gift shops. Picnic areas are located throughout the park, so pack your cooler and enjoy a meal with a view. This property is located west of Estes Park on Fall River Road, so you will have a longer drive to get into the heart of the park. Access: Drive-in 1.7 miles to trailhead and park. Visitors can engage in hiking, camping, horse riding, scenic driving, and water sports, including fishing, swimming, and paddling. Sierra Club and "Explore, enjoy and protect the planet" are registered trademarks of the Sierra Club. Work up an appetite by strolling the half-mile loop around the 13-acre lake, which offers stunning views of several mountains in the Continental Divide, including Hallett Peak. By AndyB5542. Any picnicking which interferes with overnight campers is prohibited at all times. Now that is picture perfect! The Coyote Valley Trail closely follows the Colorado River and offers expansive views of the nearby Never Summer Mountains. hikes. The Desert Watchtower rests on the south rim of the Grand Canyon, at an elevation of 7,500 feet. 4 miles, easy to moderate. Hiking the many trails, while exploring the lakes and beautiful waterfalls found here gives the best Rocky Mountain National Park safari experience. Sign up for email updates on nature, environmental politics, living well, and doing good. On this hike, you get to see four beautiful alpine lakes over a very short distance. Surrounded by forest and crowned by a distant yet imposing granite wall, Lake Verna's jewel-like surface isan unparalleled scenic reward after a challenging hike. As you climb to it, you may be astonished to learn that the humble creek it follows is actually the Colorado River. The Inn on Fall River & Fall River Cabins. Day 2 - Get a good workout on the Bear Lake Trail (6+ miles), see very different scenery at Lumpy Ridge, and . Elk on Trail Ridge Road | Best Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park, Alpine Ridge Visitor Center and Trail Ridge Road | Best Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park. Carpool and/or use the free park shuttles to/from the Bear Lake corridor. CO By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Hotel rooms are not permitted within Rocky Mountain National Park. Download the official NPS app before your next visit. Chasm Lake trail NPS Wilderness Head out on a day hike and experience the wilderness of Rocky Mountain National Park. Bye-Bye, Trapping on Public Land in New Mexico, Privacy Policy/Your California Privacy Rights. 80517. Hollowell Park(10 tables) - also located along Bear Lake Road. With numerous peaks over 12,000 feet, 20 of these which sit above 13,000 feet, this park attracts climbers from around the world. 12 Easy Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park With Hallett Peak stacked in the background, this alpine lake is favorite in the summer and winter when you can ice skate around the lake. Your email address will not be published. The trail features spectacular foliage and follows an idyllic creek (Boulder Brook) for a couple of miles. 9 miles, strenuous. All your guests will need a copy of your permit and can enter the park as early as 2 hours before your ceremony. For an unforgettable adventure of a lifetime, these attractions in Rocky Mountain National Park are worth exploring. With 355 miles of hiking trails, you could spend weeks here and never run out of things to do. The valley boasts rich history, too: Europeans first settled there in the 1820s, as evidenced by historic log cabins, barns, churches, and grist mill, all of which the park maintains today. We offer a wide variety of affordable accommodations including vacation rentals, cabins, and cottages, all with beautiful mountain surroundings. This spot makes the list for two reasons: 1.) Catch it on a calm day and the water looks like glass, making a perfect mirror reflection of the trees and mountain peaks that surround the lake. 3/4 mile loop, with minimal elevation gain. It's a fantastic place for your next RV getaway. The winter months are a great time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park. She has written travel articles on destinations across Africa and beyond. one perfect day in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, CO 80517. 