When we embarked on our road trip across the United States in the summer of 2020, our original plan was simply to explore the terrain of Oregon and see the sights in Washington. However, as Labor Day approached we decided to head east and undertake a vast loop, starting our journey in the natural wonders of Yellowstone and Grand Teton before spending roughly a month exploring the very varied landscape of Colorado, quite unlike the terrain we`re used to out on the West Coast.
This was our second venture into Rocky Mountain National Park, and we were fortunate to spend five full nights exploring the park. We compiled this guide to the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park after completing most of the trails on the list, and falling in love with Colorado. We hope you’ll discover a new hike that you love to add to your Rocky Mountain National Park schedule.
Our days generally followed this pattern: wake up at dawn to visit a scenic spot or go on a wildlife expedition, then a long hike, rest at camp in the afternoon, and head out again in the evening around dusk to see wildlife. We repeated this routine for five days.
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Table of Contents
The 8 Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park
Here’s your guide to hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park, organized by starting point.
If you only have time for one hike, I would recommend Sky Pond if you’re an experienced hiker with some fitness level, and Dream Lake + Emerald Lake if you’re more of a novice and looking for something somewhat easier (though equally spectacular, we think).
Hikes from the Glacier Gorge Trailhead
There are many hikes that leave from the Glacier Gorge trailhead, which is just before the end of Bear Lake Road. It’s a tiny parking lot, so you might need to catch the shuttle if you show up past 7am in the summer or early fall.
Note that all of these hikes can be done from the Bear Lake Trailhead, which has more parking space. Just add an extra quarter mile or so to the distance.
Loch Lake
- Length: 5.5 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1,100 ft.
- Trail Type: Out-and-back
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Trailhead Location
This is a hike that we accomplished on our initial trip to Rocky Mountain National Park a few years ago, and we retraced our steps on our latest trip en route to Sky Pond (more on that in a second).
This hike ascends gradually through a forest of spruce, reaching Alberta Falls, which is somewhat difficult to see from the trail – for a better view, climb the rocks directly ahead.
Continuing upwards past the falls, you`ll start noticing two things. First, the number of people on the trail will decrease by 90%. Second, the forest will gradually transform. You’ll find yourself switchingback before emerging at the Loch.
The side of the lake where one arrives is persistently breezy, based on my experiences there twice at varying times, so walk to the other shore to enjoy a snack while taking in the perspectives before returning the way one came.
Sky Pond
- Distance: 9.5 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1,800 ft.
- Trail Type: Out-and-back
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Trailhead Location
The initial section of this out and back hike (and the last section) is identical to the Loch Lake hike mentioned above. Instead of stopping at the lake, you’ll continue along the trail on the right side of the lake and climb first to Lake of Glass, then to Sky Pond.
Caution – to arrive at either place, you will need to make a steep climb up slippery rocks in the center of a waterfall. If the temperature is cold enough for ice to form, or if it has rained recently, I advise skipping this hike and heading to Black Lake instead.
That being said, I believe taking on this endeavor would prove worthwhile. Proceed gradually, especially when descending. You`ll be rewarded with not one but two stunning alpine lakes.
Sky Pond is a picturesque basin surrounded by all sorts of rocky peaks. For a spectacular view of the spires on the north side, head to the south side of the lake, which is left of where the trail ejects you out. Once you’ve gotten your fill of the spectacular views and a snack or four, head back the way you came down the waterfall and around Loch Lake.
Black Lake
- Length: 10 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1,600 ft.
- Trail Type: Out-and-back
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Trailhead Location
We skipped this hike mostly because we’ve literally done the first half of the hike twice before. It follows the exact same trail as Loch Lake / Sky Pond, before cutting left just before the Loch.
You’ll pass two more lakes – Mills and Black Lake – the latter is 2.8 miles past the turnoff. Both lakes look gorgeous (particularly Black Lake). That being said, if you’re only doing one long hike from the Glacier Gorge trailhead, I’d do Sky Pond.
If the scramble up the waterfall on the route to Sky Pond makes you anxious, this is a strong alternative.
Hikes From the Bear Lake Trailhead
Bear Lake Trailhead is situated at an area providing entrance to numerous beautiful lakes. The short stroll along Bear Lake itself can barely be considered a hike due to its short length. However, Bear Lake is a scenic body of water.
