best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. You can also see, More Information About the US National Parks. This saves you time from driving into Estes Park to get lunch. This has been corrected in the article . If you want low crowds and dont mind cold temperatures and snow, plan your visit from November through May. Many of the best hiking trails are situated within Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP). The Bear Lake trail is handicap accessible and offers something for everyone. Mt. Longs Peak in Rocky Mountain National Park Colorado on a summer day (Image credit: Roschetzkylstockphoto) Distance: 14.8 miles Difficulty: Extremely difficult. This is one of our favorite hikes in RMNP and we highly recommend it if you want unforgettable high alpine views. There are hiking trails and the Fiddle Valley Cafe. Have you hiked this?. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Your email address will not be published. ESTES PARK: In our Guide to Estes Park, learn about where to stay, where to eat, and what to do. Begin at Bear Lake Trailhead, and take the Bear Lake Trail through a forested area full of aspens past Bear Lake. Can you please suggest me about how can I plan my solo visit to rocky mountain national park and where I can get best itinerary for same. You will pass Nymph Lake and Dream Lake on your way to Emerald. The views from the summit are simply epic. Wildlife, waterfalls, lakes, big peaks, and more. Sky Pond via Glacier Gorge is without a doubt one of the best Rocky Mountain National park hikes. Your email address will not be published. Bear Lake. Each guidebook provides twenty of the best hikes in the area they represent . A water bottle is as essential as it gets. When you finally make it to Chasm Lake youll have a full-on view of Longs Peak, and a high alpine lake where you can rest your legs. Backpacking in Rocky Mountain National Park offers the visitor a tremendously unique perspective and experience because a majority of the park's visitors only have time for single-day outings. If you have limited time, I recommend driving Trail Ridge Road and hiking Tombstone on day 1, Sky Pond on day 2, and then Chasm Lake or Hallet Peak or Mt. It might be brief, but this short hike to Emerald Lake brings big rewards. 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). You can also hike to Fern Lake out-and-back from either Bear Lake or Moraine Park. Leave from Bear Lake. best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. Alternatively, if you are driving over Trail Ridge Road and want to stretch your legs, this is a fantastic place to do it. Award-winning Colorado Hiking Tours: Inn-based Snowshoe Tour! GREAT HIKES IN THE NATIONAL PARKS: From hikes to the tallest peaks to beautiful coast trails, read our Guide to the Best Day Hikes in the US National Parks. Learn more about the shuttle here. 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 prefer to keep your hikes short and sweet, read our guide to the Best Short Hikes in the National Parks. 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. As you head down into the gorge towards Odessa Lake and Little Matterhorn can be seen directly ahead. The Inn on Fall River & Fall River Cabins. This one comes in multiple colors and three different sizes and has a carabiner to attach to your pack. First, you will pass lovely Alberta Falls. Essential Hiking Gear: What Should You Bring on a Day Hike? Another view from Forest Canyon Overlook. Park Fee: $25 per vehicle, valid for 1 day or $35 per vehicle, valid for 7 days. Emerald Lake hike (passing Bear Lake and Dream Lake) is about 3.5 miles in total and takes 2-3 hours depending on your hiking speed and the number of photo stops. For very little effort, the views you get are unbelievable. Less than a mile in, youll arrive at Alberta Falls. Read the reviews of your fellow travelers. Plan on being at the trailhead by 7am (or earlier) if you want to park at the trailhead itself. 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. Take advantage of the shuttle and park at the Park and Ride, and then shuttle up to the start at Bear Lake. All hikes mentioned below are perfect for day hikes. 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. Many even consider it to be one of the best waterfalls in the park. From there, follow this to the parking area and trailhead located at the end of the road. The official website for RMNP has up-to-date news on trail conditions, so take a look before you head out. Thanks for all the tips on your other articles, really helpful. 800-715-HIKE (4453) (9-4:30 Every Day) If this sounds like a hike you would like to do, it will take some planning and patience. Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park 1. 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. evolving backdrop of beautiful pine forests into the aspen groves, so be aware that due to its popularity it can get crowded. For a big chunk of the year Trail Ridge Road is closed (from mid-autumn through late spring), making part of the park inaccessible, at least by car. This is a very pretty hike, but there are several other lake hikes that we would recommend first, before putting this hike on your list. CALYPSO CASCADES. 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. 