There is a large parking lot here but it can fill up by 9 am, so get here early, not only to get a parking spot, but to also avoid the large crowds on the trail. If you plan to hike on Earth Day, trails such as Chasm Lake, Sky Pond and Flattop Mountain are in winter conditions, and there's 5 to 6 feet of snow at Bear Lake, according to a RMNP spokesperson. Allowing you to find yourself some complete mountain solitude on this trail. Ida. Parking and entering is free, and dogs are allowed on leash in the area. before reaching the top, hikers will climb 1,000 feet in elevation, making this Be sure to start early in the morning during summer months to avoid afternoon thunderstorms, pack a lunch or snack and wear layers! Access both points of interest from the Glacier Gorge Trailhead off of Bear Lake Road in Rocky Mountain National Park, following the Loch Vale Trail to the Andrews Creek Trail. Instead, it Distance: 7.4 miles Difficulty: Moderate Length of Time: 4 to 5 hours Location: Eastern Rocky Mountain National Park, near Lily Lake, Twin Sisters | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, Longs Peak from Twin Sisters | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Option:Continue along the Finch Lake Trail an additional two miles to reach Pear Lake, once a man-made reservoir, where you can explore the bathtub rings' of the shoreline. Last week of May Apr But this is a tough hike. This trailhead is free to park and enter, but it is just a small pull-off on Highway 7 so parking can be limited. Angler Chris Atkins of Allendale, Mich., fly fishes on a pristine meandering stream inside Rocky Mountain National Park, near Estes Park, Colo., on Aug. 4, 2016. heads up a gully that leads to the summit. This trail is not paved (its a gravel trail for most of its length) but it is considered handicap accessible. 500 Big Thompson Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517 | 970-577-9900, Colorado State Special District Records Management. Gem Lake:One of the most popular hikes in the Estes Valley, the Gem Lake Trail starts at the Lumpy Ridge Trailhead in Rocky Mountain National Park north of Estes Park off of Devil's Gulch Road. Hello Matt. No matter what you plan to do while in Missoula, these Airbnbs can complete the puzzle for a perfect escape. What could be simpler than strapping on a pair of good boots and heading out to see, hear, feel and experience nature? To avoid getting caught in a thunderstorm, the easiest solution is to begin your hike in the early morning, so you are hiking out by the time these storms have a chance to show up. This option is 10.7 miles in all, so be prepared. How to Use This Map: Click the icons on the map to get more information about each point of interest. For the entire hike, you are walking along the alpine tundra, with unobstructed views of Longs Peak, Forest Canyon, and the Continental Divide. Like Bear Lake, it is an easy hike to get here. Major construction has begun at the Fall River Entrance with only one lane available to enter. If the parking lot is full, park in the large parking lot at the end of Bear Lake Road. Then, pick the day with the clearest weather forecast, get a very early start (many hikers begin at 3 or 4 am), and keep your fingers crossed that afternoon thunderstorms dont come rumbling through the park. While we will spend at least one day in RMNP, we want to do some more hiking but hopefully without the crowds in the park. Rocky Mountain National Park is best seen from a hiking trail. In Rocky Mountain National Park, hiking is the number-one activity. The views across the park are incredible. This is our favorite short, easy hike in the park. Also check out our guide to 10 epic things to do in RMNP as well! Distance: 1.7 miles Difficulty: Easy Length of Time: 1 to 1.5 hours Location: Glacier Gorge parking lot on Bear Lake Road. Once you reach Fern Lake Trailhead, you can turn around to double your mileage or hop on the shuttle to get back to your car at Bear Lake. Guide to the Best Day Hikes in the US National Parks. Rocky Mountain National Park has 355 miles of hiking trails. Wildlife is quite abundant here; you can find deer, elk, black bears, foxes, coyotes, and even wild turkeys. New Google Maps features aim to make navigating National Park trails a bit easier, Spinney Mountain Reservoir announces opening, boating will not be allowed, National Park Week: What you need to know, May 26 through Oct. 22, 2023, visitors will be required to obtain a. Cheers, Julie. This is the shortest, most popular hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. trailhead. Through this post, I have come to know a lot more about these adventurous hiking trails in Rockey Mountain National Park. WebEasy Rocky Mountain National Park Hikes: Rocky Mountain National Park Hikes with Kids Bear Lake Nature Trail Emerald Lake Trail Coyote Valley Nature Trail Alpine Ridge Trail Alberta Falls Trail Adams Falls Trail Other Easy RMNP Hiking Trails Hiking in RMNP with Older Kids Best Rocky Mountain National Park Viewpoints In the morning, this can be a beautiful place to watch the sunrise. Along the way, youll also get a birds eye view of Emerald Lake! When we did this, we saw lots of elk, some of them males with enormous antlers. