7 best winter hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park By Julia Clarke published November 23, 2022 Crunch through the snow surrounded by dazzling peaks on some of the best winter hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park Bear Lake is the trailhead for many trails in Rocky Mountain National Park. If you want a short, easy hike, we recommend Tombstone Ridge (this makes a great add-on to your scenic drive along Trail Ridge Road) or Nymph, Dream, and Emerald Lakes. If you are looking for a short, family-friendly hike, and dont mind a bit of a stair climb at times, this is a good hike to add to your to-do list. This has been implemented to limit crowds at the busiest sections of the park during the peak visitation season (the summer months). To see fall colors and the elk mating season, plan your visit from mid-September through mid-October. Get our top tips for visiting Rocky Mountain National Park including when to go, where to camp, hiking tips, how to beat the crowds, and more. If you have more than a few days in RMNP and need some warm-up hikes. The elevation of the lowest sections of the park range from 5,600 to 9,500 feet. 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. Chasm Lake sits at 11,760 feet and puts you right at the base of Longs Peak, RMNPs tallest mountain. The Best Easy Day Hikes series are handy, pocket-size guides for day hikers in America's most popular outdoor destinations. Covers one motorcycle. Enjoy the magnificent views. Keep hiking up to Black Lake, where youll encounter a meadow. How to get there:Take Highway 34 into the park and turn right onto Trail Ridge Road to the trailhead parking lot. At this elevation, its not enough to cause altitude sickness, but you will tire and get out of breath easily. Park Access: This permit gives you access to everything in Rocky Mountain National Park except for Bear Lake Road. Once youve passed the Glacier Gorge Bridge on your right it is a series of steeper uphill climbs. The official website for RMNP has up-to-date news on trail conditions, so take a look before you head out. You will also pass the trailhead for the Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge. No An official form of the United States government. Many of the best hiking trails are situated within Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP). Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. and most convenient. Views of Peacock Pond with the massive, rocky mountains that form the backdrop, waterfalls, and the chance to see wildlife, almost gave us a sense of dj vu, like we were back in Glacier National Park again. Easy Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park 1. This hike feels tough, a combination of the high elevation with the long stair climb. 11. This hike is just under 10 miles and tops out at 10,880 feet. 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. Its an extra 0.8 miles to the shuttle stop on the dirt road. Lily Lake - The Lily Lake Loop is another easy hike that's suitable for the entire family. Just note that when you re-enter the park, you may have to wait in line to pass through the entrance booth. Go up there for the solitude and to soak up all the amazing views of the lake, valley, and peaks that surround you. 1. Dig in and hike the rest of the way to the summit of Flattop Mountain, where it is more of a plateau rather than a peak, but nevertheless, offers panoramic views of nearby mountain ranges like Mummy Range and Notchtop Mountain in the distance. 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. Many hikes top out over 9,000 feet, with some reaching up to 13,000 and 14,000 feet. 1. Bear Lake. 2. Happy hiking! You also have the option to purchase the Rocky Mountain National Park Annual Pass ($70) or the America the Beautiful Pass ($80 and valid for all of the national parks for one year). At 14,433 feet, Mount Elbert is the tallest 14er in Colorado and the highest peak in the entire Rocky Mountain Range. There are three routes: the Bear Lake route, Hiker Express Route, and Moraine Park route. From here, you can walk up the Alpine Ridge Trail. There are sixty mountain peaks over 12,000 feet and many of these top out over 13,000 feet. TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY: For more information about the camera gear we carry, check out our Travel Photography Gear Guide. In the morning, this can be a beautiful place to watch the sunrise. I have been in RMCP for four days now, and did skypond, emerald lake and Hiayaha, Ute to tombstone, and deer mountain. 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. 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). Cheers, Julie. The trail starts to climb higher, eventually taking you up rock steps then down to Emerald Lake. This is one of our favorite hikes in RMNP and we highly recommend it if you want unforgettable high alpine views. Best beginner hike in Rocky Mountain National Park: Emerald Lake. As you arrive at the end of the lake, take in the views of Chiefs Head Peak over the lake thats just behind you in the distance. The trailhead serves as a starting point for several different routes, including a short loop around the stunning Bear Lake. This hike takes about 30 minutes of your time. To view it on your phone or computer, open Google Maps, click the menu button, go to Your Places, click Maps, and you will see this map on your list. Then, pick the day with the clearest weather forecast, get a very early start (many hikers begin at 3 or 4 am), and keep your fingers crossed that afternoon thunderstorms dont come rumbling through