Article Overview: Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park
If you’re looking for the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park you’ve come to the right place. I was part of a film crew tasked with shooting the most beautiful places in the park and as a result have hiked nearly every trail in Rocky Mountain.
Situated in the heart of Colorado’s Front Range, Rocky Mountain National Park spans more than 400 square miles of jaw-dropping mountain beauty.
Alpine lakes, panoramic vistas, abundant wildlife, and vast forests comprise this high-elevation wonderland. Rocky Mountain embodies every aspect of “epic”.
Let me tell me you, Rocky Mountain National Park lives up to the hype. There is a caveat however. Nowadays visiting the park and having the best possible time requires some extra planning but not to fear, I’ve got all the details you need here.
Table of Contents: Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park
Table of Contents: Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park
- Rocky Mountain Reservation System
- Bear Lake Road Permit (yep, another permit required)
- Rocky Mountain National Park Shuttle System
- Rocky Mountain National Park Best Hikes
- 1. Nymph, Dream, & Emerald Lakes Hike
- 2. Bear Lake Hike
- 3. Alberta Falls Hike
- 4. Odessa & Fern Lakes Hike
- 5. Boulder Brook Hike
- 6. Alpine Ridge Hike
- 7. Mills Lake Hike
- 8. The Loch Hike
- 9. Sprague Lake Hike
- 10. Upper Beaver Meadows
- Watch the Rocky Mountain National Park Video
- 11. Sky Pond Hike
- 12. Alluvial Fan Hike
- 13. Chasm Lake Hike
- 14. Storm Pass Hike
- 15. Mt Ida Hike
- 16. Longs Peak Hike (Keyhole Route)
- 17. Tombstone Ridge Hike
- 18. Cub Lake Trail Hike
- List of the Top 10 Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park
- Map of the Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain Reservation System
Due to surging demand Rocky Mountain National Park has instituted a timed-entry system.
What this means for you: Visitors trying to access the park between May 28 – October 11 must:
- Obtain a Timed Entry Ticket (follow the link to do so)
- Pay the entry fee for the park (all regular passes are accepted in lieu of payment)
If you plan to visit during a time between October 12 – May 27, these rules does not apply to you and you may enter the park at your leisure.
Bear Lake Road Permit (yep, another permit required)
When you go to the reservation system to obtain your Timed Entry Ticket you will be given two types of permits to choose from (if they’re available).
Option 1 is called Park Access with Bear Lake Road. This permit gives you the ability to access the very popular Bear Lake Road + the rest of the park. Bear Lake Road is the gateway to attractions like Sprague Lake, Storm Pass, Bierdstat Lake, Bear Lake, Dream Lake, Emerald Lake, and more.
Option 2 is called Park Access, No Bear Lake Road which, as it says in the name, includes access to everything in the park except for the Bear Lake Road corridor.
For more information on the system you can check out the NPS Timed Entry page.
Rocky Mountain National Park Shuttle System
Hooray! Rocky Mountain is one of the all too few national parks that offers an alternative transportation system. However, the shuttle is currently only doing park and ride along the Bear Lake Corridor and not from the Estes Park visitor Center.
Here’s a current route map:
For more information on the Rocky Mountain shuttle system check out the NPS shuttle page.
Things to Know Before You Visit Rocky Mountain National Park
Entrance Fees
$30 per vehicle OR if you plan to visit more National Parks within the next 12 months I suggest you go ahead and purchase the America the Beautiful Pass (which can be found at the entrance gates to most national parks). This pass gets you into all National Parks, Forests, Monuments, and more including 2,000 sites for free after a one time $79 fee.
Sunscreen
Use it. Lots of it. Especially this one which I never leave the house without because it plays nice with our dear friend, earth 🙂
Gas
Fuel up fully before you get into the park. Drive times are longer than you might assume because there are no through roads. Drive times from popular destinations can be 3+ hours apart. More on drive times below.
Cell Service
Cell Service is spotty in the park but there is some close to the Estes Park entrance.
Guide Book
The Best Guide Book for Rocky Mountain National Park is this one which we’ve marked up and highlighted quite a bit.
Map
The Best Map: I like this map best for Rocky Mountain National Park.
Water
Drink it. Lots of it. Don’t forget it in the car.
Best Time to Visit Rocky Mountain National Park
The Best Time to Visit Rocky Mountain National Park is during the fall when temperatures are down, crowds have diminished, fall foliage is spectacular, and elk rutting season is on full display.
