Exploring the Majestic Trails of Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
- Crazydsadventures
- Aug 4, 2024
- 14 min read
Updated: May 20
Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado offers some of the most breathtaking hiking experiences in the United States. With towering peaks, alpine lakes, and diverse wildlife, this park draws outdoor enthusiasts from around the world. Whether you are a seasoned hiker or a casual nature lover, the trails here provide a chance to connect deeply with nature and witness stunning mountain landscapes.
Emerald Lake
Getting to Know the Rocky Mountain National Park
Located just northwest of Denver, Rocky Mountain National Park covers over 415 square miles of rugged terrain. The park features elevations ranging from 7,500 feet to over 14,000 feet, creating a variety of ecosystems from montane forests to alpine tundra. Visitors can explore over 350 miles of hiking trails, each offering unique views and challenges.
The park is open year-round, but the best time to visit for hiking is from late spring to early fall. Snow can linger on higher trails well into June, and some roads close during the winter months. Planning your visit around weather conditions and trail accessibility will help you make the most of your adventure.
Top Trails to Experience
Bear Lake Trail
Bear Lake Trail is a popular, easy hike suitable for families and beginners. This 0.6-mile loop circles Bear Lake, offering stunning reflections of the surrounding peaks in the water. The trail is well-maintained and accessible, making it a great introduction to the park’s beauty.
Along the way, you can spot wildflowers in summer and listen to the sounds of nearby streams. Bear Lake serves as a gateway to more challenging hikes, so it’s a perfect starting point.
Emerald Lake Trail
For a moderate hike with rewarding views, Emerald Lake Trail is a favorite. This 3.5-mile round-trip trail begins at Bear Lake and climbs steadily through forests and meadows. You will pass Nymph Lake and Dream Lake before reaching Emerald Lake, nestled beneath the dramatic cliffs of Hallett Peak.
The trail offers excellent opportunities for wildlife spotting, including marmots and mountain goats. The alpine lake’s clear waters reflect the surrounding peaks, creating a picture-perfect scene.
Longs Peak Trail
Longs Peak is the park’s highest summit at 14,259 feet and a challenging destination for experienced hikers. The trail to the summit is about 15 miles round trip with an elevation gain of over 5,000 feet. It requires careful preparation, proper gear, and good physical fitness.
Hikers face steep sections, exposed ledges, and rapidly changing weather. Those who reach the summit are rewarded with panoramic views of the Rockies and beyond. Because of its difficulty, many hikers camp overnight at designated sites to break the climb into two days.
Alberta Falls Trail
Alberta Falls Trail is a short, accessible hike that leads to a beautiful waterfall. The 1.6-mile round-trip trail starts at Glacier Gorge Trailhead and follows a forested path to the falls. The sound of rushing water and the sight of cascading falls make this a refreshing stop.
This trail is ideal for visitors looking for a quick nature escape or a family-friendly outing. The falls are especially impressive in spring when snowmelt swells the water flow.
Old Fall River Road
Another fantastic thing to do is the Old Fall River Road. The road opened in 1920, bringing drivers closer to the park’s wilderness. The 11-mile-long one-way route climbs from Horseshoe Park to Fall River Pass, with numerous switchbacks, primarily gravel terrain, and no guardrails, keeping the speed limit at 15 mph. You can take the road to the Endovalley Picnic Area, which provides an excellent spot for lunch and the opportunity to turn around and head back down the road. The area also offers bathrooms.
The route does not require four-wheel-drive vehicles, but I recommend a car with some four-wheel-drive capability and high ground clearance. The road is slow, and driving Old Fall River Road is more about the journey than the destination. The route winds through scenic viewing areas that showcase everything from waterfalls to foliage. Taking Old Fall River Road also allows visitors to skip almost the entire 3-mile hike to Chasm Falls, a popular waterfall destination. Still, if you fear heights, I suggest you have someone else in the driver’s seat, as there are some steep drop-offs.
Old Fall River Road is free with Rocky Mountain National Park admission. It is easily accessed from the Fall River Entrance Station along Highway 34; the Alpine Visitor Center is the closest. Keep in mind that Old Fall River Road closes seasonally and for maintenance. Additionally, vehicles measuring more than 25 feet or pulling trailers are prohibited.
Trail Ridge Road
The Highway to the Sky
Another great dive is known as “the highway to the sky.” Trail Ridge Road is 48 miles long and reaches a peak elevation of over 12,000 feet! 11 of the road’s 48 miles are above the tree line at over 11,500 feet high.
Trail Ridge Road is one of the most breathtaking roads in the world, which is why it ranks so high on things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. This road offers unparalleled panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains, typically only available to the most adventurous backcountry backpackers.