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. At just over a half of a mile, round trip, this hike sounds easy. Not only have wildfires damaged homesteads in this area, but the trail was also taken out in 2013 by flooding and was reopened in 2017. Since this trail does take you into Rocky Mountain National Park, you will have to follow Park rules. The hike gains 1,180 feet in elevation with the highest point being 9,786 feet. Panoramic views and access to many other great peaks lure hikers up this mountain in the middle of the park. While it is a popular trail, youll likely find spaces available early-mid morning. http://www.protrails.com/area/5/indian-peaks-wilderness-area-james-peak-wilderness-area, This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. terrain ending with spectacular views of Notchtop and Little Matterhorn. No, not the same Donner Pass that led to the historic Donner Partys tragic demise. All great (especially sky pond). perfect view of Estes Park and the high peaks that surround the area, from This Rocky Mountain National Park hike climbs steadily the whole way with a steeper trail over the last quarter mile. If you are looking for a short, easy hike, How to Hike the Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge, How to Hike to Nymph, Dream & Emerald Lakes (+ Add on Bear Lake and Lake Haiyaha), panoramic views of Longs Peak and Estes Park, How to Hike the Continental Divide Trail to Mt Ida. Cheers, Julie. Elevation Gain: 1,100 ft. There is never a boring moment on this trail. Sprague Lake:A second wheelchair accessible, looped trail to explore is the Sprague Lake Nature Trail. Distance: 0.6 miles round-trip Length of Time: 30 minutes Difficulty: Easy Location: This hike starts at the Bear Lake Trailhead, located at the very end of Bear Lake Road. This is a hike that we did on our first trip to You can find her on Instagram at @aka_dmoney. This is our favorite short, easy hike in the park. While we will spend at least one day in RMNP, we want to do some more hiking but hopefully without the crowds in the park. Loop the lake or head Thanks for all you do! Book a weekend stay in one of these unique vacation rentals, and you'll quickly see how Montana earned its nickname of the Big Sky State. This hike starts at the Glacier Gorge Trailhead. Black Lake and Mills Lake are often labeled as two of the prettiest lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Depending on conditions, technical equipment is typically recommended for safe climbing. From short, easy strolls around lakes, to ridgeline trails with panoramic views, to challenging but epic climbs to the tallest mountain peaks, there truly is something here for everyone. loop is just under one mile and is relatively flat, making it an easy addition as the trail can be hard to follow. Expect some scramble as you approach the summit. Located in Hermit Park, an open space just outside Estes Park, the Kruger Rock Trail is one of the best hikes in the area for families and dogs. Theres an old-fashioned outhouse at the top of the trailhead, so be sure to stop in before you head back down. If you have hiked in the northern Colorado area before, youve probably been warned about frequent afternoon thunderstorms during the summer months. But trust us, the challenge is worth it! You can also replay recent newscasts and find videos on demand of our top stories, local politics, investigations and Colorado specific features. Gem Lake | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Of course, guides also ensure that you make it home safely and before dinner time - more added value. If you are not acclimated to the higher elevation, its normal to get out of breath very easily. Park along Wonderview Avenue, across from the Stanley Hotel to access this trail. This is one of the easier lake hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. They can provide advice about trails which are appropriate to different fitness and experience levels. There are three ways to hike to Fern Lake. https://trails.colorado.gov/, The Indian Peaks Wilderness is huge and the hikes are spectacular. To view it on your phone or computer, open Google Maps, click the menu button, go to Your Places, click Maps, and you will see this map on your list. West northwest wind 6 to 8 mph becoming east southeast in the afternoon. If this is part of a bigger road trip through the USA, visit our United States Travel Guide for more inspiration and travel planning tips. Add on to your hike with the Sprague Lake loop. The summit of Mt. Honestly, this is not the most exciting hike on the list. Longs