the park. For much of the hike you are walking along the Continental Divide. Crater Lake National Park, Oregon . There is even a three-bedroom house that can accommodate up to nine people. There are hiking trails and the Fiddle Valley Cafe. Bearfoot Theory is one of the leading hiking, camping, and van life blogs powered by an all-female team. It gets even better once you reach the summit of Mt. Hi Deanna, thank you so much for pointing that out and for being here! Hallett Peak is a good warm-up hike for those who plan to summit Longs Peak. Very nice list, Sky Pond is my favorite, as well as Black Lake. Emerald Lake Trail 550 Hiking Trails By pamt464 We also hiked in the Wild Basin area which starts at a lower elevation, but the Emerald Lake hike was our favorite fo. Ida, you really feel like you are walking on top of the world. There are two different types of timed entry permits. For the entire hike, you are walking along the alpine tundra, with unobstructed views of Longs Peak, Forest Canyon, and the Continental Divide. From its high glacial snow fields, rounded cirques, and jagged mountain peaks to its placid lakes and stunning montane forests, Rocky Mountain National Park is a territory of extraordinary beauty on a grand scale. Make a left turn to follow the road all the way to the trailhead and parking lot. Trailhead: Wild Basin Winter Trailhead. How to Get There:From the eastern entrance of the park, take Highway 7 all the way in and turn left onto Longs Peak Road, from there its a short drive to the trailhead and an easily accessible parking lot. So, climb those stairs, catch your breath if you need to, and enjoy the awesome view from the top. 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. The ever changing views and trail conditions really keep this hike interesting. The official National Park Service website lists when the permits become available and has more information about the permits. The sweet spot months are from late May until mid-June and from early September after Labor Day until mid-October. Hang in there and take breaks when you need, because the views of Chiefs Head Peak illuminated in the distance are worth it. 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. 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. How crowded does Rocky Mountain National Park get? No, we havent done that hikehavent even heard of it. A few great hikes start and end along this road. You need to stay hydrated on the trail, and being prepared is a necessity. Which travel agency can book it for me? Distance: 3.6 miles Difficulty: Easy to moderate Length of Time: 2 to 3 hours Location: Bear Lake Trailhead, at the end of Bear Lake Road, Emerald Lake | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, Dream Lake | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. This hike starts at the Glacier Gorge Trailhead. Chasm Lake. Nymph, Dream, & Emerald Lakes. It's well worth making the effort to get here, as the trail passes through some spectacular scenery, traversing a dense pine forest and passing by the lovely Ouzel Falls, before finally reaching Bluebird Lake. Julie Last updated: February 23, 2023 United States 8 Comments. The Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge is a wonderful, short, easy hike to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. The views across the park are incredible. This is where the views really start to open up and you can see across the valley towards Longs Peak. In 2021, Rocky Mountain National Park was the 5th most visited national park in the United States, with 4.4 million visitors. Day Hikes In Grand Teton National Park includes a thorough selection of 89 day hikes throughout this national park . Its a very short hike (just over a half-mile round trip), but it will literally take your breath away. It reaches its highest point at 12,183 feet and crosses the Continental Divide at Milner Pass. With its short distance and manageable elevation gain, it is a great first hike in the park, as you acclimate to the higher elevation (if you havent already spent some time in the Rocky Mountains). 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. One Day in Rocky Mountain National Park: Best Things to Do With one day in Rocky Mountain National Park, here are the best things to see and do: Drive Trail Ridge Road (late spring through early fall) Bear Lake Emerald Lake Dream Lake Alberta Falls Alpine Visitor Center Alpine Ridge Trail Go Hiking This challenging hike starts at Bear Lake and rapidly gains elevation once you are on the Flattop Mountain Trail. Ranking of the top 16 things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rainbow Curve Overlook, Forest Canyon Overlook. We spent a total of 10 days in the Park, focusing a majority of our time around Bear Lake, Fern Lake, and Longs Peak on the East side of the Park. Each daily reservation costs $2 per vehicle, which is in addition to the $25 daily entrance fee or $35 weekly entrance fee per vehicle. Before our trip, I purchased The Essential Guide to Hiking Rocky Mountain National Park by Erik Stensland. If you do not have a reservation, you will not be allowed to enter the park. 2021Outdoor Project. This hike is much different than many other hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Youll get to pass by Alberta Falls (one of the most popular and beautiful waterfalls) or stop for a quick break and take in the views. For those with an interest in historical sites, make sure you visit the Holzwarth Historical Site and learn more about the life of Colorado homesteaders. Web Visit website. When we were there in late August, there wasnt too much water coming down the rock scramble, but during peak run-off, you may get your shoes wet here.At 4.5 miles and 10,900 above sea level, youll finally arrive at Sky Pond. 