While you are there, I highly recommend checking out the Alpine Visitor Center, where the park service offers great exhibits and refreshments.
Alpine Ridge Trail
You can also hike the Alpine Ridge Trail at the Alpine Visitors Center. This trail is about 0.7 miles long and has minimal elevation gain. It will take about thirty minutes to hike, and it is an easy hike. Situated at 11,976 feet, the Alpine Ridge Trail is one of the highest trails in North America. Starting at the Alpine Ridge Visitor Center, the trail is a short, scenic walk amongst the peaks. The road up to Alpine Ridge is perhaps even more epic than the trail, boasting one of the highest, if not the highest, in the contiguous US.US.
Alberta Falls
Alberta Falls is one of the easiest and most popular things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. Many people consider it the most beautiful waterfall in the park. The hike is about two miles out and back, with a slight elevation gain of 230 feet. It is an easy trail and will take about an hour to hike.
To access the trail, hikers must use the Glacier Gorge Junction Trailhead. The hike is relatively easy but involves uneven, rocky terrain, so take caution with small children and older folks. The Alberta Falls Trail, like many other hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, follows a creek (in this case, Glacier Creek).
If you are a waterfall lover like me, add this to your list of things to do at Rocky Mountain National Park!
Odessa and Fern Lakes
Odessa and Fern Lakes are two beautiful high-alpine lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park. They are on many people’s lists of favorite things to do. The distance is about 7.5 miles out and back, with an elevation gain of 1500 feet. It is a moderate-to-strenuous hike and will take about four hours.
The trail itself is scenic, with access to fishing in the lakes, and sees little traffic. If you want to avoid the crowds on busier days, add this hike to your list of things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park!
Upper Beaver Meadows Trail
The Upper Beaver Meadows Trail is a beautiful area to visit. In spring and summer, the meadow fills with wildflowers, making for a stunning display. This area is usually calmer for those looking to escape the crowds and relax in the serene natural setting.
From the trail, hikers have a great vantage point of the surrounding mountains and peaks. You can also see excellent wildlife, including deer, elk, and even moose (if you are lucky). This is a beautiful addition to the list of things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park for families and folks seeking solace. The distance is about 1.1 miles out and back with minimal elevation gain. It is considered an easy trail and will take about an hour to complete.
Mills Lake
Mills Lake is named after Enos Mills, the founder of Rocky Mountain National Park. This lake features crystal-clear waters framed by towering mountain peaks. However, accessing Mills Lake requires a moderately tricky out-and-back hike. The trail totals about 5 miles and winds through a few scenic areas and waterfalls before arriving at Mills Lake. The subalpine lake attracts a variety of visitors, ranging from anglers to photographers.
The primary payoff for the trek is the picturesque lake at the end. The hike is challenging but attainable for those with prior hiking experience. Some people also recommend hiking with spikes during icy conditions, while others report completing the hike in sneakers. (The amount of snow and ice present depends on the season.) If 5 miles seems daunting, consider hiking the trail for roughly a mile (2 miles round trip) to Alberta Falls, the route’s second-most-popular site.
Entrance to Mills Lake does not require additional fees. While the trail never technically closes, the lake is most easily accessible from May through October. The lake sits near other popular attractions in Rocky Mountain National Park, including Bear Lake, so visiting both in one day is easy. The Glacier Gorge Junction Trailhead, which begins on the busy Bear Lake Road, sits about 8 miles from the turnoff at Highway 36. Parking is available, but the lot is often crowded; consider using the free shuttle that runs to the trailhead regularly instead. Additional parking is also available at the Bear Lake Trailhead up the road.
Bierstadt Lake
Enjoy scenic mountain views at Bierstadt Lake. There are several ways to access Bierstadt Lake; one of the most accessible and popular is to start from the Bear Lake Trailhead. Many hikers prefer to start at Bear Lake and come out at the Bierstadt Lake Trailhead on Bear Lake Road. The hike is a 3-mile loop with about 300 feet of elevation gain. It will take about an hour and a half to complete.
Named after Albert Bierstadt, an artist who admired the lake in the 1870s, it is a hidden gem within the Bear Lake Corridor! This lake sits atop a forested moraine, a ridge composed of material left behind thousands of years ago by receding glaciers. It is a shallow lake with melting snow and rainwater—no streams flow in or out. Be on the lookout for mosquitoes.
Use a trail map to help you navigate to Bierstadt Lake. Several trails intersect near this destination. Pay attention to where you are as you are
After leaving Bierstadt Lake, some trails will take you back to the Park & Ride, the Bierstadt Lake Trailhead, and Bear Lake.
Enjoy fantastic views of the Continental Divide. The hike up from Bierstadt Lake Trailhead involves steep switchbacks. Take your time as you hike up and down the trail.
