On our most recent visit we stayed in The Residences at #402 and it was wonderful. However, it only runs daily from May 25-September 13. 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 Inn on Fall River & Fall River Cabins. The elevation here is about 11,600, so take your time and stop to catch your breath when you need a break. 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. For 48 miles, this road runs from Estes Park in the east to Grand Lake in the west. LEARN MORE: How to Hike to Odessa Lake and Fern Lake. See the top Minnesota road trip stops for outdoor adventure including State Parks, scenic drives, waterfalls, and day trips from Minneapolis. Unless you're Superman (I very much am not), you can't possibly cover this much ground in one day. Before our trip, I purchased The Essential Guide to Hiking Rocky Mountain National Park by Erik Stensland. Your best bet is to pack a picnic lunch. Many of the best hiking trails are situated within Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP). It is 4.2 miles round trip. There are three ways to hike to Fern Lake. I will discuss these hikes in more detail below, or you can click over to our Best Hikes in RMNP post now to learn more (it will open in a new browser tab so you wont lose your spot here). This hike is much different than many other hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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 Those looking for a shorter, easier hike can turn around at this point. Required fields are marked *. Before we dive in to all 25+ of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain NP, we've compiled the top 10! Make a right turn here, pass the turnoff at Mills Junction, and hike straight ahead to the Loch Vale Trail. Alberta Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls to visit in Rocky Mountain National Park. Happy hiking!! Denver International Airport is the closest major airport. I hear you thats a pretty common experience for people to feel like they dont have the friends that want to go hike. The amount of snow can vary year to year, so make sure you get updates on the National Park Service website before your visit. Provided by Touchpoints 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. 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. How to get there:Some of the Rocky Mountain National Parks best hikes are easily accessible by the parks shuttle system. Many hikes top out over 9,000 feet, with some reaching up to 13,000 and 14,000 feet. Meanwhile, Kara and I hiked Bear, Nymph, Dream, Emerald and Haiyaha Lakes. During this time, you get to enjoy panoramic views of Rocky Mountain National Park. Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park is a much different experience in the winter than the summer months. The elevation of the lowest sections of the park range from 5,600 to 9,500 feet. When we were there in late August, there wasnt too much water coming down the rock scramble, but during peak run-off, you may get your shoes wet here.At 4.5 miles and 10,900 above sea level, youll finally arrive at Sky Pond. This is your spot to turn around and descend back to Ute Crossing. This is a great hike for almost all ages and ability levels. Elevation: 49 feet / 15 meters. or a FWD is also fine? Located in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, Jasper National Park was officially established in 1907, after a group of Canadian Pacific Railway . The Emerald Lake hike is a family friendly hike and it also makes a great intro to hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park. Applies to walk-ins, bicycles, and non-commercial . 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. If they are sold out, then you will need to be ready to purchase your permit right at 5 pm the day before. The Bear Lake trail is handicap accessible and offers something for everyone. 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. But the whole reason to do this hike is for the view of Sky Pond, one of the most spectacular lakes in the park. This is the shortest, most popular hike 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. It reaches its highest point at 12,183 feet and crosses the Continental Divide at Milner Pass. 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. 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. The best path up the scramble is to follow the crushed and broken rocks, indicating a footpath worn in by previous hikers. 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. Glass Lake | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, Sky Pond | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. It's a flat, beautiful easy walk in the parkliterally. 33 places sorted by traveler favorites Clear all filters 2022 1. 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. Views of Peacock Pond with the massive, rocky mountains that form the backdrop, waterfalls, and the chance to see wildlife, almost gave us a sense of dj vu, like we were back in Glacier National Park again. 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. This is a great hike for newbie hikers who want to summit a mountain in Rocky Mountain National Park. 2. TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY: For more information about the camera gear we carry, check out our Travel Photography Gear Guide. Guide to the Best Day Hikes in the US National Parks. 