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). The good thing is that you wont want to rush by these views. For me, this was the most difficult but also my favorite hike that we did during our time in Rocky Mountain National Park. Unless you're Superman (I very much am not), you can't possibly cover this much ground in one day. For restaurant recommendations, check out our guide to Estes Park. Id recommend taking your time and putting your trekking poles away so you can use your hands. To get to the peak, its an almost constant uphill walk through an evergreen forest. Before we dive in to all 25+ of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain NP, we've compiled the top 10! The next morning we plan on taking a hike on Bear Lake and would need the Park Access+. It is located just outside of Estes Park, on the south side, an excellent location for driving into the park. 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! About a half of a mile past the falls, youll come to North Longs Peak Trail Junction. We frequently see them near the Tundra Communities trailhead. However, it only runs daily from May 25-September 13. During my trip to Rocky Mountain National Park, our goal was to hike as much as possible and to experience the amazing scenery and wildlife that this place has to offer. From there, follow this to the parking area and trailhead located at the end of the road. 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. During the 15+ miles of hiking, you will ascend more that 5,000 feet. If you want a quiet lunch spot, keep hiking around the lake to escape the crowds. The views from the summit are simply epic. The best time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park without the summer crowds, an open Trail Ridge Road, and a good chance of pleasant weather is in late spring or in the fall. To view it on your phone or computer, open Google Maps, click the menu button, go to Your Places, click Maps, and you will see this map on your list. Odessa Lake to Lake Helene Thru Hike. In 2014, I quit my Washington DC job to start Bearfoot Theory, and for the past 9 years Ive been sharing my experiences here on this blog. 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. Trailhead: Glacier Gorge Round Trip Distance: 5.9 mi. One Day in Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary - Top Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado. best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. Sometimes, we just need to start small and do simple walks with our friends to get them stoked on doing more outside. LEARN MORE: How to Hike to Odessa Lake and Fern Lake. Our website uses cookies. 33 places sorted by traveler favorites Clear all filters 2022 1. You can still get around, but it might be on skis or snowshoes, rather than by vehicle. And once you are in the park, you can stay as long as you like. This is the hotel that inspired Stephen King to write The Shining. Trip at a Glance: Day 1 - Start with a scenic road trip and then hike the Wild Basin trail (1-6 mile options), drive Trail Ridge Road, and end with a 2.5 hour hike to Moraine Lake with chances to see wildlife.Spend the night in Estes Park. Odessa Lake & Fern Lake. back in the day. The weather is warm, the days are long, and this is the best time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park if you plan to go hiking. A water bottle is as essential as it gets. In this photo you can see the Alpine Visitor Center and Trail Ridge Road. Best day hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park While there are tons of hiking opportunities in the park, we've narrowed down our top picks for the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park to add to your itinerary. 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. View from the Alpine Ridge Trail | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Lake Haiyaha, Rocky Mountain National Park Rocky Mountain National Park boasts a wide variety of attractions and wildlife in its different ecological zones, like mountains, alpine lakes, forests, and tundra. The permit is in effect from 5 am to 6 pm. You'll climb up to the treeline and an alpine lake before dropping back down through fields of scree into a forested valley. For more information about where to stay and where to eat, read our Guide to Estes Park. Hi guys I am a big fan and lived by your Sedona hikes. For this one day itinerary, you will need a Park Access + permit (the timed-entry permit that includes Bear Lake Road). I have done several of them, and agree with everything you have written about them. If this sounds like a hike you would like to do, it will take some planning and patience. We appreciate it and made that update so its more clear. You also have the option to add on a fifth lake, Lake Haiyaha, making this hike a total of 6.2 miles. 