Maps of the National Parks
National Parks Checklist Map: This beautiful National Parks Checklist Map can be ordered to your house.
Framed National Parks Map: We’re a sucker for maps, this framed national parks map is the best.
Where to Stay in Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park Best Hikes
1. Nymph, Dream, & Emerald Lakes Hike
- Distance: 3.2 miles
- Elevation Gain: 700ft
- Time: 2-3 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
Hiking Emerald Lake Trail
One of the most popular hikes in all of Rocky Mountain National Park is the Nymph, Dream, & Emerald Lakes Hike. This moderate hike starts at the Bear Lake Trailhead and follows Tyndall Creek via the Emerald Lake Trail all the way up to Emerald Lake.
The first lake you’ll see is the smallest of the three, Nymph Lake, which is more like a pond. Dream Lake is a crowd favorite coming next with dramatic views of Flattop Mountain. Finally Emerald Lake appears at the 1.6 mile mark with steep walls all around.
In the winter and early Spring this hike is completely buried in feet of snow. As such it is primarily used as a Summer and Fall hike.
To get the above photo of Emerald Lake I scrambled up the right side of the canyon to a high vantage after reaching the trail’s end. I do not recommend doing this as the rock is loose and the terrain is dangerous.
2. Bear Lake Hike
- Distance: .7 mile
- Elevation Gain: Minimal
- Time: 1 hour
- Difficulty: Easy
Hiking Bear Lake Trail
The Bear Lake Hike is one of the most popular hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park and very easily accessible. The trail features magnificent views of Flattop Mountain as well as the surrounding peaks.
The distance from the parking lot to the lake is a few hundred feet. From there hikers can take a leisurely .7 mile stroll around Bear Lake.
I’ve hiked this trail in all seasons and prefer winter when the lake is frozen over and the signs are completely buried in snow. Bear Lake makes for a great and easy snowshoe trail in Rocky Mountain National Park for the whole family.
3. Alberta Falls Hike
- Distance: 1.6 miles
- Elevation Gain: 230 feet
- Time: 1 hour
- Difficulty: Easy
Hiking to Alberta Falls
Alberta Falls is an easy, popular hike in Rocky Mountain National Park featuring a beautiful waterfall. Many folks (myself included) consider it the most beautiful waterfall in Rocky Mountain National Park.
To access the trail hikers must use the Glacier Gorge Junction Trailhead. The hike itself is relatively easy but follows uneven terrain and rock 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).
4. Odessa & Fern Lakes Hike
- Distance: 7.5 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1500 feet
- Time: 3-4 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate – Difficult
Hiking Odessa & Fern Lakes Trail
The hike to Odessa Lake & Fern Lake is a moderate to difficult hike in Rocky Mountain National Park ascending more than 1400 feet of elevation gain over 7.5 miles.
The trail itself is quite scenic with fishing in the lakes. This trail sees a lot less traffic and so on busy days in the park is a great choice.
5. Boulder Brook Hike
- Distance: 4.6 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1400 feet
- Time: 2-3 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
Hiking Boulder Brook Trail
Boulder Brook is one of the best kept secrets for fall hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. The trail features spectacular foliage and follows an idyllic creek (Boulder Brook) for a couple of miles.
Along the way hikers are treated to a bevy of small falls and pleasant babbling from the brook. Another plus is that this hike is lesser traveled meaning you’ll probably have it to yourself.
6. Alpine Ridge Hike
- Distance: .7 miles
- Elevation Gain: Minimal
- Time: 30 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
Hiking the Alpine Ridge Trail
Situated at an elevation of 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 itself is a short, scenic walk amongst the peaks.
Stretching your legs on this trail is a great way to experience the park at it’s high elevations and one of the unique aspects of Rocky Mountain.
7. Mills Lake Hike
- Distance: 5.4 Miles
- Elevation Gain: 850 feet
- Time: 2-3 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
Hiking to Mills Lake
Mills Lake is one of many hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park located off the Glacier Gorge Trailhead. The trail is typically well kept and a scenic one ascending up Glacier Gorge.
As with all of the hikes in leaving from Glacier Gorge I recommend either using the park and ride OR getting to the trailhead early to find parking (which is very limited).
