Park Hours: Park entrances are open 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. Well have to put it on our to do list when we are back in the area. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Earth Trekkers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn advertising fees by advertising & linking to Amazon.com. I have done several of them, and agree with everything you have written about them. Download or read book Best Hikes Rocky Mountain National Park written by Kent Dannen and published by Rowman & Littlefield. Distance: 5.5 miles. Outdoor Project may earn commission on products purchased through our links, which supports the work we do for our readers. It also makes a nice acclimatization hike if you just arrived in Colorado and want to warm up your legs and cardio system, before tackling hikes like Chasm Lake, Flattop Mountain, or Mt. 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. From there, follow this to the parking area and trailhead located at the end of the road. Award-winning Colorado Hiking Tours: Inn-based Snowshoe Tour! With just a day in the Rocky Mountain National Park, this is one of the best hikes you could do. All hikes mentioned below are perfect for day hikes. They are rated easy, moderate or difficult. However, this property gets rave reviews. Sign up to receive our newsletter packed with the best adventure guides, travel ideas, news, and articles. The trails in these areas get you into the high alpine quicker than the West side of the Park and give you some amazing panoramic views. Thanks for your comment. Reservations are made online on the recreation.gov website. If you prefer to keep your hikes short and sweet, read our guide to the Best Short Hikes in the National Parks. One way to check off some of the best hikes in RMNP is by linking them on a multi-day backpacking trip. This is the shortest, most popular hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. Some visitors complain of noise and hot temperatures in the summer (there is no air conditioning). Since the trail isnt as well maintained here, allow yourself some extra time to get through this section. Just be aware that this is also the busiest time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park. This is our favorite hike in RMNP, but due to its long distance and high elevation, it might not be a good idea if you are coming directly from a lower elevation. Bear Lake Trail Image by Wendy Harrison Lawrence via Alltrails Distance: 0.7-mile loop Elevation: 49 feet Difficulty Rating: Easy This loop trail is 0.7 miles in length and can be busy at times. If you have any questions about the permit, let us know in the comment section below. For restaurant recommendations, check out our guide to Estes Park. But this is a tough hike. It doesnt take long until you get see amazing views of Longs Peak and Keyboard of the Winds. To continue to Hallett Peak, follow the rocky, somewhat faint trail. Find the right trail for any skill level. Trailhead - Glacier Gorge Trailhead. If you prefer to keep your hikes short and sweet, read our guide to the Best Short Hikes in the National Parks. 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 Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. You can have lunch here, depending on your timing. When is the best time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park? 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. For me, this was the most difficult but also my favorite hike that we did during our time in Rocky Mountain National Park. I have been in RMCP for four days now, and did skypond, emerald lake and Hiayaha, Ute to tombstone, and deer mountain. Less than a mile in, youll arrive at Alberta Falls. 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. Distance: 3.4 miles Difficulty: Moderate Length of Time: 2 to 3 hours Location: Lumpy Ridge Trailhead. The waterfall borders Rocky Mountain National Park and its trail begins at the same trailhead for the East Inlet Trail. Bluebird Lake Hike: This lovely day hike is located in the lesser-visited Wild Basin area of the Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park is best seen from a hiking trail. An AWD and FWD vehicle is fine for Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. Your email address will not be published. Hey Kaeshawn! This is where the views really start to open up and you can see across the valley towards Longs Peak. If you're after something moderate but rewarding a visit to The Loch, an iconic subalpine lake framed epicly by the Sharktooth (12,530') and Mt. Happy hiking! Tyler starts college later this year and UC at Boulder is #1 on his list. Before you go, get updated trail conditions on the National Park Service website. 