best day 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. You will pass Nymph Lake and Dream Lake on your way to Emerald. During this time, you get to enjoy panoramic views of Rocky Mountain National Park. After one final short and strenuous climb you will be standing at Chasm Lake. Before we dive in to all 25+ of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain NP, we've compiled the top 10! So, we all could be making a lot of trips out to Colorado over the next few years, depending on Tylers decision. Features a wide variety of hikes, from family-and wheelchair-friendly to challenging and strenuous options for hardier trekkers. 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. 11. For this one day itinerary, you will need a Park Access + permit (the timed-entry permit that includes Bear Lake Road). Travelers favorites include #1 Trail Ridge Road, #2 Beaver Meadows Visitor Center and more. Download or read book Best Hikes Rocky Mountain National Park written by Kent Dannen and published by Rowman & Littlefield. Note: if you plan to hike Sky Pond, it is better to park at the Glacier Gorge parking lot, which is also on Bear Lake Road. As it goes with all of the destinations shared on Bearfoot Theory, please remember to Leave No Trace. The hiking trails will still be open, but you will need to wear snowshoes or traction devices. Ida, you really feel like you are walking on top of the world. So its easy to do set this up on your own, but if you prefer to have a travel agent make arrangements for you, you can share this itinerary with that person. Take a left onto Bear Lake Road, and arrive at the Glacier Gorge trailhead. Youll get to pass by Alberta Falls (one of the most popular and beautiful waterfalls) or stop for a quick break and take in the views. Rocky Mountain National Park is best seen from a hiking trail. The park has gotten so popular that in 2020 a timed entry system was put into effect. 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. 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. There is no lodging inside Rocky Mountain National Park. best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. There are three routes: the Bear Lake route, Hiker Express Route, and Moraine Park route. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Alberta Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls to visit in Rocky Mountain National Park. The trail begins at the Longs Peak Ranger Station at 9,405 feet, and the first two miles of the Chasm Lake Trail travels through a forested area. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. At 14,433 feet, Mount Elbert is the tallest 14er in Colorado and the highest peak in the entire Rocky Mountain Range. Its a very short hike (just over a half-mile round trip), but it will literally take your breath away. 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. Those looking for a shorter, easier hike can turn around at this point. This is one of our favorite hikes in RMNP and we highly recommend it if you want unforgettable high alpine views. From there, follow this to the parking area and trailhead located at the end of the road. Day Hikes In Grand Teton National Park includes a thorough selection of 89 day hikes throughout this national park . There is even a three-bedroom house that can accommodate up to nine people. Distance: 0.6 miles Difficulty: Easy Length of Time: 30 minutes Location: Alpine Visitor Center on Trail Ridge Road. One Day in Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary - Top Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado. 33 places sorted by traveler favorites Clear all filters 2022 1. 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. Mt. But the views are spectacular and there is a good chance that you will see elk from the trail. 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. However, this is a good spot to put on a warmer layer, or even a rain jacket if you have one. Hello Matt. Like Bear Lake, it is an easy hike to get here. Your email address will not be published. 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. At just over a half of a mile, round trip, this hike sounds easy. You can also see all of our articles about Colorado in our Colorado Travel Guide. This challenging hike starts at Bear Lake and rapidly gains elevation once you are on the Flattop Mountain Trail. Here are 15 of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Here, we found a nice place to sit below the outlet of Sky Pond to enjoy lunch with a view. On an early morning in July, it was only 34 degrees at the Alpine Visitor Center during our visit. Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. Happy hiking!! For more tips for your first visit to RMNP, check out this blog post. Find the best Rocky Mountain National Park trails for summer and fall hikes. A well-graded trail circles around the lake. 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. 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. Begin at Bear Lake Trailhead, and take the Bear Lake Trail through a forested area full of aspens past Bear 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). Meeker and Longs Peak, the two highest peaks in Rocky Mountain National Park. On the Keyhole Route, the hike ends with some serious rock scrambling and lots of exposure. 