Help keep wildlife wild. Never approach or feed wildlife. Animals that learn that people are a food source can become aggressive or stop hunting or foraging on their own. Keep your distance - it is the law! You could be hurt or fined. The other thing to note is that wildlife does not get the proper nutrition from people’s food, leading to low birth weight of their young. With low birth weight, most of them WILL NOT SURVIVE the first winter. So, by feeding the wildlife, you are doing more harm than good.
Sky Pond
Many people consider Sky Pond one of the most beautiful hikes in the Rocky Mountains. Breathtaking alpine scenery and some of the best views in the entire park are visible from the Sky Pond Hike. The distance is about 9.5 miles out and back, with an elevation gain of about 1700 feet. Depending on whether you are staying at the Pond for a while, it should take you about 5 - 6 hours to complete this hike, which is considered a challenging hike.
Longs Peak
Longs Peak is the tallest and most prominent peak in the park, making it one of the most challenging things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. If you have not heard of this hike before entering the park, do not try it this time. This hike requires a lot of planning before getting here.
According to records, more than 70 people have died climbing Longs Peak since the park’s inception in 1915. The hike is a grueling, all-day affair with an ascent of over 5000 feet at high elevations. Getting to the top requires scrambling over loose rock, and there are many places on the trail where a slip would likely be fatal. You should have advanced technical hiking skills to attempt this hike. If you have done your homework and prepared for the hike (both physically and mentally), it can be gratifying, offering some of the best views in Colorado. This 15-mile out-and-back hike will take about 12 to 15 hours.
Longs Peak is the only 14er in Rocky Mountain National Park; It towers at 14,259 feet above sea level and rewards adventurous people with stunning panoramic wilderness views. (14ers are any peaks that stand more than 14,000 feet above sea level.) While the best views are at the peak, awe-inspiring vistas are available for most of the climb. The Keyhole Route is the most popular path to the peak, and it is divided into six distinct sections. The Keyhole Route is not a hike; the most challenging and subsequently dangerous aspect of the route is 1.5 miles between the Keyhole and the summit, which could be considered rock climbing.
It would be best not to make summitting the peak your primary goal (what is known as summit fever). Instead, enjoy the trip up and feel supported if the conditions are conducive to summiting, as forcing your way to the peak can be dangerous and even fatal. Depending on the weather and the season, ice axes and crampons (ice spikes) could be essential to summiting the peak.
Parking for the Longs Peak Trailhead is available off State Road 7 near the Longs Peak Campground. Access to the trailhead is free and does not require hikers to enter the park. The route is generally accessible from April until November, but remember that conditions can be dangerous regardless of the season. Particularly tricky parts of the path are marked, but it is still easy to get lost. Be sure to research or purchase a map in advance, as cell service is unreliable. For more information, including frequently asked questions, current conditions, and more, visit the National Park Service’s website.
Lily Lake Loop
The Lily Lake Loop in Rocky Mountain National Park is an excellent hike for the entire family. This level, a fully accessible trail, circles around the lake and nearby wetlands for just three-quarters of a mile and is conveniently located near Estes Park. It will take about 30 minutes to complete this hike.
Rocky Mountain National Park purchased the Lily Lake area in 1992. Five years later, with funding from the Rocky Mountain Conservancy, the popular handicapped-accessible trail was constructed using hard-packed gravel.
To reach the trailhead from Estes Park, drive 6.3 miles south on Colorado Highway 7 to the Lily Lake parking area. You can park at the lake or across the highway at the old Lily Lake Visitor Center.
Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Hike
Check Trail Conditions: Before heading out, review current trail status and weather forecasts. The park website and visitor centers provide updates.
Bring Proper Gear: Wear sturdy hiking boots, layered clothing, and carry plenty of water. A map, compass, or GPS device is helpful.
Start Early: To avoid afternoon thunderstorms common in summer, begin hikes early in the day.
Pack Snacks: Energy bars, nuts, and fruit keep you fueled on longer trails.
Leave No Trace: Carry out all trash and respect the natural environment.
Be Bear Aware: Carry bear spray and know how to use it. Make noise while hiking to avoid surprising wildlife.
Exploring Beyond the Trails
Besides hiking, Rocky Mountain National Park offers other activities like scenic drives, wildlife watching, and photography. Trail Ridge Road, one of the highest paved roads in the U.S., provides spectacular views without the effort of hiking.
Ranger-led programs and visitor centers offer educational opportunities to learn about the park’s geology, history, and ecology. Camping is available at several campgrounds for those who want to immerse themselves in the wilderness overnight.
