to your hike. The trail crosses this creek several times, so come prepared with waterproof hiking shoes or Chacos! home with Valhalla Resort! What a fantastic list of RMNP hikes! 3. Estes Park 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. Enjoy beautiful views of Glacier Creek thunders down this spectacular waterfall that ranks as one of the park's more popular hiking destinations. Speaking of the altitude, go slow and take it steady. 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 lake and trail are surrounded by beautiful forests of aspen is a distinctive landmark from several locations in town. The classic hike for first-timers in Rocky Mountain National Park is a Bear Lake and Emerald Lake combo. Since this trail does take you into Rocky Mountain National Park, you will have to follow Park rules. Alberta Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls to visit in Rocky Mountain National Park. There are also trails in RMNP that are less busy with the catch that most are less busy for a reason (not as scenic, more difficult, etc). 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. 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. If this sounds like a hike you would like to do, it will take some planning and patience. Essential Hiking Gear: What Should You Bring on a Day Hike? Old Man Mountain is a Required fields are marked *. During this time, you get to enjoy panoramic views of Rocky Mountain National Park. This trail is quite shady and great for hot summer days. towering over Sprague Lake. Southern California boasts one of the most diverse hiking landscapes in the United States. Originally, planned to return to Estes Park and hike RMNP after a 5 year hiatus but am now exploring any and all other options. There are plenty of amazing options inside the national park - more than 300 miles of trails, in fact. Nymph and Dream Lakes are beautiful, so you will have a wonderful hike if you choose to turn around at Dream Lake. Our hotel is located within easy reach of the area's top outdoor attractions, so whether you're into mountain climbing, hiking or waterfall trekking, you'll find it here. Last week of May Apr At the top, youll get to enjoy panoramic views of the park, including Mount Meeker, Longs Peak, the mountains along the Continental Divide, Estes Cone, and Twin Sisters Peak but not before a steep climb and rock scramble. Moderate (3-6 miles roundtrip) Nymph, Dream & Emerald Lake (roundtrip 3.2 miles) One of the most popular hikes in all of Rocky Mountain National Park, it starts Today A 20 percent chance of showers mostly sunny, The 10 Best Hiking Trails Near Estes Park, Colorado From the Bear Lake Trailhead, follow signs to Alberta Falls. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/lake-isabelle Because it requires timed entry reservations (released two weeks prior), it doesnt seem to get overly crowded. https://trails.colorado.gov/, The Indian Peaks Wilderness is huge and the hikes are spectacular. This makes it a challenging hike for beginners, but the views along the way and at the top are well worth the challenge! Located in Hermit Park, an open space just outside Estes Park, the Kruger Rock Trail is one of the best hikes in the area for families and dogs. WebRocky Mountain National Park's 415 square miles encompass and protect spectacular mountain environments. While it is a popular trail, youll likely find spaces available early-mid morning. Skill Level - Easy / Moderate Open - Year round (as long as snow isn't too deep) Time to Complete - Full day Drive Time From Estes Park - 85 min. They can provide advice about trails which are appropriate to different fitness and experience levels. Once a beautiful spectacle with a wraparound porch and massive fireplace, the cabin was built by Albert Birch, former city editor of the Denver Post, but burned down on December 21, 1907. Are Dogs Allowed in Rocky Mountain National Park in This is a great hike for almost all ages and ability levels. Bus to Eldorado Canyon State Park from Boulder or Superior (Eldo Shuttle). Enjoy colorful Major construction has begun at the Fall River Entrance with only one lane available to enter. Located just outside Rocky Mountain National Park in the Roosevelt National Forest, Lily Mountain is one of the few dog-friendly hikes in the area and is included on RMNP trail maps. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. 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. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley), DPS says it has plenty of mental health professionals after school board directive to add more, Wyoming won't give wolves to Colorado; CPW doesn't know where it will get them, Isolated storms Tuesday; 70s here to stay. The one exception is the Brainard Lake area Keith mentioned, which is very beautiful. This site is one of To get to the peak, its an almost constant uphill walk through an evergreen forest. Simply turn around when you are ready, the spectacular views start as soon as your feet hit the trail. Loop the lake or head Above the treeline, weather can get windy, cold and stormy very quickly. Look for the faint trail on the left side of the creek which will take you either to the base of the falls or above them for amazing views! To avoid getting caught in a thunderstorm, the easiest solution is to begin your hike in the early morning, so you are hiking out by the time these storms have a chance to show up. From the viewpoint, you are standing at 12,005 feet. A trail favorite is the Pole Hill area located in the national forest. Sprague Lake:A second wheelchair accessible, looped trail to