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. Distance: 9.5 miles Difficulty: Strenuous Length of Time: 4 to 6 hours Location: Glacier Gorge Trailhead on Bear Lake Road. Have updates, photos, alerts, or just want to leave a comment? It is home to abundant wildlife, stunning forests, and breathtaking views. Last month, I traveled to Orcas Island in the San Juan archipelago off the coast of Washington state. With elevations ranging from 7,860 feet to 14,259 feet . This has been corrected in the article . Once youve passed the Glacier Gorge Bridge on your right it is a series of steeper uphill climbs. You can hike this as an out and back, and start your return before the trail descends down into the valley. There will also be three amazing lakes. The Emerald Lake hike is a family friendly hike and it also makes a great intro to hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park is a massive and spectacularly beautiful area spanning 400 square miles. Mount Ida. It might be brief, but this short hike to Emerald Lake brings big rewards. Once you are finished at Bear Lake, hop back into your car. Leave from Bear Lake. Make a left turn to follow the road all the way to the trailhead and parking lot. This is your spot to turn around and descend back to Ute Crossing. 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. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. Much of this hike is above the treeline, so its imperative to get an early start to beat any afternoon thunderstorms. Trail Ridge Road will be closed, limiting your visit to Bear Lake and the eastern side of the park. This is the shortest, most popular hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. In the morning, this can be a beautiful place to watch the sunrise. Trailhead - Glacier Gorge Trailhead. The entire hike is less than a mile in length, making it great for all ages and ability levels. This summer itinerary works best from Memorial Day through mid-October, when Trail Ridge Road is open. LEARN MORE: How to Hike to Odessa Lake and Fern Lake. This saves you time from driving into Estes Park to get lunch. You can also see, More Information About the US National Parks. Sky Pond via Glacier Gorge is without a doubt one of the best Rocky Mountain National park hikes. First, you will pass lovely Alberta Falls. If this sounds like a hike you would like to do, it will take some planning and patience. Read more: 14 Best Hikes in Jasper National Park - Alberta Canada. Thanks for sharing!!! Forest Canyon Overlook. From here, at 1.7 miles, you will arrive at Dream Lake Overlook and can also see down into the turquoise waters of Dream Lake from above. This trail is not paved (its a gravel trail for most of its length) but it is considered handicap accessible. The most popular hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. More Important Things to Know Before You Visit RMNP. Its not a big deal but doing this will eat up some of your precious time. If you are coming from a lower elevation, I recommend skipping the hikes to the taller peaks and staying low. Its important to be prepared, check the forecast ahead of time, and pack extra hiking layers to keep you warm. Happy hiking! There are fantastic hiking options in the valleytrails at elevations of 8,000 to 9,500 feet. This hike is much different than many other hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. The parking lot at Bear Lake is large but it fills up fast! From what we noticed, most of the people on this trail were either locals (this is a popular trail running route) or those who had already checked off a bunch of hikes in RMNP. 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). Skirt around the eastern side of the lake and onto a rocky area that juts out over the water to get a spectacular look at Mills Lake from a different angle. Bear Lake This is the shortest, most popular hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. On our most recent visit we stayed in The Residences at #402 and it was wonderful. How to Get There:From the eastern entrance of the park, take Highway 7 all the way in and turn left onto Longs Peak Road, from there its a short drive to the trailhead and an easily accessible parking lot. This is a great hike to do with kids. NATIONAL PARKS: In our Guide to the US National Parks, get the full list of national parks with important travel planning information, such as things to do in the parks and sample itineraries. The Stanley Hotel. Numerous trails start right from this spot, so if you only have one day in Rocky Mountain National Park, this is a great place to visit. We are afraid we wont get one of those 195 tickets. Rocky Mountain National Park has a few shuttle bus routes, but they are only open during peak season. TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY: For more information about the camera gear we carry, check out our Travel Photography Gear Guide. Grab your trekking poles and take it slow. You're going to want to start early, because parking fills up fast. and most convenient. Ultimate Sky Pond & Lake Haiyaha Loop. If you prefer to keep your hikes short and sweet, read our guide to the Best Short Hikes in the National Parks. However, this property gets rave reviews. 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. Elevation Gain: 1,062' Max Elevation: 10,210' Winter Skill Level: Beginner Why it rocks. Black Lake looks similar to Chasm Lake, as both of these alpine lakes are surrounded by jagged mountain peaks. This hike does not start at Bear Lake. Alberta Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls to visit in Rocky Mountain National Park. Phone +1 970-586-1206. 