Exploring the Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park is an incredible place in the U.S. It covers an area of 415 square miles and is filled with breathtaking mountains, pristine lakes, extensive hiking trails, and an abundance of wildlife. When you visit, you can enjoy peaceful walks, thrilling hikes, beautiful sunrises and sunsets, observing wildlife, scenic drives, horseback riding, rock climbing, photography, backpacking, and so much more. You’ll likely encounter some of the local animals like elk, bighorn sheep, moose, marmots, pika, and other wild creatures that call this park their home.

If you’re thinking about planning a trip to Rocky Mountain National Park, it might seem overwhelming, but this website has all the information you need to have an incredible vacation in the Rocky Mountains. You’ll discover insider tips, the best places to visit, what to see, where to stay, and the preparations you should make for the trip of your dreams.

Here are some key details about Rocky Mountain National Park:

It’s a stunning mountainous area in north-central Colorado, USA, located just west of Estes Park and adjacent to the Arapaho National Recreation Area. The park’s eastern entrance is approximately 70 miles northwest of Denver.

Established in 1915, it was designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1976.

The park is part of the Front Range, a range of mountains running north to south, marking the eastern edge of the Southern Rocky Mountains.

You’ll find many impressive peaks in the park, with dozens exceeding 12,000 feet in elevation. The highest one is Longs Peak, standing tall at 14,259 feet.

The landscape is characterized by wide glacier-carved valleys, deep gorges, numerous alpine lakes, and rushing streams. Evidence of Ice Age glacial activity can be seen in the meadows and rolling moraines.

The Continental Divide, a significant geological feature, runs roughly northwest to southeast through the park. The Colorado River originates in the northwestern corner of the park, flows southward along the western edge, and eventually turns southwest into the Arapaho National Recreation Area.

Rocky Mountain National Park has three distinct ecosystems: montane, subalpine, and alpine tundra. Tundra covers a significant portion of the park. There are over 700 plant species, including trees like aspen, fir, pine, and spruce. The high-altitude tundra stands out as a unique island of arctic vegetation surrounded by lower-latitude plants.

The park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including bighorn sheep, deer, mountain lions, bobcats, black bears, elk, moose, and various bird species.

In the summer, you can access the park via Trail Ridge Road, a breathtaking east-west highway that reaches an elevation of 12,183 feet. It’s renowned for its scenic beauty and is one of America’s most spectacular highways.

The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail also passes through the park, providing opportunities for long-distance hiking.

Rocky Mountain National Park boasts an extensive network of hiking trails, totaling about 350 miles. Popular activities in the park include snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the winter, and hiking, fishing, rock climbing, and horseback riding in the summer.

The Mountains Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park is home to more than 100 peaks that rise above 11,000 feet in altitude. Longs Peak, the highest among them, stands tall at 14,259 feet. These magnificent mountains cradle the Estes Valley, offering residents and visitors stunning beauty and inspiration. Many of these taller peaks form the Continental Divide, where melted snow flows either west to the Pacific Ocean or east to the Atlantic. You can explore the park’s scenic vistas by foot, on horseback, or by car. The most remarkable road is Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuously paved highway in North America. Regardless of your level of interest, adventure awaits as you take in, explore, and appreciate this breathtaking collection of mountains.

Rocky Mountain National Park Real Wildlife

It’s quite unlikely to travel through Rocky Mountain National Park without spotting wildlife. From everyday encounters with chipmunks and mule deer to the awe-inspiring sight of elk during their mating season, the park’s animals remind you that you are a part of something truly wild. Some of these creatures are masters of disguise, blending into trees or hiding in the underbrush. Take a close look, and you might have an encounter unlike any other.

Rocky Mountain National Park Incredible Adventures

Outdoor enthusiasts can stay busy all year round in Rocky Mountain National Park. It’s open every day, offering activities and sports throughout the summer, fall, winter, and spring seasons. Whether you’re seeking an adrenaline rush on a new trail or simply enjoying your favourite outdoor pastime, the park’s diverse landscapes provide endless fun and excitement.

Rocky Mountain National Park Amenities

Besides its natural wonders, Rocky Mountain National Park offers services and amenities to make your experience special and stress-free. You can find valuable information at visitor centres to help you plan your visit, including directions, activities, and preparation tips. Download the official National Park Service app to assist you in planning your trip to Rocky Mountain National Park.

Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado

Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most popular national parks in the United States, attracting over 4.5 million visitors annually. It showcases rugged, picture-perfect peaks, shimmering lakes, and a network of trails that wind through diverse ecosystems.

Rocky Mountain National Park Basics

Situated between Estes Park and Grand Lake, this 415-square-mile high-altitude playground appeals to family vacationers, hikers, wildlife enthusiasts, rock climbers, and photographers year-round.

The park is conveniently located less than a two-hour drive from Denver and just an hour from Boulder. It offers a wide range of activities, including summiting the 14,259-foot Longs Peak, camping in the expansive backcountry, hiking to waterfalls and alpine lakes, and, of course, wildlife watching.