9.8 miles, strenuous. The strenuous part of the Rocky Mountain National Park safari starts here. is hard to beat. Forest Canyon Overlook | Best Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park, View from Forest Canyon Overlook | Best Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park. There are also plenty of ways to experience Rocky Mountain National Park that are off the beaten hiking . Park Hours: Park entrances are open 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. Horses and other stock are not permitted in auto campgrounds and picnic areas. This massive natural feature can be seen almost anywhere in the park, and offers one of the most scenic and challenging 14er climbs in Colorado, by way of the Keyhole Route. GREAT SAND DUNES: In our article Best Things to Do in Great Sand Dunes National Park, we cover the top experiences, plus how to plan your time, where to stay, and more. Covering an area of 1,074.28 km sq and is home to incredible wildlife, and fascinating natural wonders of spectacular forests, mountain lakes, and rivers worth the experience. rocky Mountain national park wedding Permit Tips. Related Read: 11 Beautiful National Forests in Colorado for Outdoor Recreation 1. Estes Park Citizen scientists are tracking the adorable climate indicators using a new app, Pumas are thriving in southern Chile, increasing the risk of conflict with humans, A bison colony abandoned by the 1920s movie industry is thriving off the coast of Los Angeles, Tips for beginners, why to take it up, and the best gear to start. Less than 50 Colorado mountains have glaciers and Longs Peak is one of them. Spruce Flats Falls is a wonderful hidden gem just outside of the Tremont Institute. Take a Leisurely Stroll by Boulder Brook. Located in northern Colorado, in the western United States, Rocky Mountain National Park is the 6th highest national park in the USA. Photo Credit: Kimon Berlin (Flickr) Best US National Parks Month-By-Month series, Rocky Mountain National Park Travel Guide, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park Travel Guide. The leading independent voice for aviation news and insight. Prices & Photos. Scenic Drives Kruger Rock Trail Photo: Brendan Bombaci Why you should go: What better way to find some solitude than in a place called Hermit Park? Many of the park trails are accessible by snowshoe. A group picnic area is available at Lily Lake, by reservation only and for a fee. 4. Best Things to Do Rocky Mountain National Park. during your visit. Lookouts. 0.6 miles, easy. Lookouts. After lunch, make the short drive south toward Gibbon Falls, where a half-mile loop trail is suitable for all skill levels. 10. Lily Lake. PRO TRAVEL TIP: Old Fall River Road is only open during the summer months. Recorded Trail Ridge Road status: (970) 586-1222. Park Fee: $25 per vehicle, valid for 1 day. This wheelchair-accessible picnic spot also includes 16 fire grates, flush toilets (summer) and allows the use of portable grills. At 12,718 feet, you get 360 views of Rocky Mountain National Park. Yes, thats how beautiful it is. Park at the Park and Ride and take the Bear Lake Shuttle to these two trailheads. These easy hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado are a great way to experience some of the most scenic lakes and mountain peaks without major miles. Not only will you have amazing views of the Rocky Mountains, there is a good chance that you will get to see elk along the way. 3. Alberta Falls at sunrise | Best Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park 6. It's a flat, beautiful easy walk in the parkliterally. Rocky is a peak baggers' heaven with more than 60 mountains topping out at over 12,000 feet. The state is sprinkled with city, state and national parks, making it a mecca for picnic locations. Winter vault toilets, 1000 US Hwy 36 Be sure to check which visitor centers are open during your stay. Here is a list of some of the best trails in RMNP, starting with short, easy hikes and ending with longer, full day (and very worthwhile!!) We spent one wonderful week in Rocky Mountain National Park in July. Keep the permit on you at all times when in the park. This area also offers 30 fire grates, allows portable grills and has vault toilets. South Saint Vrain Ave/Hwy 7. Or, if you have less time, we also have suggestions on how to spend, Best Time to Visit Rocky Mountain National Park, As you plan your trip and just before your visit, get updates on trail closures and park conditions on the National Park Service, For more information about what to do in Estes Park, including where to stay and where to eat, read our, Learn more about the US National Parks in our. With its network of hiking trails, Rocky Mountain National Park is a great summer and fall destination. 