View from Deer Mountain | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. But if you wanted to do this one day itinerary, you would have to book a hotel in Estes ParK (ideally for 2 nights) and book your Rocky Mountain National Park timed entry ticket online. For the ultimate hiking experience in Rocky Mountain National Park, put Longs Peak on the top of your list. Ill send this to my buddies for review before our trip! Dig in and hike the rest of the way to the summit of Flattop Mountain, where it is more of a plateau rather than a peak, but nevertheless, offers panoramic views of nearby mountain ranges like Mummy Range and Notchtop Mountain in the distance. Over the next half of a mile, snow and ice can remain on the trail well into June. When we did this, we saw lots of elk, some of them males with enormous antlers. The parking lot at Bear Lake is large but it fills up fast! 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 Please note: From May 27-October 10, 2022, RMNP will require timed reservations to enter, which you can purchase here. I absolutely loved it. The Residences are one, two, three, and four bedroom houses that come equipped with a full kitchen. Bear Lake. Have saved for later when we can go again. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Best Things to Do in Great Sand Dunes National Park. Watch your step and take it slow. 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. This very highly rated property offers two-bedroom apartments that can accommodate up to six people. The wildlife here is abundant and commonly spotted, and there is a spectacular view around every corner. This hike is much different than many other hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Id recommend taking your time and putting your trekking poles away so you can use your hands. 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. There are hiking trails and the Fiddle Valley Cafe. 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. Before we dive in to all 25+ of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain NP, we've compiled the top 10! We plan to visit for 2 half days this September. Jasper Skyline Trail. 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. If you plan to visit Rocky Mountain National Park in the summer, afternoon thunderstorms occur quite frequently. For me, this was the most difficult but also my favorite hike that we did during our time in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. How to get there:The most direct route is to take Highway 36, from Estes Park, to Bear Lake Road. Nymph, Dream, & Emerald Lakes. If you have any questions about the permit, let us know in the comment section below. You will also pass the trailhead for the Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge. However, its a great warm-up hike for those who want to do Hallett Peak or Longs Peak and its a great hike for those who are looking for a less crowded trail that offers great views of the area. This hike is just under 10 miles and tops out at 10,880 feet. 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. Trail Ridge Road will be closed, limiting your visit to Bear Lake and the eastern side of the park. The best path up the scramble is to follow the crushed and broken rocks, indicating a footpath worn in by previous hikers. 11. 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. Chasm Lake sits at 11,760 feet and puts you right at the base of Longs Peak, RMNPs tallest mountain. Along the way, you will hike through bogs and forests, past Ribbon Falls, and have a great view of Keyboard of the Winds. 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. 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. 700 feet (213 m) elevation gain. The trail starts at the Bear Lake trailhead, and heads left soon after. The permit is in effect from 5 am to 6 pm. 3. Alberta Falls. Get our top tips for visiting Rocky Mountain National Park including when to go, where to camp, hiking tips, how to beat the crowds, and more. This hike does not start at Bear Lake. So, we all could be making a lot of trips out to Colorado over the next few years, depending on Tylers decision. Do we need a AWD car ? For families with older kids or for those who like the idea of hiking to several beautiful, iconic lakes, hike to Emerald and Dream Lakes and either do the easy stroll around Bear Lake or hike to Alberta Falls. Located in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, Jasper National Park was officially established in 1907, after a group of Canadian Pacific Railway . 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. This is a great stop to enjoy a short break by the waterfall, or avoid the crowds and push on. The Shuttle arrives at Fern Lake every 30 minutes. Thank you! If we plan on leaving Denver around 11 and traveling the Trail Ridge road would we only need the regular park pass? Around mile six, youll come to Fern Falls, a picturesque waterfall, and over the next couple miles youll hike past two large boulders known as Arch Rocks. You can also hike to Fern Lake out-and-back from either Bear Lake or Moraine Park. The fairly easy trail is beautiful in the summer, fall or winter. Im glad we could help! Odessa Lake & Fern Lake. best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. The hike up Deer Mountain is one of the easier hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park that offers high mountain views. Some visitors complain of noise and hot temperatures in the summer (there is no air conditioning). What a fantastic list of RMNP hikes! It's well worth making the effort to get here, as the trail passes through some spectacular scenery, traversing a dense pine forest and passing by the lovely Ouzel Falls, before finally reaching Bluebird Lake. 