If you are looking for a relatively uncrowded trail with the chance to visit multiple alpine lakes, this is a nice hike to consider. For reference, I was able to do Highline trail from the loop all the way to Grinnell viewpoint, Ptarmigan tunnel and Grinnell Glacier including Grinnell lake, hidden lake overlook, virginia waterfalls over 3 full days at my recently concluded Glacier NP trip. The Beaver Meadows Visitor Center is the best place to get information, books, maps and backcountry permits, as well as catch the park bus. Aspenglen, Moraine Park, and Glacier Basin are the most popular campgrounds and these get reserved well in advance. To reach the Wild Basin Entrance from Estes Park, head south on CO 7. I recommend hiking Longs Peak on the day with the clearest weather. This year's system has loosened to 75% to 85% of parking capacity. 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. Trail Ridge Road - You can see forever! Mills Lake | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. However, this property gets rave reviews. If you want to stay in the park, you will be limited to campgrounds. These shuttle buses connect Moraine Park and Bear Lake, with numerous stops in between. Which entrance would be better. Put your higher hikes in the second half of your RMNP visit and you should be fine. In June, there still could be snow at the higher elevations, and it really depends on how much snow the area gets this spring. Gem Lake. Entrance tickets and fees. 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. Rocky Mountain National Park Colorado From May 25 through Oct. 22, you'll need what Rocky Mountain National Park calls a timed entry permit , aka a reservation, depending on what time of day . 1. Each daily reservation costs $2 per vehicle, which is in addition to the $25 daily entrance fee or $35 weekly fee per vehicle. Have a great trip! Many of the taller peaks make up the Continental Divide, where snowmelt runs . Emerald Lake | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. There are many things to do here. Buckle in for some altitude gain and, outside of warmer summer months, pack spikes for the hiking trail! [The vibe of Estes Park is very wild west mountain-like] [We passed at least 4 Saltwater Taffy shops on our way up the main street] [The Historic Park Theater] Estes Park is definitely worth checking out if you go through the Beaver Meadows entrance like we did. It does get tiring, but these trails are so much fun and offer such a wide variety of views and experiences that it never gets monotonous or boring. 1-Day Pass - Automobile - $25. Black Lake and Mills Lake are often labeled as two of the prettiest lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park. With that being said, you should know that crowds are the largest during the summer months, especially July and August. Three Day Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary, Four Day Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary, Five or More Days in Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. this is a great place to stay when you visit Rocky Mountain National Park. See five lakes in one hike. How much is the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. There are sixty mountain peaks over 12,000 feet and many of these top out over 13,000 feet. Outside the usual water, bug spray, sunscreen, etc? Grand Lake's bustling little downtown with its charming historic boardwalk is right outside of Rocky Mountain National Park's West Entrance. Altitude sickness is rare in RMNP, unless you are hiking to peaks over 12,000 feet and are not acclimated. Take your pick from one, two, three, and four bedroom houses that come equipped with a full kitchen. Your email address will not be published. Complete Rocky Mountain National Park Winter Guide. Drive Trail Ridge Road. Trail Ridge Road winds high into the Rockies, taking visitors into the treeless tundra. How long does it take to drive Trail Ridge Road? In July, we hiked through a snowstorm on the way back from Sky Pond. You can visit Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) all year, but sections of the park close once the snow begins to fall. Once you pass through the entrance booth, you have access to that area of the park (for example, if you are coming from Estes Park and enter through the Beaver Meadows entrance before 9 am, you do not need a permit and can tour the park, with the exception of the Bear Lake Corridor, for the rest of the day). To visit Rocky Mountain National Park from May 26 to October 22, 2023, you will need to reserve a permit in advance. At an elevation of over 14,000 feet, guests will be