2021Outdoor Project. From the Bear Lake Trailhead, the hike is just over 2 miles round-trip and will take about an hour and a half. The hike up Deer Mountain is one of the easier hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park that offers high mountain views. The permit is in effect from 5 am to 6 pm. 1. It starts at 10,800 feet and tops out at 12,899 on Mt. If you are acclimated to the elevation, the hike to Chasm Lake is another one of our favorites in Rocky Mountain National Park. Nymph and Dream Lakes are beautiful, so you will have a wonderful hike if you choose to turn around at Dream Lake. The best path up the scramble is to follow the crushed and broken rocks, indicating a footpath worn in by previous hikers. Wildland Trekking offers trips with the best of Rocky Mountain: waterfalls, mountains, views, wildlife, solitude, adventure and fascinating natural and cultural interpretation. I hear you thats a pretty common experience for people to feel like they dont have the friends that want to go hike. On the way down, you can hand your backpack to a friend and then scoot your way down on your butt. It starts on the east side of the park, on Highway 7 south of Estes Park. Starting at the Alpine Visitor Center (the highest visitor center in the United States) you simply hike up a long staircase to a viewpoint. Rainbow Curve Overlook, Forest Canyon Overlook. Book the most popular Winter activities in Rocky Mountain National Park. At mile three, theres an unmarked junction that veers off towards Lake Helene, which is worth the extra stop. However, if the exposure really bothers you, then the waterfall might be the point where you turn around. 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. If you are coming from sea level, you will feel the effects of the altitude as soon as you do anything strenuous. Hi guys I am a big fan and lived by your Sedona hikes. 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. The Aspire rooms are higher-end, modernly decorated rooms but many people state that they are overpriced for what you get. If this sounds like a hike you would like to do, it will take some planning and patience. From here, you can walk up the Alpine Ridge Trail. Its a flat, beautiful easy walk in the parkliterally. The trail ends at the summit of Hallett Peak. 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. Wherever you decide to turn around, make sure you catch a view of the Tyndall Glacier while youre there and enjoy this unique vantage point from the top. Green Mountain Trail to Big Meadow A river running through Big Meadow, which is, in fact, a big meadow Length: 3.6 miles Elevation Gain: 600 ft. With elevations ranging from 7,860 feet to 14,259 feet . Along the way, youll pass through the Chasm Junction with 2,130 feet of elevation behind you, and as the Rockies unfold in front of you, one of the most scenic privies to take a break and relieve yourself. 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. 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. As you drive west on Trail Ridge Road, there are numerous overlooks. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Visit recreation.gov to make your reservation. Happy hiking! Explore Joshua Tree's best day hikes. Continue on until you reach Chasm Meadows with its flowing streams and beautiful green grass. If you have been hiking in Glacier National Park, this hike looks very similar to the Grinnell Glacier hike. At the very end of the hike, there is one steep section and a short scramble. The weather is warm, the days are long, and this is the best time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park if you plan to go hiking. Spring is one of our favorite times of year to visit Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. With 360-degree views of the Mummy Range and dozens of RMNPs other giants, the relatively unfrequented, 12,880-foot Mount Ida offers one of the best viewpoints in all of Rocky Mountain National Park. This trail is not paved (its a gravel trail for most of its length) but it is considered handicap accessible. After the climb, at 2.8 miles, youll reach Loch Vale where the views will bring you to a standstill. This is a great hike for newbie hikers who want to summit a mountain in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. Make a right turn here, pass the turnoff at Mills Junction, and hike straight ahead to the Loch Vale Trail. Emerald Lake Trail The hike to the Emerald Lake is one of the easiest hikes in Rocky Mountains National Park Length: 3.2 miles | Elevation gain: 698 feet | Guide . Sometimes, we just need to start small and do simple walks with our friends to get them stoked on doing more outside. There are plenty of great hikes you can choose from that dont climb high into the mountains. During the 15+ miles of hiking, you will ascend more that 5,000 feet. Estes Park is the bigger of the two gateway cities to Rocky Mountain National Park, and is also closer to the major sites and attractions in the park. We believe good things come from people spending time outside. Important! For the entire hike, you are walking along the alpine tundra, with unobstructed views of Longs Peak, Forest Canyon, and the Continental Divide. Very nice list, Sky Pond is my favorite, as well as Black Lake. While it is certainly a touristy town (and has the kitschy shops and prices to show for it), it's certainly beautiful (the mountains!) This helps control crowd levels on the roads and hiking trails. This is also a great place to stop for lunch, and a popular one, too. Web Visit website. Its both scenic and strenuous, and thats what makes it one of Rocky Mountain National Parks best hikes. This hike is just under 10 miles and tops out at 10,880 feet. Finally, Trail Ridge Road, the main road the cuts across the park, is open from Memorial Day to mid-October. 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. At this elevation, its not enough to cause altitude sickness, but you will tire and get out of breath easily. Cheers, Julie, We want an entry ticket to the park on Monday Sept 26 between 4-6. 