Rocky Mountain National Park Know Before You Go: Fees & Timed-Entry Permits

When planning your visit to Rocky Mountain National Park, it’s essential to be aware of some key details:

There’s an entry fee to access the park, ranging from $15 to $30. However, if you have a valid U.S. Park Pass, you can enter for free.

During the peak season, from October to early May, there’s a reservation system in place that requires timed-entry permits.

Here are some tips to enhance your visit:

A seasonal Bustang route operates from late May to early October, offering transportation from downtown Denver to Estes Park and the national park.

Additionally, a Hiker Shuttle service runs seven days a week from late May through early September and on weekends through October. This shuttle departs from the Estes Park Visitor Center and goes to the RMNP Park & Ride Transit Hub, where you can transfer to other park shuttles. To use the Hiker Shuttle, you’ll need a park-entrance pass and a reservation.

Keep in mind that certain sections of the park are seasonally closed due to snowfall and hazardous conditions or to protect wildlife habitats.

Colorado Wildlife at Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park is teeming with wildlife. Here are some notable animals you might encounter:

More than 3,000 elk, 400 bighorn sheep, and numerous mule deer and moose call the park home.

For optimal photography opportunities and to witness massive bugling elk, head to Moraine Park just after sunrise.

Bighorn sheep can be seen at Sheep Lakes from May to mid-August.

If you’re lucky, you might spot the elusive moose population along the Colorado River in the Kawuneeche Valley on the park’s west side.

In addition to larger animals, you may hear the chirping whistle of yellow-bellied marmots, especially at the Alpine Visitor Center on Trail Ridge Road.

Throughout the park, you might also come across pika scrambling among alpine rocks, chipmunks, snowshoe hare, and tufted-ear Abert’s squirrels.

Rocky Mountain National Park is a haven for birdwatching, with nearly 300 species either residing in the park or using it as a migratory stopover. White-tailed ptarmigans, for example, are snowy white in the winter and blend in with lichen-covered rocks during the summer.

You can also spot pygmy nuthatches, American dippers, various raptors, owls, hummingbirds, and a delightful array of butterflies.

Rocky Mountain National Park Hikes

Explore the park’s stunning landscapes by embarking on some of its 355 miles of hiking trails. You can choose from easy lakeside strolls to more challenging mountain climbs. Here are some notable hikes:

The .6-mile Bear Lake Trail is a favourite among hikers. It features an interpretive nature trail that hugs a subalpine lake at the end of Bear Lake Road.

For a moderately challenging hike, consider the 4-mile round trip to Lake Haiyaha, a mountain-rimmed gem that took on a milky sapphire colour after a rockslide in 2022.

Alberta Falls, a stunning waterfall, is just 1.6 miles round trip through aspen stands and scenic overlooks. The falls cascade 30 feet into Glacier Creek.

If you’re up for more of a challenge, Ouzel Falls offers scenic beauty. It’s a 5.4-mile round trip with nearly 1,000 feet of elevation gain.

Accessible trails provide jaw-dropping views of the Continental Divide, take you past historical sites, and lead you through wildflower-dotted routes. In 2022, the Sam Schneider Legacy Foundation donated an all-terrain wheelchair to the park, making it easier for everyone to explore.

Trail Ridge Road

Visitors come from all over to experience America’s highest continuous paved highway, Trail Ridge Road. It’s open only between Memorial Day and Labor Day once the winter snow has melted. This two-lane road takes you across the Continental Divide, offering views of weathered tundra, sweeping valleys, and peaks at 12,183 feet. Along the way, you’ll catch glimpses of shimmering alpine lakes, cloud shadows dancing across meadows, and herds of elk.

The road covers a 46-mile stretch between Estes Park on the park’s east side and Grand Lake at the park’s western entrance. Along the way, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to stretch your legs with a hike and capture some fantastic photos. The Alpine Visitor Center is a great place to pick up souvenirs, grab a snack, and take a bathroom break.

Hotels Near Rocky Mountain National Park

There’s no shortage of options for accommodations near Rocky Mountain National Park:

The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park is a notable choice, known for its Colonial Revival architecture, and it served as inspiration for Stephen King’s “The Shining.”

You’ll also find a variety of other lodging options, whether you prefer a pine-log lodge, a cozy mountain cabin, or a more modern hotel.

Grand Lake, the park’s quieter western entrance, offers a range of accommodations, from lakeside properties and mountain chateaus to motels and vacation rentals

Exploring the Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park

With its vast expanse of 415 square miles filled with dramatic beauty, high rugged mountains, sparkling lakes, and a network of 355 miles of hiking trails, Rocky Mountain National Park beckons millions of visitors each year. This pristine park, nestled ninety minutes north of Denver on the ancestral homelands of the Ute and Arapaho people, is a high-altitude paradise for both wildlife enthusiasts and lovers of pristine alpine lakes.

Preparation is Key

Rocky Mountain National Park is known for its high elevation, with its lowest point at 7,630 feet. If you’re coming from sea level, it’s essential to spend a day or two acclimatizing to the altitude with easier hikes. Keep in mind that the park retains snow well into July, so check trail conditions before embarking on your adventure. Summer is the peak season, with snow-free trails and abundant wildlife in lush meadows. Autumn is equally enchanting, with aspen trees displaying vibrant golds and oranges from late September to mid-October.

