Learn more on the national park service website. This hike has a little bit of everythingwaterfalls, alpine lakes, high mountain views, and fun river and stream crossings. Get updates on road conditions on the national park service website. Length: 5.5 miles. Rocky Mountain National Park (Photo by Buddy Smith/The Points Guy) Rocky Mountain National Park basics. Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. Yes, I know, I said no hiking today, but I couldnt resist adding this one in. 11 miles of this road is located in the alpine tundra, which is above the treeline. You can drive Trail Ridge Road, visit the Alpine Visitor Center, hike to Longs Peak and to Chasm Lake, and hike Gem Lake. From the summit you have a great view over Moraine Park and Longs Peak. This family friendly hike is a great intro to hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park. This entrance is right next to the intersection with Bear Lake Road providing you with easy access to this area of the park. And bring a camera , its a beautiful park! This is the best Timed Entry Permit for visitors planning to drive over Trail Ridge Road, recreate on the west side of the park, as well as access Longs Peak, Lily Lake, East Inlet, Wild Basin, and all other outlying areas of RMNP. For the first part of this hike you will be sharing the trail with those on their way to Longs Peak. Do you think August is a good time to visit RMNP? We spent one wonderful week in Rocky Mountain National Park in July. It may sound counterintuitive, but if you really want to see Rocky Mountain National Park hassle-free, leave your car behind. These shuttle buses connect Moraine Park and Bear Lake, with numerous stops in between. If the skies are clear, the weather forecast is favorable, and Longs Peak is on your bucket list, go for it today. So, after Labor Day, you might have some of both (snow and crowds). This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. We are going to put RMNP last so we have time to get used to the altitude, because we are from the East Coast. The Kawuneeche entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park is located 2 miles north of Grand Lake on highway 34. Loch Lake. To the north of the Beaver Meadows area, located on highway 34 approximately four miles west of Estes Park, is the Fall River Entrance Station. Is there any need for an SUV or non-standard vehicle to access any of the trailheads for your recommended hikes? This is a great hike for newbie hikers who want to summit a mountain in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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 . If you are an avid hiker, I recommend spending five or more days in Rocky Mountain National Park. And for FREE checklist of the US National Parks, take a look at our article US National Parks List. I recommend wearing waterproof hiking shoes or boots (not running or walking shoes) so that you have good traction. Information? On the west side of the park, located approximately two miles north of Grand Lake, is the Grand Lake Entrance Station. It also is just a few minutes from Estes Parks downtown. But its only worth it if skies are clear. Turn west onto Highway 84 (Wild Basin Road) and follow it for 0.4 miles to the Wild Basin entrance station. 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. Bear Lake Road runs into the heart of the park. 2. However, both routes cross high over the mountains and close down once winter weather arrives. If you are not acclimated to the higher elevation, it is normal to get out of breath easily. Trail Ridge Road, the highest paved continuous road in the United States, cuts through the park from the east to the west. I dont know if it is too late, but you could always try to get a permit so you dont have to start super early. At this time, cross country skiing and snowshoeing are the main things to do in the park. And once at topwhat a view.! In the winter months, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing top the list. Located just a couple minutes from Grand Lake, the Grand Lake Entrance is arguably the parks best-kept secret. You can stay in a cozy cabin with a river view or a well-decorated suite. To reach the Wild Basin Entrance from Estes Park, head south on CO 7. Important Things to Know Before You Plan Your Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary, When to Visit Rocky Mountain National Park. , 2) Wed morning: Sky pond. Thanks so much ! 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. Is RMNP a good place to visit for the elderly or those with limited mobility? You have included all of our favorite hikes in RMNP so I think your list looks good! 