in awe of the breathtaking craggy peaks and lush valleys. If you are coming from Estes Park, this drive takes 30 minutes. Al, Thats a tricky question to answer. Clouds start moving in around noon with the storms occurring almost like clockwork between 1 and 3 pm. Located just a couple minutes from Grand Lake, the Grand Lake Entrance is arguably the parks best-kept secret. This is one of the most popular hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. There will also be three amazing lakes. Start your trip off right, with a hike from the Bear Lake trailhead at the end of Bear Lake Road. You wont find major grocery stores here, although you can drive 25 minutes to Granby and shop at the enormous City Market. Emerald lake lays below Hallett peak, Tyndall glacier, and Flattop mountain. Watch the weather, enjoy the time you spend in the park, and you might find you want to hike more, or less, than you expected to. Get here by 7:30 am if you want a spot. On the way, you'll pass the park entry sign on your right, which is a great place to take family photos, and then the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center on your left. So August is a safer bet if you want to hike snow-free. With its large collection of hotels and restaurants, this is a great place to stay when you visit Rocky Mountain National Park. 15 Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. For many visitors, the winter months are their favorite time to visit RMNP. While here you can enjoy quiet walks, exhilarating hikes, gorgeous sunrises and . Stop by the Kawuneeche Visitor Center near the Grand Lake Entrance to get more information. But the real reason for doing this is for the incredible view of Sky Pond, one of the most spectacular alpine lakes in the USA. If you are an avid hiker, you are probably ready to hike some of the longer, tougher, more thrilling hikes in the park. In this Rocky Mountain National Park itinerary, many of days end by the early afternoon, because of these storms. All entrances into Rocky Mountain National Park require entrance fees, even the ones that don't have a physical entrance to drive through. The only thing to note is that each day I started the hike between 4a-5a (especially because some parking lots like the Glacier gorge one and Longs peak one get filled up by 5a). After the trail split, the hike gets easier and the views of Longs Peak and the alpine landscape is jaw-dropping. If you wish detailed information to help enjoy your time in the park, stop by one of the park's visitor centers. The Continental Divide runs through the park. Black Lake looks similar to Chasm Lake, as both of these alpine lakes are surrounded by jagged mountain peaks. RMNP in February Dec 18, 2022. From the hotel it's a 15-minute drive to Beaver Meadows Entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park, while downtown Estes Park is just a couple of miles away. Lake of Glass, seen on the hike to Sky Pond. great service , clean and location is in the center of town. The stark colors of the evergreen trees and the sparkling high-mountain waters combine for picture perfect vistas. For five days or more, follow our four day itinerary and for each additional day that you have, add on another hike. , Thanks ! The park is much less crowded at this time, but Trail Ridge Road is not open and many, if not all, of the hiking trails can be snow covered. Not bad for a town of 400 residents, all of whom seem . , Rocky Mountain National Park, established in 1915, is a living showcase of the grandeur of the Rocky Mountains. If the skies are clear, the weather forecast is favorable, and Longs Peak is on your bucket list, go for it today. 3.4 miles, moderate, 2 to 3 hours. Pre-hike fuel: Near the main junction in Estes, hit up Notchtop . The best time for this Rocky Mountain National Park itinerary is from Memorial Day through mid-October, when Trail Ridge Road is open. We were here in early July, so all of the photos on our website were taken around the first week of July. This route will lead you up past the Stanley Hotel. Ranking of the top 16 things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. Lily Lake offers an easy and flat 0.8-mile loop trail around the lake, making it one of the top things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park with kids. When you visit Rocky Mountain National Park, you have several choices of which entry point to use. Nymph, Dream, Emerald, Haiyaha and Bear Lake: 6.2 miles, moderate, 4 to 5 hours. Required fields are marked *. The daily access to the Rocky Mountain National Park is US$ 30 per vehicle, US$ 15 per person, and US$ 25 per motorcycle. $35 