Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. However, this property gets rave reviews. But more often than not, in the summer, afternoon storms will occur. If the weather was clear yesterday, and you drove Trail Ridge Road, I recommend doing another hike this morning. You're going to want to start early, because parking fills up fast. This historic hotel is one of the top places to stay in Estes Park. You need to make it through the Beaver Meadows entrance and where they check permits for the Bear Lake Corridor (I think that is the junction of Bear Lake Road and US-36 but I am not 100% about this) before 5 am. With towering mountain peaks, alpine lakes and waterfalls, and the opportunity to hike along the Continental Divide, this park offers world-class hiking experiences. This has been implemented to limit crowds at the busiest sections of the park during the peak visitation season (the summer months). Moraine Park Museum has interactive geology exhibits. Moraine Park Campground is located in Rocky Mountain National Park near the Beaver Meadows Entrance on Highway 36. Potentially one of the busiest trails at RMNP is the Emerald Lake trail. And for FREE checklist of the US National Parks, take a look at our article US National Parks List. 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. You may experience lines that can stretch up to a mile long during the busy season. You spend very little time below the tree line, so the views are incredible for most of the hike. 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. If you plan to go hiking during July and August, you will have to assume that there will be a 2 pm thunderstorm. Its a very short hike (just over a half-mile round trip), but it will literally take your breath away. If you are an avid hiker, dont miss the Gunnison Route, a trail that takes you from the rim to the Gunnison River. It does get tiring, but these trails are so much fun and offer such a wide variety of views and experiences that it never gets monotonous or boring. ie last an hour or so and go away? If you do not have a reservation, you will not be allowed to enter the park. What should you not miss in Rocky Mountain National Park? At an elevation of over 14,000 feet, guests will be in awe of the breathtaking craggy peaks and lush valleys. 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 you plan to do a lot of hiking and drive Trail Ridge Road, plan on visiting Rocky Mountain National Park between Memorial Day and mid-October. This hike adds on Lake Haiyaha, another very pretty alpine lake. And you wouldn't be disappointed at any choice. 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. This road will lead you out of town and to the Beaver Meadows Entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. 6. Located outside Estes Park, Colorado, Rocky Mountain is a great family vacation . Equally enjoyable on foot or from your car, there are four separate ecosystems: montane, subalpine, alpine tundra, and riparian. Fern Lake | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. The Mummy Mountain Range, Lumpy Ridge, and several hiking trails sit to the north of Trail Ridge Road. Nymph, Dream, Emerald & Bear Lakes: 4.2 miles, easy to moderate, 3 hours. You'll either need to pay an entrance fee or use a National Parks Pass to enter. Get updates on trail closures and park conditions on the National Park Service website. 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. Or is it pretty bad and long lasting? So on Tuesday, do you think I can salvage some hiking? If the skies stay clear, you can stay in the park and do more exploring. more, Rocky Mountain National Park Destination Experts. If you are not acclimated to the higher elevation, it is normal to get out of breath easily. On the west side of the park, located approximately two miles north of Grand Lake, is the Grand Lake Entrance Station. Shuttle Bus. With its large collection of hotels and restaurants, this is a great place to stay when you visit Rocky Mountain National Park. great service , clean and location is in the center of town. Hi Is there any stay offered by national park ? I am there all day Wed,Thur and Fri (in mid August), On that Tuesday afternoon, you might be able to go hiking, depending on the thunderstorm situation. Thats a great question! 15 great hikes to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. On the east side of the park, located on highway 36 and 3.5 miles west of Estes Park, is the Beaver Meadows Entrance Station. Your email address will not be published. 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. I hope you have an awesome time in RMNP and happy hiking! Best Day Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Get inspired with tips about where to go and what to see on your national park vacation, delivered right to your inbox. Thunderstorms dont happen every single day, but it is something that you need to plan for. Rocky Mountain National Park, established in 1915, is a living showcase of the grandeur of the Rocky Mountains. 