Fortunately, the trail system near Estes Park accommodates hikers of all levels. It starts at 10,800 feet and tops out at 12,899 on Mt. To help you plan your trip, we also have articles about the best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park and how to plan the perfect itinerary. Also check out our guide to 10 epic things to do in RMNP as well! From there, it continues to climb at a steady incline and youll be rewarded with spectacular views of the mountains along the Continental Divide. Option:Another mile up the trail is Odessa Lake, offering an additional target for those with more time and energy. The free-entry aspect is what makes this area popular among climbers, but they leave the trail after the first 3-4 miles to scramble up to the rock faces. This is the shortest, most popular hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. Why you should go: Hike up to one of the most accessible alpine lakes in the Estes Park area! The hotels bar and restaurant are open to the public and I highly recommend at least having one cocktail in their historically preserved bar. Past the waterfall, follow the signs to Mills Lake. Add on to your hike with the Sprague Lake loop. Clocking in at just over 13 million acres of public land, Colorados 11 National Forests offer the chance to explore some of the best corners of the Centennial State. No, we havent done that hikehavent even heard of it. The Emerald Lake hike is a family friendly hike and it also makes a great intro to hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park. Summit elevation 12,324' (gain of 2849'). 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. While in Rocky Mountain National Park, please practice the seven principles of Leave No Trace: plan ahead, stay on the trails, pack out what you bring to the hiking trails, properly dispose of waste, leave areas as you found them, minimize campfire impacts, be considerate of other hikers, and do not approach or feed wildlife. Enjoy beautiful views of Estes Park: the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park is a small mountain town packed with history and charm. WebRocky Mountain National Park's 415 square miles encompass and protect spectacular mountain environments. While it is a popular trail, youll likely find spaces available early-mid morning. Dogs are allowed (on leash) on this trail. 3. Ida (we loved the panoramic views along most of the trail, not to mention the jaw-dropping views from Mt. Hallett Peak is a good warm-up hike for those who plan to summit Longs Peak. Nymph and Dream Lakes are beautiful, so you will have a wonderful hike if you choose to turn around at Dream Lake. Not looking for strenuous hiking - just trails with beautiful views. Hikers should be prepared with winter gear, including proper foot ware, traction devices and snowshoes at higher elevations, the spokesperson said. Loop the lake or head As you ascend higher, the trees disappear, as you enter the subalpine region. perfect view of Estes Park and the high peaks that surround the area, from Ida on day 3. Along the way, guests can stop at various businesses toshop,grab a bitein an open-air caf and even sample somelocal wine. Let us know in the comment section below. This park does close in the winter due to seasonal moose and deer migrations. This is our favorite short, easy hike in the park. 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. The Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge is a wonderful, short, easy hike to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. If you have plans to hike one of these trails, adding on Bear Lake is quick, easy, and wont take up much of your time. 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. We will be in Estes Park in mid July. 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. 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. This trail is not paved (its a gravel trail for most of its length) but it is considered handicap accessible. Expect lots of wind and cold temperatures, even during the summer months. Option:Slightly more advanced hikers can continue on to Calypso Cascades along the Thunder Lake Trail for about another 1.1 miles. https://trails.colorado.gov/, The Indian Peaks Wilderness is huge and the hikes are spectacular. Begin your journey at Bear Lake and head toward Odessa Lake and Flattop Mountain. The Brainerd Lake recreation area is great. Speaking of the altitude, go slow and take it steady. Once used by Arapaho and Ute Indians on their way between winter and summer hunting grounds, the Ute Crossing Trailhead is unmarked except for a small, informational kiosk. loop is just under one mile and is relatively flat, making it an easy addition How to Use This Map: Click the icons on the map to get more information about each point of interest. The Conference is held in partnership with the American Trail Running Association. Since this trail does take you into Rocky Mountain National Park, you will have to follow Park rules.

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