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. When the parking areas in Wild Basin are full, usually by 9am in the summer, vehicles will be turned away. While here you can enjoy quiet walks, exhilarating hikes, gorgeous sunrises and . We spent seven days in RMNP and every day we did at least one hike. Two of them, Beaver Meadows and Fall River, are just west of the town of Estes Park. 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. Nymph, Dream, Emerald, Haiyaha and Bear Lake: 6.2 miles, moderate, 4 to 5 hours. Outside the usual water, bug spray, sunscreen, etc? photo by Ladona Stork. 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. Thanks for writing in!! Unsubscribe anytime by clicking the link at the bottom of your email. Best Rocky Mountain National Park Hikes: Easy Tundra Hikes. Timed Entry Reservation Info for 2023 Season Dec 16, 2022. It is the east side (Estes Park side) of RMNP that has . Required fields are marked *. These are the only official entry stations into the park. Full-Day Rocky Mountain National Park "Over The Top Tour" - RMNPhotographer. But more often than not, in the summer, afternoon storms will occur. 365. This entrance station has only one entry booth. Altitude sickness is rare in RMNP, unless you are hiking to peaks over 12,000 feet and are not acclimated. Autumn ushers in cooler days, smaller crowds, golden aspen and elk bugling. Known as a "scenic wonder road of the world," it traverses 48 miles between Estes Park on the park's east side and Grand Lake on the west, taking in several not-to-be-missed sights. Rocky Mountain National Park is home to 2 fantastic scenic drive opportunities. 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. Temporary Closures In Lumpy Ridge And Loch Vale Areas Begin February 15 to Protect Nesting Raptors, Winter Adventures in Rocky Mountain National Park, RMNP continues pilot timed entry permit reservations from May 26 through Oct 22, Winter Pile Burning Operations On Both Sides Of Park, All material copyright by Morning Light Photography, Inc. All rights reserved. Since the timed slots are only 2hrs long, if i end up not doing any hikes on the bear lake corridor and i plan on being inside the park around 6a I can get away w/o having to get any timed entries right? Photo: Flickr/David Wilson. 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. The Aspire rooms are higher-end, modernly decorated rooms but many people state that they are overpriced for what you get. Ive lived down the hill and explored RMNP a lot for 44 years. 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. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. We stayed in a 3-bedroom house, #402, and it was perfect. Longs Peak, at 14,259 feet, is the only fourteener in the park. I love all of the information you provide and find your advice extremely helpful. 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. Cheers, Julie. From the Alpine Visitor Center, drive Alpine Ridge Road back to Estes Park. Arrived at the park entrance before 5am which allowed us access to Bear Lake Road before the timed entry kicked in. Tahosa Valley Cabin (from USD 275) Show all photos. Rocky Mountain National Park is a relatively large park, with a total area of 415 square miles. You can get to this entrance without going through the middle of town by following highway 34 up East Wonderview Avenue. Plenty of room, good WiFi, nice furnishings, and beautiful views from our balcony. Rocky Mountain National Park is a beautiful place so we hope you have a wonderful time here. I am not the hiker I used to be [did Kili in 04] so a moderate/ mildly strenuous 8 miler more my speed now. Evening at the hotel 3) Thur Morning: Mt Ida. Odessa & Fern Lakes Hike. Rocky Mountain National Park, CO 80517. If the skies stay clear, you can stay in the park and do more exploring. Miles of trails: More than 355 miles along about 160 trails. Cheers, Julie. Youll be glad you did. Difficulty: Challenging. This station is .25 miles north of the Kawuneeche Visitor Center near the beautiful Kawuneeche Valley. A Park Access (Excludes Bear Lake Road Corridor) timed entry ticket is sufficient for this day. Odessa and Fern Lakes, Mills and Black Lake, Sky Pond, and Hallett Peak can all be hiked from this trailhead. Find out what to do, what to see, tours to join and more! So, keep your fingers crossed for clear skies! Wondering if there are differences between entering park through entrances by Estes park or better to enter park through grand lake? The Inn on Fall River & Fall River Cabins. A 2 hour trip from either Steamboat Springs or Breckenridge will only get you to the west side entrance to RMNP. Estes Park. Snow can start to fall in September. Rocky Mountain National Park Travel Guide. Parking at the