Peak:The ultimate mountain challenge, this famous 14-er will test your skills. What a great place to live! This premium paved trail takes you on a grand exploration of the lake and a 365-degree visual tour of the Estes Valley landscape. Oregons picturesque coastline features a unique, alternating combination of rocky headlands and sandy coves formed by millions of years of wave erosion. Related Read:11 Beautiful National Forests in Colorado for Outdoor Recreation. Located in Hermit Park, an open space just outside Estes Park, the Kruger Rock Trail is one of the best hikes in the area for families and dogs. For the final mile of this hike, you are treated to breathtaking views of Longs Peak, Columbine Falls, Peacock Pond, and finally Chasm Lake. This journey involves a slight, 780-foot incline. There are three ways to hike to Fern Lake. Trailhead Location. Hike up through thick forest, listen to trickling waterfalls, then walk through high alpine meadows until you find yourself at the famous Walker and Griffith homesteads. As one of the most difficult and also most rewarding hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, this trail is more suitable for experienced hikers. Sky Pond is one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park for good reason. To get here, you will take Devils Gulch Road to Lumpy Ridge Road. For very little effort, the views you get are unbelievable. Apr 12, 2023 Bustang Seasonal Services: Estes Park (RMNP) June 2023 Apr 08, 2023 Reservation The ever changing views and trail conditions really keep this hike interesting. accessible hikes outside of Rocky Mountain National Park. Olympus is challenging, but They allow you to hydrate, fuel up and enjoy the scenery. Don't be ashamed to take breaks. This hike feels tough, a combination of the high elevation with the long stair climb. Our rustic-style cabins embrace the Colorado mountain spirit with convenient amenities including full kitchens, living areas, outdoor space, and scenic views. Why you should go: Experience the charm of Estes Park and take a stroll around its namesake. So, climb those stairs, catch your breath if you need to, and enjoy the awesome view from the top. TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY: For more information about the camera gear we carry, check out our Travel Photography Gear Guide. WebTimber Creek Chalets With Hot Tubs by Rocky Mountain Resorts puts you just a 5-minute drive from Rocky Mountain National Park. The journey will take you 4.6 miles and over 2,000 feet in elevation. is a distinctive landmark from several locations in town. Information on hiking around Estes Park, including outfitters and guided hikes, can be found in theHikingsection. Distance: 9 miles Difficulty: Strenuous Length of Time: 4 to 6 hours Location: Longs Peak Trailhead, which is located at the end of Longs Peak Road on the east side of RMNP. ESTES PARK, Colo. Did you know that Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) encompasses 415 square miles (265,807 acres)? This hike is much different than many other hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Dogs, unfortunately, are not allowed on trails. While there are plenty of trails to explore inside Rocky Mountain National Park, there are many outside the parks boundaries that are just as beautiful. Starting at the Finch Lake Trailhead, follow the trail 4.5 miles, up 1,442 feet to the lake. The Located in Roosevelt National Forest, this is a popular and relatively short trail used for backpacking. Parking for this trail can be tricky. Getting an early start and carefully planning your route are important to making it off the peak before the afternoon showers (and lightening) tend to strike. Bear Lake | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Here are 15 of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. 500 Big Thompson Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517 | 970-577-9900, Colorado State Special District Records Management, official Rocky Mountain National Park website. With its short distance and manageable elevation gain, it is a great first hike in the park, as you acclimate to the higher elevation (if you havent already spent some time in the Rocky Mountains). ESTES PARK: In our Guide to Estes Park, learn about where to stay, where to eat, and what to do. home with Valhalla Resort! This challenging hike starts at Bear Lake and rapidly gains elevation once you are on the Flattop Mountain Trail. The parks famous Trail Ridge Road runs between the towns of Estes Park and Grand Lake, topping out at more than 12,000 feet in elevation. This trail is in Roosevelt National Forest, so it is open year-round and is a popular winter trail here if you have micro-spikes or something similar. Chasm Lake | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. We have compiles a short list of hikes at a variety of skill levels, so you can find the perfect trail