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. The trail starts to climb higher, eventually taking you up rock steps then down to Emerald Lake. Snow can linger on the trails as late as July, especially for the trails at higher elevations. If you plan to visit the park during the summer months, you will also need to reserve your timed permit in advance. Do a Hike Near Bear Lake. Explore the full Adams Falls hike profile below for trail map, driving directions, and all the details you . I think it is better to drive Trail Ridge Road in the afternoon than visit Bear Lake. Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. The craggy Teton peaks reach as high as 13,770 feet, forming a bony ridge through Wyoming along the Continental Divide. Best Rocky Mountain National Park Hikes: Easy Tundra Hikes. With one day in Rocky Mountain National Park during the summer and early fall, you have enough time to hike one of the trails, drive the legendary Trail Ridge Road, and visit the top sights in the park. This challenging hike starts at Bear Lake and rapidly gains elevation once you are on the Flattop Mountain Trail. 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. Applies to walk-ins, bicycles, and non-commercial . Meanwhile, Kara and I hiked Bear, Nymph, Dream, Emerald and Haiyaha Lakes. Snowshoeing to Dream Lake is a popular winter time activity, as is cross-country skiing. 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 entire hike is less than a mile in length, making it great for all ages and ability levels. Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park 1. Ida, you really feel like you are walking on top of the world. Yup. 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. This is a great hike for almost all ages and ability levels. Bearfoot Theory is one of the leading hiking, camping, and van life blogs powered by an all-female team. However, if the exposure really bothers you, then the waterfall might be the point where you turn around. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. At this time, cross country skiing and snowshoeing are the main things to do in the park. You can also see all of our articles about Colorado in our Colorado Travel Guide. Those looking for a shorter, easier hike can turn around at this point. Read the reviews of your fellow travelers. The next morning we plan on taking a hike on Bear Lake and would need the Park Access+. As you drive west on Trail Ridge Road, there are numerous overlooks. https://bearfoottheory.com/tips-taking-friends-hiking-first-time/. Distance: 4 miles Difficulty: Easy to moderate Length of Time: 1.5 to 3 hours Location: Ute Trailhead on Trail Ridge Road, 7 miles east of the Alpine Visitor Center, Tombstone Ridge | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. With lower crowds this time of year, there is no need to get to the Bear Lake Trailhead super early in the morning. 3. View from the Alpine Ridge Trail | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Park Fee: $25 per vehicle, valid for 1 day or $35 per vehicle, valid for 7 days. The hike to Odessa Lake and onward to Fern Lake is a relatively low-traffic trail in Rocky Mountain National Park. There is something here for everyone, ranging from easy, lakeside strolls to short hikes to waterfalls to challenging hikes up the tallest peaks. There is even a three-bedroom house that can accommodate up to nine people. Alternatively, if you are driving over Trail Ridge Road and want to stretch your legs, this is a fantastic place to do it. Have you hiked this?. 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. Begin at Deer Ridge Trailhead, 3 miles west of the Beaver Meadows entrance, to follow the North Deer Mountain Trail. Keep hiking until you reach Timberline Pass, at the two-mile mark. Guide to the Best Day Hikes in the US National Parks. Adams Falls in Rocky Mountain National Park. To see fall colors and the elk mating season, plan your visit from mid-September through mid-October. You dont even have to hike the entire 4 miles. Simply turn around when you are ready, the spectacular views start as soon as your feet hit the trail. During the busy summer and fall seasons, parking will fill up before 5 am. Here you'll pass more lakes, waterfalls, aspen groves and elk-inhabited meadows. It gets even better once you reach the summit of Mt. To visit Rocky Mountain National Park from May 26 to October 22, 2023, you will need to reserve a permit in advance. Begin here, at Glacier Gorge, and hike for a quarter of a mile over Chaos Creek until you see the trail split. From the Glacier Gorge parking lot, is a mostly uphill walk to get to Alberta Falls, but it is not too strenuous. 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. There are three ways to hike to Fern Lake. Continue on until you reach Chasm Meadows with its flowing streams and beautiful green grass. It might be brief, but this short hike to Emerald Lake brings big rewards. Always pack rain gear and be alert, even on a clear day. Bear Lake is the trailhead for many trails in Rocky Mountain National Park. One of the most beloved summit hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park is the Flattop Mountain and Hallett Peak hike, which spans just over 10 miles and 3,293 feet of elevation gain. Located in the less-frequented Kolob Canyon section of Zion, Middle Taylor Creek is a moderate hike perfect . During the climb up, the trail gets incrementally steeper and youll be taking switchbacks for most of the way. 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. 