When I first visited Rocky Mountain National Park, I had no idea how many trails (and alpine lakes!) were in the park as they’re not so obvious along the main road. My first few visits involved a lot of driving around observing the wildlife and while that was amazing, (as it wasn’t uncommon for me to see 4+ moose every time I visited) I started wondering where all the trails were because I wanted to explore deeper into this park.
With Rocky Mountain NP only an hour drive from me, I decided to make it a regular trip on the weekends to see more!
Here are some of my favorite hikes in RMNP:
Best Small Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park:
1. Bear Lake Nature Trail:
Miles: 0.7 Elevation: 49 ft Rating: easy
This trail is a beautiful, quick loop that is paved making it mostly wheelchair and stroller accessible. The views surrounding the lake are what you expect of the rockies: tall, rigid, beautiful mountains. It’s a perfect spot to stop at and set up a picnic! It is, however, often pretty crowded so I would recommend visiting early in the morning or during the week if possible.
2. Alpine Ridge Trail:
Miles: 0.7 Elevation: 147 ft Rating: easy
This trail sits over 12,000ft so dress warm, even in the summer where the wind can still be chilly! This short out and back trail gives you a stunning overlook of the park with the chance of viewing marmots hiding in rocks, colorful wildflowers, and other common alpine wildlife! It is paved, however, there are lots of stairs to climb!
3. Adam Falls Trail:
Miles: 0.8 Elevation: 108 ft Rating: easy
This trail, located near Grand Lake, is also a beautiful, short loop that features a small waterfall. This trail is usually busy due to its accessibility so early mornings and weekdays are recommended!
4. Sprague Lake Trail:
Miles: 0.8 Elevation: 39 ft Rating: easy
This lake trail has stunning views of the sharp-edged mountains. There’s plenty of benches near the lake to sit, have lunch, and enjoy the views. It’s also stroller and wheelchair friendly so everyone can enjoy it.
5. Lily Lake Trail:
Miles: 0.8 Elevation: 36 ft Rating: easy
Lily Lake is a popular loop that booms with wildflowers in the spring and summer and is great for fishing. Like many of the other trails, this one is paved making it kid and wheelchair-friendly.
6. Irene Lake Trail:
Miles: 0.8 Elevation: 85 ft Rating: easy
I wanted to throw in a lake trail that usually isn’t as busy for those that want a short loop trail but also prefer to avoid the big crowds when visiting natural areas. This trail is located closer to Grand Lake and sits at 10,600 ft with beautiful mountainous views all the way around making it worth visiting!
Best Medium Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park:
7. Four Lakes Loop:
Miles: 5.6 Elevation: 368 ft Rating: moderate
This loop includes Bear Lake, Nymph Lake, Dream Lake, and Lake Haiyaha, as well as Alberta Falls! You really can’t beat FOUR alpine lakes in one loop. The views are stunning all the way around! If I were to pick one hike to do in RMNP, this one would be it.
8. Bierstadt Lake Loop:
Miles: 3.2 Elevation: 725 ft Rating: easy to moderate
Bierstadt Lake Loop is a great trail for viewing wildlife, tall mountains, and a massive lake that provides resources to lots of wildlife! You’ll venture through some denser forest built from spruce, lodgepole pine, and fir making it a good trail for bird watching.
9. Ouzel Falls:
Miles: 5.4 Elevation: 870 ft Rating: moderate
Arguably the best waterfall hike in the park! This trail features the beautiful 40-foot waterfall as well as Copeland Falls and Calypso Cascades. This hike booms with wildflowers and wildlife making it feel like a fairyland in the spring and summer. Totally worth the visit!
10. Mills Lake:
Miles: 5.3 Elevation: 780 ft Rating: moderate
A stuuuuning trail that features both a 30-foot waterfall (Alberta falls) as well as a lake! Who doesn’t like a good waterfall and lake combo? This is a great trail to really take your time on and enjoy the journey up!
11. Fern Falls:
Miles: 5.2 Elevation: 700 ft Rating: moderate
Beginning from the Moraine Park area, this trail goes back and forth between mixed, lush aspen and pine forests and big open meadows (my fav). You’ll pass The Pool and big rock arches to eventually reach the 60-foot waterfall. Beeeautiful hike!
Best Long Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park:
12. Sky Pond:
Miles: 9.0 Elevation: 1780 Rating: strenuous
Probably one of, if not, the most popular hike in the park. For good reason though. You’ll hit Alberta Falls, The Loch, Timberline Falls, and Lake of Glass (soo pretty!) all before you make it up to sky pond! It has definitely earned the five stars (out of 2000+) that it has on Alltrails! Beware, scrambling is involved!
13. Chasm Lake:
Miles: 8.5 Elevation: 2500 Rating: strenuous
For those that really like to earn their views, Chasm Lake is perfect for you. This trail is also shared with Long’s Peak, one of Colorado’s famous 14ers, which you’ll be able to see from the lake. The trail can get tricky to find near the top where scrambling begins so it’s best to have a map downloaded to make sure you’re staying on the trail!
14. Continental Divide Trail to Mount Ida:
Miles: 9.6 Elevation: 2465 Rating: strenuous
This hike is stunning as you spend most of the time above the tree line giving you panoramic views of mountain ranges and alpine lakes. However, this is a tough hike where you reach close to 13,000 ft and deal with plenty of sunshine, wind, and be exposed to potential thunderstorms in the summer. Be prepared and start early!
15. Mt. Chapin, Mt. Chiquita & Ypsilon Mountain:
Miles: 8.3 Elevation: 3100 Rating: strenuous
For those that like to chase summits and get a good workout in. This trail is tough and rewarding starting at nearly 11,000 ft and reaching a whopping 13,514 ft when you summit Ypsilon. Beautiful panoramic views above the treeline and a less crowded hike for you to take the views in!
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