Dream Lake & Emerald Lake
- Length: 3.2 miles
- Elevation Gain: 700 ft.
- Trail Type: Out-and-back
- Difficulty: Easy / Moderate
- Trailhead Location
This is likely one of the best value destinations in Rocky Mountain National Park. It starts at the Bear Lake Trailhead and makes a brief yet steady ascent, going past Nymph Lake initially, which has beautiful Lily Pads floating, before arriving at the real goal: Dream Lake.
The path up to Fantasy Lake is one of the most popular hiking trails in Rocky Mountain National Park, and for good reason. Photographers will love the clear mirrors you get at sunrise of the pink glow that lights up the peak on the far side of the lake. When we walked up just before sunrise, there were two distinct groups here. The professional photographers, who had their tripods out on and were hanging out on the left side of the trail across the little stream, and the Insta-photographers, who were taking all sorts of self-portraits right where the trail dumps you out onto the lake.
Take some photos – there’s a reason that the serious photographers are off to the left – and make your way along the right side of the lake to continue to your second stop on your tour-de-alpine-lakes – Emerald Lake.
In my view, Emerald Lake is far less photogenic than Dream Lake for the simple reason that it’s difficult to get a good angle of it. Still, it’s definitely worth seeing, and when you’re done just follow the trail back the way you came back to the Bear Lake Trailhead.
It is highly recommended that you embark on this hike as early as possible, ideally at sunrise. There are three key reasons for this.
- Parking access and significantly fewer trail users can be expected.
- Wildlife viewing opportunities along the route, such as we experienced with two elk herds on the ascent and descent.
- The scenic sunrise alpenglow across Dream Lake provides a worthwhile reason to endure an early wake-up call.
Bear Lake to Fern Lake via Lake Helene and Odessa Lake
- Length: 11 miles
- Elevation Gain: 2,000 ft.
- Trail Type: One way
- Difficulty: Hard
- Trailhead Location
While Fern Lake and Bear Lake are on either end of this one-way hiking trail, the primary highlight, in our view, is Odessa Lake. However, Lake Helene is a close second.
This hike is best completed as a one-way hike through from the Bear Lake trailhead to the Fern Lake trailhead. Then, you`d take the shuttle at Fern Lake to the Bear Lake trailhead to retrieve your vehicle. That`s not what we did and it was a mistake.
The reason lies in that along the way, you make a fairly steep and prolonged descent that starts just after Lake Helene that takes you down to Odessa Lake, then further down to Fern Lake. If you plan on returning to the Bear Lake Trailhead, it’s quite a climb.
It’s feasible – in fact, it’s how we did it – but it’s not going to be extremely pleasant.
However you choose to do it, ensure you stop at both Lake Helene, a shallow alpine lake with little depth, and Odessa Lake, which is lovely, especially early in the morning when it’s calm and clear, allowing for a nice mirror image reflection of the mountains across the water.
Hikes Along Highway 7 (East Side of Park)
These hiking trails near Estes Park access Highway 7 south of the town. Though distant from the entry checkpoint, you remain within park boundaries and thus require proof of gate fees despite bypassing toll collection.
Chasm Lake
- Length of the hike: 9 miles
- Total elevation gain: 2,500 ft.
- Trail type: Out-and-back route
- Difficulty level: Challenging
- Location of the trailhead
Initially, I was informed that the pronunciation is “Kh-asm.”
Secondly, this hike is not for those with faint constitutions.
You’ll spend most of the hike over 10,000 feet in elevation, ending at Chasm Lake which sits at an altitude of 12,000 feet above sea level. During the summer, I routinely hiked distances of eight to nine miles that climb 3,000 feet, yet the elevation still impacted me more on this trail and slowed my pace significantly. Be sure to bring plenty of water, snacks, and sun protection, and plan on a hike time 33% longer than anticipated. That being said, it presents an incredible journey. However, I wouldn’t recommend it as your first experience on park trails.
Now, onto the hike itself.