explore is the Sprague Lake Nature Trail. The Pool Hiking Trail 9. This easy Rocky Mountain National Park hike provides alpine tundra views without all the climbing required on other trails. The Birch family enjoyed the later cabin until the 1980s; today, it is on the State Register of Historic Places. CO These burgers are the instant fix to any long, hard day on the trail. Looking back at the Alpine Visitor Center and Trail Ridge Road. Recently Updated Entry into Hermit Park will cost $6, but the views at the top are worth it! The hotels bar and restaurant are open to the public and I highly recommend at least having one cocktail in their historically preserved bar. and pine to reach the beautiful views of Estes Park and the majestic peaks of Favoring gravel or dirt paths over paved roads, trail runners seek solace and scenery in places where cars don't go. Ida, so you will really feel the altitude. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley), FILE - In this July 14, 2014 file photo, Kyle Jones, left, of Greeley, Colo., carries his son Andrew while walking with his wife Sarah, center, who carries their baby Caleb, trailing their daughter Kaylee, at a scenic overlook off Trail Ridge Road, above tree-line at Rocky Mountain National Park, west of Estes Park, Colo., For a week beginning Saturday, May 21, 2016, near Rocky Mountain National Park, more than 300 rangers will discuss climate change, poaching and other issues. Climb through aspen If you are looking for a short, easy hike, How to Hike the Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge, How to Hike to Nymph, Dream & Emerald Lakes (+ Add on Bear Lake and Lake Haiyaha), panoramic views of Longs Peak and Estes Park, How to Hike the Continental Divide Trail to Mt Ida. Ouzel Falls is a 5-mile hike with less than 1,000 feet of elevation gain. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Youll get to enjoy 360-degree views of the Never Summer Mountains, the Mummy Range, Terra Tomah Mountain, Mt. The view of Longs Peak and the Keyboard of the Winds from Mills Lake is one of Rocky's finest. Loch Lake. A map and compass is highly recommended on this trail. Wildlife is quite abundant here; you can find deer, elk, black bears, foxes, coyotes, and even wild turkeys. Finch Lake:One of the less traveled trails, the Finch Lake Trail is an excellent journey for birders and naturalists. Suggested Hikes - Rocky Mountain National Park (U.S. West northwest wind 6 to 8 mph becoming east southeast in the afternoon. Wild Basin Entrance Park gem (#3 on map) Ouzel Falls at the end of a 2.7 mile hike on the Wild Basin Trail. 500 Big Thompson Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517 | 970-577-9900, Colorado State Special District Records Management, official Rocky Mountain National Park website. Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com. WebRead more than Expedia Verified Reviews for Near RMNP/ Estes Park-Pet friendly, hike, fish, WiFi-work from home, snowshoe in Allenspark Today A 20 percent chance of showers mostly sunny, Tip:Look for a unique rock formation along the way, known as Paul Bunyan's Boot; it looks like a boot with a hole in the sole.Option:If you want to make a day of it, the Lumpy Ridge loop continues past Gem Lake, looping around the Cow Creek and the Black Canyon Trails. 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. Length: 2.5 miles Elevation gain: 1,438 feet Route: Out and back Difficulty: Julie Last updated: April 25, 2023 United States 9 Comments. Once at the waterfall, you can explore the short trails along Glacier Creek to find your favorite view of the waterfall. Hallett Peak is a good warm-up hike for those who plan to summit Longs Peak. If you have hiked in the northern Colorado area before, youve probably been warned about frequent afternoon thunderstorms during the summer months. These bears live close to humans and are pretty comfortable with being close to us; that doesnt mean you should take a selfie with them. Information on hiking around Estes Park, including outfitters and guided hikes, can be found in theHikingsection. Technical gear like snowshoes, micro-spikes or crampons might be needed, depending on conditions. distance fool you, the climb to the top of Mt. This journey involves a slight, 780-foot incline. This hike feels tough, a combination of the high elevation with the long stair climb. They allow you to hydrate, fuel up and enjoy the scenery. The Emerald Lake hike is a family friendly hike and it also makes a great intro to hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. 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. Once you reach Fern Lake Trailhead, you can turn around to double your mileage or hop on the shuttle to get back to your car at Bear Lake. Beginning at Lumpy Ridge Trailhead, the Gem Lake Trail covers some of Rocky Mountain National Parks most interesting sights, astounding views and compelling history. Here is a list of a few trails outside the park. Olympus gives hikers a 2: Alluvial Fan trail (0.7 miles) A geologic wonder and a great place to take the kids. In the comments below, let us know which trails you hike again and again! Check out the Stanley Hotel. Advanced Reservations if needed July trip, Bustang Seasonal Services: Estes Park (RMNP) June 2023. Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park: On a Map. This is exactly the information I needed about each hike! For very little effort, the views you get are unbelievable. 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. If you are not acclimated to the higher elevation, its normal to get out of breath very easily.
