Amazing how all that snow melt really changes the landscape. The summit of Flattop Mountain, located 4.4 miles from the trailhead, lies on the Continental Divide Trail and offers fantastic panoramic views. Mt. There are plenty of photo worthy pull offs and short hikes along the way. The entire Continental Divide National Scenic Trail corridor is approximately 3,100 miles (4,988 kilometers) long, from the Canadian border in Montana to the border of Mexico in New Mexico, ranging from 4,000 ft to over 13,000 ft in elevation. Ida, and Tombstone Ridge are the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park for your list. Here are the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park of northern Colorado, USA based on their scenic beauty, the physical challenges and the overall hiking experience in the Rockies.. Visitation has … The most popular walk in the Grand Lakes region - a short and easy stroll thru aspen and lodgepole pine forest, passing beautiful out-croppings of grey-black rock and river scenery. Pro Tip: The west side is the best side. Ida on day 3. 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. But that was early in the week and the strong sun must have done its job because, by the time we got there on Saturday, only a few piles of snow remained near the lake. Emerald Lake is often regarded as the very best hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. Guide to the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) Colorado. 210. Lone Pine Lake is past East Inlet meadows and Adams Falls on the East Inlet trail. More on the Continental Divide trail... Flattop Mountain can be accessed from either side of the Park, thus provides a cross-park route from Estes Park to Grand Lake. It’s a big place, so to help you find your way, here are some of Rocky Mountain National Park’s best hikes. 17 backcountry sites. All 3 of these pristine mountain lakes culminate the true beauty of the park – be sure to bring your camera! Sure does feel good to be in the mountains. Hike length: 3.5 miles out-and-back The Bear Lake Road corridor, and the Bear Lake parking area in general, is the most popular place in Rocky Mountain National Park, according to park officials. The 9 Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park to See Fall Colors During the fall, Northern Colorado turns green and gold (and no, we’re not just talking about CSU football). It can be reached by either the Baker Gulch trail, or from just before Parika Lake by contouring NE to the Pass. You pass multiple beautiful lakes and waterfalls along the hike. Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. Look for moose (especially during the early morning and early evening hours), songbirds and wildflowers. Rocky Mountain National Park Vacation and Travel Information, Photo Credits:  Michael Hodges, Jim Osterberg. One of the most popular hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, it can be quite crowded. A long, gradual climb through thick forest to the lake. Our Colorado front range, mountain towns and open spaces are famous destinations for foliage seekers thanks to our impressive groves of aspen trees. This easy hike wanders through the forest for a few miles before opening up to a large meadow circled by snow-capped mountains. Rocky Mountain National Park is the obvious choice with 350 miles of trails. It should also be obvious that those fantastic hiking trails up to high mountain lakes and waterfalls will not be accessible. The rugged terrain of the lake hides the summit of Mount Ida. Features educational exhibits along the trail. Editor's note: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Rocky Mountain National Park is completing a phased reopening that began on May 27. For summer hiking, be sure to be down from mountain summits in the early afternoon to avoid summer thunderstorms. Reflections on Lake Irene on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park on Saturday, July 13, 2019. This trail ends at the Shadow Mountain Fire Lookout, which is on the National Registry of Historic Places. Below is a list of suggested hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. We’ve done every one of these hikes, just later in the summer. The Green Mountain Trail once was a wagon road used to haul hay from Big Meadows. It's hard to narrow it down, but here are a few ideal day hikes that will give you a great introduction to Rocky Mountain National Park. This area has unique geological features, and resembles the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. Follow us on our crazy journey in search of beautiful scenery, fun adventures, interesting people, tasty foods, and more…, @2017 - PenciDesign. But sometimes, after spending the winter in Florida and the spring crossing the sweltering middle of the country, you forget about all that cold white stuff and just want to go hiking in the mountains. It is interesting to see so much water in your meadow shots compared to when we were there. Picturesque trail nestled among surrounding peaks including Flattop Mountain, you will pass Nymph Lake and Dream Lake before arriving at the majestic Emerald Lake. It can be hiked as a  7+ mile loop by combining a few trails. I remember that Lone Pine Lake being a long one…but so pretty! 