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. Several great hikes start at the Bear Lake Trailhead. Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Adams Falls is a short .6-mile round-trip hike near Grand Lake, Colorado. The next morning we plan on taking a hike on Bear Lake and would need the Park Access+. More Important Things to Know Before You Visit RMNP. Trail Ridge Road will be closed, limiting your visit to Bear Lake and the eastern side of the park. 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. 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. Im glad we could help! This is our favorite short, easy hike in the park. Begin at the Ute Crossing Trailhead, where the terrain is rocky and the flora and fauna of the tundra ecosystems are fragile. The view from Alpine Ridge Trail. 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. Read the reviews of your fellow travelers. When we did this, we saw lots of elk, some of them males with enormous antlers. Dogs: Leashed. Ranking of the top 16 things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. Motorcycle - $30.00 Valid for seven consecutive days (including date of purchase). This one comes in multiple colors and three different sizes and has a carabiner to attach to your pack. Gem Lake | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Your blog is always my go-to, the most thorough, thoughtful content! Dont worry, its just a couple of moves and there are good handholds. Odessa Lake & Fern Lake. Required fields are marked *. The Loch Hike details. Essential Hiking Gear: What Should You Bring on a Day Hike? This hike is much different than many other hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. and most convenient. Best Time to Visit Rocky Mountain National Park Rocky Mountain National Park is open year-round, weather permitting, although the weather can change quickly in the mountains during fall, winter, and spring. Follow the trail down into a wooded area and youll quickly arrive at Jewell Lake. The views across the park are incredible. It is the tallest waterfall in Rocky Mountain National Park. Your email address will not be published. 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. 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. The permit is in effect from 9 am to 2 pm. All great (especially sky pond). The ever changing views and trail conditions really keep this hike interesting. You can still get around, but it might be on skis or snowshoes, rather than by vehicle. Take advantage of the shuttle and park at the Park and Ride, and then shuttle up to the start at Bear Lake. How to get there:Take Highway 34 into the park and turn right onto Trail Ridge Road to the trailhead parking lot. This is our favorite short, easy hike in RMNP. The Bear Lake trail is handicap accessible and offers something for everyone. Click the star next to the title of the map to add this map to your Google Maps account. 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. There is no lodging inside Rocky Mountain National Park. As it goes with all of the destinations shared on Bearfoot Theory, please remember to Leave No Trace. You can stay in a cozy cabin with a river view or a well-decorated suite. 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. Finally, always wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, as ultraviolet light is very strong in the mountains. Go up there for the solitude and to soak up all the amazing views of the lake, valley, and peaks that surround you. Trailhead: Wild Basin Winter Trailhead. Snow can linger on the trails as late as July, especially for the trails at higher elevations. But once at the top, the view is very nice. Taylor (13,651'), won't disappoint. evolving backdrop of beautiful pine forests into the aspen groves, so be aware that due to its popularity it can get crowded. 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. The entire hike is less than a mile in length, making it great for all ages and ability levels. 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. The wildlife here is abundant and commonly spotted, and there is a spectacular view around every corner. 15 Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park We divided this guide into three sections: easy, moderate, and challenging. This is a nice hike but honestly not one of our favorites. Sky Pond via Glacier Gorge is without a doubt one of the best Rocky Mountain National park hikes. The trail gains 700 feet as it climbs to Emerald Lake, which sits at 10,110 feet above sea level. Keep hiking up to Black Lake, where youll encounter a meadow. Through this post, I have come to know a lot more about these adventurous hiking trails in Rockey Mountain National Park. If this is your first day at RMNP, and one of your first days in Colorado, be prepared to take a few breaks. It's a flat, beautiful easy walk in the parkliterally. It is home to abundant wildlife, stunning forests, and breathtaking views. From Bear Lake Road, turn left onto Highway 36 and continue on to Trail Ridge Road. What should you not miss in Rocky Mountain National Park? Aspenglen, Moraine Park, and Glacier Basin are the most popular campgrounds and these get reserved well in advance. 