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. How crowded does Rocky Mountain National Park get? Mount Ida. The sweet spot months are from late May until mid-June and from early September after Labor Day until mid-October. And for Rocky Mountain National Park, it is. In the winter months, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing top the list. The views across the park are incredible. If you dont get a ticket, you can still enter the park after 3 pm but you will not be allowed to drive down Bear Lake Road. A short hike with plenty of scenery, the Emerald Lake trail is one of the most popular hikes in the park for good reason. Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park: On a Map. . If you want to leave the crowds behind, Twin Sisters, Mt. The lake is also a great setting for a picnic. Required fields are marked *. However, it only runs daily from May 25-September 13. Middle Taylor Creek. This hike is much different than many other hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. Hike up to continue onto the Tombstone Ridge, where there are beautiful views of the Rockies in front of you. As you hike in, youll start to get views of Longs Head Peak and Chiefs Head Peak in the distance. The vast majority of these people visited the park between Memorial Day and Labor Day. 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. The hike to Deer Mountain is one of the more popular fall hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. On this hike, you get to see four very pretty alpine lakes. 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. LEARN MORE: How to Hike the Continental Divide Trail to Mt Ida. Aspenglen, Moraine Park, and Glacier Basin are the most popular campgrounds and these get reserved well in advance. The way up to here is known to have snow and icy conditions at about 3.8 miles in, which doesnt melt until mid or even late June. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Before our trip, I purchased The Essential Guide to Hiking Rocky Mountain National Park by Erik Stensland. At this elevation, its not enough to cause altitude sickness, but you will tire and get out of breath easily. The Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge is a nice trail with a lot of opportunities to spot wildlife and take in the views. LEARN MORE: How to Hike the Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge. Thanks for sharing!!! This is an essential hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. The trail gains 700 feet as it climbs to Emerald Lake, which sits at 10,110 feet above sea level. LEARN MORE: How to Hike to Nymph, Dream & Emerald Lakes (+ Add on Bear Lake and Lake Haiyaha). BEST NATIONAL PARKS IN THE USA:Looking for your next big adventure? 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. 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. Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. Your email address will not be published. For the first part of the hike, you will walk the same trail as the hikers on their way to Longs Peak, the highest point in the hike. Happy hiking! Sign up to receive our newsletter packed with the best adventure guides, travel ideas, news, and articles. Over 60 people have died attempting to summit Longs Peak. Love Rocky Mountain National Park! 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! This is a nice hike but honestly not one of our favorites. 7.4 miles (12 km). 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. Many of the best hiking trails are situated within Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP). The views from the summit are simply epic. 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. No An official form of the United States government. Wonderful post highlighting day hikes that are exemplary, and truly offer the opportunity to view nature in its stunning glory. Make sure you bring extra layers, even during the summer months. Drive Trail Ridge Road (late spring through early fall). Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Learn more about the shuttle here. Elevation Gain: 1,062' Max Elevation: 10,210' Winter Skill Level: Beginner Why it rocks. When is the best time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park? 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. But this trail gets much less foot traffic than Emerald and Dream Lakes so if you want a quieter hike, this is one to consider. 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. Cheers, Julie, We want an entry ticket to the park on Monday Sept 26 between 4-6. Learn everything you need to know about the John Muir Trail permit process for 2023. Chasm lake is at 11,800 ft, you start at 9,400 ft. Weve done the trail, please look it up online so you can correct your article. Although the terrain becomes fairly rugged on the final leg to the summit, you'll have very little exposure to steep drop-offs. Do we have to wait to reserve it the day before on Sunday at 5? Also, it can snow every month of the year in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. Finally, always wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, as ultraviolet light is very strong in the mountains. Hallett Peak is a good warm-up hike for those who plan to summit Longs Peak. Beyond the Emerald Lake overlook you will reach the summit of Flattop Mountain. Making a lot of trips out to Colorado over the next time I.. Well into June months are from late May until mid-June and from early September Labor... Deer Mountain is one of these people visited the Park Access+ your hands also hike to Fern Lake is trailhead... 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