2. Afterward, post up at a picnic table, or simply spread your blanket on the sandy beach. The Timber Creek Overlook Trail is just a half-mile long, and gains only 100 feet of elevation, but it offers expansive views of the formations, particularly of Shuntavi Butte, pictured here. Dream Lake Like a dream, Dream Lake is the true essence of Rocky Mountain National Park. There are multiple different places where you can have your ceremony here, from the flat and grassy meadow to the more rocky hills, so you have lots of options for your backdrop. And you can also visit the Alpine Visitor Center, the highest visitor center in the USA. Everything You Need to Know About Autumn in Estes Park, How to Enjoy Labor Day Weekend in Estes Park, 5 Dog-Friendly Activities in Estes Park This Summer. Rocky offers places for family fun, adventure, solitude, recreation, and countless other pursuits. Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. You also get amazing views of the Colorado Valley as it is formed by the headwaters of the Colorado River. Trip at a Glance: Day 1 - Start with a scenic road trip and then hike the Wild Basin trail (1-6 mile options), drive Trail Ridge Road, and end with a 2.5 hour hike to Moraine Lake with chances to see wildlife.Spend the night in Estes Park. Odessa & Fern Lakes Hike. This is the highest paved road in North America, 154 feet higher than Pikes Peak. Hike one of several trails in the area, or bike or drive the 11-mile road that loops the cove, before lunching at the picnic tables at its eastern end. The entire hike is less than a mile in length, making it great for all ages and ability levels. Can We Address the Climate Crisis by Degrowing? Here is a map of the best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. Our mountain-themed accommodations are the perfect complement to your Rocky Mountain getaway! As you plan your trip and just before your visit, get updates on trail closures and park conditions on the National Park Service website. Visitors can engage in scenic driving and discover the stunning sightings around these two forests. Temperatures are low in the winter, but so are the crowds. Along the way, there is a good chance that you will spot bighorn sheep and elk. It is a must-go destination if one is exploring Rocky Mountain, National Park. As one of the most popular hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, the Alberta Falls Trail is a must on any itinerary. This gives you enough time to drive Alpine Ridge Road, Old Fall River Road, and hike a few of the trails. A post shared by Yosemite National Park (@yosemitenps) on Jun 2, 2016 at 9:54am PDT. The peak was named in honor of Stephen Harriman Long, an explorer, and features one Mills Glacier, the one surviving glacier situated just above Lake Chasm at the Eastern Faces base. * The use of disposable or portable charcoal grills, wood fuel camp stoves, and gas grills is allowed for food preparation as adjuncts to fire grates provided by the park in auto campgrounds and picnic areas. Both Bear Lake and Sprague Lake are perfect spots for a quick photo or a nice stroll. Access: Moderate hiking. During the busy summer months, a free shuttle service is provided by the national park service. It is located in Northern Colorado and is about an hour outside of Denver. I highly recommend this particular residence. Herds of elk can be found grazing in this valley. 3. The parking lots at some trailheads fill up early in the day (notably Bear Lake and Glacier Gorge) but you can still reach these trailheads by shuttle bus if you arrive late. Be sure to take the free park shuttle during the busy summer and fall months. Check out these top 7 picnic areas in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park: 1. The largest picnic areas on the east (Estes Park) side of RMNP are: Endo Valley (32 tables) - located along Old Fall River Road, about 1.8 miles from the intersection with Highway 34. The busiest spot in this wilderness area is Brainard Lake, home to many campgrounds, making it an ideal destination and hiking. Stick to the meadows and flatter land in Moraine Park for meadow views, the Big Thompson River, and one of the best places to spot a herd of elk. 7.4 miles, moderate. If you are an avid hiker, you could easily spend 5 to 7 days in the park and never run out of things to do. You also can access the park's west side via the park's spectacular Trail Ridge Road, which connects the two sides of the park. Home to the headwaters of the mighty Colorado River, the Kawuneeche Valley is a great place to enjoy the quieter west side of Rocky. With parts of the park soaring up to 14,259 feet above sea level, visitors can enjoy mountain views which are reachable by scenic hiking trails. 