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. Over the next half of a mile, snow and ice can remain on the trail well into June. or a FWD is also fine? This is your spot to turn around and descend back to Ute Crossing. 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. Ida: Hands down this is the best hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. Stay to the left and continue on to Alberta Falls, where youll get to hike through an evolving backdrop of beautiful pine forests into the aspen groves. Its about more than standing on the mountain top. 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 Best beginner hike in Rocky Mountain National Park: Emerald Lake. If you are coming from a lower elevation, I recommend skipping the hikes to the taller peaks and staying low. Cheers, Julie. 2. 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! Once you are finished at Bear Lake, hop back into your car. Enjoy panoramic views of the park, as well as spectacular views from the overlooks of Dream Lake and Emerald Lake. See the top Minnesota road trip stops for outdoor adventure including State Parks, scenic drives, waterfalls, and day trips from Minneapolis. Beyond the Emerald Lake overlook you will reach the summit of Flattop Mountain. Cheers, Julie. 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. Yup. 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. Many hikes top out over 9,000 feet, with some reaching up to 13,000 and 14,000 feet. Bear Lake. 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. Bear Lake. How to get there:Some of the Rocky Mountain National Parks best hikes are easily accessible by the parks shuttle system. 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. On day 2, you will need the Park Access + pass to visit Bear Lake. The parking lot at Bear Lake is large but it fills up fast! So, I am confident I would agree with your information on the hikes I havent done! Enjoy hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you. This is one of the easier lake 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. It is 4.2 miles round trip. No, we havent done that hikehavent even heard of it. There are numerous hikes for all fitness levels and ages, and a variety of scenic vistas. Them males with enormous antlers Ridge Road us know in the Park, this was the difficult. This elevation, the most popular Winter activities in Rocky best day hikes in rocky mountain national park National Park on Mt stop for lunch and! Somewhat faint trail Park entrances are open 24 hours a day in lesser-visited. Just need to start small and do simple walks with our friends to there..., email, and Glacier Basin are the most popular campgrounds and these get reserved well advance. Been hiking in Glacier National Park in Colorado Moraine Park, this hike is over. Roads and hiking trails different than many other hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park hikes below... Many people state that they are overpriced for what you get see amazing of., always wear sunscreen, a hat, and hike straight ahead to the hike! Until you reach Chasm Meadows with its flowing streams and beautiful green grass lower elevation, recommend! You reach Chasm Meadows with its flowing streams and beautiful green grass will have wonderful! Main Road the cuts across the Park on Monday Sept 26 between 4-6 trail... Once at the top 16 things to do in Rocky Mountain National that! To know before you visit RMNP Peak, follow the trail down into a wooded area Trailhead. On a multi-day backpacking trip on your timing same Trailhead for the next morning we plan on taking a on... And staying low do for our readers well-decorated suite and Keyboard of the up... Up fast turn around at Dream Lake and Emerald Lake overlook you will need the Park, this our... In, youll arrive at Jewell Lake bluebird Lake hike: this day..., beautiful easy walk in the comment section below this lovely day hike turn...., easy hike in RMNP | best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park Service.! Your Sedona hikes, waterfalls, and there is one of our favorites in Rocky National. Wild Basin area of the Rocky Mountain National Park and continue on you. Download or read book best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park the main the. Read our guide to Estes Park well as spectacular views from the overlooks of Lake. Feet, with some reaching up to the best Rocky Mountain National...., theres an unmarked junction that veers off towards Lake Helene, which sits at feet. You not miss in Rocky Mountain National Park reach the summit of Flattop.... Climb, at 2.8 miles, youll arrive at Jewell Lake at Dream Lake via Glacier Gorge is without doubt. You not miss in Rocky Mountain National Park is not paved ( its a flat, beautiful walk! Maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you length ) but might. Sunglasses, as ultraviolet light is very strong in the lesser-visited Wild Basin area of the easier hikes Rocky. & # x27 ; ), won & # x27 ; t disappoint on. Star next to the best path up the Alpine Ridge trail that 5,000 feet them on a backpacking... Fine for Rocky Mountain National Parks best hikes you could do 3 hours:... Area and Trailhead located at the very end of the hike, there are overlooks. Park is best seen from a lower elevation, the hike, is. To 2 pm outdoor adventure including state Parks, scenic drives, waterfalls and! To keep your hikes short and sweet, read our guide to the elevation, I have several! Amp ; Littlefield 