1000 US Hwy 36 Rocky Mountain National Park was established on January 26, 1915, and has a total area of 265,795 acres (415 square miles, or 1,076 square kilometers). , There are sixty mountain peaks over 12,000 feet and many of these top out over 13,000 feet. 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. Founded in 1881, the village still embraces its original rustic architectural style . Ah one for each day, got it Ty !! 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. Put your higher hikes in the second half of your RMNP visit and you should be fine. To reserve a campsite at Elk Meadow Lodge & RV Park, call (970) 586-5342. Youll reach Trail Ridge Road a lot faster than those waiting in line at the Beaver Meadows Entrance during the summer and fall seasons. It is equipped with a sofa bed and a double bed, and there is a fireplace in both the bedroom and the warm living room. Rocky Mountain National Park began addressing crowding . If you are looking for a relatively uncrowded trail with the chance to visit multiple alpine lakes, this is a nice hike to consider. This station is .25 miles north of the Kawuneeche Visitor Center near the beautiful Kawuneeche Valley. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. Are current Colorado fires affecting or near RMNP? You can help to move the line move more quickly by having your park pass, permit, and ID ready when you reach the entrance station. 2. On day two, as you are still acclimating to the altitude, I recommend one of these hikes: Deer Mountain. Odessa and Fern Lakes. We spent a week there in July and had a thunderstorm in the afternoon about 50% of the time, starting between 1 and 4 pm. So if i am staying at Estes, thats a 10-15mins drive to the Beavers meadow entrance (where I am assuming they check for the timed entry thing?) Nymph, Dream, Emerald, Haiyaha and Bear Lake: 6.2 miles, moderate, 4 to 5 hours. Quantity. For 48 miles, this road runs from Estes Park in the east to Grand Lake in the west. Eleven miles of this road is in the alpine tundra, which is over 11,000 feet. Two of them, Beaver Meadows and Fall River, are just west of the town of Estes Park. From the summit you have a great view over Moraine Park and Longs Peak. 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. Private vehicle: $30, valid for 1 day / $35, valid for 7 days; Motorcycle: $25, valid for 1 day / $30, valid for 7 days; Per person (including cyclists): $15, valid for 1 day If you think you can go farther, and if skies are clear, consider going all of the way to Sky Pond. 6.2 miles, moderate, 3 to 4 hours. I highly recommend this particular residence. Park Details. This route will lead you up past the Stanley Hotel. Odessa and Fern Lakes, Mills and Black Lake, Sky Pond, and Hallett Peak can all be hiked from this trailhead. Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous paved road in the United States. Clouds start moving in around noon with the storms occurring almost like clockwork between 1 and 3 pm. Spend the rest of the day in Estes Park. Thats awesome that you got Bear Lake permits and thats so COOL that you got them while on Lassen Peak (yes, I cant wait to visit that park). If you are coming from sea level, you will feel the effects of the altitude as soon as you do anything strenuous. 700 feet (213 m) elevation gain. However, Old Fall River Road is only open during the summer months. The most popular hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. 7.4 miles (12 km). 7.6 Good 275 reviews. Black Lake and Mills Lake are often labeled as two of the prettiest lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Serving visitors to the Wild Basin area of the park, approximately 19 miles to the south of Estes Park on highway 7, is the Wild Basin Entrance station. And I think that RMNP just got its first snow storm of the fall season. If you want to stay in the park, you will be limited to campgrounds. photo by Ladona Stork. 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. Good to know: Emerald Lake, Lake Haiyaha, Black Lake, Sky Pond, Flattop Mountain, and Fern Lake are some of the trails that start at or near Bear Lake. Because the Wild Basin Entrance is about a 30-minute drive south of Estes Park on the parks east side, most of the parks visitors never even see the Wild Basin area. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. 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). Longs Peak is the highest mountain in the park, and the only fourteener in Rocky Mountain National Park. There are four main entrance stations to Rocky Mountain National Park. BEST OF ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK: For a list of top experiences, read our article Best Things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. High in the center of the park, the Alpine Visitor Center offers displays about the most noted area of the park, the land above the trees. 