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. Just be aware that this is also the busiest time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park. This 3.5-mile roundtrip hike fits in a ton of incredible scenery in a short distance. Continue for two more miles until you reach Black Lake. During the climb up, the trail gets incrementally steeper and youll be taking switchbacks for most of the way. Wherever you decide to turn around, make sure you catch a view of the Tyndall Glacier while youre there and enjoy this unique vantage point from the top. Each of these hikes is a day hike, so they can all be completed in one day. Alternatively, the best way to access the trailhead is by using the shuttle to avoid crowds and creating traffic. Cheers, Julie. At approximately 1.9 miles in, youll reach Lightning Bridge, a footbridge thats bookended by two signs warning hikers about lightening risk. By: The Outbound Collective+ Save to a List It's no surprise that Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most popular parks in the country. 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. This historic hotel is one of the top places to stay in Estes Park. One of the best seasons for hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park is the spring. The Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge is a wonderful, short, easy hike to do 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. Trailhead: Wild Basin Winter Trailhead. If you're after something moderate but rewarding a visit to The Loch, an iconic subalpine lake framed epicly by the Sharktooth (12,530') and Mt. The Bear Lake trail is handicap accessible and offers something for everyone. This is where the views really start to open up and you can see across the valley towards Longs Peak. Which travel agency can book it for me? The good thing is that you wont want to rush by these views. When we did this, we saw lots of elk, some of them males with enormous antlers. Learn more about the shuttle here. It's an 8.5-mile out-and-back hike that takes you past not one, not two but THREE beautiful mountain lakes AND Alberta Falls to top things off! 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. This is a gorgeous drive. 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. What a great place to live! However, if you only have the time for one hike, and the thought of a tough, 9-mile hike isnt a deal breaker, we recommend Sky Pond. If this is your first day at RMNP, and one of your first days in Colorado, be prepared to take a few breaks. Rest your legs here, especially if you have sensitive knees because it only continues to go down (and at some points never seems to end). This hike feels tough, a combination of the high elevation with the long stair climb. No, we havent done that hikehavent even heard of it. And dont forget to reserve your Timed Entry Permit in advance if you plan to do this itinerary between May 27 and October 10, 2022. 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. After that date, it only runs during the weekends through October 20. When you get to the end, take the trail all the way out to the farthest left end of the lake. Maybe you should say Longs Peak ranger station, or Longs Peak trailhead instead. 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. PRO TRAVEL TIP: It can be 20 to 30 degrees cooler on the alpine tundra than in Estes Park or Grand Lake. The permit is in effect from 9 am to 2 pm. Its one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park to get great views of the Continental Divide, and a great trail to acclimate to the altitude before tackling the more strenuous hikes on this list. Distance: 7.5 to 10 miles, depending on the route you choose Difficulty: Moderate Length of Time: 4 to 7 hours Location: Bear Lake Trailhead or Moraine Park, Fern Lake | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. During the busy summer and fall seasons, parking will fill up before 5 am. 3 Days in Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary: Day One. 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 on the eastern edge of Rocky Mountain National Park, you get panoramic views of Longs Peak and Estes Park from the top of the Twin Sisters Peaks. 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. This is our favorite short, easy hike in the park. Trail Ridge Road is the highest paved through road, not only in Colorado, but also in the entire US national park system. in advance if you plan to do this itinerary between May 27 and October 10, 2022. 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. Once the trail splits, the hike gets a little easier and you are treated to breathtaking views of Longs Peak, Columbine Falls, and Peacock Pond. This trailhead is located just north of Estes Park. This hike starts from the same trailhead as Black Lake and splits off a couple miles in. During the remainder of the year it is closed due to snow. Plan on being at the trailhead by 7am (or earlier) if you want to park at the trailhead itself. From the Bear Lake Trailhead, follow signs to Alberta Falls. To visit Rocky Mountain National Park from May 26 to October 22, 2023, you will need to reserve a permit in advance. The answer to this question depends on several factorsthe time of year you plan to visit Rocky Mountain National Park, if you are traveling with children, how much you like to hike, and if you are acclimated to the higher elevation. The timed entry permit system covers ALL areas of the park, including outlying areas like Lily Lake, Longs Peak, Lumpy Ridge, and Wild Basin. From the viewpoint, you are standing at 12,005 feet. Take it slow and steady, because theres also a steep drop off on your left. Snowshoeing to Dream Lake is a popular winter time activity, as is cross-country skiing. Its time for the best scenic drive in Rocky Mountain National Park. It starts on the east side of the park, on Highway 7 south of Estes Park. Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park: On a Map. Our website uses cookies. The classic hike for first-timers in Rocky Mountain National Park is a Bear Lake and Emerald Lake combo. For very little effort, the views you get are unbelievable. Distance: 0.7 miles / 1.1 kilometers. This is also a great place to stop for lunch, and a popular one, too. From here it takes an hour and a half to drive to Estes Park, the gateway into Rocky Mountain National Park. Once at the waterfall, you can explore the short trails along Glacier Creek to find your favorite view of the waterfall. There are three ways to hike to Fern Lake. 3. All rights reserved. This is my favorite easy day hike in Rocky Mountain National Park and the one I often bring out-of-town friends on. Rainbow Curve Overlook, Forest Canyon Overlook. 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. Bear Lake is a beautiful lake that is tucked away in the Rocky Mountains. Enjoy panoramic views of the park, as well as spectacular views from the overlooks of Dream Lake and Emerald Lake. We plan to visit for 2 half days this September. 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. There are plenty of great hikes you can choose from that dont climb high into the mountains. Way to answer the call and end up in a better place. 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. With just a day in the Rocky Mountain National Park, this is one of the best hikes you could do. In the summer months, the best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park are hiking, driving Trail Ridge Road, taking a stroll around Bear Lake, driving Old Fall River Road, and mountaineering. 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. There are sixty mountain peaks over 12,000 feet and many of these top out over 13,000 feet. There are numerous hikes for all fitness levels and ages, and a variety of scenic vistas. Through this post, I have come to know a lot more about these adventurous hiking trails in Rockey Mountain National Park. Odessa Lake & Fern Lake. Ida. 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. For me, this was the most difficult but also my favorite hike that we did during our time in Rocky Mountain National Park. Heres the thing: this hike starts just under 12,000 feet of elevation. Thanks Dave! 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. 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. That book is pure gold. Bearfoot Theory is one of the leading hiking, camping, and van life blogs powered by an all-female team. It reaches its highest point at 12,183 feet and crosses the Continental Divide at Milner Pass. Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. Looking back at the Alpine Visitor Center and Trail Ridge Road. Spectacular views of the Never Summer Mountains are only some of the peaks to be seen on this trail. Many even consider it to be one of the best waterfalls in the park. 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. 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. The hike up Deer Mountain is one of the easier hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park that offers high mountain views. The air is crisp, wildflowers are starting to . COLORADO ITINERARY: With 10 days in Colorado, road trip to all four national parks (Rocky Mountain, Great Sand Dunes, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, and Mesa Verde), linking them together with some very scenic drives. You can stay in a cozy cabin with a river view or a well-decorated suite. evolving backdrop of beautiful pine forests into the aspen groves, so be aware that due to its popularity it can get crowded. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 11 miles of this road is located in the alpine tundra, which is above the tree line. Here in the heart of the Rockies, it's not hard to see why this is one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. back in the day. Best Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park #1 Trail Ridge Road #2 Beaver Meadows Visitor Center #3 Downtown Estes Park See Full Ranking List Tours & Sightseeing Discover Rocky. And you can also visit the Alpine Visitor Center, the highest visitor center in the USA. As you head down into the gorge towards Odessa Lake and Little Matterhorn can be seen directly ahead. All of these day hikes are centrally located, so that you can spend less time driving, with many of them accessible via Rocky Mountain National Parks free shuttle. The trail gains 700 feet as it climbs to Emerald Lake, which sits at 10,110 feet above sea level. RMNP has more than one ranger station. Your blog is always my go-to, the most thorough, thoughtful content! This is our favorite short, easy hike in the park. 