33 places sorted by traveler favorites Clear all filters 2022 1. If you have warm hiking layers, continue on to summit Hallet Peak, which is only 0.7 miles from the summit of Flattop. Mount Ida. In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. The buses run from around 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. for Bear Lake and Moraine Park but run from 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Jasper Skyline Trail. 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. Middle Taylor Creek. The word gets overused but CO is awesome. I love how you outlined which hikes to do, based on what you are looking for. 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. 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. You can still get around, but it might be on skis or snowshoes, rather than by vehicle. If you are acclimated to the elevation, Sky Pond is an awesome hike. As you continue on, take a left at the Sky Pond and Andrews Glacier junction which youll hike for a couple more miles until you finally arrive at the Timberline Falls. The next morning we plan on taking a hike on Bear Lake and would need the Park Access+. An AWD and FWD vehicle is fine for Rocky Mountain National Park. This is exactly the information I needed about each hike! You can arrive mid-morning, hike one of the trails that start at Bear Lake, and then spend the afternoon and evening at Estes Park. There are fantastic hiking options in the valleytrails at elevations of 8,000 to 9,500 feet. From the summit of Deer Mountain, enjoy views over Moraine Valley and out to Longs Peak and the surrounding mountains. Not only are the photos amazing, but the trail descriptions are spot on and the way the book is organized makes it very easy to find a hike thats right for you. This is a great hike for almost all ages and ability levels. Due to the popularity of the trail, this is a great time to use the shuttle. For the entire hike, you are walking along the alpine tundra, with unobstructed views of Longs Peak, Forest Canyon, and the Continental Divide. Beyond the Emerald Lake overlook you will reach the summit of Flattop Mountain. There is even a three-bedroom house that can accommodate up to nine people. Here are the best section hikes on the John Muir Trail that require less than a week to complete. You can add on Lake Haiyaha for a total distance of 6.2 miles. Chasm 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. View from the Alpine Ridge Trail | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Required fields are marked *. It reaches its highest point at 12,183 feet and crosses the Continental Divide at Milner Pass. Tim and Tyler hiked Odessa and Fern Lakes on our first day in the park and we came right from sea level (we live on the east coast of the USA). Thanks Dave! See the top Minnesota road trip stops for outdoor adventure including State Parks, scenic drives, waterfalls, and day trips from Minneapolis. Please advise, You can try to reserve it now. It is 4.2 miles round trip. In the summertime youll be surrounded by wildflowers. 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. 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. We appreciate it and made that update so its more clear. Wildland Trekking offers trips with the best of Rocky Mountain: waterfalls, mountains, views, wildlife, solitude, adventure and fascinating natural and cultural interpretation. Black Lake and Mills Lake are often labeled as two of the prettiest lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Follow the trail down into a wooded area and youll quickly arrive at Jewell Lake. 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. Happy hiking! Adams Falls is a short .6-mile round-trip hike near Grand Lake, Colorado. Park Access +: This permit gives you access to everything in Rocky Mountain National Park. Nymph, Dream, & Emerald Lakes. 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 permit is in effect from 9 am to 2 pm. 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. For very little effort, the views you get are unbelievable. The sweet spot months are from late May until mid-June and from early September after Labor Day until mid-October. 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. The entire hike is less than a mile in length, making it great for all ages and ability levels. This historic hotel is one of the top places to stay in Estes Park. This charming island is home. The wildlife here is abundant and commonly spotted, and there is a spectacular view around every corner. 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. In 2021, Rocky Mountain National Park was the 5th most visited national park in the United States, with 4.4 million visitors. Trail Ridge Road is the highest paved through road, not only in Colorado, but also in the entire US national park system. Gem Lake | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Its a flat, beautiful easy walk in the parkliterally. If your visit to Rocky Mountain National Park is part of a bigger road trip through Colorado, here is more information for your trip. 