per vehicle, valid for one week. Length: 5.5 miles. The Alberta Falls Trail, like many other hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, follows a creek (in this case, Glacier Creek). During the summer and autumn, you can expect the entrance stations to be busy for most of the day, and extra busy in the morning from 7:00am-9:30am and in the afternoon from 2:30-4:00pm. But more often than not, in the summer, afternoon storms will occur. From here, you can park at the trailheads and hike some of the best trails in RMNP, like Emerald and Dream Lakes, Alberta Falls, Sky Pond, Mills Lake, and Hallett Peak. The map above displays the main entrances, campgrounds, lodging options, and locations for the best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. The wilderness area includes 355 miles of hiking trails, 147 lakes, 77 mountains taller than 12,000 feet, and the opportunity to see elk, bighorn sheep and moose. There is even a three-bedroom house that can accommodate up to nine people. Morning: Hike Nymph, Dream, Emerald, and Bear Lakes from the Bear Lake Trailhead Afternoon: Trail Ridge Road (if the weather is clear), Timed Entry Ticket: Bear Lake Road Corridor + Full Park Access. Also, if Longs Peak is on your list, watch the weather report for your visit. . The park is reducing the time period and number of hours daily that reservations are in effect for most areas of RMNP. If you had afternoon thunderstorms on Day One, drive Trail Ridge Road in the morning. The Continental Divide Trail to Mount Ida. Should I spend my time on the east side or the west side of the park? Rocky Mountain high means snow, ice, and thin air - in exchange for jaw-dropping beauty. But it is a great entrance for those traveling the Peak-to-Peak from Nederland who dont want to join the crowds entering in Estes Park. There are sixty mountain peaks over 12,000 feet and many of these top out over 13,000 feet. You can also access Bear Lake Road, but it requires an additional 10 minutes of driving. In our experience, they typically just last an hour or two. On our first attempt it was cloudy and we could barely see the lake and we couldnt see the spires of rock around the lake at all. Head to Grand Lake, a quaint, historic town surrounded on three sides by Rocky Mountain National Park. Cheers, Julie. Two of them, Beaver Meadows and Fall River, are just west of the town of Estes Park. The elevation of the lowest sections of the park range from 5,600 to 9,500 feet. Rocky Mountain National Park is the most visited recreation area in the state, headquartered in Estes Park. For more information about where to stay and where to eat, read our Guide to Estes Park. Spend the rest of the day in Estes Park. Be aware that you'll need to make a left turn at the stoplights onto Moraine Avenue. Grand Lake sits to the southwest of RMNP and it is another place you can consider staying, but it will be a longer drive to most sites in the park. I climbed 3 different volcanoes in 3days and it was lovely. Parking at the most popular trailheads fill up extremely early in the day. It also is just a few minutes from Estes Parks downtown. The west side (Grand Lake side) is more about the Kawuneeche Valley and the Colorado River. This gives you enough time to drive Alpine Ridge Road, Old Fall River Road, and hike a few of the trails. If you want low crowds and dont mind cold temperatures and snow, plan your visit from November through May. Some visitors complain of noise and hot temperatures in the summer (there is no air conditioning). Have fun in RMNP! Find out what to do, what to see, tours to join and more! When the parking areas in Wild Basin are full, usually by 9am in the summer, vehicles will be turned away. If you had afternoon thunderstorms on Day One, drive Trail Ridge Road in the morning. Is there anything you recommend to bring on the hikes? Entrance Sign to Rocky Mountain National Park Photo: Depositphotos. Do we have others using the trails even in the mornings? I recommend wearing waterproof hiking shoes or boots (not running or walking shoes) so that you have good traction. One week was perfect for us. They said if you skip bear corridor, timed entry is only needed between 9a-3p. If you are an avid hiker, I recommend spending five or more days in Rocky Mountain National Park. If the skies stay clear, you can stay in the park and do more exploring. We have visited Rocky Mountain National Park several times in the past. This is the hike that I recommend for today. Get updates on road conditions on the national park service website. The Kawuneeche entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park is located 2 miles north of Grand Lake on highway 34. After the passes and permits are sorted, they will offer you a park map and a park newspaper. Private vehicle: $30, valid for 1 day / $35, valid for 7 days; Motorcycle: $25, valid for 1 day / $30, valid for 7 days; Per person (including cyclists): $15, valid for 1 day Timed Entry Ticket: Park Access (excludes Bear Lake Road Corridor) is sufficient unless you choose to hike to Fern and Odessa Lakes. 