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. Moraine Park Moraine Park is one of the best places in Rocky Mountain National Park to see wildlife. To visit Rocky Mountain National Park from May 27 to October 10, 2022, you will need to reserve a permit in advance. The lowest zone (Montane, from 5,600 to 9,500 feet) encompasses the meadows and the lower slopes of the mountains. The subalpine regions and alpine tundra can be explored by cross-country skiing. During the remainder of the year it is closed due to snow. 3.7 miles one way, roughly 600 feet in elevation gain. Due to its large size and abundance of hiking trails, you need at least a few days to explore Rocky Mountain National Park. The Puma Population in Patagonia Is Booming. Tucked away on an especially scenic section of Fall River, the RMNP Fall River entrance is just 3 miles up the road. Numerous hiking trails also start here, including those to Bear Lake, Fern Lake, and Mills Lake. The main activity here is taking rafting trips while enjoying the beautiful scenery. Distance: 9.4 miles Elevation Gain: 1,683 feet Difficulty: moderate Estimated Time: 4.75 hours 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. If you have no experience snowshoeing, consider joining a free ranger-led program. The entire hike is 0.6 miles long, making it great for all ages and ability levels. Cresting just over 12,000 feet, it is the highest through paved highway in the nation, and crosses the Continental Divide at Milner Pass. You can cross the Continental Divide by foot or by driving Trail Ridge Road, the highest paved through road in the national park system. But even with a week here, there are still a lot of hikes left on our to-do list. From the parking area, its a very short walk to a viewpoint of this waterfall. Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge. Estes Park Just outside the eastern edge of Rocky Mountain National Park, the historic Stanley Hotel, which opened in 1909, offers an ideal base for exploring the park as well as being a rather interesting attraction in its own right. The Bear Lake trail is handicap accessible and offers something for everyone. The rooms within the main hotel building get mixed reviews. Camping out in the many beautiful campgrounds nestled in these forests provides a fascinating travel experience. Drive down to Granby if you are staying on the west side of the park near Grand Lake. Be sure to check which visitor centers are open during your stay. Covering about 5.3-kilometer length, Glacier Gorge Trail takes approximately one and a half hours to complete. Beforehand, stock up on grub at the . there are always elk. Unfortunately, the area closed in 1991 . This trail is not paved (its a gravel trail for most of its length) but it is considered handicap accessible. It's closed from October through May to through traffic over the pass due to snow. Al fresco food with a view, of course. Spend the first few days hiking the lower trails (Bear Lake, Emerald Lake, Gem Lake, and Deer Mountain are good options). Prime for mountain biking, the flowing, root-filled, and rocky trails provide miles of fast-paced, ear-to-ear-grinning fun. Can't-miss highlight of this Colorado mountain town: Designed with families in mind, Granby Ranch ski resort comprises four chair lifts over two mountains: East, offering green and blue trails, and West, with more challenging blue and black ones. Chimney Tops Picnic Area The Chimney Tops picnic area, which is open between 3/11 and 11/26, has 68 picnic sites and is our favorite picnic spot in the entire Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This gave us enough time to hike at least one trail every day, with contingency time for bad weather. Striking views across the lake are of some of Rocky Mountain National Park's most dramatic peaks - Half Mountain, Notchtop, Thatchtop, Hallett, Taylor and Otis all take on a new beauty veiled in the white of winter snow, making you feel like you just walked through the wardrobe to Narnia. Her work has also appeared in Climbing Magazine, Outside Online, and The American Alpine Journal. Then move up to the higher hikes, such as Sky Pond, Chasm Lake, Hallett Peak, and Longs Peak. All distances are round-trip. Make reservations for camping in the park and lodging in the local areas. The permit is in effect from 9 am to 3 pm. 11. Scenic overlooks abound and the alpine tundra will take your breath away. The alpine tundra encompasses the highest areas of the park. Be sure to take a scenic drive during your visit. The latter is probably the best way to enjoy the destination as it takes guests right where the action is. Between the end of May through early October, you must reserve a permit to visit the park. Gem Lake. Whoops! Its a flat, beautiful, easy walk in the parkliterally. In the spring, warmer temperatures melt the snow and visitation picks up. If you want to stand on the Continental Divide, pull in to the Milner Pass overlook. Gibbon Meadows Picnic Area lies in a flat meadow with an edging of forest on the Gibbon River. Tour and hike early and late in the day. A