Longs Peak is no joke, and its one of the top things to do at Estes Park, Colorado, for the most adventurous of spirits. There is a small entrance fee you will have to pay, and dogs are allowed in the park on leash. Beginning at Lumpy Ridge Trailhead, the Gem Lake Trail covers some of Rocky Mountain National Parks most interesting sights, astounding views and compelling history. The peak sits at 12,889 feet, so youll definitely want to bring layers as conditions will be much windier and colder at the top. For currenttrail conditionsand more information on trails and hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park, please visitNPS.gov/ROMO. Hike to these Waterfalls around Estes Park and Rocky Be sure to start early in the morning during summer months to avoid afternoon thunderstorms, pack a lunch or snack and wear layers! Tyler starts college later this year and UC at Boulder is #1 on his list. Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park 1. WebRead more than Expedia Verified Reviews for Near RMNP/ Estes Park-Pet friendly, hike, fish, WiFi-work from home, snowshoe in Allenspark Today I hiked CCY Chapin to Chiquita to Ypres and summited on Chiquita. Looking back at the Alpine Visitor Center and Trail Ridge Road. West northwest wind 6 to 8 mph becoming east southeast in the afternoon. Youll know youve reached the eight-mile mark when you pass through Arch Rocks, two house-sized rocks that landed here years ago. 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. If you are staying in Estes Park, it is a 20-minute drive to get here. For an easy stroll with Why you should go: Experience true solitude and adventure on this all-encompassing loop that takes you through Rocky Mountain National Parks untouched northeast corner. 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 Couple that with the 5,000+ feet of elevation change, and its a doozy. Why you should go: Experience the charm of Estes Park and take a stroll around its namesake. Trails at higher elevations might still have ice or snow due to how early in the season it is. For most of this hike you are entirely within a pine forest, so the views are rather lackluster for much of the hike. This makes it a challenging hike for beginners, but the views along the way and at the top are well worth the challenge! Tip:The Fern Lake area was the location of the Fern Lake Fire in late 2012. At almost 10,000 feet, the swampy shoreline of Finch Lake provides the perfect habitat for local and migrating feathered friends to find respite. The Pool Hiking Trail 9. With over 300 miles of trails in the national park and more in the national forest and Hermit Parkthere is truly a trek for every skill level and interest. This is exactly the information I needed about each hike! At the top, youll reach Gem Lake, a basin with no inlet or outlet stream that is filled with trapped snowmelt and rainwater. 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. This option is 10.7 miles in all, so be prepared. Honestly, this is not the most exciting hike on the list. Atkins, often with his father and son, usually spends a few weeks each summer at the park, which has been a family tradition for decades. This is one of the easier lake hikes 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. 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. Why you should go: Hike up to one of the most accessible alpine lakes in the Estes Park area! Fortunately, there are hikes for all ages and ability levels. Expect lots of wind and cold temperatures, even during the summer months. Enjoy panoramic views of the park, as well as spectacular views from the overlooks of Dream Lake and Emerald Lake. But easily passable with hiking poles. And as always, please practice Leave No Trace Principles while on the trails of this beautiful Colorado mountain town! Sky Pond Trail 8. wildflowers in the summer and yellowing aspens in the fall. Scenic drives for leaf-peeping, fall colors in Colorado The trail crosses this creek several times, so come prepared with waterproof hiking shoes or Chacos! 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. From the Bierstadt Lake Trailhead, the climb begins steeply until you reach the top of Bierstadt Moraine. If you have more than a few days in RMNP and need some warm-up hikes, good options are Emerald Lake, Deer Mountain, and Twin Sisters. Oregons picturesque coastline features a unique, alternating combination of rocky headlands and sandy coves formed by millions of years of wave erosion. Hike with a friend. Im glad we could help! Continental Divide, including Hallett Peak, Taylor Peak, and Flattop Mountain If you don't want to bother with getting timed entry reservations to park there, check out some of these other hikes. From the Bear Lake Trailhead, follow signs to Alberta Falls. Once you get above the treeline, the wind picks up and the temperatures get much chillier. Are there any scenic hikes around Estes that do not require entry into the park? 