8. The Loch Hike
- Distance: 5.4 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1000 feet
- Time: 2-3 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
Hiking The Loch Trail
The Loch is a beautiful lake located off The Loch Trail in Rocky Mountain National Park featuring beautiful alpine scenery. The trail ascends over 1000 feet from the Glacier Gorge Junction Trailhead to the Loch itself.
This hike is a popular one and for good reason as the scenery is top notch. I frequently see trail runners on this one for whatever reason.
9. Sprague Lake Hike
- Distance: .8 miles
- Elevation Gain: Minimal
- Time: 30 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
Hiking Sprague Lake
Hiking around Sprague Lake is a great activity for families and those looking for an easy, scenic jaunt to stretch the legs. The lake itself is situated at 8,700 feet elevation and is a great spot to get acclimated to the elevation with minimal effort.
Scattered along the trail hikers will find several picnic tables and benches for anyone looking for a rest.
10. Upper Beaver Meadows
- Distance: 1.1 miles
- Elevation Gain: Minimal
- Time: 1 hour
- Difficulty: Easy
Hiking Upper Beaver Meadows
The Upper Beaver Meadows Trail is a short and popular one mile loop trail in Rocky Mountain National Park. In the Spring and Summer the meadow fills with lovely wildflowers making for a beautiful display.
From the trail hikers have a great vantage of the surrounding mountains and peaks as well as some nice wildlife viewing including deer, elk, and even moose (if you’re lucky).
Watch the Rocky Mountain National Park Video
ROCKY MOUNTAIN 8K is the culmination of several years spent filming in the rugged mountains of Colorado. Situated in the heart of Colorado’s Front Range, Rocky Mountain National Park spans more than 400 square miles of jaw-dropping mountain beauty.
Journey with us as we experience all four seasons of life high in the wild heartland of the continental divide.
RELATED: 25 BREATHTAKING National Park Videos to Inspire Your Next Trip
11. Sky Pond Hike
- Distance: 9.4 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1700 feet
- Time: 4-6 hours
- Difficulty: Difficult
Hiking to Sky Pond
A lot of folks consider Sky Pond the most beautiful hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. Breathtaking alpine scenery and some of the best views in the entire park is visible from the Sky Pond Hike.
The trail itself is not easy so hikers will have to work for the views. At 9.4 miles long with over 1700 feet of elevation gain the hike will likely take around 6 hours to complete.
Those who complete it typically recommend it to family and friends as *the hike* in the park on account of the scenery.
12. Alluvial Fan Hike
- Distance: .5 miles
- Elevation Gain: Minimal
- Time: 30 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
Hiking the Alluvial Fan
As one of Rocky Mountain’s most accessible hikes (featuring full wheelchair access) the Alluvial Fan Trail is a great hike to pop off and get a taste of what the park has to offer. In the fall this trail is a great easy access point to beautiful fall scenery.
The trail itself is half a mile long with two access points (East and West) with minimal elevation gain requiring about 15-30 minutes to complete.
13. Chasm Lake Hike
- Distance: 8.8 miles
- Elevation Gain: 2500 feet
- Time: 4-6 hours
- Difficulty: Difficult
Hiking to Chasm Lake
Many of those who hike to Chasm Lake say it’s the best hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. The hike is a tougher one, usually requiring between 4-6 hours to complete.
Hikers ascend 2500 feet with the last mile revealing the epic scenery, finally arriving at the breathtaking Chasm Lake.
14. Storm Pass Hike
- Distance: .2 miles
- Elevation Gain: Minimal
- Time: 15-30 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
Hiking Storm Pass
The Storm Pass hike is really nothing more than a trailhead but offers some of the best views in the entire park, especially in the fall.
With Flattop Mountain dominating the landscape and brilliant reds, oranges, and yellows ablaze, Storm Pass is worth a stop.
15. Mt Ida Hike
- Distance: 9.3 miles
- Elevation Gain: 2300 feet
- Time: 4-7 hours
- Difficulty: Difficult
Hiking Mt Ida Rocky Mountain
If you love feeling on top of the world then Mt. Ida via the Ute Trail is the hike for this in Rocky Mountain National Park. The trailhead starts on the Continental Divide and heads up climbing 2300 feet to Mt. Ida.
This is another favorite hike for folks in the park because of the absolutely stunning scenery all around. Hikers should be cautioned that due to the altitude this hike should take longer as oxygen levels are lower.