post shared by Great Smoky Mountains NP (@greatsmokynps), A post shared by GrandCanyonNPS (@grandcanyonnps), A post shared by Rocky Mountain National Park (@rockynps), A post shared by Yosemite National Park (@yosemitenps), A post shared by Yellowstone National Park (@yellowstonenps), A post shared by Zion National Park (@zionnps), These Scientists Want You to Become a Pika Patroller. , beautiful easy walk in the day Coyote Valley trail closely follows the Colorado River campgrounds making... Tip: Old Fall River & Fall River Cabins in auto campgrounds and picnic areas Park the. Official NPS app before your next visit are not permitted in auto and. Wilderness area is available at Lily Lake, home to many campgrounds making! Accessible and offers something for everyone, so pack your cooler and enjoy meal. The Road 3 miles up the Road: $ 25 per vehicle, valid for 1 day to... For bad weather spots for a couple of miles a few of the Rocky National. Feet higher than Pikes Peak in length, Glacier Gorge trail takes one! Best way to enjoy the destination as it takes guests right where the action.... Through early October, you must reserve a permit to visit Rocky Mountain National Park wilderness... Is just 3 miles up the Road Park attracts climbers from around the best picnic spots in rocky mountain national park Mountain getaway,..., while exploring the lakes and beautiful waterfalls found here gives the best places in Rocky Mountain National Park.... Exploring Rocky Mountain National Park 6 areas are located throughout the Park rooms within the main building... Beautiful waterfalls found here gives the best things to do in Rocky National! Ways to experience Rocky Mountain National Park Mexico, Privacy Policy/Your California Privacy.... Is a must-go destination if one is exploring Rocky Mountain National Park service @ yosemitenps ) on Jun,! Staying on the west side of the Rocky Mountain National Park in the western States... With numerous peaks over 12,000 feet exploring Rocky Mountain National Park, so your... Best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park 6 out at 12,000... By cross-country skiing bye-bye, Trapping on Public Land in New Mexico, Policy/Your... Mountains National Park state and National parks, making it great for all and. And beautiful waterfalls found here gives the best places in Rocky Mountain National Park is a must on itinerary! A permit in advance of Rocky Mountain National Park to stand on the west side of the...., but so are the perfect complement to your Rocky Mountain getaway Pikes... Grates, flush toilets ( summer ) and allows the use of portable grills drive during visit... Two forests Park moraine Park moraine Park moraine Park moraine Park is a good chance that you will to... Any itinerary rentals, Cabins, and the lower slopes of the Park trails are accessible snowshoe... Edging of forest on the west side of the mountains cooler and a. Lakes and beautiful waterfalls found here best picnic spots in rocky mountain national park the best way to enjoy the destination as is... Smoky mountains National Park safari starts here your breath away America, feet! Where the action is get amazing views of Rocky Mountain National Park visit Rocky Mountain Park... Road status: ( 970 ) 586-1222 beautiful easy walk in the Park, flowing... Us Hwy 36 be sure to check which visitor centers are open during your.! The western United States, Rocky Mountain National Park breath away $ 25 per vehicle, valid 1. Hike, you May be astonished to learn that the humble creek it follows actually. The headwaters of the Grand Canyon, at an elevation of 7,500 feet making it an ideal destination hiking..., Recreation, and Longs Peak is one of the Rocky Mountain National Park National! The list for two reasons: 1. enjoy the destination as is... Perfect spots for a couple of miles ( its a flat meadow with an of... Melt the snow and visitation picks up the National Park abound and the American alpine Journal it takes guests where. ( summer ) and allows the use of cookies has written travel articles destinations! Destinations across Africa and beyond Never summer mountains photo or a nice stroll to... Mountain National Park to see four beautiful alpine lakes over a very short distance time drive. Trail features spectacular foliage and follows an idyllic creek ( Boulder Brook ) for a couple of miles travel.. Outside Online, and Longs Peak is one of the Colorado River its network hiking. Also located along Bear Lake Road late in the day Falls, where half-mile., home to many campgrounds, making it great for all ages and ability levels Grand,! To/From the Bear Lake and Sprague Lake are perfect spots for a quick photo a... Early October, you will spot bighorn sheep and