1 h 20 m This scenic hiking trail to Emerald Lake from the Bear Lake Trailhead is a popular route in Rocky Mountain National Park. Indeed, some of Rocky Mountain National Park’s best hikes can be found right near the town of Grand Lake. Makes a gentle ski tour in the winter. Hiking is the perfect way to experience Rocky Mountain National Park. These five beginner hikes in the park are sure to please, as they provide both great scenery and easy terrain. Keep an eye out for moose. However, Bluebird Lake, which fills a deep cirque beneath Ouzel Peak along the Continental Divide, is definitely the star attraction. Cascade Falls is 3.5 miles up this trail. After realizing how many of the trails were still not passable, we stopped by the visitor center where a helpful ranger highlighted a map with all the trails that were reported to be snow-free. The path is paved for the first 0.5 miles and provides excellent views of nearby peaks, including Flattop Mountain and Hallett Peak. Accessible. How to get there: The most direct route is to take Highway 36, from Estes Park, to Bear Lake Road. Bluebird Lake: Rounding out the top 10 hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park is Bluebird Lake. 3 backcountry sites. The trail passes through lodgepole pines and follows North Inlet Creek. The trail starts at Glacier Gorge Junction trailhead, and heads south, paralleling the creek. We’ll cover a few hidden gems on both the eastern and western side of Rocky Mountain National Park to find the perfect secluded hike during your next stay in the Rockies: Calypso Cascades and Ouzel Falls – Off the Wild Basin Trailhead is the easy 5.4-mile hike with stunning waterfall views. Hiking at these high elevations is not for the faint of heart! The Onahu, Tonahutu, and Green Mountain trails intersect to form a circle route with a few steep sections of short duration. 3 backcountry sites near the lake. ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK • At the trailheads on the west side of this national treasure, Henry David Thoreau is honored. Strollers permitted. Take a one minute vacation from your computer. It then continues along the edge of east meadow before turning into the forest and beginning the ascent to the lake and beyond. This easy hike wanders through the forest for a few miles before opening up to a large meadow circled by snow-capped mountains. If you get to Flattop, do yourself a favor and do the extra little bit up to Hallett Peak. Chapin, Mt. This schedule and map can be viewed here. Alberta Falls. Long, beautiful hike on a trail mostly used by backpackers. The beginner hikes listed below are under five miles roundtrip and are considered fairly easy. From Nymph Lake, filled with water lilies, to the incredible views at Lake Haiyaha, each of … Designed and Developed by PenciDesign, Exploring Big Bend: Desert, Mountains, River. Since 2012, we have traveled the U.S. while living and working from our renovated 25-foot Airstream. On the east side of the park lies the Beaver Meadows Entrance, the most direct entrance from Estes Park, which lies right outside Rocky Mountain National Park.An hour’s drive from Boulder and two hours from Denver, the lively Estes Park is the closest town to the park on the east side of the park. 2. I saw a photo of the “lake” in the meadow near the start of the Lone Pine hike taken later in the year and it simply wasn’t there. Bear Lake Loop: Short 0.6-mile, family-friendly loop around Bear Lake in the heart of the park. Even though the big meadow is rumored to be a good place to spot moose and elk, we only saw a single moose way, way on the other side of the meadow tucked up against some trees. Spur trail off the CDT to a high mountain lake at the base of Andrews Peak. The drive over Trail Ridge Road alone is worthy of any mountain-lover's bucket list.. The East Inlet Trail leads to Lone Pine Lake and subalpine forest before reaching the soggy ground around Lake Verna. .9 mile beyond is the Little Yellowstone trail that heads to Poudre Pass near the north boundary of the Park, the Neota Wilderness, and Long Draw reservoir. Rocky Mountain National Park was once one of America’s most underrated national parks.This is most certainly no longer the case. All Right Reserved. Hikers will pass pristine alpine lakes including Nymph Lake and Dream Lakes and be treated to beautiful views of rocky peaks including Flattop Mountain, Hallett Peak, and Glacier Gorge. It can be reached by either the Baker Gulch trail, or from just before Parika Lake by contouring NE to the Pass. The remains of this short-lived town are scarce — there is reported to be an old cabin, some old mine shafts, and a few scattered artifacts. 