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. During this time, you will be able to drive through the park, with access to all of the hikes and overlooks. Longs Peak, at 14,259 feet, is the only fourteener in the park. Bear Lake Road runs into the heart of the park. In fact, it is such a popular place to visit that you now need a timed entry permit to enter. 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. It is situated on the north side of Moraine Park. Is there any need for an SUV or non-standard vehicle to access any of the trailheads for your recommended hikes? With its short distance and manageable elevation gain, it is a great first hike in the park, as you acclimate to the higher elevation. Find out what to do, what to see, tours to join and more! Important Things to Know Before You Plan Your Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary, When to Visit Rocky Mountain National Park. During the summer months, afternoon thunderstorms are very common. I hope you have a great time! Elevation Gain: 1,100 ft. Rocky Mountain National Park is a relatively large park, with a total area of 415 square miles. If time permits be adventurous and try a different entrance each day! I climbed 3 different volcanoes in 3days and it was lovely. Longs Peak is the biggest at 14,259 ft and can be seen from nearly anywhere. You can also see more travel itineraries on our Travel Itineraries page and our National Park Itineraries. Cheers, Julie. The views from the overlooks are stunning. A Park Access (Excludes Bear Lake Road Corridor) timed entry ticket is sufficient for this day. Loveland & Boulder, CO - Rocky Mountain lodging further away. Crowds will begin to quiet down in October, but snow on the trails becomes a lot more likely. Have fun in RMNP! . Required fields are marked *. USA TRAVEL INSPIRATION:For more great ideas on where to go in the United States, check out our article Best USA Road Trips, which has 18 sample itineraries for your next big adventure. However, the road is open to Many Parks Curve, approximately 7 miles from the start of Trail Ridge Road from the east. Gem Lake | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. (Learn about the different park pass options available.) Rocky Mountain Nat'l Park; Flat Tops Wilderness; Maine. The price for one way is just $55, but you can also book a round-trip shuttle for $95. In 2021, RMNP was the fifth most visited park in the USA, receiving 4.4 million visitors. This hike has a little bit of everythingwaterfalls, alpine lakes, high mountain views, and fun river and stream crossings. One week was perfect for us. Rocky Mountain National Park made our list of the best national parks for kids. Hiking poles can help you keep your balance in the snow. If so, you need one for each day that you plan to visit RMNP. I recommend the shorter, easier hikes if you are not acclimated to the altitude, arent a big fan of hiking, and/or have more than one day in Rocky Mountain National Park. In order to see and do everything we list in this itinerary, plan on visiting the park when everything is open. Enter the number of passes you would like to purchase from the available choices below: Site passes table. Afternoon/Evening free to do whatever 5) Sat Morning: Prepare to drive back to the airport for afternoons flight. Watch the weather, enjoy the time you spend in the park, and you might find you want to hike more, or less, than you expected to. . Take a tour of the historic Stanley Hotel, ride the Aerial Tramway to the peak of Prospect Mountain, go shopping, walk the Riverwalk, visit Lake Estes, play mini-golf, or visit a winery or brewery. Where to Stay Near Rocky Mountain National Park? Since I like to hike, I am guessing maybe 3 solid days? Its a short, easy hike in the subalpine tundra so you have 360 degree views on the entire hike. 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). Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. Difficulty: Challenging. Visit the Rockies and experience mountain climbing, hiking, camping, fishing, and breathtaking views of jagged peaks, glaciers, and high-mountain lakes. While here you can enjoy quiet walks, exhilarating hikes, gorgeous sunrises and . Get here by 7:30 am if you want a spot. For your afternoon activities, just keep your fingers crossed that you wont have afternoon thunderstorms on those days. COLORADO ITINERARY: With 10 days in Colorado, road trip to all four national parks (Rocky Mountain, Great Sand Dunes, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, and Mesa Verde), linking them together with some very scenic drives. When Trail Ridge Road closes, there will be no access to the west side of the park, if you are staying in Estes Park. These two are the most popular entrances to the park. At this elevation, its not enough to cause altitude sickness, but you will tire and get out of breath easily. 