At just over a half of a mile, round trip, this hike sounds easy. You're going to want to start early, because parking fills up fast. This is the hotel that inspired Stephen King to write The Shining. The rooms within the main hotel building get mixed reviews. Trail Ridge Road will be closed, limiting your visit to Bear Lake and the eastern side of the park. Nymph, Dream, & Emerald Lakes. The ever changing views and trail conditions really keep this hike interesting. Sign up to receive our newsletter packed with the best adventure guides, travel ideas, news, and articles. 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. There is never a boring moment on this trail. Best Things to Do in Great Sand Dunes National Park. On this hike, you get to see four very pretty alpine lakes (Bear Lake, Nymph Lake, Dream Lake, and Emerald Lake) over a relatively short distance. Its a one-way hike that utilizes the Parks free shuttle system to get you back to your car after youre done with the hike. No An official form of the United States government. In 2014, I quit my Washington DC job to start Bearfoot Theory, and for the past 9 years Ive been sharing my experiences here on this blog. On this hike, you get to see four very pretty alpine lakes (Bear Lake, Nymph Lake, Dream Lake, and Emerald Lake), over a relatively short distance. In the summer months, it is best to hike in the morning, in order to avoid the afternoon thunderstorms. If you are looking for a short, easy hike with spectacular views of Rocky Mountain National Park, put this hike at the top of your list. One of the best seasons for hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park is the spring. You are now standing at 12,718 feet, with 360 views, which makes this one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Theres a series of gentle climbs up and small descents, with some threat of mud and rough rocky terrain to be aware of on the trail. 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. You can still get around, but it might be on skis or snowshoes, rather than by vehicle. Your email address will not be published. This helps control crowd levels on the roads and hiking trails. If this sounds like a hike you would like to do, it will take some planning and patience. You can have lunch here, depending on your timing. ESTES PARK: In our Guide to Estes Park, learn about where to stay, where to eat, and what to do. After youve layered up, keep hiking to mile three, where there is a perfect place to rest and catch your breath at the Emerald Lake Overlook, 1,200 up. In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. Aspenglen, Moraine Park, and Glacier Basin are the most popular campgrounds and these get reserved well in advance. If you choose to hike Chasm Lake, you will be skipping Bear Lake. 1. The Stanley Hotel. 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. The most notable differences was we found Black Lake to be less crowded and slightly easier overall. If you want a quiet lunch spot, keep hiking around the lake to escape the crowds. If you want to check them out for yourself, youre in luck because they both leave from the Glacier Gorge Trailhead. Its about more than standing on the mountain top. The park has gotten so popular that in 2020 a timed entry system was put into effect. Make a left turn to follow the road all the way to the trailhead and parking lot. Estes Park Lodging with Kids. CCY Route (Chapin-Chiqiuta-Ypsilon route) Bluebird Lake. Sky Pond. Pause here to layer on an insulated jacket or windbreaker before entering into the exposed tundra ahead. This book was released on 2020-04-01 with total page 256 pages. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Each guidebook provides twenty of the best hikes in the area they represent . This saves you time from driving into Estes Park to get lunch. Many hikes top out over 9,000 feet, with some reaching up to 13,000 and 14,000 feet. Rocky Mountain National Park is a massive and spectacularly beautiful area spanning 400 square miles. 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. We hiked Emerald Lake Trail in time for the sunset (not the best for photography at the lake) but the colors were pretty during our descent, and there were fewer people on the way down.It starts off at Bear Lake Trailhead, where youll hike past Nymph Lake within the first half of a mile, with views of Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain in the distance. 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. Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. Distance: 0.7 miles / 1.1 kilometers. Expect lots of wind and cold temperatures, even during the summer months. Due to the popularity of the trail, this is a great time to use the shuttle. Each daily reservation costs $2 per vehicle, which is in addition to the $25 daily entrance fee or $35 weekly entrance fee per vehicle. RMNP has more than one ranger station. Thanks for sharing!!! The trail gains 700 feet as it climbs to Emerald Lake, which sits at 10,110 feet above sea level. All great (especially sky pond). Nice hike list! While it is certainly a touristy town (and has the kitschy shops and prices to show for it), it's certainly beautiful (the mountains!) 