adventure for you. LEARN MORE: How to Hike to Nymph, Dream & Emerald Lakes (+ Add on Bear Lake and Lake Haiyaha). They find ample opportunities in Estes Park thanks to trails in Rocky Mountain National Park and the national forest lands. Option:Another mile up the trail is Odessa Lake, offering an additional target for those with more time and energy. There is a small entrance fee you will have to pay, and dogs are allowed in the park on leash. It follows a wooden trail in the southernmost part of RMNP. WebRide above the tundra line near the glaciers. Seen in: Colorado, Colorado Hiking, Hike, Rockies. It also makes a nice acclimatization hike if you just arrived in Colorado and want to warm up your legs and cardio system, before tackling hikes like Chasm Lake, Flattop Mountain, or Mt. Date Released If you want a short, easy hike, we recommend Tombstone Ridge (this makes a great add-on to your scenic drive along Trail Ridge Road) or Nymph, Dream, and Emerald Lakes. This is the shortest, most popular hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. 3. Run along river paths or head towards mountain summits. This part of the hike is tough as you are hiking over very rugged terrain. Of course, you dont have to hike all of the way to Emerald Lake. Discover old mine shafts and hike a 1/4 mile to the top of the continental divide. If you have been hiking in Glacier National Park, this hike looks very similar to the Grinnell Glacier hike. WebSuggested Hikes - Rocky Mountain National Park (U.S. National Park Service) Rocky Mountain National Park Colorado NPS.gov Park Home Plan Your Visit Things To Do Dogs are allowed (on leash) on this trail. The trail crosses this creek several times, so come prepared with waterproof hiking shoes or Chacos! Distance: 10 miles Difficulty: Moderate Length of Time: 5 to 7 hours Location: Glacier Gorge Trailhead on Bear Lake Road, Mills Lake | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Trail Ridge Road is also still closed for the season. For starters, this Rocky Mountain National Park hike has the highest summit in the area. Gem Lake is a short but strenuous hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. Cheers, Julie. Glacier Creek thunders down this spectacular waterfall that ranks as one of the park's more popular hiking destinations. Download the official NPS app before your next visit. At roughly three miles into the hike, you will reach Mills Lake. Bierstadt Lake offers amazing alpine lake views and abundant chances to see wildlife up close without venturing too far. 2023 The Group, Inc. All rights reserved, The 10 Best Off-Road Trails in Northern Colorado, The 9 Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park to See Fall Colors, The Best Outdoor and Indoor Places to Go Rock Climbing in Northern Colorado. The Emerald Lake hike is a family friendly hike and it also makes a great intro to hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park. Why you should go: Experience true solitude and adventure on this all-encompassing loop that takes you through Rocky Mountain National Parks untouched northeast corner. For most of this hike you are entirely within a pine forest, so the views are rather lackluster for much of the hike. If you are staying in Estes Park, it is a 20-minute drive to get here. Once you reach Chasm Lake, your workout is rewarded with a jaw-dropping view of Longs Peak. But this trail will make you sweat! WebTimber Creek Chalets With Hot Tubs by Rocky Mountain Resorts puts you just a 5-minute drive from Rocky Mountain National Park. Hermit Park is an Open Space located right outside Estes Park. You will get occasional glimpses of Longs Peak early on during the hike, but for the most part, you will have to wait until you reach the summit for the best views. Make your home away from Estes Park: the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park is a small mountain town packed with history and charm. This infamous hotel is said to have inspired Stephen Kings The Shining, and is one of the top places to visit during your stay in Estes Park. Elk, waterfowl and even beaver often can bespottedalong this popular trail. Additional information on these trails can be found atPoudreWildernessVolunteers.org. Sisters, and downtown Estes Park. For scenic walks or hiking in the national park, please visit ourRocky Mountain National Parksection. Old Man Mountain is a This is exactly the information I needed about each hike! Access one of the most Find details in thewinter hikingsection. Bierstadt Lake is a family favorite! Once at the waterfall, you can explore the short trails along Glacier Creek to find your favorite view of the waterfall. After an initial steep climb, the trail levels out to a more moderate terrain, all the while showcasing sweeping views of the village of Estes Park and the lofty mountains of Rocky Mountain National Park. Chasm Lake is one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. For