We saw lots of elk, bighorn sheep, and marmots along this hike up Mt. Ida. The entire trail is full of sweeping panoramic views which adds to the hike time as you’ll want to soak in the views (and catch your breath) frequently.
16. Longs Peak Hike (Keyhole Route)
- Distance: 14.8 miles
- Elevation Gain: 5000 feet
- Time: 7-12 hours
- Difficulty: Very Difficult
Hiking Longs Peak
Longs Peak is the tallest and most prominent of all the peaks in Rocky Mountain National Park luring many a hiker in to see what they’re made of. My advice, if you haven’t heard of this hike before entering the park don’t try it this time.
More than 60 people have died attempting to climb Long’s Peak over the years. The hike itself 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.
If you’ve done your homework and have prepared for the hike (both physically and mentally) then it can be incredibly rewarding offering some of the best views in Colorado.
17. Tombstone Ridge Hike
- Distance: 5.6 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1900 feet
- Time: 3-5 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
Hiking Tombstone Ridge via Ute Trail
Tombstone Ridge is an epic ridge line in Rocky Mountain National Park located off of the famous Trail Ridge Road at high elevation.
Wind can be a major factor here (it was for me anyway) as wind speeds can be quite high and constant throughout the hike. Weather can change rapidly here with fronts moving in quickly.
As the entire hike is completely exposed make sure to pack it in at the first sign of dark clouds.
18. Cub Lake Trail Hike
- Distance: 6 miles
- Elevation Gain: 700 feet
- Time: 2-3 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
Hiking the Cub Lake Trail
Cub Lake is on the easier side of hikes but rated as moderate located near Moraine Park in Rocky Mountain National Park. Elk are frequently sited on the hike as well as beautiful alpine scenery (some of my favorite in the park).
The trail is 6 miles long with 700 feet of elevation gain taking about 2 – 3 hours to complete depending on your pace.
List of the Top 10 Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park
- Nymph, Dream, & Emerald Lakes Hike
- Bear Lake Hike
- Alberta Falls Hike
- Odessa Lake & Fern Lake
- Boulder Brook Hike
- Alpine Ridge Hike
- Mills Lake Hike
- The Loch Hike
- Sprague Lake Hike
- Upper Beaver Meadows Hike
- Sky Pond Hike
- Alluvial Fan Hike
- Chasm Lake Hike
- Storm Pass Hike
- Mt Ida Hike
- Longs Peak Hike
- Tombstone Ridge Hike
- Cub Lake Hike
Map of the Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park
Why We Love Rocky Mountain National Park
My brother Jim and I first traveled to Rocky Mountain National Park back in 2016 to capture the most beautiful parts of the park during all four seasons.
It was an incredible experience and inspired me to go back many times since. All in all I’ve probably spent close to 100 days in the park and hiked most of the trails.
There’s just something about that crisp, Colorado, rocky mountain air that is truly invigorating and quite difficult to put into words.
Getting to Rocky Mountain National Park Park – Directions & Location
There are a few ways to access the park from different directions.
Closest Airport: DEN – Denver International Airport (81 miles from the Fall River / Estes Park Entrance)
The fastest way to get to Rocky Mountain National Park is flying into Denver International Airport and driving to the park. Flights into Denver are typically among the most affordable in the country as several major airlines use the airport as key hubs.
Driving from Denver
Getting to the park from Denver is pretty straightforward. I recommend renting a car from the airport (sadly no other great ways to get to the park, yet) and driving to Estes Park (roughly 80 miles from the airport). The drive takes about an hour and a half on a day without traffic.
Driving from the West
If you are driving from the west you’ll go through the Grand Lake Entrance to get to the park and get totally different views from most folks who enter from the east. The Drive from the Grand Lake Entrance to the Fall River Entrance in Estes Park takes about 90 minutes with no stops.
NOTE: This route is closed during winters and not passable. The only way to access the main areas in the park during winter is through the Fall River Entrance.
Best Time to Visit Rocky Mountain
The best time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park is during the fall when temperatures are mild, crowds are diminished, and the foliage is on fall display.
As someone who has spent considerable time in the park in each of the four seasons, I absolutely love fall and would recommend it to anyone. The autumn foliage in Rocky Mountain is kaleidoscopic. I especially love it when the snow dusts the peaks and the trees are still vibrant with color.
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