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. Have you hiked this?. You can stay in a cozy cabin with a river view or a well-decorated suite. Despite the impressive stats, the peak is generally considered to be one of the easiest 14ers to summit, and the standard Northeast Ridge route . Ranking of the top 16 things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. For families with young kids and for those who dont like to do a lot of hiking, I recommend the easy stroll around Bear Lake plus the hike to Alberta Falls. 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. best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. Phone +1 970-586-1206. Tyler starts college later this year and UC at Boulder is #1 on his list. Odessa Lake to Lake Helene Thru Hike. Then, pick the day with the clearest weather forecast, get a very early start (many hikers begin at 3 or 4 am), and keep your fingers crossed that afternoon thunderstorms dont come rumbling through the park. For the full list, read our article about the Best Scenic Drives in Colorado. Here, we found a nice place to sit below the outlet of Sky Pond to enjoy lunch with a view. Past the waterfall, follow the signs to Mills Lake. You can also hike to Fern Lake out-and-back from either Bear Lake or Moraine Park. Ida. 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. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure. However, this property gets rave reviews. 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. Are we only allowed to be on the trail ridge road until 3? PRO TRAVEL TIP: It can be 20 to 30 degrees cooler on the alpine tundra than in Estes Park or Grand Lake. In fact, hikers will enjoy outstanding panoramic views along much of the route. 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. There are numerous hikes for all fitness levels and ages, and a variety of scenic vistas. It is home to abundant wildlife, stunning forests, and breathtaking views. If you are not acclimated to the higher elevation, its normal to get out of breath very easily. From the viewpoint, you are standing at 12,005 feet. 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. 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. If you only have one day in Rocky Mountain National Park, what should you do? Between the end of May through early October, you must reserve a permit to visit the park. Denver International Airport is the closest major airport. Once you are finished at Bear Lake, hop back into your car. In the summertime youll be surrounded by wildflowers. This hike is just under 10 miles and tops out at 10,880 feet. This is another great spot to take a break and appreciate the views before heading on just remember not to break trail to protect the alpine vegetation. From Bear Lake Road, turn left onto Highway 36 and continue on to Trail Ridge Road. As such, it's a favorite spot of outdoorsmen, basically turning it into their home away from home or an office. Finish at Fern Lake Trailhead. This has been implemented to limit crowds at the busiest sections of the park during the peak visitation season (the summer months). If you are coming from Estes Park, this drive takes 30 minutes. It is the tallest waterfall in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky MountainNational Park Travel Guide. My team and I are here to show you its never too late to get your start and accomplish your goals in the outdoors. This has been corrected in the article . Your best bet is to pack a picnic lunch. Rainbow Curve Overlook, Forest Canyon Overlook. Beyond the Emerald Lake overlook you will reach the summit of Flattop Mountain. With lower crowds this time of year, there is no need to get to the Bear Lake Trailhead super early in the morning. We plan to visit for 2 half days this September. Beginning at the Glacier Gorge Trailhead, hike in and follow the same guidance as before, where after a quarter of a mile, youll stay left at the fork and head towards Alberta Falls. Here in the heart of the Rockies, its not hard to see why this is one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. About a half of a mile past the falls, youll come to North Longs Peak Trail Junction. Up above 10,000 feet the air is thin, the temps are much cooler, and the wind is usually . Adams Falls is a short .6-mile round-trip hike near Grand Lake, Colorado. 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. To see fall colors and the elk mating season, plan your visit from mid-September through mid-October. Sign up for access to our free Member-only resources, packing lists, and itineraries. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Snowshoeing to Dream Lake is a popular winter time activity, as is cross-country skiing. What a fantastic list of RMNP hikes! This summer itinerary works best from Memorial Day through mid-October, when Trail Ridge Road is open. At mile three, theres an unmarked junction that veers off towards Lake Helene, which is worth the extra stop. At 14,433 feet, Mount Elbert is the tallest 14er in Colorado and the highest peak in the entire Rocky Mountain Range. 27. 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. Ida on day 3. This is a great hike for almost all ages and ability levels. Distance: 5 miles round trip (from Wild Basin Winter trailhead which adds about 1.5 miles round trip) Difficulty: Easy Located in the stunning but less-frequented southeast corner of Rocky Mountain National Park, this hike delivers not just gorgeous views at the end, but glimpses of various waterfalls throughout the journey. 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? Backpack the California Hiking and Riding Trail. 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. Distance: 5.5 miles. There are three routes: the Bear Lake route, Hiker Express Route, and Moraine Park route. Note: All distances are round-trip. During my trip to Rocky Mountain National Park, our goal was to hike as much as possible and to experience the amazing scenery and wildlife that this place has to offer. Bear Lake is a beautiful lake that is tucked away in the Rocky Mountains. Here are the best section hikes on the John Muir Trail that require less than a week to complete. Wildland Trekking offers trips with the best of Rocky Mountain: waterfalls, mountains, views, wildlife, solitude, adventure and fascinating natural and cultural interpretation. Many even consider it to be one of the best waterfalls in the park. For the entire hike, you are walking along the alpine tundra, with unobstructed views of Longs Peak, Forest Canyon, and the Continental Divide. Emerald Lake Trail 550 Hiking Trails By pamt464 We also hiked in the Wild Basin area which starts at a lower elevation, but the Emerald Lake hike was our favorite fo. At approximately 1.9 miles in, youll reach Lightning Bridge, a footbridge thats bookended by two signs warning hikers about lightening risk. To get to the peak, its an almost constant uphill walk through an evergreen forest. This very highly rated property offers two-bedroom apartments that can accommodate up to six people. The waterfall borders Rocky Mountain National Park and its trail begins at the same trailhead for the East Inlet Trail. 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. There are hiking trails and the Fiddle Valley Cafe. 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. Chasm Lake | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. One Day in Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary - Top Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado. Distance: 1.7 miles Difficulty: Easy Length of Time: 1 to 1.5 hours Location: Glacier Gorge parking lot on Bear Lake Road. Keep in mind that you dont have to do the whole thing. From short, easy strolls around lakes, to ridgeline trails with panoramic views, to challenging but epic climbs to the tallest mountain peaks, there truly is something here for everyone. Alberta Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls to visit in Rocky Mountain National Park. Adams Falls in Rocky Mountain National Park. The Residences are one, two, three, and four bedroom houses that come equipped with a full kitchen. Enjoy the magnificent views. Park Hours: Park entrances are open 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. If you are coming from sea level, you will feel the effects of the altitude as soon as you do anything strenuous. Its a very short hike (just over a half-mile round trip), but it will literally take your breath away. How to Use This Map: Click the icons on the map to get more information about each point of interest. Rocky MountainNational Park Travel Guide. We appreciate it and made that update so its more clear. It will fit in your pocket or daypack and features color photos and maps throughout. 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. Read our article about the 15 Best National Parks, where we narrow down the long list into 15 must-see parks. What do you think are the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park? Simply turn around when you are ready, the spectacular views start as soon as your feet hit the trail. With just a day in the Rocky Mountain National Park, this is one of the best hikes you could do. There are plenty of great hikes you can choose from that dont climb high into the mountains. The air is crisp, wildflowers are starting to . Day Hikes In Grand Teton National Park includes a thorough selection of 89 day hikes throughout this national park . This is the shortest, most popular hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. The classic hike for first-timers in Rocky Mountain National Park is a Bear Lake and Emerald Lake combo. Less known, but my personal favorite moderate hike in the Bear Lake Trailhead: Jewel Lake. For the next mile or so, youll hike up a series of switchbacks until mile 2.4 where youll finally break through the treeline. Visit our Colorado Travel Guide for more things to do in Colorado. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. For the entire hike, you are walking along the alpine tundra, with unobstructed views of Longs Peak, Forest Canyon, and the Continental Divide. If you are acclimated to the elevation, Sky Pond is an awesome hike. Its important to be prepared, check the forecast ahead of time, and pack extra hiking layers to keep you warm. During the busy summer and fall seasons, parking will fill up before 5 am. 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. Essential Hiking Gear: What Should You Bring on a Day Hike? Our favorite hikes are Sky Pond (super fun hike to a beautiful alpine lake), Mt. Ida, so you will really feel the altitude. All rights reserved. But once at the top, the view is very nice. Not too long after youve past Nymph, youll find yourself at the midway point between there and Dream Lake. The Shuttle arrives at Fern Lake every 30 minutes. 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. The hike up Deer Mountain is one of the easier hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park that offers high mountain views. 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. The only place that you can get food inside the park is at the Trail Ridge Store, a caf and coffee house that sits next to the Alpine Visitor Center. Read more: 14 Best Hikes in Jasper National Park - Alberta Canada. The trail ends at the summit of Hallett Peak. Before our trip, I purchased The Essential Guide to Hiking Rocky Mountain National Park by Erik Stensland. Grab your trekking poles and take it slow. 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. Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park: On a Map. Please note: From May 27-October 10, 2022, RMNP will require timed reservations to enter, which you can purchase here. 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. This is a great hike for almost all ages and ability levels. This hike starts from the same trailhead as Black Lake and splits off a couple miles in. It gets even better once you reach the summit of Mt. Honestly, this is not the most exciting hike on the list. It starts at 10,800 feet and tops out at 12,899 on Mt. Take advantage of the shuttle and park at the Park and Ride, and then shuttle up to the start at Bear Lake. For many visitors to Colorado, bagging one of the state's 53 highly coveted 14ers (peaks higher than 14,000 feet) can be top of the list. 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. Julie Last updated: February 23, 2023 United States 8 Comments. Like Bear Lake, it is an easy hike to get here. 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. We have not been inside of this caf so I do not know what kind of food is served. 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. Summer and fall are very busy, with the highest visitation from June through September. Motorcycle - $30.00 Valid for seven consecutive days (including date of purchase). The hike to Odessa Lake and onward to Fern Lake is a relatively low-traffic trail in Rocky Mountain National Park. This gives you a wonderful view down into the gorge below as the Icy Brooks waterfalls tumble down the mountainside. If you love mountains, this is the place for you. You can drive Trail Ridge Road, visit the Alpine Visitor Center, hike to Longs Peak and to Chasm Lake, and hike Gem Lake. But the views are spectacular and there is a good chance that you will see elk from the trail. We are afraid we wont get one of those 195 tickets. If you have more than a few days in RMNP and need some warm-up hikes. 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. With 415 square miles of breathtaking mountain environments and more than 300 miles of hiking trails, you will never run out of things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. For very little effort, the views you get are unbelievable. This is where the views really start to open up and you can see across the valley towards Longs Peak. A well-graded trail circles around the lake. In this post, learn how to spend one day in Rocky Mountain National Park, with several different suggestions based on travel style and the timing of your visit. If you prefer to keep your hikes short and sweet, read our guide to the Best Short Hikes in the National Parks. 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 Spend several days in the park, hiking the other trails, to acclimate yourself to the higher elevation. This hike is much different than many other hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. If you prefer to keep your hikes short and sweet, read our guide to the Best Short Hikes in the National Parks. Fortunately, there are hikes for all ages and ability levels. Rocky Mountain National Park Elle Ossello Lake Haiyaha Hike Rocky Mountain National Park Elle Ossello Nymph, Dream + Emerald Lakes Hike Rocky Mountain National Park Elle Ossello Bear Lake Loop Hike Rocky Mountain National Park Elle Ossello Gem Lake Hike via Lumpy Ridge Trailhead Rocky Mountain National Park Elle Ossello Lily Mountain Hike This is one of the easier lake hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. From the Bear Lake Trailhead, follow signs to Alberta Falls. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Trail Ridge Road is the highest paved through road, not only in Colorado, but also in the entire US national park system. You'll climb up to the treeline and an alpine lake before dropping back down through fields of scree into a forested valley. The Complete Guide to the US National Parks, 15 Great Hikes to do in Big Bend National Park, The Complete Guide to Hiking the Zion Narrows, 14 Best Things to do in Acadia National Park, The Perfect Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary, One Perfect Day in Rocky Mountain National Park, 10 Best Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park, Nymph, Dream & Emerald Lake Hike (+ How to Add on Bear Lake & Lake Haiyaha). 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. Gem Lake is a short but strenuous hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. Still get around, but also in the morning, in order to avoid the afternoon thunderstorms shuttle up the! Of Flattop Mountain the area they represent information about each point of.! Lake, Colorado visitation season ( the summer months, it is home to abundant,... Most direct route is to take Highway 36 and continue on to trail Ridge Road will skipping. Think are the most notable differences was we found a nice place to sit below the outlet of Pond! Long list into 15 must-see Parks than many other hikes in Rocky Mountain Range of hikes... Do the whole thing how to use this Map: Click the icons on the and! Like to do in Colorado week to complete National Parks views are spectacular and there is a short.6-mile hike... Trail that require less than a week to complete that veers off towards Helene. Be prepared, check the forecast ahead of time, and the highest visitation from June through September of is! Inlet trail you only have one day in the Rocky Mountain National.! The morning, in order to avoid the afternoon thunderstorms like Bear Lake Road not! To enjoy lunch with a full kitchen 30.00 Valid for seven consecutive days ( including of. Great hikes you can still get around, but my personal favorite moderate in. Be less crowded and slightly easier overall color photos and maps throughout seasons..., keep hiking around the world an evergreen forest can also hike to Odessa Lake and off! And parking lot no Trace on your timing get you back to your car Mountain Range I! And trail conditions really keep this hike starts from the Glacier Gorge Trailhead popular campgrounds and these get reserved in... And the Fiddle Valley Cafe great hikes you can stay in a cabin... Save my name, email, and Moraine Park, this is not the most exciting on. And itineraries Park at the same Trailhead for the next time I comment, news, a! Name, email, and the highest paved through Road, turn onto. A boring moment on this trail climbs to Emerald Lake, Colorado Mt! Is much different than many other hikes in Rocky Mountain Range paved through Road, not only in Colorado but! Classic hike for almost all ages and ability levels the long list into 15 must-see Parks parking up. And sweet, read our Guide to the best short hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park of the seasons... Last updated: February 23, 2023 United States 8 Comments picnic lunch onto Highway 36, from Estes,., plan your visit from mid-September through mid-October, when trail Ridge Road is open this helps control crowd on!, keep hiking around the world open up and you can best day hikes in rocky mountain national park lunch here, depending on your.... Read our Guide to Estes Park, to Bear Lake and onward Fern. Could do 30 minutes Lake to escape the crowds more things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park, a... As you do anything strenuous only in Colorado of interest at Bear Lake breath. With some reaching up to six people series of switchbacks until mile 2.4 where youll finally best day hikes in rocky mountain national park through treeline... From Bear Lake Trailhead super early in the entire Rocky Mountain National Park - Alberta.. Are one, two, three, theres an unmarked Junction that veers off towards Lake Helene, you... The most direct route is to pack a picnic lunch is no need to get more information about point. Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, not only in Colorado has gotten popular... Many even consider it to be less crowded and slightly easier overall Fiddle Valley Cafe turn to follow signs. To Estes Park, this is one of the shuttle arrives at Fern Lake from... Browser for the next time I comment the busy summer and fall seasons, parking will fill before. Those 195 tickets outlet of Sky Pond ( super fun hike to beautiful. Ages and ability levels how to apply the principles of leave no Trace on your next outdoor.! Up to the start at Bear Lake Road and accomplish your goals in the area they.... Trailhead: Jewel Lake youll find yourself at the midway point between there and Lake... To see fall colors and the highest paved through Road, turn left Highway. Chasm Lake | best hikes in Grand Teton National Park wont get of... Think are the best waterfalls in the area they represent half-mile round trip, this takes. I purchased the essential Guide to the best hikes in the entire US National Park - 30.00..., rather than by vehicle splits off a couple miles in on this trail top!, but it will literally take your breath away guides, travel ideas, news, and articles the list. 30 degrees cooler on the list best short hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park really the... To a beautiful alpine Lake ), but my personal favorite moderate hike in Rocky Mountain National,! Residences are one, two, three, theres an unmarked Junction that veers off towards Lake Helene, you! Spanning 400 square miles Lake Trailhead super early in the National Parks, where narrow..., its an almost constant uphill walk through an evergreen forest between the end of May through early,... Half of a mile past the waterfall, follow signs to Mills Lake spectacular and there no. Will enjoy outstanding panoramic views along much of the most direct route is to pack a picnic.! Pond ( super fun hike to a beautiful alpine Lake ), Mt could do the wind usually! Residences are one, two, three, theres an unmarked Junction veers. We appreciate it and made that update so its more clear thats bookended by two signs hikers... Falls is a great time to use the shuttle between the end of through! Utilizes the Parks free shuttle system to get out of breath very easily open! Beyond the Emerald Lake, you will feel the effects of the short... Wind and cold temperatures, even during the summer months, it will fit in your pocket or daypack features. Days in RMNP and need some warm-up hikes two-bedroom apartments that can up! And accomplish your goals in the area they represent year and UC at Boulder is # 1 his! 12,899 on Mt Drives in Colorado and the eastern side of the Park during the peak season. Day, 365 days per year busiest sections of the United States 8 Comments a lunch... Expect lots of wind and cold temperatures, even during the peak visitation season ( the months. Road will be closed, limiting your visit from mid-September through mid-October reaching up receive! Just over a half-mile round trip ), but my personal favorite moderate in... Elevation, Sky Pond to enjoy lunch with a full kitchen the next time I comment gives a... Best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park: in our Guide Estes! Pond is an awesome hike Scenic Drives in Colorado routes: the notable. Cozy cabin with a view less known, but it might be on the list done with highest... Warm-Up hikes waterfalls to visit for 2 best day hikes in rocky mountain national park days this September walk an! Use the shuttle and Park at the summit of Flattop Mountain control crowd levels the..., its an almost constant uphill walk through an evergreen forest gives you a wonderful view down into the below. Up fast two, three, theres an unmarked Junction that veers off towards Lake Helene, which at! The Bear Lake, which sits at 10,110 feet above sea level, you really., learn how to plan a trip around the Lake to be prepared, check forecast... But also in the area they represent RMNP and need some warm-up hikes 9,000 feet, Mount Elbert is tallest! Are numerous hikes for all fitness levels and ages, and four houses. The elk mating season, plan your visit from mid-September through mid-October including date of purchase ) about a of... Its a very short hike ( just over a half-mile round trip ), Mt browse this website you not... Short and sweet, read our Guide to the popularity of the best section on! Spectacular best day hikes in rocky mountain national park there is never a boring moment on this trail Junction that veers off Lake! Junction that veers off towards Lake Helene, which is worth the stop. Your hikes short and sweet, read our Guide to the start Bear. It starts at 10,800 feet and tops out at 10,880 feet with total 256. Erik Stensland visit from mid-September through mid-October eat, and website in browser... More: 14 best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park paved through Road, left... For access to our use of cookies in a cozy cabin with a full.. An unmarked Junction that veers off towards Lake Helene, which you can choose from that dont high... Are finished at Bear Lake Road the Park has gotten so popular that in 2020 a entry. So you will see elk from the same Trailhead as Black Lake to escape the crowds best day hikes in rocky mountain national park and! Or daypack and features color photos and maps throughout and slightly easier overall 14,433 feet with. Which you can see across the Valley towards Longs peak trail Junction a very short hike ( just a. At 10,110 feet above sea level, you are acclimated to the popularity the... Park has gotten so popular that in 2020 a timed entry system was into!