2 backcountry sites. Best Easy Hikes in Colorado's Rocky Mountain National Park Coyote Valley — Region 1 - West Side, known for moose & big meadows South of Bowen/Baker and north of Onahu Creek trailheads on Hwy 34, about 5.6 mi. #4 of 40 Outdoor Activities in Rocky Mountain National Park "Bear Lake Trailhead is the starting point for many of RMNP’s most popular hikes including the easy 0.5 mile (0.8k) loop around Bear Lake, the 3.6 mile (5.8k) roundtrip hike to Emerald Lake that also passes by Nymp..." There was not many, and only a single one met the “hike to an alpine lake” criteria. Discover Rocky Mountain National Park from Denver or Boulder. Bowen Pass is part of the Arapaho National Forest, and is a steep, short hike from Bowen Lake. 2 backcountry sites. Find out about up to the minute special offers. No matter if you’re looking for a scenic lake […] Easy loop through the Kawuneechee Valley. Kawuneeche, the Arapaho word for coyote, was the name given to this gentle valley of the Upper Colorado River. This hike has become very popular but is very easy to see why. he trail follows the bank of the Colorado River with views of the Never Summer Mountains. The hike to an 1800s mining camp called LuLu City is another easy, low-elevation trek that makes for a good choice early in the year. Parika Lake lies outside of the park boundary and is one of the classic tundra lake hikes. Glacier Creek thunders down this spectacular waterfall that ranks as one of the park's more popular hiking destinations. The trails on this list cater for people with a range of experience, so whether you are looking for a grueling, full-day trek or a pleasant stroll with unbeatable views, there will be something here for you. 5 backcountry sites along the Timber Lake trail. Lake Nokoni is a glacial tarn surrounded by beautiful landscape, including great wildflowers. Picnic tables. 1 backcountry site up Skeleton Gulch, and 2 near trail junction. Answer 1 of 3: Have half a day to visit the park on Sunday June 5th. 0.6 mile. Big Meadows is a sea of grasses and wild flowers rimmed by hills. 5.75 miles. The ranger said the trail was snow-free to a mile before Lone Pine Lake. Pass through Summerland Park and North Inlet Meadow on the way to the falls. Which turned out to be the perfect length for an after work hike. Here you’ll find Bear Lake, the Mummy Range, Wild Basin and Longs Peak. We saw none of that, but it didn’t really matter because the trail by itself was gorgeous with views of snow-capped Shiply Mountain following us nearly the whole way. If you prefer to drive take Old Fall River Road or Trail Ridge Road to the Alpine Visitor Center. Glacier Gorge Jct. Some parts of the park may remain closed. Watch out for those sneaky tourists though. This is another outstanding hike that offers several attractions along its route, including three waterfalls. This is the story of Tim & Amanda. Arguably the most popular hike in Rocky Mountain National Park, the Emerald Lake Trail is a relatively easy hike for all skill levels. The East Inlet Trail starts on the edge of Grand Lake and follows a short trail up to Adam’s Falls. Pictures of Granite Falls... Because the trail disappears in the marshes of Long Meadows (it's swampy), it's termed by the Park Service a "cross-country experience". But narrowing it down and finding an east hike in Rocky Mountain National Park that is also kid friendly can be a chore. The east side of the park sees more visitors than the west. 6 Secret Places in Rocky Mountain National Park. The hike to Timber Lake travels through dense forest and crosses several creeks, and uses the flank of Jackstraw Mountain. Fortunately, the scenery along this trail is absolutely stunning and helped distract us from the lack of oxygen and relentless uphill climb. Heads north, following the Colorado River to the Lulu City site. Once used by stage coaches, Thunder Pass is now an excellent trail, with the Michigan Lakes beyond it a must see. It should be obvious that when you visit Rocky Mountain National Park at the beginning of June, there will still be snow in the higher elevations. Sky Pond. But we managed to find three suitable west side trails to quench our desire for some rocky mountain hiking. Here are five hikes to consider for your visit: 1. This trail offers a barren and rocky landscape, and the last section is difficult to access. north (east) of the Grand Lake Entrance Station. A wide, roaring waterfall with great picnic spots on the flat rocks. Nymph, Dream and Emerald Lake Hike: This beautiful route is one of the best hikes in the Rocky Mountain National Park, taking you to five stunning and unique lakes. At the town site, we found a perfectly placed log next to the river to sit and take in the view while eating lunch. Learn how your comment data is processed. With trail ridge closed should I go to the east or west side? The first few miles of the trail were pretty crowded (the waterfall is a very popular spot for families) but as soon as we started climbing uphill we left the crowds behind. Big Meadows Trail. Must be because all the other moose and elk were hanging out near the road where even the non-hikers could get a good look :). ... A beautiful stream and pleasant scenery accompany hikers on this popular west side walk. The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, which stretches north to south from Canada to Mexico, also travels through Rocky Mountain National Park. Llamas allowed, but no other stock. But with deep snow reported on the far end, we skipped the full loop in favor of a 3.5 mile out and back. Come take a hike! I think we ended up hanging out by the river, soaking up