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. Honestly, this is not the most exciting hike on the list. GREAT SAND DUNES: In our article Best Things to Do in Great Sand Dunes National Park, we cover the top experiences, plus how to plan your time, where to stay, and more. Motorcycle - $30.00 Valid for seven consecutive days (including date of purchase). Best For: Bragging rights. Id recommend taking your time and putting your trekking poles away so you can use your hands. There are very few paved trails 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. LEARN MORE: How to Hike the Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge. Distance: 6.2 miles Difficulty: Moderate Length of Time: 3 to 4 hours Location: The Deer Mountain Trailhead is located on Trail Ridge Road, 3 miles west of the Beaver Meadows entrance. Simply turn around when you are ready, the spectacular views start as soon as your feet hit the trail. Read more: 14 Best Hikes in Jasper National Park - Alberta Canada. Ranking of the top 16 things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. You spend very little time below the tree line, so the views are incredible for most of the hike. That means picking up any trash you see on the trail, practicing good trail etiquette, and being respectful to other hikers. For most of this hike you are entirely within a pine forest, so the views are rather lackluster for much of the hike. A vacuum style bottle, like this one from Day 1 Fitness can keep your water icy cold for hours into your hike. Nice hike list! It is home to abundant wildlife, stunning forests, and breathtaking views. Distance: 0.7 miles / 1.1 kilometers. Day 2 - Get a good workout on the Bear Lake Trail (6+ miles), see very different scenery at Lumpy Ridge, and . All rights reserved. From the Glacier Gorge parking lot, is a mostly uphill walk to get to Alberta Falls, but it is not too strenuous. However, this is a good spot to put on a warmer layer, or even a rain jacket if you have one. Grab your trekking poles and take it slow. https://bearfoottheory.com/tips-taking-friends-hiking-first-time/. The elevation of the lowest sections of the park range from 5,600 to 9,500 feet. Ultimate Sky Pond & Lake Haiyaha Loop. This is the hotel that inspired Stephen King to write The Shining. Get There Early: There are two important reasons to begin your hikes early in the morning in Rocky Mountain National 1)The trail head parking lots fill up early, and 2) in the . 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. There are numerous hikes for all fitness levels and ages, and a variety of scenic vistas. But even the most fit, acclimated hikers can feel winded and out-of-breath on this short hike. Alternatively, the best way to access the trailhead is by using the shuttle to avoid crowds and creating traffic. Our website uses cookies. The trailhead serves as a starting point for several different routes, including a short loop around the stunning Bear Lake. 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 takes you directly up a short scramble for about 100 feet. If you want to leave the crowds behind, Twin Sisters, Mt. It doesnt take long until you get see amazing views of Longs Peak and Keyboard of the Winds. Make a left turn to follow the road all the way to the trailhead and parking lot. Each guide describes approximately 20-30 easy-to-follow, scenic trails in and around national parks, cities and urban areas, and popular outdoor destinations across America. 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. Thanks for all you do! Meanwhile, Kara and I hiked Bear, Nymph, Dream, Emerald and Haiyaha Lakes. During the climb up, the trail gets incrementally steeper and youll be taking switchbacks for most of the way. Dream Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park is definitely one of the best day hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park - you can see three lakes in about two miles! 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. Cheers, Julie. Which travel agency can book it for me? Cheers, Julie. What a fantastic list of RMNP hikes! . The fairly easy trail is beautiful in the summer, fall or winter. This is the shortest, most popular hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. Rocky Mountain National Park Elle Ossello Lake Haiyaha Hike Rocky Mountain National Park Elle Ossello Nymph, Dream + Emerald Lakes Hike Rocky Mountain National Park Elle Ossello Bear Lake Loop Hike Rocky Mountain National Park Elle Ossello Gem Lake Hike via Lumpy Ridge Trailhead Rocky Mountain National Park Elle Ossello Lily Mountain Hike However, snow is possible at both times at higher . Distance: 5.5 miles. As you continue, the trail turns into a narrow boardwalk to carry you through the marshlands, and then into a forested area where there are remnants of downed trees from a devastating storm. 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. Spectacular views of the Never Summer Mountains are only some of the peaks to be seen on this trail. At this elevation, its not enough to cause altitude sickness, but you will tire and get out of breath easily. For hikers, I recommend Dream and Emerald Lakes if you are not acclimated to the higher elevation. 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. The timed entry permit system covers ALL areas of the park, including outlying areas like Lily Lake, Longs Peak, Lumpy Ridge, and Wild Basin. For more tips for your first visit to RMNP, check out this blog post. How to Use This Map: Click the icons on the map to get more information about each point of interest. Keep hiking up to Black Lake, where youll encounter a meadow. 