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). Copeland Falls:Enjoy an easy hike with a great payoff! What a fantastic list of RMNP hikes! On the hike to Mt. You spend very little time below the tree line, so the views are incredible for most of the hike. Mostly sunny, with a high near 63. 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. 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. WebBest Estes Park Hikes offers details on 20 hikes near Estes Park, from short and scenic, to challenging adventures, including the 11,428-foot summit of Twin Sisters Peak. To help you decide which trails to try for yourself, we rounded up ten of our top picks. Once at the waterfall, you can explore the short trails along Glacier Creek to find your favorite view of the waterfall. We hiked to Odessa Lake and Fern Lake as an out-and-back hike from Bear Lake. The Fern lake Trailhead is located centrally in the park, near the west end of Moraine Park, inside Rocky Mountain National Park. While we will spend at least one day in RMNP, we want to do some more hiking but hopefully without the crowds in the park. Distance: 9.8 miles Difficulty: Strenuous Length of Time: 4.5 to 6.5 hours Location: Poudre Lake/Milner Pass on Trail Ridge Road, 4.5 miles south of the Alpine Visitor Center, Continental Divide Trail | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Example video title will go here for this video. The Walker and Griffith homesteads and cabins will be the first that you come to; you can go further and find the Irvin homestead and sawmill, Laycock, Hill, and Boren Homesteads. IPW includes the Brainard Lake Rec Area mentioned above. The Glacier Gorge Trailhead is one of the most popular in the park, so if youre arriving after 8 a.m. you may want to consider parking elsewhere and using the free park shuttle to access the trailhead. 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. This is our favorite short, easy hike in the park. Estes Park: the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park is a small mountain town packed with history and charm. For the technical climber, continue past the lake to the south to find the bulging Andrews Glacier. 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. Although not in the park, Lily Mountain appears in the official park map. Estes Park is packed with its own epic trails and peaks. But the whole reason to do this hike is for the view of Sky Pond, one of the most spectacular lakes in the park. As part of the Hermit Park Watching the falls' namesake - the ouzel, or dipper - plunge into the rushing stream water entertains hikers at this popular spot. Constructed in the years following the Lawn Lake Flood, the Estes Park Riverwalk spans the downtown area from theEstes Park Visitor CentertoPerformance Parkon the west end of Elkhorn Avenue, and beyond. Even when you are in town you can enjoy a leisurely nature walk around Lake Estes. Ida), Chasm Lake (another gorgeous lake hike), and Tombstone Ridge (its short, its easy, the views are amazing, and most people can handle this hike). Required fields are marked *. This is a great hike to do with kids. Bierstadt Lake offers amazing alpine lake views and abundant chances to see wildlife up close without venturing too far. https://www.valhallaresort.com/blog/accessible-hikes-outside-of-rocky-mountain-national-park/ In my opinion, these trails pale in comparison to the scenery you will see on hikes in RMNP and I would not choose them over being in the park. Not only do you get to visit a pretty lake but you also get sweeping views of Estes Park with Longs Peak in the distance. Seen in: Colorado, Colorado Hiking, Hike, Rockies. ESTES PARK, Colo. Did you know that Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) encompasses 415 square miles (265,807 acres)? Wildlife is abundant on this trail, especially the unique birds and raptors that call this section of the Rocky Mountains home. View from the Alpine Ridge Trail | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. I love how you outlined which hikes to do, based on what you are looking for. You can even fish around Lake Estes! For much of the hike you are walking along the Continental Divide. Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Dogs, unfortunately, are not allowed on trails. Starting Memorial Day weekend, you can park at the Park & Ride Transit Hub and take the shuttle bus along the Bear Lake Road corridor. ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK: For an overview of Rocky Mountain National Park and links to all of our RMNP articles, take a look at our Rocky MountainNational Park Travel Guide. It's about 6 miles out-and-back. Hikers will enjoy views of Longs Peak, Mount Meeker, Lumpy Ridge, Twin And for Rocky Mountain National Park, it is. Let us know in the comment section below. Elevation Gain: 1,100 ft. Keep in mind that in April, there's snow at high elevations. We even included two that are outside of the park so your dog can come along as well. The lake and trail are surrounded by beautiful forests of aspen and pine. Homestead Meadows is now home to many moose and elk herds that just love roaming through this tucked away alpine wonder. As you ascend higher, the trees disappear, as you enter the subalpine region. The Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge is a wonderful, short, easy hike to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. Hallett Peak is a good warm-up hike for those who plan to summit Longs Peak. Add on to your hike with the Sprague Lake loop. WebRide above the tundra line near the glaciers. TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY: For more information about the camera gear we carry, check out our Travel Photography Gear Guide. All great (especially sky pond). 