The incline commences promptly, constituting a constant elevation gain all through. initial switchbacks will bring you upwards into forest cover for several miles ahead of emerging onto tundra terrain, a landscape unfamiliar to myself until then. For slightly over a mile, you`ll calmly wind through the barren scenery incorporating scattered trees and plenty of stones, with Longs Peak rising prominently ahead. ultimately, you`ll arrive at the junction with the Longs Peak path, where a backcountry restroom can be found should need arise (quite the vista!).
Then you’ll descend into the valley past a lake on your left (nope, that’s not Chasm Lake, but it’s beautiful!).
Then, embark on the final climb to the lake, which involves more of a scramble than a hike. We found different routes up and down, so choose a path suited to your abilities. You’ll emerge into a basin with Chasm Lake at the base of Longs Peak, which towers another 2,000 feet above the lake. It exemplifies an alpine lake beautifully in the Rocky Mountains.
Hikes on the West Side of the Park
These are two climbs on the western side of Rocky Mountain National Park that are worth a stop if you’re driving through the park.
Green Mountain Trail to Big Meadow
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For families seeking a pleasant forest amble with prospects of observing wildlife such as elk and moose, this trail offers a suitable choice.
We saw three moose, two deer, and a coyote.
The hike climbs gently through the forest past a couple open meadows on your right side – take a look to see if you can spot any animals, as we saw a family of three moose at the second meadow.
Eventually, the terrain levels out and opens into Big Meadow, which is exactly as its name suggests. From there, you can continue along either the western or eastern side of the meadow heading north or south. We wandered a bit in both directions, and preferred the southern route because of the creek you cross.
It’s 4 miles out and back to the meadow, plus roughly a half mile or so of wandering along its perimeter.
Mount Ida
- Duration: 9.5 miles
- Elevation Gain: 2,400 ft.
- Trail Type: Out-and-back
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Trailhead Site
Regrettably, we`ll need to return for this hike on another occasion, because we ran out of time during our last visit, opting instead for Chasm Lake.
This hike departs from the southern shoreline of Poudre Lake along Highway 34 just after descending down into the valley on the western side of the park. Meaning you will only have access to this trail from the more popular eastern side of the park during the latter spring and summer months. You could do it by entering from Grand Lake, but expect snow between November and May.
This hike BEGINS at an altitude of ten thousand five hundred feet above sea level, so while the mileage might seem trivial, the elevation is almost certainly going to make it feel ten times more demanding. You’ll conclude at just under thirteen thousand feet in elevation, which is extremely, very high. Be sure you have acclimated to the altitude – do not undertake this hike on your initial day if you’re arriving from around sea level.
Gaining elevation on the hike allows sightseeing above the tree line with spectacular perspectives of surrounding mountain high points and the valley below. As the climb continues, the landscape evolves into a more rocky alpine tundra landscape characteristic of the Rocky Mountain range.
Since you’ll be above the treeline, if you do this hike in the summer, ensure you’re finished by noon to avoid lightning storms that happen pretty much every day in the peak summer months.
Tips for Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park
Entrance Costs – you will need to pay at minimum $20 to enter the park for a single day, and $30 provides admission for 7 days (note: in 2020, 7 day passes were unavailable, and the cost of a single day entry was $25. It is unknown whether this continues into 2021). If you plan on visiting multiple National Parks in the upcoming 12 months, the America the Beautiful Pass for $80 repays itself with 3 visits to National Parks, National Forests, or National Recreation Areas. Purchase it here.
The altitude in most parts of the park reaches considerable heights – around 8,000 feet, meaning longer excursions could venture over 10,000 feet. We had recently visited Yellowstone and Grand Teton, where the elevation was approximately 7,000 feet, and the change severely impacted us on our first day. Be sure to start gently (perhaps avoid Longs Peak on your initial day) and keep hydrated.
The sun likewise cannot be ignored – for some reason, it feels like the sun is more intense in the mountains. Perhaps that extra few thousand feet closer to the sun really does make a difference? Always carry sun protection such as sunscreen (We love Sun Bum!) and a sun hat.
Obtaining parking can frequently prove problematic – during mid-September, the parking areas at Glacier Gorge were at full capacity just after 6am, and the Bear Lake lot was completely occupied by 7am. It is believed this results from the presence of at least 4-5 popular hiking routes that originate from each of those locations. Thankfully, there is a convenient park and ride facility with abundant parking and a shuttle system that will transport visitors to trailheads along Bear Lake Road. There is even a hiker shuttle bringing individuals in from the Estes Park Visitor Center so you won`t have to worry about parking inside the park at all.