most popular trailheads fill up extremely early in the day. Keep your fingers crossed for clear afternoon skies. What would be the best time to hike RMNP after labor day? Waterproof hiking shoes or boots are a great idea too, since snow is a possibility on some of these trails, all year. Here are six tips on what to do in Estes Park during your Rocky Mountain National Park vacation. If you are an avid hiker, you are probably ready to hike some of the longer, tougher, more thrilling hikes in the park. How much is the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. You may experience lines that can stretch up to a mile long during the busy season. Get here by 7:30 am if you want a spot. Aspenglen, Moraine Park, and Glacier Basin are the most popular campgrounds and these get reserved well in advance. For 48 miles, this road runs from Estes Park in the east to Grand Lake in the west. Trail Ridge Road winds high into the Rockies, taking visitors into the treeless tundra. Ranking of the top 16 things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. 10.4 miles, strenuous, 6 to 8 hours. How likely is someone to get altitude sickness at RMNP? And you must have really been moving to catch sunrise at Chasm Lake. 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. Colorado Springs. Park at Bear Lake Trailhead. Running north to south through the park is the Continental Divide and the highest mountain peaks. Rocky Mountain National Park's 4 Neighborhoods to Stay in. Rocky Mountain National Park Is A National Treasure. You can hike here from Glacier Gorge or Bear Lake Trailhead. For the "Park Access, Does Not Include Bear Lake Road" Timed Entry Permits, they will be in effect between the hours of 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. South Saint Vrain Ave/Hwy 7. Chasm Lake. 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. 800-715-HIKE (4453) (9-4:30 Every Day) Top Rated On . With its short distance and manageable elevation gain, it is a great first hike in the park, as you acclimate to the higher elevation. The One Subscription to Fuel All Your Adventures. Deer mountain Alpine ridge trail Trail ridge drive Ute trail to tomb bridge Alberta falls Nymph, dream and emerald lake Haiyaha Bear lake Sprague lake loop sheep lakes lily lake loop chasm falls Gem lake Mills lake, Rocky Mountain is very safe for a solo traveler and yes, in the mornings, there will be people on these trails. You will need a Bear Lake Road Corridor + Full Park Access Timed Entry Ticket (Park Access +)for this day. Your email address will not be published. The last stretch to Wild Basin is a narrow, gravel road that becomes one lane in places, so it is not appropriate to bring your RV. Pre-hike fuel: Near the main junction in Estes, hit up Notchtop . In the summer months, the best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park are hiking, driving Trail Ridge Road, taking a stroll around Bear Lake, driving Old Fall River Road, and mountaineering. They are also happy to answer quick questions, but you have to keep them very short as there will almost certainly be others waiting behind you. Pssst. They said if you skip bear corridor, timed entry is only needed between 9a-3p. The park is quieter and with the snow, it is a winter wonderland. Where to Stay Near Rocky Mountain National Park? Our website uses cookies. The Wild Basin entrance is located 13.5 miles south of Estes Park just off of scenic highway 7. ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK: For a full list of our Rocky Mountain National Park articles, plus important planning tips, check out our Rocky Mountain National Park Travel Guide. Take your pick from one, two, three, and four bedroom houses that come equipped with a full kitchen. It is situated on the north side of Moraine Park. Or is it pretty bad and long lasting? Odessa and Fern Lakes. So if i leave Estes at 4.30a I think i should be past that entrance by 4.45a or so and can avoid having to buy the time entry correct? Otherwise you'll need to login the day before and try to obtain one of the limited entry passes with . Bodies of Water. Many of the taller peaks make up the Continental Divide, where snowmelt runs . When to Visit. Visiting RMNP from Breckenridge regardless of which entrance you use is not ideal. The Information Office is open year-round: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. daily in summer; 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Mondays - Fridays and 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Saturdays - Sundays in winter. And if you hike fast, you should have no problem getting to all 3 lakes on Tuesday afternoon. Trailhead Location. Get answers to your questions about Rocky Mountain