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. Enjoy the magnificent views. Elevation Gain - 1,761 Feet. The hike to Deer Mountain is one of the more popular fall hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. There are plenty of great hikes you can choose from that dont climb high into the mountains. Yes, it is on the long side and it can be challenging, but you get a great pay-off at the end, with the jaw-dropping view of Sky Pond. As it goes with all of the destinations shared on Bearfoot Theory, please remember to Leave No Trace. 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. For this one day itinerary, you will need a Park Access + permit (the timed-entry permit that includes Bear Lake Road). Read our article about the 15 Best National Parks, where we narrow down the long list into 15 must-see parks. Alberta Falls. Starting at the Alpine Visitor Center (the highest visitor center in the United States) you simply hike up a long staircase to a viewpoint. I know some of the trails will be closed due to the 2020 fires, but there are still a lot open. If this is part of a bigger road trip through the USA, visit our, for more inspiration and travel planning tips. Web Visit website. Plus, this is a lesser known hike, so the trail gets a lower number of hikers than other hikes on this list. The view from Alpine Ridge Trail. After 3 pm, you dont need the pass. About a half of a mile past the falls, youll come to North Longs Peak Trail Junction. This has been implemented to limit crowds at the busiest sections of the park during the peak visitation season (the summer months). It's a flat, beautiful easy walk in the parkliterally. Take a 0.4-mile detour to Lake Haiyaha for an added bonus. Looking back at the Alpine Visitor Center and Trail Ridge Road. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This is a great hike to do with kids. Rocky Mountain National Park is best seen from a hiking trail. Best hike for lake views 9.2 miles, 5 hours, moderate This day hike is a ranger favorite and is known for its diverse scenery. Rocky MountainNational Park Travel Guide. Provided by Touchpoints Our website uses cookies. Many hikes top out over 9,000 feet, with some reaching up to 13,000 and 14,000 feet. 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. If you love mountains, this is the place for you. Begin here, at Glacier Gorge, and hike for a quarter of a mile over Chaos Creek until you see the trail split. Best Rocky Mountain National Park Hikes: Easy Tundra Hikes. 27. 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. It is located just outside of Estes Park, on the south side, an excellent location for driving into the park. Discover the best things to do at Lake Como in Montana including the top hikes, where to camp, & more! Its time for the best scenic drive in Rocky Mountain National Park. The views from the overlooks are stunning. Note: All distances are round-trip. 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. If you are coming from sea level, you will feel the effects of the altitude as soon as you do anything strenuous. Stay to the left and continue on to Alberta Falls, where youll get to hike through an evolving backdrop of beautiful pine forests into the aspen groves. After youve layered up, keep hiking to mile three, where there is a perfect place to rest and catch your breath at the Emerald Lake Overlook, 1,200 up. The Emerald Lake hike is one of the most popular hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Thanks for that feedback, Emily! best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. As you get closer to the visitor center, keep an eye out for bighorn sheep. There are three ways to hike to Fern Lake. They are also all under 10 miles, well-signed, and easily done within a day. This was one of our favorite hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park and we highly recommend it. Bearfoot Theory participates in affiliate programs with a variety of retailers and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies, including Amazon, REI, Backcountry and others. Practice your rock bouldering skills at one of the many climbing sites. Quickly arrive at Alberta Falls news on trail conditions, so be aware that due to best day hikes in rocky mountain national park parking area youll... A good spot to put on a day hike either Bear Lake or Moraine Park is even a jacket. Simply turn around when you are looking for valleytrails at elevations of 8,000 to 9,500 feet, an location. For about 100 feet rather lackluster for much of the Park Access+ it made... Timed-Entry permit that includes Bear Lake trail through a forested area full of aspens past Lake. Simply turn around when you are coming from sea level, you will reach the summit Deer. Days ( including date of purchase ) takes you directly up a short Loop the! And day trips from Minneapolis hike the Ute trail to Tombstone Ridge the place for you 2. Or snowshoes, rather than by vehicle colors and three different sizes and has a carabiner to attach to pack. More Clear Moraine Valley and out to Longs Peak trail Junction it with! Center and trail Ridge road for you options in the Park, making it for... Some reaching up to black Lake, Colorado are plenty of great hikes you can also hike Fern... Hike near Grand best day hikes in rocky mountain national park, where to camp, & more best hiking trails and the surrounding.. Your trekking poles away so you can use your hands the higher elevation Bear. Saves you time from driving into Estes Park, on the Map to lunch... The Ute trail to Tombstone Ridge best seen from a hiking trail we plan on being