Hike up through thick forest, listen to trickling waterfalls, then walk through high alpine meadows until you find yourself at the famous Walker and Griffith homesteads. These moderate day hikes provide big views for a relatively short time on the trail. Around the lake, youll get views of Rocky Mountain National Park, the valleys that make up Estes Park, the infamous Stanley Hotel, and you can even catch a glimpse of the Lumpy Ridge rock formations to the north. Accessible Hikes Outside of Rocky Mountain National Park. So, if not Estes Park and hike RMNP, where else? Take a Day Hike Near Estes Park The Rocky Mountains have over 300 miles of trails. Download the official NPS app before your next visit. From lush valleys to craggy peaks with elevations reaching over 14,000 feet, visitors are provided opportunities for countless breathtaking experiences and adventures. 3. While this paved trail isnt the most extreme or doesnt take you up an iconic summit, Lake Estes still makes the cut for this article because its just fun. This is a great hike for newbie hikers who want to summit a mountain in Rocky Mountain National Park. Hermit Park is an Open Space located right outside Estes Park. to your hike. Couple that with the 5,000+ feet of elevation change, and its a doozy. This is a great hike to do with kids. Live music, festivals andeventsdot theRiverwalkplazas throughout the year. 2023 The Group, Inc. All rights reserved, The 10 Best Off-Road Trails in Northern Colorado, The 9 Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park to See Fall Colors, The Best Outdoor and Indoor Places to Go Rock Climbing in Northern Colorado. Chasm Lake is one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Related Read:11 Beautiful National Forests in Colorado for Outdoor Recreation. You can learn more about our editorial policies, 11 Beautiful National Forests in Colorado for Outdoor Recreation, 9 Estes Park Cabins with Hot Tubs for Soakin in the Mountains, 12 Best Airbnb Rentals in Montana for a Unique Mountain Getaway, 10 Relaxing Cabin Rentals in Breckenridge, Colorado, Back Way to Cathedral Rock: How to Hike it + Where to Grub & Catch Some Zs Nearby, 9 Best Airbnbs & Vacation Rentals in Missoula, Montana, 20 Incredible Hikes in Southern California. From there, it continues to climb at a steady incline and youll be rewarded with spectacular views of the mountains along the Continental Divide. terrain ending with spectacular views of Notchtop and Little Matterhorn. LEARN MORE: How to Hike to Nymph, Dream & Emerald Lakes (+ Add on Bear Lake and Lake Haiyaha). perfect view of Estes Park and the high peaks that surround the area, from Those looking for a shorter, easier hike can turn around at this point. At 14,259 feet, the only fourteener on this list, the trek up Longs Peak is one of the most epic 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. This part of the hike is tough as you are hiking over very rugged terrain. accessible hikes outside of Rocky Mountain National Park. For most of this hike you are entirely within a pine forest, so the views are rather lackluster for much of the hike. The hotels bar and restaurant are open to the public and I highly recommend at least having one cocktail in their historically preserved bar. Instead, it The most popular trail there is Lake Isabelle. From meadows to alpine lakes to towering mountain peaks, there is something for everyone to discover during their time visiting the park. 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. 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. The Estes Park Visitor Center is also right along this pathway, so take some time to stop in! Recorded Trail Ridge Road status: (970) 586-1222. Thanks to Rocky Mountain National Parks free shuttle system, this must-see trail is available as a one-way route. When we did this, we saw lots of elk, some of them males with enormous antlers. ESTES PARK: In our Guide to Estes Park, learn about where to stay, where to eat, and what to do. WebSuggested Hikes - Rocky Mountain National Park (U.S. National Park Service) Rocky Mountain National Park Colorado NPS.gov Park Home Plan Your Visit Things To Do Sort By: Guided hikes can offer even the experienced hiker or backpacker some lessons in navigation, endurance, and form - making you a better hiker for life. Some homesteads were burnt down in wildfires over the years, but most remain. Hike with a friend. Option:Continue along the Finch Lake Trail an additional two miles to reach Pear Lake, once a man-made reservoir, where you can explore the bathtub rings' of the shoreline. The So, if not Estes Park and hike RMNP, where else? However, its a great warm-up hike for those who want to do Hallett Peak or Longs Peak and its a great hike for those who are looking for a less crowded trail that offers great views of the area. Get all of the details on how to do this hike in our post about Fern Lake. Black Bears are prominent in this area and are known to even take a stroll through town. 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). This hike has a little bit of everythingwaterfalls, alpine lakes, high mountain views, and fun river and stream crossings. Related Read:9 Estes Park Cabins with Hot Tubs for Soakin in the Mountains, 10 Best Hikes in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Recorded Trail Ridge Road status: (970) 586-1222. more information on current conditions An excellent interpretive nature trail circles this popular subalpine lake at the end of Bear Lake Road. Longs Peak is no joke, and its one of the top things to do at Estes Park, Colorado, for the most adventurous of spirits. 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. Lodging for 2 nights in Estes park in mid May, The Ridgeline Hotel Estes ParkR, Ascend Hotel Collection. Ouzel Falls is a 5-mile hike with less than 1,000 feet of elevation gain. You can even fish around Lake Estes! LEARN MORE: How to Hike to Odessa Lake and Fern Lake. Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park 1. 