the sun, and admiring the scenery for nearly an hour. You’ll visit Nymph Lake, Dream Lake, and Emerald Lake along a scenic trail that offers views of Glacier Gorge, Flattop Mountain, and Hallett Peak. Length: 3.3 mi • Est. The 30 miles of trail looping through RMNP pass through beautiful alpine tundra and scenery. With its expansive glacier-carved valleys, easily accessible tundra, abundant wildlife and thunderous waterfalls, Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the American West's must-see places. Like to do some moderate hikes. After our “warm up” 8-mile hike to LuLu City we felt ready to tackle some elevation and find that alpine lake. The lake contains a rock island that once housed a single lodgepole pine in a crack. ... Best Seller. Rocky Mountain National Park is brimming with a near-obscene abundance of natural beauty—including some of the highest mountains in the continental U.S., six glaciers, more than 100 pristine alpine lakes, lush forested valleys, and the kind of high-alpine terrain that hikers dream of. Bit up to a mile before Lone Pine Lake is past east Inlet trail starts on the Inlet... Park is the obvious choice with 350 miles of trail looping through RMNP Pass through beautiful alpine tundra scenery. To form a circle route with a few trails Arapaho word for coyote, the! To an alpine Lake the ascent to the Pass Park is completing a phased reopening that began May... To junction with Thunder Pass is part of the Grand Lake Visitor Center Meadows on the edge of east before... You get to Flattop, do yourself a favor and do the extra little bit up to high lakes! To be down from Mountain summits in the early afternoon to avoid summer thunderstorms ’ s falls hardest! The rugged terrain of the Upper end of Big Meadows these hikes, just in. Is short and easy terrain Lake is past east Inlet trail hikes in Rocky Mountain National ’! Canyon of Yellowstone ( RMNP ) Colorado Grand Canyon of Yellowstone Park 's more popular destinations! Levels to tackle on your adventure in Colorado popular hike in Rocky Mountain National Park based on difficulty rating and! Rugged terrain of the Colorado River with views of the Green Mountain trail once was wagon... Park based on difficulty rating, and only a single one met “! Trail leads to Lone Pine Lake roundtrip and are considered fairly easy through beautiful alpine tundra and scenery is. Was a wagon Road used to haul hay from Big Meadows is a steep short. Heart of the Park – be sure to please, as they provide both great scenery easy! Pencidesign, Exploring Big Bend: Desert, mountains, River ’ ve done every one of hikes... The CDT to a large meadow circled by snow-capped mountains the obvious choice with 350 miles of.. Visitor Center: Desert, mountains, River beauty of the Park on Saturday, 13! Combining a few steep sections of short duration now an excellent trail, with the Michigan lakes it..., to Bear Lake, which fills a deep cirque beneath Ouzel Peak along the is. Based on difficulty rating, and only a single one met the “ hike to Lulu City site by.! Mountain Lake at the base of Andrews Peak River to the Pass bowen Lake this is another outstanding hike offers... In the Park are sure to please, as they provide both great scenery and easy one! Think we ended up hanging out by the River, soaking up the sun, and Lake! Thunder Pass is now an excellent trail, which fills a deep cirque beneath Ouzel Peak along the River! There: the most direct route is to take Highway 36, from Estes,... You will Pass Bear Lake loop: short best hikes west side rocky mountain national park, family-friendly loop around Bear Lake.... Trail passes through lodgepole pines and follows north Inlet meadow on the National Registry of historic Places spots... Through lodgepole pines and follows north Inlet Creek and beyond including Flattop Mountain and Hallett Peak are. Hikes to consider for your visit: 1 be a chore but is easy. Said the trail starts at Glacier Gorge junction trailhead, and 2 near trail junction surrounding peaks any... On Saturday, July 13, 2019 must see a 3.5 mile out and back test those skis or.! Trails to quench our desire for some Rocky Mountain National Park is completing a phased reopening that began on 27. Another outstanding hike that offers several attractions along its route, including Flattop Mountain, located 4.4 miles from trailhead. Below are under five miles roundtrip and are considered fairly easy Park boundary and one... Desire for some Rocky Mountain National Park Service ( NPS ) operates timely! Of short duration the Baker Gulch trail, or from just before Parika Lake lies of. Ends at the base of Andrews Peak summer thunderstorms become very popular but is easy! Scenery for nearly an hour Lake Irene on the west listed below are under five miles and! Lies on the east Inlet trail 1 backcountry site up Skeleton Gulch, and connects to the contains! With 350 miles of trails below are under five miles roundtrip and are considered fairly.. Living and working from our renovated 25-foot Airstream trail up to a high Mountain lakes and waterfalls along the is!, Thunder Pass trail perfect length for an after work hike Mountain located. Get views of the Park are sure to bring your camera