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. Green Mountain Trail to Big Meadow A river running through Big Meadow, which is, in fact, a big meadow Length: 3.6 miles Elevation Gain: 600 ft. Enjoy hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you. Finally, Trail Ridge Road, the main road the cuts across the park, is open from Memorial Day to mid-October. Book the most popular Winter activities in Rocky Mountain National Park. 2. Nice hike list! 15 Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park We divided this guide into three sections: easy, moderate, and challenging. Read the reviews of your fellow travelers. We hiked to Odessa Lake and Fern Lake as an out-and-back hike from Bear Lake. In early autumn, the snow really returns, covering the roads and trails, turning the park into a wintery wonderland. If they are sold out, then you will need to be ready to purchase your permit right at 5 pm the day before. Between the end of May through early October, you must reserve a permit to visit the park. 800-715-HIKE (4453) (9-4:30 Every Day) best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. If you want to avoid the crowds, begin in the early morning as early as sunrise to have the best experience and the best lighting. The park has gotten so popular that in 2020 a timed entry system was put into effect. From the Glacier Gorge parking lot, is a mostly uphill walk to get to Alberta Falls, but it is not too strenuous. CALYPSO CASCADES. From here, at an elevation of 12,899 feet, the entire park stretches out before you. 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. It includes Bear Lake Road and the hikes that start here (Bear Lake, Emerald and Dream Lakes, Alberta Falls, Sky Pond, Hallett Peak, and Sprague Lake). Denver International Airport is the closest major airport. 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. There is something here for everyone, ranging from easy, lakeside strolls to short hikes to waterfalls to challenging hikes up the tallest peaks. Required fields are marked *. Expect lots of wind and cold temperatures, even during the summer months. This is a great hike for almost all ages and ability levels. 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! If this is part of a bigger road trip through the USA, visit our, for more inspiration and travel planning tips. Distance: 5 miles round trip (from Wild Basin Winter trailhead which adds about 1.5 miles round trip) Difficulty: Easy Located in the stunning but less-frequented southeast corner of Rocky Mountain National Park, this hike delivers not just gorgeous views at the end, but glimpses of various waterfalls throughout the journey. 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. Reservations are made online on the recreation.gov website. There is never a boring moment on this trail. Your email address will not be published. This hike starts from the same trailhead as Black Lake and splits off a couple miles in. Gem Lake | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Wonderful post highlighting day hikes that are exemplary, and truly offer the opportunity to view nature in its stunning glory. Begin at Bear Lake Trailhead, and take the Bear Lake Trail through a forested area full of aspens past Bear Lake. The hike offers outstanding views of Lily Mountain, Estes Cone, as well as Mt. Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. Julie Last updated: January 17, 2023 United States 9 Comments. If you are coming from Estes Park, this drive takes 30 minutes. Note: if you plan to hike Sky Pond, it is better to park at the Glacier Gorge parking lot, which is also on Bear Lake Road. With numerous hotels and restaurants, and a great location near the heart of Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park is a great place to stay. From the Bear Lake Trailhead, the hike is just over 2 miles round-trip and will take about an hour and a half. This is a great hike to do with kids. Phone +1 970-586-1206. If you are coming from a lower elevation, I recommend skipping the hikes to the taller peaks and staying low. Rocky Mountain National Park is a massive and spectacularly beautiful area spanning 400 square miles. After 3 pm, you dont need the pass. Here in the heart of the Rockies, its not hard to see why this is one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. During the remainder of the year it is closed due to snow. You mention some hikes starting at the ranger station. To get here, take Highway 7 south from Estes Park. 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. All-inclusive trips, expert guides, Top-rated hiking company on Trip Advisor! CCY Route (Chapin-Chiqiuta-Ypsilon route) Bluebird Lake. On an early morning in July, it was only 34 degrees at the Alpine Visitor Center during our visit. In my opinion the lakes get better as you go but some people find Dream to be the best. Guide to the Best Day Hikes in the US National Parks. This is a much longer hike, coming in at 10.7 miles. Day 2 - Get a good workout on the Bear Lake Trail (6+ miles), see very different scenery at Lumpy Ridge, and . More Important Things to Know Before You Visit RMNP. Here are the best section hikes on the John Muir Trail that require less than a week to complete. 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. Top 10 Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. My team and I are here to show you its never too late to get your start and accomplish your goals in the outdoors. Ida, so you will really feel the altitude. On our most recent visit we stayed in The Residences at #402 and it was wonderful. 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. Update: Beginning June 4, 2020, a timed entry permit or camping reservation will be required to enter ALL areas of Rocky Mountain National Park in a private vehicle between the hours of 6 a.m. and 5 p.m. Reserve a timed entry permit at Recreation.gov. If you are acclimated to the elevation, the hike to Chasm Lake is another one of our favorites in Rocky Mountain National Park. In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. 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