Do's and Don'ts When Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park, Timed Entry FAQ's and Explaining the Bear Lake Corridor. Plus, this is a lesser known hike, so the trail gets a lower number of hikers than other hikes on this list. Cascade Cottages & Colorado Cottages. Timed Entry Ticket: You will need a Bear Lake Road Corridor + Full Park Access permit (Park Access +) if you plan to hike Sky Pond, Hallett Peak, or Mills and Black Lake. If the weather was clear yesterday, and you drove Trail Ridge Road, I recommend doing another hike this morning. Rocky Mountain National Park operates on a timed permit entry system during the summer (May to October), and entry to the park during every season requires a $30 vehicle entrance pass. You spend very little time below the tree line, so the views are incredible for most of the hike. Or visit recreation.gov to make your reservation. This has been implemented to limit crowds at the busiest sections of the park during the peak visitation season (the summer months). If you love lakes you'll like this hike. Because the entrance is so accessible from Estes Park and open year round, it is the most popular. Chasm Lake | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. Emerald lake lays below Hallett peak, Tyndall glacier, and Flattop mountain. To stay safe, start your hike early in the day so that you are finished, or at least below the tree line, by 1 pm. This hike starts just under 12,000 feet of elevation and it is a stair climb to the top. Fall River Visitor Center features life-sized displays of a wide variety of park wildlife. Fern Lake | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. 1-Day Pass - Automobile - $25. During the busy summer months, a free shuttle service is provided by the national park service. One Perfect Day in Rocky Mountain National Park. Length: 5.2 miles round-trip. Lake of Glass, seen on the hike to Sky Pond. The Fall River entrance also has three entry booths and can sometimes be a faster way to enter the park when it is busy. this is a great place to stay when you visit Rocky Mountain National Park. For reference, we live in Maryland, visited RMNP as our first Colorado park last summer, hiked to Emerald Lake and Fern Lake on our first day here, and had no issues whatsoever. 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. Its a very short hike (just over a half-mile round trip), but it will literally take your breath away. This hike is much different than many other hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. 4. BTW I reach Denver around 12.30pm on a Tuesday in mid August, that puts me in Estes Park area at about 3:30pm (waiting for rental/lunch/traffic). All entrances into Rocky Mountain National Park require entrance fees, even the ones that don't have a physical entrance to drive through. I definitely recommend Lassen NP if you havent been there. Learn more on the official National Park Service website. The Continental Divide Trail to Mount Ida. In fact, it is such a popular place to visit that you now need a timed entry permit to enter. Suggestions for this weekend Nov 03, 2022. A Quick Geography Lesson. The stark colors of the evergreen trees and the sparkling high-mountain waters combine for picture perfect vistas. This hiker shuttle take visitors to some of the most popular trails along Bear Lake Road. 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. For many visitors, the winter months are their favorite time to visit RMNP. You'll either need to pay an entrance fee or use a National Parks Pass to enter. Ascending only 700 feet over 3 miles, this is a great introduction to moderate hiking in the park. Lake Estes | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. Estes Park to the Alpine Visitor Centre distance. Serving the park at the entrance stations and visitor centers are a group of dedicated full time and seasonal rangers and volunteers. 3.1 miles (5 km). For those with an interest in historical sites, make sure you visit the Holzwarth Historical Site and learn more about the life of Colorado homesteaders. Note: You do not need a 44 for this drive. They can linger into September, when fall colors continue to attract visitors and hikers. The only first-come, first-served Rocky Mountain National Park campgrounds in the park, Longs Peak Campground, has 26 sites and charges $26 per night. 1,400 feet (426 m)of elevation gain. There are sixty mountain peaks over 12,000 feet and many of these top out over 13,000 feet. $35 per vehicle, valid for one week. Dream Lake | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. Also, it can snow every month of the year in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. 