![]() The region contains cultural resources dating back thousands of years, beginning with the indigenous peoples that occupied this immense area in addition to the more recent events during the 20th century. One-way hike using the park's free shuttle, connecting multiple alpine lakes and vistas.ĭifficult Hiking Distance 14 km Ascent 409 m Descent 819 m Mount Ida from Milner PassĪn eye-popping hike above the treeline, to a panoramic summit on the Continental Divide.Rocky Mountain National Park in the state of Colorado was originally established to preserve its scenic and natural resources however, as time passed it became clear that the Park contained numerous historical resources as well as wondrous awe-inspiring panoramas capable of overwhelming the visual senses. Moderate Hiking Distance 8.5 km Ascent 301 m Descent 301 m Bear Lake to Fern Lake Moderate Hiking Distance 6.1 km Ascent 132 m Descent 132 m Ouzel FallsĪ string of waterfalls along tumbling mountain creeks. Moderate Hiking Distance 993 m Ascent 61 m Descent 61 m Ute Trail to Timberline PassĪ walk through the alpine, far above treeline and away from the road. High-altitude stair climb to an alpine vista. Moderate Hiking Distance 4.3 km Ascent 205 m Descent 205 m Alpine Ridge Trail See four idyllic alpine lakes in one moderate hike. Severe Hiking Distance 14 km Ascent 541 m Descent 541 m Gem LakeĪ calm little lake tucked in the chaotic boulders of Lumpy Ridge.ĭifficult Hiking Distance 5.1 km Ascent 311 m Descent 311 m Dream Lake and Emerald Lake Hike up into the treeless tundra, to a glacial lake tucked beneath a 14-thousand-foot peak.ĭifficult Hiking Distance 13 km Ascent 776 m Descent 776 m Sky Pondīegin on the popular trail to Alberta Falls, then ascend along creeks and lakes to one of the park's most dramatic alpine basins. Moderate Alpine Climbing Distance 21 km Ascent 1.5 km Descent 1.5 km Chasm Lake Standard route to the top of Longs Peak, the only 14er in Rocky Mountain National Park. There is, of course, way more to explore, but each of these trails ensurse a solid start to your adventures in the Rockies. No matter when you visit Rocky Mountain National Park, you might find your perfect trail among these top 10 hikes. ![]() Most trails remain open all winter and spring (though not all roads do), when special equipment and experience may be necessary to travel on the snow. While the warmer months are most popular for hiking, the park is certainly a year-round destination. It’s best to be prepared for anything when hiking in the alpine. The weather in late spring and early fall is typically safer, but can still be volatile with occasional storms. If you hike any trail that rises to the treeline (roughly 11,000 feet elevation) or into any exposed areas, you should plan on being finished, or at least back in the trees, by early afternoon. Lightning is a very real danger at high elevations, and it often comes with intense wind, rain, and hail as well. It’s a weather pattern where moisture-laden air rises toward the sun, and builds into thunderstorms by the afternoon. If visiting any time July through September, you’ll have to contend with the summer monsoons. The bounty of trails means there’s plenty of room to spread out, and you only have to hike a little farther or faster than the crowds to get a slice of the Rockies all to yourself.Īnother major factor in your planning should be the weather. The popularity of this park is no reason to stay away, though. Also, consider using the park’s free shuttle if you want to hike anywhere in the Bear Lake to Cub Lake corridor. You should arrive early to secure parking at any popular trailhead and have an alternate plan in case it’s full or traffic is backed up. Some areas of the park can get quite busy, so it’s important to plan ahead to get the most out of your trip. Alternatively, you could enter the park by hiking, requiring no entrance fee, from an auxiliary trailhead like Lumpy Ridge or Twin Sisters. You could go the touristy route, by driving into the park and taking the sky-high Trail Ridge Road, or starting a hike from the popular Bear Lake. Across all of Colorado, it’s tough to beat Rocky Mountain National Park in its diversity of trails and ways to access them.
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