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 you have plans to hike one of these trails, adding on Bear Lake is quick, easy, and wont take up much of your time. If you prefer to keep your hikes short and sweet, read our guide to the Best Short Hikes in the National Parks. So, if not Estes Park and hike RMNP, where else? Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. 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. section the most challenging part of the hike. Whether you are walking around a peaceful lake trail or climbing a 14er, this park has something for you! If you plan to hike on Earth Day, trails such as Chasm Lake, Sky Pond and Flattop Mountain are in winter conditions, and there's 5 to 6 feet of snow at Bear Lake, according to a RMNP spokesperson. Chasm Lake | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Estes Park is home to the US Trail Running Conference, an annual celebration of trail running. Over 60 people have died attempting to summit Longs Peak. 15+ Best Hikes In Rocky Mountain National Park - Hiking open space, the hike to Kruger Rock is spectacular and one of our favorite ESTES PARK: In our Guide to Estes Park, learn about where to stay, where to eat, and what to do. Title. Through this post, I have come to know a lot more about these adventurous hiking trails in Rockey Mountain National Park. Lily Lake:The Lily Lake Trail encircles the pristine Lily Lake for 0.8 miles with very little grade, or incline. There is also a Colorado specific site that is great for maps but doesnt have as many trail reports as Alltrails. Gem Lake:One of the most popular hikes in the Estes Valley, the Gem Lake Trail starts at the Lumpy Ridge Trailhead in Rocky Mountain National Park north of Estes Park off of Devil's Gulch Road. Bear Lake | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. distance fool you, the climb to the top of Mt. Not only does it make it a lot more fun, it also functions a nice safety blanket if you injure yourself. It has since been mostly restored, but the trail can be difficult to find at times, especially in snow. Fortunately, the trail system near Estes Park accommodates hikers of all levels. Unlike other parts of Rocky Mountain National Park that are consistently busy and packed with people, the Lumpy Ridge area does not immediately connect with any trails that are popular among National Park hikers. Park admission into Rocky Mountain National Park will be free this Earth Day, April 22. To get here, take Highway 7 south from Estes Park. LEARN MORE: How to Hike to Nymph, Dream & Emerald Lakes (+ Add on Bear Lake and Lake Haiyaha). You also have the option to add on a fifth lake, Lake Haiyaha, making this hike a total of 6.2 miles. Not only have wildfires damaged homesteads in this area, but the trail was also taken out in 2013 by flooding and was reopened in 2017. before reaching the top, hikers will climb 1,000 feet in elevation, making this Hiking Trails near Rocky Mountain National Park - Hiking Ida, so you will really feel the altitude. For very little effort, the views you get are unbelievable. Next day, hire a tour to take you up over the Continental Divide. Black Bears are prominent in this area and are known to even take a stroll through town. Run along river paths or head towards mountain summits. One popular option near Estes is the Gem Lake Trail. Favoring gravel or dirt paths over paved roads, trail runners seek solace and scenery in places where cars don't go. From the Poudre Lake Trailhead at Milner Pass, this trail begins around Poudre Lake and continues up challenging terrain to provide some of the best views in the park. Expect some scramble as you approach the summit. The Twin Owls Loop gives you ad complete tour of this Northeast corner of Rocky Mountain National Park. The outdoor pool is a great spot for a This trail is in Roosevelt National Forest, so it is open year-round and is a popular winter trail here if you have micro-spikes or something similar. Has Denver seen its last snow of the season? Honorable mention No. To get a parking space here, plan on arriving no later than 6:30 am, but even earlier is better. We will be in Estes Park in mid July. What could be simpler than strapping on a pair of good boots and heading out to see, hear, feel and experience nature? 