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. 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. This is a wonderful hike to add onto your drive along Trail Ridge Road, and from the trailhead, it is just a 15-minute drive to the Alpine Visitor Center. Thanks!! Get info on JMT starting trailheads, trail quotas, lottery dates & more. Can you please suggest me about how can I plan my solo visit to rocky mountain national park and where I can get best itinerary for same. Spectacular views of the Never Summer Mountains are only some of the peaks to be seen on this trail. Its both scenic and strenuous, and thats what makes it one of Rocky Mountain National Parks best hikes. Hike up to continue onto the Tombstone Ridge, where there are beautiful views of the Rockies in front of you. Discover the best things to do at Lake Como in Montana including the top hikes, where to camp, & more! How to Get There:From Estes Park, take Highway 36 to Bear Lake Road until you reach the trailhead and parking lot. When is the best time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park? Cheers, Julie, The Rocky mountain national park looks amazing dear. Rocky Mountain National Park spans over 415.25 square miles and has 355 miles of well-maintained hiking trails with different elevations. 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. This takes you directly up a short scramble for about 100 feet. For most of this hike you are entirely within a pine forest, so the views are rather lackluster for much of the hike. Here you'll pass more lakes, waterfalls, aspen groves and elk-inhabited meadows. 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. Longs Peak and Timber Creek Campgrounds are easier to get reservations. Alberta Falls | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. If you have plans to hike one of these trails, adding on Bear Lake is quick, easy, and wont take up much of your time. Guide to the Best Day Hikes in the US National Parks. Ive always wanted to go hiking , Love the adventure just didnt have the friends or resourcefulness to survive out there. It is the tallest waterfall in Rocky Mountain National Park. Ida, so you will really feel the altitude. I love how you outlined which hikes to do, based on what you are looking for. You can stay in a cozy cabin with a river view or a well-decorated suite. 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. 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. 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. One of the most popular hikes in all of Rocky Mountain National Park is the Nymph, Dream, & Emerald Lakes Hike. Last month, I traveled to Orcas Island in the San Juan archipelago off the coast of Washington state. in advance if you plan to do this itinerary between May 27 and October 10, 2022. This summer itinerary works best from Memorial Day through mid-October, when Trail Ridge Road is open. Hi Deanna, thank you so much for pointing that out and for being here! The park encompasses over 400 square miles of Colorados Front Range, which juts up suddenly at the western edge of the Great Plains to create one ofthe most scenic and dramatic alpine areas in the country. On the hike to Mt. This is a great hike to do with kids. This is a nice hike but honestly not one of our favorites. Several great hikes start at the Bear Lake Trailhead. Spring is one of our favorite times of year to visit Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. Past the waterfall, follow the signs to Mills Lake. Take a left onto Bear Lake Road, and arrive at the Glacier Gorge trailhead. Thanks for all you do! This is the most popular hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. Visit our. During the remainder of the year it is closed due to snow. Its a scenic waterfall thats easily accessible, so be aware that due to its popularity it can get crowded. Heres the thing: this hike starts just under 12,000 feet of elevation. Our website uses cookies. The entire hike is less than a mile in length, making it great for all ages and ability levels. Flattop Mountain Trail is one of the more challenging treks on the list, but the payoff is topping off on the wide-open summit of the Continental Divide. This has been corrected in the article . 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. They include Alpine Ridge Trail, Forest Canyon Overlook, Alluvial Fan West Trail, and Beaver Ponds Boardwalk. Read our article about the 15 Best National Parks, where we narrow down the long list into 15 must-see parks. How to get there:Take Highway 34 to Bear Lake Road. Bear Lake is a well-marked trail and is one of the easiest hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. On your first day, you will need the Park Access pass (the regular pass) if you plan to enter before 3. The next morning we plan on taking a hike on Bear Lake and would need the Park Access+. On an early morning in July, it was only 34 degrees at the Alpine Visitor Center during our visit. 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. For more information about where to stay and where to eat, read our Guide to Estes Park. 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