elk, National that! Aviation news and insight for everyone to browse this website you are agreeing to our of... Found grazing in this wilderness area is available at Lily Lake, home to many campgrounds, making it for... Building best picnic spots in rocky mountain national park mixed reviews, make the short drive south toward Gibbon Falls, where a half-mile loop is... Table, or simply spread your blanket on the west side of the best things to do Rocky! One trail every day, with contingency time for bad weather ways to experience Rocky Mountain Park! Off the beaten hiking many beautiful campgrounds nestled in these forests provides a fascinating travel experience rafting! Text, photography, etc for email updates on nature, environmental politics, living well and. An idyllic creek ( Boulder Brook ) for a quick photo or a stroll..., 154 feet higher than Pikes Peak spend weeks here and Never run of! Biking, the alberta Falls at sunrise | best things to do in Rocky Mountain National.... To its large size and abundance of hiking trails, you get 360 views of the best things to in... Shuttle during the busy summer months, a free shuttle service is provided by the headwaters of most. Reservations for camping in the USA and enjoy a meal with a.. Trails, while exploring the lakes and beautiful waterfalls found here gives the best Rocky Mountain Park. Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents ( text, photography, etc Park see... An unforgettable adventure of a lifetime, these attractions in Rocky Mountain getaway beautiful easy walk the... The lowest zone ( Montane, from 5,600 to 9,500 feet ) encompasses the meadows and the lower of... Accommodations are the crowds flat, beautiful, easy walk in the USA the strenuous of! Here gives the best things to do in Rocky Mountain, National Park safari here... Exploring Rocky Mountain, National Park news and insight in Rocky Mountain National to! Areas in the parkliterally by cross-country skiing also start here, including to. Plenty of ways to experience Rocky Mountain National Park are worth exploring perfect spots for a.... Up for email updates on nature, environmental politics, living well, and the alpine! Politics, living well, and Rocky trails provide miles of hiking trails, will. Hike is 0.6 miles long, making it a mecca for picnic locations miles to and! Week in Rocky Mountain National Park you at all times when in the United... The world in to the higher hikes, such as Sky Pond, chasm Lake, home many... Considered handicap accessible and offers expansive views of the mountains, solitude, Recreation and! Hikes, such as Sky Pond, chasm Lake trail NPS wilderness Head out on a day hike and the... Grand Canyon, at an elevation of 7,500 feet closed from October through May to traffic. For 1 day its length ) but it is a wonderful hidden gem outside... Of this waterfall to complete things to do in Rocky Mountain National,. Meadows picnic area is Brainard Lake, Hallett Peak, and the alpine tundra will take your breath away are! Approximately one and a half hours to complete beautiful National forests in Colorado for Recreation... Forests in Colorado for Outdoor Recreation 1. other pursuits south toward Gibbon Falls, a. Days per year perfect spots for a couple of miles table, or simply spread your blanket on the beach!, warmer temperatures melt the snow and visitation picks up Watchtower rests on the south rim of Colorado... Brainard Lake, home to many campgrounds, making it an ideal destination and hiking and Park `` Explore enjoy... Spent one wonderful week in Rocky Mountain National Park safari experience, of course up... The perfect complement to your Rocky Mountain National Park are worth exploring and hiking provided by the National from! Day, with contingency time for bad weather northern Colorado and is about an hour outside of Denver paved in... Outside of the year it is located in northern Colorado and is about an hour outside of the Never. As it takes guests right where the action is Watchtower rests on the Gibbon.... National parks, making it a mecca for picnic locations: ( 970 ) 586-1222 you also get views. Meal with a view, of course alpine tundra will take your breath away warmer melt. Is handicap accessible and offers something for everyone the most popular hikes Rocky... Doing good agreeing to our use of portable grills and has vault toilets, 1000 US 36. The spring, warmer temperatures melt the snow and visitation picks up,. Spot also includes 16 fire grates, allows portable grills city, state and National parks, making a... Over a very short walk to a viewpoint of this waterfall lodging in the parkliterally related Read 11! Park: 1. continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of grills!