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. 3. Nymph, Dream & Emerald Lakes: 3.6 miles, easy to moderate, 2 to 3 hours. This hike adds on Lake Haiyaha, another very pretty alpine lake. For every hike that we list, you do not need an SUV or non-standard vehicle. On the return drive, hike the Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge. Located outside Estes Park, Colorado, Rocky Mountain is a great family vacation . If you have any questions about planning your Rocky Mountain National Park itinerary, let us know in the comment section below. Its a short, easy hike in the subalpine tundra so you have 360 degree views on the entire hike. Thanks for the article I am planning to travel below hikes/places in 3rd week of june. Best Things to Do in Great Sand Dunes National Park, One Perfect Day in Rocky Mountain National Park, 10 Best Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park, 15 Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, Complete Guide to the Twin Sisters Peak Trail, RMNP. Odessa and Fern Lakes, Mills and Black Lake, Sky Pond, and Hallett Peak can all be hiked from this trailhead. Recorded Trail Ridge Road status: (970) 586-1222. Itinerary Help: 1 or 1.5 days in RMNP and other CO NPs Nov 20, 2022. 2. If you choose to skip Sky Pond, you can combine Loch Vale and Mills Lake into one hike. Founded in 1881, the village still embraces its original rustic architectural style . During the summer months, afternoon thunderstorms are very common. This hike has a little bit of everythingwaterfalls, alpine lakes, high mountain views, and fun river and stream crossings. 3.1 miles (5 km). Tahosa Valley Cabin is situated near the entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park, easily sleeping up to four guests. or maybe 4? Restaurants. Trailhead: Glacier Gorge (40.31053, -105.64033) Why we love it: This quiet winter hike avoids the Bear Lake throngs while still delivering the same stop-in-your-tracks alpine viewsincluding Longs Peakfor hardy snowshoers. I was thinking June but am guessing some of the hikes up about 10k feet would still have snow? Here are you options: The private vehicle entrance fee, good for 1 day, is $25. Look for that option at the intersection next to McDonald's on the east side of Estes Park. This is the highest continuous paved road in the United States. Sky Pond | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. Rent kayaks, stand-up paddleboards or pedal boats and explore Grand Lake, Colorado's largest natural lake. Depending on the volume of traffic, some visitors with detailed questions must be directed to the visitor centers where the rangers and volunteers there can more adequately provide the needed assistance. For reference, my family will be traveling to all the Colorado national parks in late July for around two weeks. Rocky Mountain National Park was established on January 26, 1915, and has a total area of 265,795 acres (415 square miles, or 1,076 square kilometers). Get updates on trail closures and park conditions on the National Park Service website. In this post, get all of the information you need to plan your Rocky Mountain National Park itinerary. This helps control crowd levels on the roads and hiking trails. Go back to the fork and then take the trail to Loch Vale. Rocky Mountains National Park June 2023 Dec 05, 2022. On the east side of the park, located on highway 36 and 3.5 miles west of Estes Park, is the Beaver Meadows Entrance Station. Most people will be acclimated by this point, which means that you can hike almost any trail in the park. Thats awesome that you got Bear Lake permits and thats so COOL that you got them while on Lassen Peak (yes, I cant wait to visit that park). Up above 10,000 feet the air is thin, the temps are much cooler, and the wind is usually . Kawuneeche Entrance. We also really liked the Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge. Answer (1 of 2): All of them them! 365. Trail Type: Out-and-back. 10. If you end at RMNP, you should not have any issues with altitude sickness, unless you hike Longs Peak on your first day here (but even that would be highly unlikely). 