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. Take a 0.4-mile detour to Lake Haiyaha for an added bonus. From $73.48 per night. What do you think about Deer Mtn, Mills Lake and Loch Vale [sp?]. 7.4 miles (12 km). The map above displays the main entrances, campgrounds, lodging options, and locations for the best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. Located outside Estes Park, Colorado, Rocky Mountain is a great family vacation . In July, we hiked through a snowstorm on the way back from Sky Pond. Best nearby. Julie Last updated: February 23, 2023 United States 61 Comments. RMNP in February Dec 18, 2022. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. There are pull outs along the road for viewing but can get busy during the day so head . Hiking poles can help you keep your balance in the snow. The Finch Lake trail is a great choice for those who prefer solitude as it's one of the lesser traveled trails in the Wild Basin region of RMNP. For hikers, its the ultimate adventure. Most recently, in 2020, we spent one very busy week here, and learned a lot about this park. I was able to snag early AM Bear lake for 3/4 days i am going to be at the park (believe it or not, i snagged it from atop Lassen peak which was the only place i got 5g !!). This route will lead you up past the Stanley Hotel. See five lakes in one hike. For now, the forecast does call for afternoon thunderstorms from what i can see on weather.com, It depends. Alpine Ridge Road reaches its highest point at 12,183 feet. The larger portion of the park sits to the south of Trail Ridge Road. However, this property gets rave reviews. Its time for an amazing scenic drive in RMNP. Since I like to hike, I am guessing maybe 3 solid days? To reserve a campsite at Elk Meadow Lodge & RV Park, call (970) 586-5342. This entrance station gives you access to the Aspenglen Campground, Horseshoe Park, Old Fall River Road, and Trail Ridge Road. Do 4 days if you canthere are a LOT of hikes to choose from here. If you plan to hike Sky Pond, Mills Lake, or Black Lake later in this itinerary, you will pass Alberta Falls, so there is no need to hike to it today. Download the official NPS app before your next visit. If so, you need one for each day that you plan to visit RMNP. All offer bookstores and much printed information to supplement the knowledgeable staff. This hike starts at Bear Lake and summits Flattop Mountain before arriving at Hallett Peak. Have a great time in RMNP! If you have any questions about planning your Rocky Mountain National Park itinerary, let us know in the comment section below. Sky Pond. MESA VERDE: Learn about the best things to do and how to plan your visit in our Guide to Mesa Verde National Park. 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. Rocky Mountain National Park, located in northern Colorado, encompasses an area of 416 square miles (265,769 acres). Do you think this is doable? Typically this road12,183 feet at it's highest point, remains closed from late-October to late-May. If you are planning your Rocky Mountain National Park itinerary, this is a great place to start. 1000 US Hwy 36 Stop by the Kawuneeche Visitor Center near the Grand Lake Entrance to get more information. Lake Haiyaha | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. Old Fall River Road | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. The Stanley Hotel. 3. After the trail split, the hike gets easier and the views of Longs Peak and the alpine landscape is jaw-dropping. Sometimes, when the permits open up, you just have to grab them, no matter where you are in the world (we got our Narrows permit for Zion while rock climbing Svolvaergeita in Norway ). It is a common misconception that there are fee-free entrances into the Park. The west side (Grand Lake side) is more about the Kawuneeche Valley and the Colorado River. Hiking poles are a good idea for some of the tougher hikes (Sky Pond, Chasm Lake) if you have knee issues or if there is snow on the trail. When Trail Ridge Road closes, there will be no access to the west side of the park, if you are staying in Estes Park. View from Mount Ida | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. In July I will be doing Glacier NP so the hikes there should warm me up for RMNP QQ For RMNP, I noticed you mentioned the need for the extra pass (outside of America the beautiful) Are those passes setup in a way that they last 3 straight days (like how Yosemite or Glacier) or just limited to one day? Should I spend my time on the east side or the west side of the park? If you had afternoon thunderstorms on Day One, drive Trail Ridge Road in the morning. If you think you can go farther, and if skies are clear, consider going all of the way to Sky Pond.