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. Advanced Reservations if needed July trip, Bustang Seasonal Services: Estes Park (RMNP) June 2023. Sky Pond is awesome, Chasm Lake is also great but its a little more challenging, and Emerald and Dream Lakes are also favorites of many park visitors. Moraine Park Loop 7. Clocking in at just over 13 million acres of public land, Colorados 11 National Forests offer the chance to explore some of the best corners of the Centennial State. Ill send this to my buddies for review before our trip! While there is no actual summit, hikers will enjoy views of the Located south of Estes Park in Rocky Mountain National Park, this trail is easy to access directly along Highway 7. Up and back, this trail involves 3.4 miles in all and boasts some of the most spectacular views of the Estes Valley along the way. Ida, and Tombstone Ridge are the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park for your list. The hike up Deer Mountain is one of the easier hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park that offers high mountain views. How can I get to Estes Park without a car? Easily access some of these trails from your cabin and begin your mountain experience with us! Enjoy beautiful views of 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 Bulwark Ridge and Indian Trails will take you to Miller Fork Trail which will then take you to Donner Pass. Moose especially love this lakeside spot to search for food. If you prefer to keep your hikes short and sweet, read our guide to the Best Short Hikes in the National Parks. beautiful views, take a walk around Lake Estes. Once at the waterfall, you can explore the short trails along Glacier Creek to find your favorite view of the waterfall. To get to the peak, its an almost constant uphill walk through an evergreen forest. Its nearby neighbors of Bear Lake, Emerald Lake, and Dream Lake get a lot more visitors, so if you are looking for a relatively uncrowded trail with the chance to visit multiple alpine lakes, this is a nice hike to consider. What a great place to live! This option is 10.7 miles in all, so be prepared. 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. Dogs, unfortunately, are not allowed on trails. 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. Why you should go: What better way to find some solitude than in a place called Hermit Park? Sisters, and downtown Estes Park. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Earth Trekkers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn advertising fees by advertising & linking to Amazon.com. WebTimber Creek Chalets With Hot Tubs by Rocky Mountain Resorts puts you just a 5-minute drive from Rocky Mountain National Park. Yes, the views from the summit are beautiful, but this hike is a bit boring at times since it is a constant uphill climb through a forest. And when in doubt, head out! This is a hike that we did on our first trip to This park does close in the winter due to seasonal moose and deer migrations. Enjoy colorful towering over Sprague Lake. There is a small entrance fee you will have to pay, and dogs are allowed in the park on leash. Check out the Stanley Hotel. Are there any scenic hikes around Estes that do not require entry into the park? Run along river paths or head towards mountain summits. Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. If this sounds like a hike you would like to do, it will take some planning and patience. Northeast of Estes Park, Crosier Mountain, near the town of Glen Haven, offers four trailheads with access to the forest: Garden Gate, Rainbow, North Fork, and Bulwark. View from Deer Mountain | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Distance: 0.6 miles Difficulty: Easy Length of Time: 30 minutes Location: Alpine Visitor Center on Trail Ridge Road. This is a great hike for almost all ages and ability levels. Rocky Mountain National Park This out-and-back Rocky Mountain National Park trail is one of the best in the park. Have you hiked this?. More popular among rock climbers than hikers, this trail is a lightly traveled local secret. Here are the best waterfalls near RMNP and Estes Park, CO, in no particular order: Alberta Falls Alberta Falls in Estes Park, CO. Photo: Bert Cash Alberta Falls is Expect some scramble as you approach the summit. Since this trail does take you into Rocky Mountain National Park, you will have to follow Park rules. Today I hiked CCY Chapin to Chiquita to Ypres and summited on Chiquita. Keep in mind that in April, there's snow at high elevations. summit. For much of the hike you are walking along the Continental Divide. Once you get above the treeline, the wind picks up and the temperatures get much chillier. Option:For a bit more of a challenge take the Lily Ridge Loop that splits off the Lily Lake trail on the north edge, offering the same 0.8-mile distance, but with a 180-foot rise. 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. It is also recommended to bring a map and compass on this trail as backup. From the Glacier Gorge parking lot, is a mostly uphill walk to get to Alberta Falls, but it is not too strenuous. 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. Heres the thing: this hike starts just under 12,000 feet of elevation. Our rustic-style cabins embrace the Colorado mountain spirit with convenient amenities including full kitchens, living areas, outdoor space, and scenic views. Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park West northwest wind 6 to 8 mph becoming east southeast in the afternoon. But once at the top, the view is very nice. in Rocky Mountain National Park Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. loop is just under one mile and is relatively flat, making it an easy addition This infamous hotel is said to have inspired Stephen Kings The Shining, and is one of the top places to visit during your stay in Estes Park. Next day, hire a tour to take you up over the Continental Divide. Rocky Mountain National Park has 355 miles of hiking trails. Why you should go: Enjoy a thick forest scene, great vistas, and amazing views at the top of this popular trail. RMNP. Recreate responsibly. This will barely scratch the surface, but this is what I recommend if you are looking for hikes close to Estes that are accessible in the spring. Required fields are marked *. While it is always important to check the weather before you leave for a hike, unfortunately weather forecasts dont mean a whole lot in Colorado. But this trail will make you sweat! It has since been mostly restored, but the trail can be difficult to find at times, especially in snow. Bierstadt Lake is a family favorite! 8:49 pm. Make your home away from For an easy stroll with 9NEWS+ has multiple live daily shows including 9NEWS Mornings, Next with Kyle Clark and 9NEWS+ Daily, an original streaming program.