN MORE: How to Hike the Twin Sister Peak Trail. Point for several different routes, including a short scramble hike up to continue onto Tombstone. 6 pm ), but it will literally take your breath away Lake | best hikes in Mountain... The stunning Bear Lake essential hike in the outdoors Rockies in front of you to Lumpy Road! And sunglasses, as ultraviolet light is very strong in the Canadian mountains... You dont even have to hike chasm Lake, it is the tallest waterfall Rocky... 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