It’s worth noting that the park has introduced a timed entry reservation system for private vehicles during the busiest months (from May 26 to October 22). To explore the Bear Lake Corridor, plan your visit well in advance and secure your reservation early.

Easy Hikes for All Ages

Bear Lake Loop

• Distance: 0.8 miles
• Best for: Families with small kids
• Description: The popular Bear Lake Loop is wheelchair-friendly but can get crowded. Visit early to enjoy a serene stroll around the alpine tarn, surrounded by conifer forests and breathtaking views of Hallett and Longs Peaks.

Dream Lake

• Distance: 2.2 miles
• Best for: Lake enthusiasts seeking an easy hike
• Description: The trail to Dream Lake leads through fragrant ponderosa pines to a shimmering sapphire pool beneath Hallett Peak. Arrive early to secure parking and witness the beauty of canary yellow pond lilies in nearby Nymph Lake during October.

Alberta Falls

• Distance: 1.2 miles
• Best for: Chasing waterfalls with minimal effort
• Description: Starting at the Glacier Gorge Trailhead, this 1.2-mile hike leads to the thundering Alberta Falls. Feel the spray as the waterfall cascades thirty feet into a granite ravine.

Alpine Ridge Trail

• Distance: 0.6 miles
• Best for: Exploring alpine flora without strenuous climbs
• Description: Accessible from the Alpine Visitor Center at 11,796 feet, the Alpine Ridge Trail offers an easy hike through alpine landscapes, with breathtaking vistas of the snow-capped Never Summer Mountains.

Coyote Valley

• Distance: 1 mile
• Best for: Wildlife enthusiasts on the west side
• Description: This easy stroll along the Colorado River in the park’s less-visited western side is ideal for spotting elk, moose, coyotes, and golden eagles.

Mills Lake

• Distance: 5 miles
• Best for: Longs Peak views and stunning landscapes
• Description: The hike to Mills Lake boasts views of aspens, pine trees, waterfalls, and glacially-carved canyons. Arrive early to secure a parking spot and enjoy the pristine beauty of Mills Lake, with Longs Peak in the background.

Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge

• Distance: 4 miles
• Best for: Exploring tundra landscapes with fewer crowds
• Description: Starting at the Ute Crossing Trailhead, this high-altitude trail at 11,430 feet offers stunning views of the alpine tundra. Keep an eye out for elk, bighorn sheep, and learn about the Arapaho and Ute peoples’ historical route between summer and winter hunting grounds.

The Loch

• Distance: 6.2 miles
• Best for: Experiencing the Continental Divide up close
• Description: This hike takes you past roaring Alberta Falls, along Chaos Creek, and through a rocky, glacially-carved valley to reach the picturesque alpine lake known as The Loch, surrounded by a granite cirque.

Deer Mountain

• Distance: 6 miles
• Best for: Easy summit bagging with fantastic vistas
• Description: Deer Mountain, at 10,013 feet, offers one of the easiest summits to reach in Rocky Mountain. Hike through a pine grove, ascend 1,210 feet, and enjoy panoramic views of Longs Peak, Moraine Park, and Hallett Peak.

Challenging Hikes for Adventurers

Bear Lake to Odessa Lake

• Distance: 8.8 miles
• Best for: Escaping crowds while enjoying alpine beauty
• Description: This trail begins at Bear Lake Trailhead but offers a less-traveled route. Climbing approximately 1,900 feet, it rewards hikers with spectacular views of Longs Peak and Chiefs Head Peak at Odessa Lake.

Chasm Lake

• Distance: 8.4 miles
• Best for: Longs Peak enthusiasts seeking alpine lake vistas
• Description: A challenging hike that takes you to Chasm Lake at 11,760 feet. Along the way, you’ll encounter subalpine forests and stunning cliffs, with opportunities to spot pikas and marmots.

Flattop Mountain

• Distance: 8.8 miles
• Best for: Summiting a scenic 12,000-footer with a trail
• Description: The Flattop Mountain trail may be misleading as it features a relentless 2,850-foot climb. Starting at Bear Lake Trailhead, it passes through pine groves, subalpine forests, and fragile tundra ecosystems before reaching the summit at 12,324 feet. Enjoy panoramic views of Longs Peak and Keyboard of the Winds.

Sky Pond

• Distance: 9 miles
• Best for: Waterfall enthusiasts, scrambling, and solitude
• Description: Beginning on the same route as The Loch, the hike to Sky Pond extends to enchanting views of Timberline Falls. Hikers can veer right and ascend a steep 100-foot scramble, passing the turquoise Lake of Glass before reaching the glittering Sky Pond, surrounded by dramatic spires.

These hikes offer a taste of the stunning landscapes and diverse experiences that await in Rocky Mountain National Park. Whether you prefer easy strolls around alpine lakes or challenging treks to high-altitude destinations, this park has something to offer every adventurer.