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! Angler Chris Atkins of Allendale, Mich., fly fishes on a pristine meandering stream inside Rocky Mountain National Park, near Estes Park, Colo., on Aug. 4, 2016. For much of the hike you are walking along the Continental Divide. Rocky MountainNational Park Travel Guide. This hike has a little bit of everythingwaterfalls, alpine lakes, high mountain views, and fun river and stream crossings. Ida. Honorable mention: Deer Mountain Trail is a good hike for early in the season because it's relatively snow-free due to its southern exposure. Bear Lake. 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. Winter hiking in Rocky can be quite different. hike to the top requires some scrambling before reaching a wide-open, rocky 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. Stay on US 34 as it becomes Trail Ridge Road to enjoy a spectacular tour of the parks incredible landscapes. You can learn more about our editorial policies here. Our rustic-style cabins embrace the Colorado mountain spirit with convenient amenities including full kitchens, living areas, outdoor space, and scenic views. The Information Office is open year-round: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. daily in summer; 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Mondays - Fridays and 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Saturdays - Sundays in winter. Located inside Rocky Mountain National Park off of Bear Lake Road, this favorite spot offers an easy, but scenic stroll around the lake. What better way to take in all the spirit of Estes Park than to stroll through the enchanted village, taking in the high-peak views and deep breaths of pine-infused air? Recreate responsibly. Located just minutes from RMNP and downtown Estes Park, Valhalla Resort makes the perfect jumping-off point for all your hiking adventures, inside and outside the park. Along the way, youll also get a birds eye view of Emerald Lake! It even has photos so you can see how scenic they are. This was one of our favorite hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park and we highly recommend it. Guide to the Best Day Hikes in the US National Parks. Its a flat, beautiful easy These burgers are the instant fix to any long, hard day on the trail. West northwest wind 6 to 8 mph becoming east southeast in the afternoon. 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. Arguably the easiest hike in Rocky Mountain National Park (next to Sprague Lake), youll be granted extraordinary views of Bear Lake and the nearby peaks just minutes from the parking lot. One of the more challenging moderate' day hikes, it covers a 3.8-mile section of trail with a 1,275-foot rise. near Rocky Mountain National Park Check out theGuided Excursionssection to read more about guided hikes, fishing expeditions, snowshoeing, climbing, backcountry exploration and more. The 7 Best Hikes in Estes Park, Colorado - Territory Supply These moderate day hikes provide big views for a relatively short time on the trail. Best traveled between May and October, the Donner Pass Trail is a lightly trafficked out-and-back trail. Park along Wonderview Avenue, across from the Stanley Hotel to access this trail. Please do your research on theofficial Rocky Mountain National Park websiteand take all precautions necessary for your safety. Distance: 3.4 miles Difficulty: Moderate Length of Time: 2 to 3 hours Location: Lumpy Ridge Trailhead. 15 Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park Earth Whatever your plans, be sure to take a ride on the Estes Park Aerial Tramway up to the summit of Prospect Mountain for stunning views over the valley. The Conference is held in partnership with the American Trail Running Association. Julian, Cracktop Mountain, Longs Peak, Julian Lake, Shadow Mountain Lake, Azure Lake, and Inkwell Lake and thats just the short list! Cheers, Julie. Please note that the hikes listed below are technical hikes for experienced hikers only. Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park Getting an early start and carefully planning your route are important to making it off the peak before the afternoon showers (and lightening) tend to strike. We write about local events & home inspiration. While we will spend at least one day in RMNP, we want to do some more hiking but hopefully without the crowds in the park. When we did this, we saw lots of elk, some of them males with enormous antlers. The Information Office is open year-round: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. daily in summer; 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Mondays - Fridays and 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Saturdays - Sundays in winter. LEARN MORE: How to Hike the Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge. 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. Mount Meeker to Lumpy Ridge and the Mummy Range. Bottom line: dont make a moose feel threatened! The summit of Mt. Difficulty: Moderate. Thanks for all you do! to your hike. There are others as well. For very little effort, the views you get are unbelievable.

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