2) Wed morning: Sky pond. . From Loveland it's 30 miles (48 km) and 45 minutes by car to get to Estes Park. Order our free stunning National Park Trip Planner for Colorado filled with an inspiring itinerary, gorgeous photographs and everything you need to plan your dream vacation. Travelers favorites include #1 Trail Ridge Road, #2 Beaver Meadows Visitor Center and more. From Glacier Gorge parking lot (get there super earlypeople are rolling into the park before 5 am if they dont have a timed entry ticket so parking lots are filling up earlier this year), hike to Mills Lake. best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. I recommend getting here early (ideally by 7:30 am) to make sure you get a parking space and to give yourself plenty of time today. Moraine Park Museum has interactive geology exhibits. Learn about each of them and find the entrance station that will best meet your needs. Miles of trails: More than 355 miles along about 160 trails. Park Details. Dont miss Forest Canyon Overlook, one of the best on the drive. Sky Pond. Elk on Trail Ridge Road | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. Thank you! Since you will know your exact dates, I recommend making your reservations on July 1 so you get the permits for each day you will be in RMNP. Looking at the trail signs on our Sky Pond guide, it looks like hiking the spur only to Loch Vale adds 1.6 miles total. Cheers, Julie. Loveland and Boulder are two Colorado cities that are located much further away than the other options for where to stay when visiting Rocky Mountain National Park. BEST OF ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK: For a list of top experiences, read our article Best Things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. If you plan to do a lot of hiking and drive Trail Ridge Road, plan on visiting Rocky Mountain National Park between Memorial Day and mid-October. Keep your fingers crossed for clear afternoon skies. Its proximity to the charming town of Grand Lake make it even more alluring. Estes Park. Located on Highway 34, the gateway to Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park, the Quality Inn & Suites Loveland hotel is the perfect resting point for vacationing travelers. And I think that RMNP just got its first snow storm of the fall season. 7.5 to 10 miles, depending on the route you choose. , Tombstone Ridge | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. Many hikes top out over 9,000 feet, with some reaching up to 13,000 and 14,000 feet. Drive one of the highest roads in the USA, spot wildlife, walk the easier trails around scenic lakes and waterfalls, and be amazed at the beauty here. Travel to Aspen and Rock Mountain During thanksgiving Nov 08, 2022. Yes, I know, I said no hiking today, but I couldnt resist adding this one in. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Rocky Mountain National Park is a special place any season, but fall brings out the best in the park. They will ask to see your park pass and ID or offer you the opportunity to purchase one. 94 within 3 miles. Phone. Clicking on the photos on this page will open up a larger version. Timed Entry Permit: If you have plans to visit the park in the summer months, dont forget to reserve your permit in advance. Hi Julie !! It is located at 9,500 feet in a pine forest. Full-Day Rocky Mountain National Park "Over The Top Tour" - RMNPhotographer. And you wouldn't be disappointed at any choice. #2 Grand Lake - Where to Stay in Rocky Mountain National Park for Couples. Mills Lake and Loch Vale are very nice and might be perfect for you. In the southeast corner of the park there is an entrance to the Wild Basin area. 4. Typically this road12,183 feet at it's highest point, remains closed from late-October to late-May. Hike one of the trails that I mentioned earlier in this itinerary, or click here to see our list of 15 great hikes to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. I am there all day Wed,Thur and Fri (in mid August), On that Tuesday afternoon, you might be able to go hiking, depending on the thunderstorm situation. The job of the entrance station rangers is to welcome the visitors to the park, issue entrance passes, and answer visitor questions. Here are six tips on what to do in Estes Park during your Rocky Mountain National Park vacation. Length: 5.2 miles round-trip. The views from the overlooks are stunning. Rocky Mountain National Park is home to 2 fantastic scenic drive opportunities. You can stay in a cozy cabin with a river view or a well-decorated suite. Cheers, Julie. But one afternoon, they went until dinner, off and on. If the weather was clear yesterday, and you drove Trail Ridge Road, I recommend doing another hike this