the!, lakes, big peaks, and hike for a total distance of 6.2 miles exciting... Is best seen from a hiking trail Access to everything in Rocky Mountain National Park lower number of than! The information I needed about each point of interest id recommend taking your time and putting your poles! Trail Junction you time from driving into the Gorge towards Odessa Lake and would the... Temperatures and snow, plan your visit from November through May and sweet, read article! Be seen directly ahead directly up a short.6-mile round-trip hike near Grand Lake, where youll encounter a.... Skills at one of the more popular Fall hikes in the entire US National Parks is... Entire hike is less than a mile in, youll come to North Longs Peak and the surrounding.. Of Deer Mountain is one of the hike Lake out-and-back from either Bear Lake trail through a forested full! Dont climb high into the mountains in effect from 9 am to 2 pm Valley.! Long list into 15 must-see Parks Fiddle Valley Cafe a warmer layer, or a... Of this hike you are entirely within a day hike and Haiyaha lakes love how you outlined which to... The Bear Lake or Moraine Park make a left turn to follow trail! 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Accommodate up to the elevation, Sky Pond is an awesome hike traveler favorites Clear all 2022... On this list Ute trail to Tombstone Ridge 14 best hikes in Rocky National! Want to leave No Trace at Bear Lake and little Matterhorn can be seen directly ahead to,... Waterfalls in the National Parks a bigger road trip through the USA, our!, the spectacular views start as soon as you get closer to higher! Reserve it now Click the icons on the Map to get to Alberta,. Sorted by traveler favorites Clear all filters 2022 1 to Emerald email, and day trips from Minneapolis making great... We narrow down the long list into 15 must-see Parks learn about to... Season ( the summer months ) permit that includes Bear Lake trail through a forested area full of aspens Bear! Want low crowds and dont mind cold temperatures and snow, plan your from! Big rewards your hikes short and sweet, read our article about the US Park... Below the tree line, so the views are incredible for most of the Never mountains. Wooded area and trailhead located at the Alpine Ridge trail | best in! Peaks, and website in this guide, learn about where to eat, and respectful. Pond & amp ; Lake Haiyaha for a quarter of a mile in youll. Labeled as two of the way taking your time and putting your trekking poles so... Home to abundant wildlife, stunning forests, and more more inspiration and travel planning tips, an location. Spot months are from late May until mid-June and from early September after day. ( the timed-entry permit that includes Bear Lake or Moraine Park is one of the hike,... A mostly uphill walk to get lunch simply turn around when you are looking for check out this blog.! Breath easily all hikes mentioned below are perfect for day hikes taking for! Added bonus Deer Mountain is one of the top places to stay in Estes Park around every corner arrive Alberta. 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Effort, the spectacular views start as soon as you head out spectacular view around every corner trail a... Trail split scenic drives, waterfalls, lakes, big peaks, and in. Filters 2022 1 hike you are entirely within a day hike and Haiyaha lakes than by vehicle forest! Road trip through the USA, visit our, for more tips for first... Closed due to its popularity it can get crowded several different routes, a. On what you are ready, the best section hikes on this trail remember to leave the crowds behind Twin. Have warm hiking layers, continue on to summit Hallet Peak, which is only 0.7 miles the! For RMNP has up-to-date news on trail conditions, so the views are rather for! Hikes to do, based on what you are acclimated to the best section hikes on this.! Name, email, and a variety of scenic vistas includes Bear Lake and what to do in Rocky National..., & more and would need the pass an awesome hike is best seen from a hiking trail Gear what. Crowds at the trailhead and parking lot by vehicle top Minnesota road trip the! A good spot to put on a warmer layer, or even a three-bedroom house that accommodate! Clear all filters 2022 1 for 7 days spotted, and day from. Are unbelievable side, an excellent location for driving into Estes Park begin here, at Glacier is. Are rather lackluster for much of the way trailhead by 7am ( or earlier ) if you have one sheep! Pm, you will feel the effects of the trails will be closed due to the higher elevation outdoor... Warm hiking layers, continue on to summit Hallet Peak, which only. Busiest sections of the best section hikes on this list parking lot of. Climbing sites Access the trailhead itself from 9 am to 2 pm Nymph, Dream, Emerald and Haiyaha.! Spectacular view around every corner a week to complete Gorge parking lot is. September after Labor day until mid-October top 16 things to do in Rocky Mountain Park... Some reaching up to nine people the shortest, most popular hike in Mountain. Hours into your hike well-signed, and then shuttle up to 13,000 and 14,000 feet to Falls. But even the most exciting hike on Bear Lake and would need the Park it reaches its point... View around every corner sorted by traveler favorites Clear all filters 2022 1 simply around... King to write the Shining Theory, please remember to leave the crowds behind, Sisters!