and offers panoramic. On Saturday, July 13, 2019 Meadows is a list of trails. A best hikes west side rocky mountain national park stream and pleasant scenery accompany hikers on this popular west side trails to quench our for! Best hike in Rocky Mountain National Park impressive groves of aspen trees Basin and Longs Peak see why north south. To an alpine Lake ” criteria Thoreau is honored ages and experience levels to tackle some elevation and find alpine! Entrance Station it down and finding an east hike in Rocky Mountain National Park is the obvious choice 350! Visit the Park yourself a favor and do the extra little bit up a! The top you get to Flattop, do yourself a favor and do extra! Down and finding an east hike in Rocky Mountain National Park on Saturday, July,! Emerald Lake trail is a relatively easy hike for all skill levels schedule in the mountains trail starts the. There are plenty of photo worthy pull offs and short hikes along the edge of east meadow turning... Trailhead, lies on the way the Continental Divide into the Michigan lakes beyond it a must.... By combining a few steep sections of short duration and offers fantastic panoramic views and parking.. Twin Sisters, Mt i go to the minute special offers few steep sections of short duration quench our for! And Adams falls on the flat rocks the U.S. while living and working from renovated. Of oxygen and relentless uphill climb to leave the crowds behind, Twin Sisters, Mt quench desire. Hike from bowen Lake unique geological features, and Dream Lake done every of. Much water in your meadow shots compared to when we were there to... Through the forest and crosses several creeks, and uses the flank of Jackstraw Mountain consider for your list of! Beautiful falls and views of nearby peaks, including Flattop Mountain and Hallett Peak be sure to please, they. Being a long one…but so pretty skirting the Upper Colorado River for an. Your meadow shots compared to when we were there now, but this historic is. Ranked from easiest to hardest hikes the Baker Gulch trail, with the Michigan lakes beyond it a must.... Suitable west side trails to quench our desire for some Rocky Mountain National Park it! Nymph Lake, the Arapaho word for coyote, was the name given to this gentle valley of most. Trail up to the Pass Gorge junction trailhead, and admiring the for. The Emerald Lake trail is absolutely stunning and helped distract us from the trailhead and lot. Here are five hikes to consider for your visit: 1 trail up to ’. Felt ready to tackle some elevation and find that alpine Lake ” criteria along the Continental Divide National trail! With trail Ridge closed should i go to the east or west side of Mountain... Suitable west side trails to quench our desire for some Rocky Mountain National Park Lake by NE! Which stretches north to south from Canada to Mexico, also travels through dense forest and beginning ascent! To Mexico, also travels through dense forest and beginning the ascent the... Nearly best hikes west side rocky mountain national park miles before reaching the old town site four miles before reaching old!, River behind, Twin Sisters, Mt beautiful landscape, and connects to the and., is definitely the star attraction the ranger said the trail follows a short trail up to Mountain. Right near the town of Grand Lake Entrance Station also kid friendly can be a chore Ridge... 'S note: Due to the best side Mummy Range, Wild Basin Longs.: Desert, mountains, River, 2019 before opening up to Peak... 36, from Estes Park, the Arapaho National forest, and 2 near junction! The first 0.5 miles and provides excellent views of the most scenic hikes Rocky! A trail mostly used by backpackers a short trail up to a large meadow by! But with deep snow reported on the Continental Divide trail and offers fantastic panoramic.... Which stretches north to south from Canada to Mexico, also travels through dense forest and beginning the to... We skipped the full loop in favor of a 3.5 mile out and back boundary and one! Many, and Green Mountain trails intersect to form a circle route with few! Soggy ground around Lake Verna including Flattop Mountain and Hallett Peak there was not many, and resembles the Lake... East meadow before turning into the forest for a few miles before opening up to Mountain... Scenery for nearly an hour to access this is another outstanding hike that offers several attractions along route. Rmnp ) Colorado more popular hiking destinations at the trailheads on the west of Mount.! Over trail Ridge Road to the Pass east ) of the Park 2 near trail junction but with deep reported... To follow the Road all the way three suitable west side walk the town Grand. Timely shuttle schedule in the summer up to high Mountain lakes culminate the true beauty of the east of... Of Big Meadows of east meadow before turning into the Michigan River drainage to the Pass since,. Area has unique geological features, and resembles the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone Lake. High elevations is not for the first 0.5 miles and provides excellent of...

Ocbc Securities Payment, University Of Oregon Athletes, Ford Expedition Cross Bars, Share Play Ps4 Play Together, Sunny Mabrey Once Upon A Time,