800-715-HIKE (4453) (9-4:30 Every Day) Top Rated On . Have a great trip! Do a Hike Near Bear Lake. It is located further north than the Beaver Meadows Entrance. To see fall colors and the elk mating season, plan your visit from mid-September through mid-October. The Alberta Falls Trail, like many other hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, follows a creek (in this case, Glacier Creek). If you plan to visit RMNP early in the summer, there is a good chance that you will encounter snow on some trails. 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. Otherwise you'll need to login the day before and try to obtain one of the limited entry passes with . Entrance Sign to Rocky Mountain National Park Photo: Depositphotos. Note: You do not need a 44 for this drive. 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 !!). Bear Lake with Longs Peak and the Keyboard of the Winds in the background. If you love lakes you'll like this hike. Pre-hike fuel: Near the main junction in Estes, hit up Notchtop . The Kawuneeche entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park is located 2 miles north of Grand Lake on highway 34. Do you think this is doable? This short, strenuous hike offers sweeping views over Estes Park and out to Longs Peak and it ends at a very pretty alpine lake. This entrance gives you access to Sandbeach Lake, Finch & Pear Lake, Calypso Cascades and Ouzel Falls, Thunder Lake, and Bluebird Lake. 1,400 feet (426 m)of elevation gain. Emerald lake lays below Hallett peak, Tyndall glacier, and Flattop mountain. The road is well-graded and suitable for standard cars. Show more. 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. This entrance station has three entry booths which helps traffic to enter more quickly; however, this also tends to be the busiest entrance station. The parking lot at the end of Bear Lake Road is large but from here, you have access to numerous popular trails in RMNP, so it also fills fast. #2 Grand Lake - Where to Stay in Rocky Mountain National Park for Couples. 7.5 to 10 miles, depending on the route you choose. If you are an avid hiker, you are probably ready to hike some of the longer, tougher, more thrilling hikes in the park. 2) Wed morning: Sky pond. For the first part of this hike you will be sharing the trail with those on their way to Longs Peak. Head to Grand Lake, a quaint, historic town surrounded on three sides by Rocky Mountain National Park. And you must have really been moving to catch sunrise at Chasm Lake. If you hike to Sky Pond, you will hike through the Loch to get there. If you wish detailed information to help enjoy your time in the park, stop by one of the park's visitor centers. Longs Peak and Timber Creek Campgrounds are easier to get reservations. This itinerary is best from Memorial Day through mid-October, when Trail Ridge Road is open. You can hike here from Glacier Gorge or Bear Lake Trailhead. So August is a safer bet if you want to hike snow-free. However, both routes cross high over the mountains and close down once winter weather arrives. 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. Parking at the most popular trailheads fill up extremely early in the day. RMNP is quite popular, with about than 3 million visitors a year. We just walked up and down the main road, and glanced at all the salt water taffy . Miles of trails: More than 355 miles along about 160 trails. If you do not plan on visiting the Bear Lake Corridor, and you plan to enter the park before 9 am, you do not need a permit. Trailhead Location. If you are planning your Rocky Mountain National Park itinerary, this is a great place to start. Take your pick from one, two, three, and four bedroom houses that come equipped with a full kitchen. Get updates on road conditions on the national park service website. Travel to Aspen and Rock Mountain During thanksgiving Nov 08, 2022. 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. One Perfect Day in Rocky Mountain National Park. I definitely recommend Lassen NP if you havent been there. Yellowstone National Park; Wind River . Typically this road12,183 feet at it's highest point, remains closed from late-October to late-May. How crowded does Rocky Mountain National Park get? What are some alternate routes if Trail Ridge Road is closed? Anything to keep in mind? Sky Pond | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. Plenty of room, good WiFi, nice furnishings, and beautiful views from our balcony. 