Best Places to See Elk in Rocky Mountain National Park
· Moraine Park
· Trail Ridge Road
· Bear Lake Road
· Upper Beaver Meadows
· Horseshoe Park
· Kawuneeche Valley
Camp Out Under the Stars
· One of the best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park is to spend a night under the stars. The park is home to some beautiful campgrounds; camping is one of my favorite things to do. In the fall, during elk rutting season, campers are routinely serenaded by the wild bugle calls of the elk. You can also hear coyote howls, creating a truly unique and memorable experience.
Go Stargazing
· Rocky Mountain National Park, while not a designated dark sky park, is still one of the best places in Colorado (and America) for stargazing. On a clear night, you can see unfathomable amounts of stars along the Milky Way. There are many great places throughout the park to soak up the night sky, including the campgrounds and higher-elevation spots like Trail Ridge Road.
Lulu City
The hike to the historic Lulu City site in Rocky Mountain National Park begins from the Colorado River Trailhead, roughly 9.3 miles north of the Grand Lake Entrance and 10.6 miles south of the Alpine Visitor Center. The total elevation gain is about 650 feet, and it is considered a moderate hike with just under 8 miles round trip.
Lulu City was established in 1879 after Joe Shipler discovered silver nearby. Two entrepreneurs from Fort Collins, Benjamin F. Burnett and William Baker, established the town after organizing the Middle Park and Grand River Mining and Land Development Company. The city was named after Burnett’s eight-year-old daughter, Lulu.
Initially, the prospects for Lulu City were rather grand, and the town experienced significant growth. By 1880, the land company surveyed a town site encompassing 160 acres. The budding village was divided into 100 blocks, with 19 east-west streets and four north-south avenues. The old wagon road, now the present-day trail, traveled along what was then the main street. According to a reporter, lots were sold for $20 to $50 that year.
Though the park sign at the site indicates that the population was 200, historians have noted that as many as 500 people once lived here. At its peak, in 1881, there were forty cabins, two sawmills, a hotel, a general store, a clothing store, a grocery store, a dairy store, a butcher shop, a post office, a barber shop, a blacksmith shop, assay office, real estate agency, liquor store, multiple saloons, and “a two-cabin red light district just north of the town to service the region’s miners.”
Unfortunately for the land prospectors and miners, the town declined the following year. Most miners left during the winter of 1882/83; the last activity was recorded in 1884. The small amounts of ore mined from the mountains proved too low-grade, and the cost of shipping it for smelting was far too high. By the following decade, Lulu City had become a ghost town.
Dutchtown was a mining community high in the Never Summer Mountains of Rocky Mountain National Park. The ghost town lies just below the timberline and comprises the ruins of four cabins. Settlers inhabited the site and were made unwelcome in Lulu City, in the Kawuneeche Valley, a couple of miles to the east. Dutchtown existed to work the same silver deposits that Lulu City residents mined. Still, it also existed as a suburb of Lulu City to accommodate Dutch miners who were run out of town after a drunken affray there. It existed from about 1879 to about 1884. The town site was placed on the National Register of Historic Places on January 29, 1988. The hike is about 6 hours and a 6-mile round trip.
Estes Park
Spend some time in Estes Park. There is a lot to do in Estes Park, and you can visit the Stanley Hotel, which was used to film The Shining.
The Baldpate Inn
The Baldpate Inn, located seven miles south of Estes Park, Colorado, and next to Rocky Mountain National Park, is a classic mountain getaway offering Bed and Breakfast lodging, a specialty restaurant, unparalleled collections, and spectacular views. Built in 1917, the Inn has Innracted guests for over 90 years. From its perch on Twin Sisters Mountain at 9,000 feet, Baldpate Inn boasts comfortable B&B accommodations, award-winning dining, and the world’s most extensive key collection. Next to the historic inn, youInnn enjoy hiking, fishing, wildlife watching, or mountain climbing. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, The Baldpate Inn hosts many weddings, family reunions, and other special events.
Final Thoughts on Hiking Rocky Mountain National Park
Hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park is an experience that blends grandeur with intimacy. Towering peaks, alpine lakes, and sweeping meadows remind you of nature’s scale, while quiet trails through pine forests and wildflower fields offer moments of reflection. Each hike feels like a dialogue with the landscape—sometimes challenging, sometimes serene, but always rewarding.
What makes the park unforgettable is its diversity. One day you might summit a rugged trail with panoramic views, and the next wander beside a gentle stream where elk graze nearby. The rhythm of elevation, weather, and wildlife ensures that no two visits are ever the same.
Ultimately, Rocky Mountain National Park is more than a destination—it’s a reminder of the enduring power of wilderness. Whether you seek adventure, solitude, or inspiration, the trails here leave you with a sense of connection that lingers long after you’ve left the mountains behind.
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