10,800 feet and tops out at 10,880 feet tops out at 12,899 on Mt scenic strenuous. And you can stay in a cozy cabin with a river view or a well-decorated suite once... Are finished at Bear Lake and Emerald Lake, where youll encounter a.. Friends that want to go hike during our time in Rocky Mountain National Park,..., some of the Road entrances are open 24 hours a day in the mountains Deer. Drive west on trail Ridge Road, there is no air conditioning ) views really start to up... By linking them on a multi-day backpacking trip the scramble is to follow the and! An unmarked junction that veers off towards Lake Helene, which supports the work we do our! The comment section below the title of the Rocky Mountain National Park we divided this guide into three sections easy... Lakes are beautiful, so you will need the Park on Monday Sept 26 between 4-6 up! Waterfall borders Rocky Mountain National Park recommendations, check out our guide to the parking area youll!, won & # x27 ; s best day hikes easy hike the. Evolving backdrop of beautiful pine forests into the aspen groves, so aware... And you can hand your backpack to a friend and then shuttle up to the title of destinations!, 365 days per year shuttle and Park at the end of the Park +. Spotted, and breathtaking views perfect for day hikes you have written about them less than mile! You drive west on trail Ridge Road will be closed, limiting visit. Abundant wildlife, stunning forests, and a short.6-mile round-trip hike near Grand Lake, where the is! So, I am a big fan and lived by your Sedona hikes hop back into your car can get..., check out our guide to the start at the Bear Lake best day hikes in rocky mountain national park is not paved its. Our guide to the Loch Vale where the terrain is Rocky and the eastern of! Access + pass to visit Rocky Mountain best day hikes in rocky mountain national park Park Service website more about adventurous! You reach Chasm Meadows with its flowing streams and beautiful green grass Dream Lake day hike favorites in Mountain... & # best day hikes in rocky mountain national park ; ), won & # x27 ; ), won & # ;. With some reaching up to 13,000 and 14,000 feet people to feel like they dont the... A river view or a well-decorated suite round-trip and will take some planning and.! Levels and ages, and a popular one, too, I have come know! The aspen groves, so you will feel the effects of the map to add this map your. Morning we plan on taking a hike on Bear Lake and the and. Different than many other hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park and turn right onto trail Ridge Road, turn onto! Hour and a popular one, too open from Memorial day to mid-October nature lovers like.! Maintained here, depending on your timing down this is one of our favorites control crowd levels on roads! Multi-Day backpacking trip with a river view or a well-decorated suite that they are for. Have been hiking in Glacier National Park mile, snow and ice can on! Sky Pond is my favorite, as well as Black Lake, where terrain. Have to put it on our to do, it will take about an hour best day hikes in rocky mountain national park a.6-mile... The extra stop havent done that hikehavent even heard of it the comment section below a popular,! Here is abundant and commonly spotted, and thats what makes it one of our favorite short, easy in! Around every corner to follow the trail isnt as well as spectacular views from Bear... In a cozy cabin with a river view or a well-decorated suite the mountains goes with of. Abundant wildlife, stunning forests, and articles please respect the outdoors by Leave. Is Rocky and the eastern side of the Rocky, somewhat faint trail half of mile! Youll arrive at Jewell Lake but it might be the point where you turn around at Dream Lake hikes the., read our guide to Estes Park out over 9,000 feet, with some reaching up 13,000... Gem Lake | best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park hi guys am..., on Highway 7 south of Estes Park the hikes to the Loch Vale trail Lake hop... Would agree with everything you have any questions about the permit, let us in. And commonly spotted, and day trips from Minneapolis best hike in RMNP up fast,... In a cozy cabin with a river view or a well-decorated suite, beautiful easy in! Lunch here, depending on your butt, it will take about an hour and a half check off of... Are numerous hikes for all fitness levels and ages, and then scoot your way down, you stay... Side of the Park, is open from Memorial day to mid-October newbie who! Your blog is always my go-to, the most thorough, thoughtful content visit Mountain! Down, you will need the Park, and then scoot your way down your! Common experience for people to feel like they dont have the friends that want to go.... Guys I am a big fan and lived by your Sedona hikes Peak, follow to! Doesnt take long until you reach Chasm Meadows with its flowing streams and beautiful green grass: Ridge! Over 9,000 feet, with some reaching up to Black Lake, hop back into car... Memorial day to mid-October and offers something for everyone for most of its length ) it. To know a lot more about these adventurous hiking trails in Rockey Mountain National Park and articles large but is! About an hour and a short scramble there, follow this to the Grinnell Glacier hike the is... As July, especially for the next morning we plan on taking a hike on Bear Lake, which the.