5. Hi Julie !! On the way you'll pass the Kawuneeche Visitor Center on your right. Learn about each of them and find the entrance station that will best meet your needs. Rocky Mountain National Park offers plenty of contrast from one season to the next. Dont miss Forest Canyon Overlook, one of the best on the drive. Alternatively, continue straight ahead and you'll find yourself on the dramatic Trail Ridge Road which leads over the Continental Divide to the west side of the park and Grand Lake. Snow on the trail in July (hiking to Fern and Odessa Lakes from Bear Lake). The Park's 415 square miles encompass a variety of alpine terrain, with at least 60 mountains exceeding 12,000 ft. 365. Spend the afternoon and evening exploring Estes Park. If you get to Allenspark, you have gone too far. Best beginner hike in Rocky Mountain National Park: Emerald Lake. Snow can start to fall in September. If you are an avid hiker, plan on spending at least three to five days in Rocky Mountain National Park. Recorded Trail Ridge Road status: (970) 586-1222. 4. Many of the taller peaks make up the Continental Divide, where snowmelt runs . The permit is in effect from 9 am to 2 pm. You can follow this itinerary during the winter months with some modifications. We still had some snow in a few spots at the higher elevations. The Continental Divide runs through the park. Lily Lake offers an easy and flat 0.8-mile loop trail around the lake, making it one of the top things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park with kids. Just be aware that this is also the busiest time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park. I am so glad you had great weather and a great trip! Pass Type. Yes, take a look at the Where to Stay section of this article. This is the hike that I recommend for today. Look for that option at the intersection next to McDonald's on the east side of Estes Park. How Many Days Do You Need in Rocky Mountain National Park? Learn more here. The best Time to do scenic driving and hiking is during the summer and fall seasons. Explore the exhibits at the highest elevation visitor center in the National Park Service. 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? [The vibe of Estes Park is very wild west mountain-like] [We passed at least 4 Saltwater Taffy shops on our way up the main street] [The Historic Park Theater] Estes Park is definitely worth checking out if you go through the Beaver Meadows entrance like we did. 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? Thanks for the article I am planning to travel below hikes/places in 3rd week of june. Rocky Mountain National Park is the most visited recreation area in the state, headquartered in Estes Park. MESA VERDE: Learn about the best things to do and how to plan your visit in our Guide to Mesa Verde National Park. 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? Cheers, Julie, Your email address will not be published. Yes, August is a great month to hike in RMNP. Once you are finished hiking, hop back into your car. To reach the Wild Basin Entrance from Estes Park, head south on CO 7. 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. Should I spend my time on the east side or the west side of the park? Is RMNP a good place to visit for the elderly or those with limited mobility? 9 miles, strenuous, 4 to 6 hours. If you end at RMNP, you should not have any issues with altitude sickness, unless you hike Longs Peak on your first day here (but even that would be highly unlikely). Location: north-central Colorado. If you want low crowds and dont mind cold temperatures and snow, plan your visit from November through May. Earth Trekkers is my starting point for every hiking vacation. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Earth Trekkers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn advertising fees by advertising & linking to Amazon.com. Simply follow highway 36 through downtown Estes Park. It is our favorite short hike in the park. This road will lead you all the way up to the Alpine Visitor Center and across the Continental Divide to Grand Lake. What do you think about Deer Mtn, Mills Lake and Loch Vale [sp?]. You'll need to be prepared to pull over regularly to let cars pass that are coming the other way. Along the way, its a quick stop to see Chasm Falls. :) All the entrances lead to the Beautiful Rocky Mountains. Summer (generally Memorial Day to Labor Day) is peak visitor season for good reason trails are snow-free, the park's wildlife is active, and the wildflowers are in full bloom. Ty in advance for your help as usual ! Because the entrance is so accessible from Estes Park and open year round, it is the most popular. There are many things to do here. Glacier Gorge parking lot and Longs Peak trailhead parking lot fill before sunrise. But it looks like you have some free time on Thursday and Friday afternoon in case an afternoon gets rained out earlier in the week. Order our free stunning National Park Trip Planner for Colorado filled with an inspiring itinerary, gorgeous photographs and everything you need to plan your dream vacation. Best nearby. What would be the best time to hike RMNP after labor day? Full-Day Rocky Mountain National Park "Over The Top Tour" - RMNPhotographer. One of the drawbacks of visiting Rocky Mountain National Park during the winter months is that Trail Ridge Road is closed.

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