Find the best Rocky Mountain National Park trails for summer and fall hikes. This has been implemented to limit crowds at the busiest sections of the park during the peak visitation season (the summer months). Ida, you really feel like you are walking on top of the world. I absolutely loved it. Book excerpt: Best Hikes Rocky Mountain National Park features the best hiking throughout Rocky Mountain National Park. The trail ends at the summit of Hallett Peak. The waterfall borders Rocky Mountain National Park and its trail begins at the same trailhead for the East Inlet Trail. You can drive Trail Ridge Road, visit the Alpine Visitor Center, hike to Longs Peak and to Chasm Lake, and hike Gem Lake. If this is part of a bigger road trip through the USA, visit our, for more inspiration and travel planning tips. At the very end of the hike, there is one steep section and a short scramble. Meanwhile, Kara and I hiked Bear, Nymph, Dream, Emerald and Haiyaha Lakes. Ida, and Tombstone Ridge are the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park for your list. Alberta Falls | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. How to get there:The most direct route is to take Highway 36, from Estes Park, to Bear Lake Road. Spectacular views of the Never Summer Mountains are only some of the peaks to be seen on this trail. Ill send this to my buddies for review before our trip! 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. This road connects Central City with Estes Park, running alongside the eastern edge of Rocky Mountain National Park. Let us know in the comment section below. There are two different types of timed entry permits. or a FWD is also fine? To help you plan your trip, we also have articles about the best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park and how to plan the perfect itinerary. Expect lots of wind and cold temperatures, even during the summer months. Begin at the Ute Crossing Trailhead, where the terrain is rocky and the flora and fauna of the tundra ecosystems are fragile. 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. Always pack rain gear and be alert, even on a clear day. Before you go, get updated trail conditions on the National Park Service website. 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. Note: All distances are round-trip. Your best bet is to pack a picnic lunch. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. Happy hiking! Which travel agency can book it for me? Enjoy the magnificent views. 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. Your email address will not be published. About a half of a mile past the falls, youll come to North Longs Peak Trail Junction. No, we havent done that hikehavent even heard of it. Driving distances and times to nearby destinations: If you are on a road trip through Colorado, I recommend driving the Peak to Peak Scenic By-way, either before or after your visit to Rocky Mountain National Park. Sky Pond. 1-Day Pass - Per Person - $15.00 Valid for date of purchase. This hike is just under 10 miles and tops out at 10,880 feet. 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. A well-graded trail circles around the lake. Snow can linger on the trails as late as July, especially for the trails at higher elevations. It's a flat, beautiful easy walk in the parkliterally. 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. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. This is our favorite short, easy hike in the park. 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 Read more: 14 Best Hikes in Jasper National Park - Alberta Canada. Hi Deanna, thank you so much for pointing that out and for being here! Ida: Hands down this is the best hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. First, you will pass lovely Alberta Falls. 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. During the climb up, the trail gets incrementally steeper and youll be taking switchbacks for most of the way. It is the tallest waterfall in Rocky Mountain National Park. If you want a short, easy hike, we recommend Tombstone Ridge (this makes a great add-on to your scenic drive along Trail Ridge Road) or Nymph, Dream, and Emerald Lakes. If you only have one day in Rocky Mountain National Park, what should you do? LEARN MORE: How to Hike the Continental Divide Trail to Mt Ida. 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. 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. What do you think are the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park? If you are acclimated to the elevation, Sky Pond is an awesome hike. Nymph, Dream, & Emerald Lakes. Click the star next to the title of the map to add this map to your Google Maps account. Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. Ranking of the top 16 things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. Hallett Peak is a good warm-up hike for those who plan to summit Longs Peak. The entire hike is less than a mile in length, making it great for all ages and ability levels. Spring is one of our favorite times of year to visit Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. This is a much longer hike, coming in at 10.7 miles. You can either hike to Fern Lakes and Odessa Lake as a point-to-point hike, starting at Bear Lake and ending at Moraine Park (or vice versa). Located in the less-frequented Kolob Canyon section of Zion, Middle Taylor Creek is a moderate hike perfect . Rocky Mountain National Park made our list of the best national parks for kids. You dont even have to hike the entire 4 miles. When we did this, we saw lots of elk, some of them males with enormous antlers. You also have the option to add on a fifth lake, Lake Haiyaha, making this hike a total of 6.2 miles. Crater Lake National Park, Oregon . Mt. As you drive west on Trail Ridge Road, there are numerous overlooks. While it is certainly a touristy town (and has the kitschy shops and prices to show for it), it's certainly beautiful (the mountains!) 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. However, if you are doing well on time or only plan to do a very short hike in the morning, going into Estes Park for lunch is not a bad idea. As you get closer to the visitor center, keep an eye out for bighorn sheep. Love Rocky Mountain National Park! If you are coming from sea level, you will feel the effects of the altitude as soon as you do anything strenuous. There are nearly 360 miles of hiking trails that range from very accessible to arduous and rewarding treks up to any number of incredible peaks within the park. Odessa Lake & Fern Lake. The permit is in effect from 5 am to 6 pm. Your email address will not be published. best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. There are three ways to hike to Fern Lake. The hiking trails will still be open, but you will need to wear snowshoes or traction devices. It includes Bear Lake Road and the hikes that start here (Bear Lake, Emerald and Dream Lakes, Alberta Falls, Sky Pond, Hallett Peak, and Sprague Lake). You are now standing at 12,718 feet, with 360 views, which makes this one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Hang in there and take breaks when you need, because the views of Chiefs Head Peak illuminated in the distance are worth it. From the viewpoint, you are standing at 12,005 feet. Explore the full Adams Falls hike profile below for trail map, driving directions, and all the details you . The good thing is that you wont want to rush by these views. You can stay in a cozy cabin with a river view or a well-decorated suite. If they are sold out, then you will need to be ready to purchase your permit right at 5 pm the day before. But don't be intimidated by its height. If we plan on leaving Denver around 11 and traveling the Trail Ridge road would we only need the regular park pass? You need to stay hydrated on the trail, and being prepared is a necessity. The Stanley Hotel. This charming island is home. Make a left turn to follow the road all the way to the trailhead and parking lot. You spend very little time below the tree line, so the views are incredible for most of the hike. Best price and money back guarantee! For this one day itinerary, you will need a Park Access + permit (the timed-entry permit that includes Bear Lake Road). Leave from Bear Lake. Thank you! 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. This is a great hike for almost all ages and ability levels. Odessa Lake to Lake Helene Thru Hike. After one final short and strenuous climb you will be standing at Chasm Lake. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. If this sounds like a hike you would like to do, it will take some planning and patience. Grand Lake and the western side of the park will also be accessible but with more to do on the east side, and its easy access from Boulder and Denver, I think this is the better place to put your time if you only have one day in Rocky Mountain National Park. Wonderful post highlighting day hikes that are exemplary, and truly offer the opportunity to view nature in its stunning glory. Alberta Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls to visit in Rocky Mountain National Park.