currenttrail conditionsand more information on trails and hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park, please visitNPS.gov/ROMO. Youll be glad you did. For much of the hike you are walking along the Continental Divide. If this is your first day at RMNP, and one of your first days in Colorado, be prepared to take a few breaks. There is no defined trail, so the scramble The view of Longs Peak and the Keyboard of the Winds from Mills Lake is one of Rocky's finest. If you plan to visit the park during the summer months, you will also need to reserve your timed permit in advance. Unlike other parts of Rocky Mountain National Park that are consistently busy and packed with people, the Lumpy Ridge area does not immediately connect with any trails that are popular among National Park hikers. View from Deer Mountain | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Have you hiked this?. Its nearby neighbors of Bear Lake, Emerald Lake, and Dream Lake get a lot more visitors, so if you are looking for a relatively uncrowded trail with the chance to visit multiple alpine lakes, this is a nice hike to consider. Glass Lake | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, Sky Pond | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. If you are hiking through a canyon or in a pass that blocks your surrounding view, it is very easy to get caught in a very serious situation. Be sure to dress in layers. These moderate day hikes provide big views for a relatively short time on the trail. Related Read:9 Estes Park Cabins with Hot Tubs for Soakin in the Mountains, 10 Best Hikes in Colorado Springs, Colorado. 80517. Honorable mention: Deer Mountain Trail is a good hike for early in the season because it's relatively snow-free due to its southern exposure. A 20 From flat strolls to steep climbs, RMNP has tons of hiking options for all levels. Located in town, Lake Estes is From the Bear Lake Trailhead, follow signs to Alberta Falls. Title. Bring plenty of water, even if you think you're used to the altitude. Estes Park, While there is a slight incline of 968 feet, there are some rather steep spots. Next day, hire a tour to take you up over the Continental Divide. And for Rocky Mountain National Park, it is. Why you should go: Hike up to one of the most accessible alpine lakes in the Estes Park area! Ida. This was one of our favorite hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park and we highly recommend it. Enjoy beautiful views of Climb through aspen Enjoy beautiful flowers, romantic waterfalls and relaxing parks as you travel the downtown Riverwalk. Recorded Trail Ridge Road status: (970) 586-1222. Hiking. From meadows to alpine lakes to towering mountain peaks, there is something for everyone to discover during their time visiting the park. Moraine Park Loop 7. Nymph and Dream Lakes are beautiful, so you will have a wonderful hike if you choose to turn around at Dream Lake. Along the way, youll also pass the historic MacGregor Ranch, views of Longs Peak, and Paul Bunyans Boot, a huge boot-shaped rock with a hole through it. Ida on day 3. The outdoor pool is a great spot for a Best of all, it's practically in our backyard. If you are new to the park consult with rangers at the visitor centers and backcountry office. Recently Updated Distance: 9.8 miles Difficulty: Strenuous Length of Time: 4.5 to 6.5 hours Location: Poudre Lake/Milner Pass on Trail Ridge Road, 4.5 miles south of the Alpine Visitor Center, Continental Divide Trail | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Take a Day Hike Near Estes Park The Rocky Mountains have over 300 miles of trails. Fishing is also allowed in the lake and both the pier and trail are wheelchair accessible. Remember that hiking in Rocky consists mostly of people (or horses) only, so try the national forest for hiking with your canine companion. 8:49 pm. Just about four miles round trip, the out-and-back trail is relatively flat, but includes a few steep stretches and a rock scramble at the end so you can still get a good workout. Arguably the easiest hike in Rocky Mountain National Park (next to Sprague Lake), youll be granted extraordinary views of Bear Lake and the nearby peaks just minutes from the parking lot. However, if you want to hike a lower-traffic trail that is just a short drive from Estes Park, this is a nice one to consider. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. Along the route, youll pass four picturesque mountain lakes and Fern Falls, a jaw-dropping, 60-foot waterfall! Tip:Look for a unique rock formation along the way, known as Paul Bunyan's Boot; it looks like a boot with a hole in the sole.Option:If you want to make a day of it, the Lumpy Ridge loop continues past Gem Lake, looping around the Cow Creek and the Black Canyon Trails. There is also a Colorado specific site that is great for maps but doesnt have as many trail reports as Alltrails. Hike to Emerald Lake Emerald Lake The hike to Emerald Lake is a popular and gorgeous hike 30 minutes Best hiked in March-September, Lily Mountain Trail is a great way to start or end a day exploring Estes Park. Note: All distances are round-trip. Located on the eastern edge of Rocky Mountain National Park, you get panoramic views of Longs Peak and Estes Park from the top of the Twin Sisters Peaks. Distance: 4 miles Difficulty: Easy to moderate Length of Time: 1.5 to 3 hours Location: Ute Trailhead on Trail Ridge Road, 7 miles east of the Alpine Visitor Center, Tombstone Ridge | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. The Conference is held in partnership with the American Trail Running Association. Visit our Colorado Travel Guide for more things to do in Colorado. Located south of Estes Park in Rocky Mountain National Park, this trail is easy to access directly along Highway 7. This easy Rocky Mountain National Park hike provides alpine tundra views without all the climbing required on other trails. Distance: 9.5 miles Difficulty: Strenuous Length of Time: 4 to 6 hours Location: Glacier Gorge Trailhead on Bear Lake Road. Along the way, guests can stop at various businesses toshop,grab a bitein an open-air caf and even sample somelocal wine. The steep elevation gain is what deters most people, but dont be discouraged! Black Lake Hiking Trail 3. If you have limited time, I recommend driving Trail Ridge Road and hiking Tombstone on day 1, Sky Pond on day 2, and then Chasm Lake or Hallet Peak or Mt. Distance: 0.6 miles Difficulty: Easy Length of Time: 30 minutes Location: Alpine Visitor Center on Trail Ridge Road. the hub for many of the towns recreational activities. You dont even have to hike the entire 4 miles. hike to the top requires some scrambling before reaching a wide-open, rocky Rocky MountainNational Park Travel Guide. The trail also connects to the downtown Riverwalk and the Estes Valley trails system that takes you through Stanley Park, near the fairgrounds, and farther south along Fish Creek Road. 8:49 pm Early May best route to Estes Park 4:14 pm 6-7 nights in Estes park yesterday Last week of May Apr 21, 2023 Hiking in RMNP Apr 20, 2023 Stanley Hotel and park entrance? As the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, this charming Rocky Mountain village offers hiking options in every direction and all just minutes from downtown. As part of the Hermit Park The Walker and Griffith homesteads and cabins will be the first that you come to; you can go further and find the Irvin homestead and sawmill, Laycock, Hill, and Boren Homesteads. Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park 1. Hi guys I am a big fan and lived by your Sedona hikes. For much of the hike you are walking along the Continental Divide. But the whole reason to do this hike is for the view of Sky Pond, one of the most spectacular lakes in the park. You can either hike to Fern Lakes and Odessa Lake as a point-to-point hike, starting at Bear Lake and ending at Moraine Park (or vice versa). You can learn more about our editorial policies, 11 Beautiful National Forests in Colorado for Outdoor Recreation, 9 Estes Park Cabins with Hot Tubs for Soakin in the Mountains, 12 Best Airbnb Rentals in Montana for a Unique Mountain Getaway, 10 Relaxing Cabin Rentals in Breckenridge, Colorado, Back Way to Cathedral Rock: How to Hike it + Where to Grub & Catch Some Zs Nearby, 9 Best Airbnbs & Vacation Rentals in Missoula, Montana, 20 Incredible Hikes in Southern California. Perfect for groups with people at different skill levels. Bus to Nederland from Boulder, then take the Hessie Trailhead Shuttle. Have saved for later when we can go again. Yes, it is on the long side and it can be challenging, but you get a great pay-off at the end, with the jaw-dropping view of Sky Pond. Reply Report inappropriate content 3 replies to this topic 1-3 of 3 Because youll be traveling through alpine tundra, be sure to bring layers! Winter hiking in Rocky can be quite different. To download 9NEWS+ on Fire TV search for 9NEWS. Continental Divide, including Hallett Peak, Taylor Peak, and Flattop Mountain Hike with a friend. Ida), Chasm Lake (another gorgeous lake hike), and Tombstone Ridge (its short, its easy, the views are amazing, and most people can handle this hike). As one of the most beautiful and satisfying sights in Rocky Mountain National Park, the trek to Ouzel Falls is a must. Trails at higher elevations might still have ice or snow due to how early in the season it is. Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com. Head south to view what is known as "The Knoll," a lookout to downtown and site of ruins from a stone cabin built in 1907. 9NEWS+ is where you can watch live breaking news, weather updates, and press conferences. Whatever your plans, be sure to take a ride on the Estes Park Aerial Tramway up to the summit of Prospect Mountain for stunning views over the valley.