Eastern versus western areas of the Park – the eastern half of the park is connected to the less visited western side by Alpine Ridge Road, which closes for the winter. It’s worth exploring on any Rocky Mountain National Park itinerary, because it takes you up above the tree line into the alpine tundra with remarkable views of the surrounding Rocky Mountains. The western side can be accessed by that road, or via Grand Lake. It merits a visit – do the Green Mountain Trail to Big Meadow for some good chances to observe wildlife, such as moose.
What to Pack for a Day Hike in Rocky Mountain National Park
At a high level, I’d say there are three things that you should aim to pack for your trip to the Rocky Mountains.
- Firstly, sufficient hydration is vital. As a general rule, carry half a liter of water per hour of anticipated hiking time at minimum. Both of us have a pair of these Platypus water bottles that are truly ideal water bottles for hiking. Once empty, simply fold or roll them up and stow inside your backpack. They weigh almost nothing too! Do not acquire the version with the clip. Though clipping sounds advantageous, through trial and error we`ve found those much more prone to leaks. I returned two consecutively because inside two or three hiking trips they had exploded everywhere within my backpack.
- Secondly sturdy hiking footwear would be essential, preferably waterproof. Significant climbing and descending will be undertaken (after all, it`s the Rocky Mountains!) as well as traversing uneven terrain. For experienced hikers, solid footwear is likely already owned. For novices, I`d suggest either the affordably stylish Columbia Newton Ridge (a terrific initial hiking boot), or the Brooks Cascadia (basically a more robust running shoe). The waterproof version if possible.
- Lastly layering, but most significantly a waterproof rain jacket.
- A sturdy hiking backpack incorporating waist straps will also be useful if undertaking any of the longer hikes below – I am fond of this Deuter pack, Alysha favors her Osprey Tempest 20.
Be sure to review our guide to items to pack for a day hike for more suggestions on preparing for your adventure in Rocky Mountain National Park.
When to Visit Rocky Mountain National Park
Peak time for exploring the park is summer – mid-June to Labor Day. In the summer, you’ll encounter relatively warm temperatures in the 70’s and 80’s throughout the day, with cooler nights that come with the elevation (~8,000 ft above sea level). However, you’ll also encounter daily thunderstorms above the tree line, which signifies you should plan on starting hikes early and being off the trail by noon. Or at the very least, on the downward path. That being said, you’re in the mountains. Weather can be unpredictable, as the snow storm in September demonstrated to us in 2020.
The shoulder seasons, mid-May to June and Labor Day to the first week of October, are a great time to be inside the park. The weather will be more unpredictable, but there will be considerably fewer people.
We have been to Rocky Mountain National Park on two separate occasions now, spending about a week total inside the park exploring the finest hikes and wildlife spots, and neither has been during “peak season.” However, both May, when the days are a little cooler but everything is GREEN, and September, when temperatures are still warm and snow is mostly gone from all trails, were very pleasant times to be in the park.
Also, the seasonal mating activity of male elk, known as the rut, commonly happens in September, and on multiple evenings at Moraine Park we watched hundreds of elk milling about as the males vocalized competing cries to attract females. And when I say the males are “enormous and could kill me in about three seconds flat,” I’m referring to their large size.
How to Get to Rocky Mountain National Park
If you’re arriving from outside the state and plan to fly, the easiest way to reach Rocky Mountain National Park is to strongly fly into Denver International Airport, rent a vehicle, and drive.
From Denver, traveling for approximately an hour and a half (68 miles) will bring you to the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center, which is one of the most visited sections of the park. The shortest route is to get yourself on Highway 36 and follow it north through Boulder and Estes Park.
From Boulder, it will take approximately one hour (40 miles) to arrive at the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center near Estes Park by following Highway 36 the entire way.
This route along Highway 36 can become crowded on summer weekends, so check Google Maps before departing to prepare for a potentially longer travel time if there’s traffic.
That covers everything! With any luck you now have a decent understanding of the top hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, along with some logistical details you`ll need to know to truly access the trails within the park.
If you found this guide helpful, check out our itinerary for Rocky Mountain National Park to aid in planning your time there.
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