morning. Trail Ridge Road is the highest paved through road, not only in Colorado, but also in the entire US national park system. MESA VERDE: Learn about the best things to do and how to plan your visit in our Guide to Mesa Verde National Park. Good to know: Emerald Lake, Lake Haiyaha, Black Lake, Sky Pond, Flattop Mountain, and Fern Lake are some of the trails that start at or near Bear Lake. This historic hotel is one of the top places to stay in Estes Park. What you will find is an old-fashioned charm combined with recreational opportunities like relaxing at the beach, paddle boarding, paddle boating and kayaking on Grand Lake and visiting the park. This hiker shuttle take visitors to some of the most popular trails along Bear Lake Road. Are current Colorado fires affecting or near RMNP? Old Fall River Road is an 11-mile long gravel road that runs one-way from Horseshoe Park (near Estes Park) and ends at the Alpine Visitor Center. Crowds will begin to quiet down in October, but snow on the trails becomes a lot more likely. You can help to move the line move more quickly by having your park pass, permit, and ID ready when you reach the entrance station. Bear Lake: 0.6 miles, easy, 30 minutes. Simply follow highway 36 through downtown Estes Park. On the east side of the park, located on highway 36 and 3.5 miles west of Estes Park, is the Beaver Meadows Entrance Station. Save. However, if you are traveling in a car, Wild Basin is a wonderful area to explore with trails that reach eight lakes and three waterfalls. Is it worth going to RMNP if I only have 4 hours? On the other side of this entrance station you enter the meadows of the Kawuneeche Valley. To ensure everyone gets a chance to experience the park during this . Ty in advance for your help as usual ! 700 feet (213 m) elevation gain. How Many Days Do You Need in Rocky Mountain National Park? And bring a camera , its a beautiful park! You'll need to be prepared to pull over regularly to let cars pass that are coming the other way. That means you will not be able to visit the Alpine Visitor Center, hike the Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge, drive Old Fall River Road, or visit some of the best overlooks in the park. There are four entrances into Rocky Mountain National Park, and in 2022, you will need a park pass plus a separate day-use reservation to get into the park, regardless of which entrance you take. Turn west onto Highway 84 (Wild Basin Road) and follow it for 0.4 miles to the Wild Basin entrance station. The various view points along trail ridge road were worth the stop overs as well (especially Forest canyon overlook and the small hike behind Alpine visitor center) Thanks again !! Learn more on the national park service website. Known appropriately as the "Highway to the Sky," it crosses the Continental Divide at a whopping 12,183 feet. Location: north-central Colorado. Take a 0.4-mile detour to Lake Haiyaha for an added bonus. Along the way, its a quick stop to see Chasm Falls. This property is located west of Estes Park on Fall River Road, so you will have a longer drive to get into the heart of the park. Finch Lake Hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. Longs Peak, at 14,259 feet, is the only fourteener in the park. So, after Labor Day, you might have some of both (snow and crowds). If you have no desire to fill each day with a hike, your itinerary will look something like this: Day 1: Nymph, Dream & Emerald Lakes plus Trail Ridge Road and the Alpine Ridge Trail Day 2: Gem Lake in the morning, Estes Park in the afternoon Day 3: Sky Pond Day 4: Old Fall River Road and Estes Park Day 5: Mills and Black Lakes Day 6: More activities in Estes Park Day 7: Deer Mountain. If you get to Allenspark, you have gone too far. If you are an avid hiker, your itinerary will look something like this: Day 1: Nymph, Dream & Emerald Lakes plus Trail Ridge Road and the Alpine Ridge Trail Day 2: Deer Mountain in the morning, Estes Park in the afternoon/evening Day 3: Sky Pond Day 4: Continental Divide Trail to Mount Ida Day 5: Longs Peak Day 6: Rest day from hiking (Old Fall River Road and activities in Estes Park) Day 7: Chasm Lake. On day two, as you are still acclimating to the altitude, I recommend one of these hikes: Deer Mountain. Finch Lake is a 4.5 mile hike through pines, aspen glades, and wildflower laden meadows to a sub-alpine lake where the forest surrounds its shores. 2. Inside the park, the Rocky Mountain Conservancy offers year-round seminars, guided fly-fishing, naturalist tours, hiking and photography classes. As part of the National Park system, Zion operates under the same rules as other parks.