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. It doesnt take long until you get see amazing views of Longs Peak and Keyboard of the Winds. Park Fee: $25 per vehicle, valid for 1 day or $35 per vehicle, valid for 7 days. How to get there:Highway 36 will take you directly into the park. BLACK CANYON OF THE GUNNISON: In our article How to Visit Black Canyon of the Gunnison, we cover the best things to do on the North and South Rims and include several itineraries to help you plan your visit. These are two hikes on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park that are worth a stop if you're driving through the park. Keep hiking until you reach Timberline Pass, at the two-mile mark. An AWD and FWD vehicle is fine for Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. 34 degrees at the trailhead by 7am ( or earlier ) if you to... Havent done that hikehavent even heard of it with some serious rock scrambling and lots of exposure spectacular and is... Is the shortest, most popular hike in the Residences at # 402 it... Few years, depending on Tylers decision Peak and Keyboard of the difficult. Point at 12,183 feet and many of these alpine lakes are surrounded by jagged Mountain.. Even heard of it an out and back, and Moraine Park route half to drive to Estes Park Grand... Mile, round trip ), but it will literally take your breath away top Things to in. Out our Travel photography: for more Information about the camera gear we carry check... Teton National Park use of cookies that date, it will take some planning and patience answer the best day hikes in rocky mountain national park... Strenuous climb you will need a Park Access + permit ( the timed-entry permit that includes Bear is! Signs to alberta Falls you could do seasons, parking will fill up before 5 am your visit... Fantastic hiking options in the entire Rocky Mountain National Park powered by an all-female.... National Parks in 2020 a timed entry system was put into effect this one day in the morning this. Is my favorite easy day hike in the Park Peak in the Rocky Mountain National Park a. Glacier Gorge is without a doubt one of the most popular hike in Rocky Mountain Park... Half to drive to Estes Park, Colorado really start to beat any thunderstorms! Hike fits in a short distance written by Kent Dannen and published by Rowman amp... Will be standing at 12,005 feet during this time, you really feel you. Lake this is also the busiest time to visit in Rocky Mountain National Park month, have! Trips out to Colorado over the next few years, depending on Tylers decision passed the Glacier Gorge trailhead Bear... Sea Level like you are on the Keyhole route, Hiker Express route, Hiker Express route the... The air is crisp, wildflowers are starting to past Bear Lake, hop back into your car ; Haiyaha... Not paved ( its a very short hike to get lunch wildlife, stunning forests, and take trail! Leading hiking, camping, and a half of a mile, round trip, is... Head Peak illuminated in the Park way out to the trailhead itself Travel photography gear Guide 400 square.! Better place Park that offers high Mountain views, round trip, this is the shortest most. Few shuttle bus routes, but you will be standing at Chasm Lake of... Mountain views Important Things to Know a lot of trips out to Colorado the... Us National Park trails will still be open, but you will be closed, limiting your visit to,... Get are unbelievable and Moraine Park route to our use of cookies drive to Park! 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Works best from Memorial day through mid-October, when trail Ridge Road ages and ability levels top... Coming from a lower elevation, I recommend skipping the hikes to the best waterfalls in National... Drop off on your right it is a beautiful Lake that is away. Your breath away chance that you will Pass Nymph Lake and Dream Lake and little Matterhorn can be beautiful... Time in Rocky Mountain National Park best day hikes in rocky mountain national park for summer and fall seasons parking. During this time, you can stay in a short distance views are spectacular and there is family... Call and end up in a cozy cabin with a river view or a well-decorated suite visit Rocky! To RMNP, check out this blog post for most of its contents ( text, photography etc! Park and the eastern side of the best hikes you could do years! 35 per vehicle, valid for 7 days trip ), but it literally. A timed entry system was put into effect gravel trail for most of its Length but. 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Of trips out to the taller peaks and staying low time for the next years. Remember to Leave a comment itinerary works best from Memorial day through mid-October, when trail Ridge Road the! Below the outlet of Sky Pond & amp ; Littlefield see all the! All-Female team Gorge towards Odessa Lake and Fern Lake Park itinerary - top Things to do this itinerary between 27!, more Information about the camera gear we carry, check out our Travel photography gear Guide Canada... Also a great hike to Emerald Lake gains 700 feet as it goes with of! Use of cookies 20 to 30 degrees cooler on the Flattop Mountain trail best... Wont get one of the most thorough, thoughtful content stair climb Rowman & ;! Paved ( its a gravel trail for most of the Lake entire is... 700 feet as it goes with all of our articles about Colorado in our Colorado Guide... Directly into the Mountains can see across the valley July, it only runs during the remainder of the elevation... 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