Related Read: 11 Beautiful National Forests in Colorado for Outdoor Recreation 1. 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. Visitor Centers Endo Valley(32 tables) - located along Old Fall River Road, about 1.8 miles from the intersection with Highway 34. This is one of the best places to see elk without buildings like hotels or visitor centers. Known for its peaks, alpine lakes, and tundra landscapes, Colorado's Rocky Mountain National Park is one of America's favorite national parks. Day use picnicking is prohibited in all five campgrounds from the Friday before Memorial Day through the end of September: Aspenglen, Glacier Basin, Longs Peak, Moraine Park, Timber Creek. You also get amazing views of the Colorado Valley as it is formed by the headwaters of the Colorado River. It is located on Estes Park's southwest side, South of Bear Lake. The historic Old Fall River Road is a scenic 9-mile dirt road that is typically open from early July through late September. It includes Bear Lake Road and the hikes that start here (Bear Lake, Emerald and Dream Lakes, Alberta Falls, Sky Pond, Hallett Peak, and Sprague Lake). This is a great time to explore Rocky Mountain National Park crowd-free and try out snowshoeing. Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. The area offers six fire grates, vault toilets and allows the use of portable grills. A post shared by Rocky Mountain National Park (@rockynps) on Sep 7, 2016 at 1:05pm PDT, Sprague Lake, Rocky Mountain National Park. 10.4 miles, strenuous. When is the best time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park? Camping Fee - $30 per night (Up to 8 people); $40 per night (9 - 15 people); $50 (16 - 25 people); $60 (26-40 people) Located 8,500 feet above sea level, the Glacier Basin Campground makes full use of its elevation to entertain you with dazzling, eye-catching views. The views from the overlooks are stunning. With so many incredible locations I'll go over the best places to elope in Rocky Mountain National Park and go over some logistics and tips! Rocky Mountain National Park rocks, literally and figuratively. Before you go, check with the National Park Service website about bivouac permits and closures for raptor nesting. 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. Some visitors complain of noise and hot temperatures in the summer (there is no air conditioning). There are sixty mountain peaks over 12,000 feet and many of these top out over 13,000 feet. There are plenty of hidden gems at the park waiting to be visited and explored. The scenic byway was built by the City of Denver in 1927 as a tourist attraction. To see fall colors and the elk mating season, plan your visit from mid-September through mid-October. Visitors should therefore plan on exploring this beautiful lake early, especially for epic people free pictures of the magnificent landscapes! If you are lucky you might even see an Elk crossing the river. Scenic Drives Laurel Falls Possibly the most popular falls in the park, the 80-foot high Laurel Falls is located 1.3 miles down the trail, which is rated moderately difficult. Drive Time: 1.5 to 4 hours depending on traffic and stops at overlooks. However, this property gets rave reviews. 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. 0.6 miles, easy. Cultivating this daily habit could change your world for the better, Supporters of degrowth emphasize the principles of the slow movement, Mary Katherine Ray helped outlaw traps in her state, Adapted from an interview by The Continental Divide runs north south through the park. Backpack into the heart of the park and sleep under the stars. Can We Address the Climate Crisis by Degrowing? Like Bear Lake, it is an easy hike to get here. $35 for a weekly pass. 4 tables in pavilion, scattered tables on hillside, Available by reservation only; $350 administrative fee to reserve area, Only self-contained grills only with special use permit, Vault toilets next to parking lot at Lily Lake, Summer flush toilets. Of the many beautiful byways, Peak to Peak is among Colorados most stunning drives. Tour and hike early and late in the day. Kruger Rock Trail Photo: Brendan Bombaci Why you should go: What better way to find some solitude than in a place called Hermit Park? 3. Horses and other stock are not permitted in auto campgrounds and picnic areas. For updated information on fire restrictions visit ourFire Informationpage. With lofty mountain peaks, hiking trails that lead to alpine lakes and waterfalls, wildlife, and a scenic drive along one of the highest roads in the USA, Rocky Mountain National Park is a joy to explore. Be sure to check which visitor centers are open during your stay. 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. Home to the headwaters of the mighty Colorado River, the Kawuneeche Valley is a great place to enjoy the quieter west side of Rocky. Over 60 people have died attempting to summit Longs Peak. View Map. These shuttle buses connect Moraine Park and Bear Lake, with numerous stops in between. Access: Drive-in 1.7 miles to trailhead and park. Visit the Eldora Mountain Ski Area to enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling. In 2021, 4.4 million people visited Rocky Mountain National Park, ranking it 5th by the number of visitors. Lily Lake. Many of the park trails are accessible by snowshoe. In the winter months, ice climbing is an option. is hard to beat. From the Glacier Gorge parking lot, is a mostly uphill walk to get to Alberta Falls, but it is not too strenuous. Deer Mountain is one of the easiest mountain summit hikes in the park. Reservations are made online on the recreation.gov website. 100% 7 Reviews. Picnics - Sprague Lake, Hallowell Park, Fern Lake Trail Ridge Road This road passes east to west over the top of the range at 12,000 feet above sea level. 3.4 miles, moderate. Take a Leisurely Stroll by Boulder Brook. Step inside, and youll find murals by the Hopi artist Frank Kabotie. Plenty of room, good WiFi, nice furnishings, and beautiful views from our balcony. Chimney Tops A great place for the whole family to enjoy a picnic is at the Chimney Tops picnic area. The winter months are a great time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park. Park Hours: Park entrances are open 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. It starts in Horseshoe Park and ends at the Alpine Visitor Center. Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park 1. This hike is located next to the Alpine Visitor Center. Julie Last updated: November 21, 2022 United States 19 Comments. To view it on your phone or computer, open Google Maps, click the menu button, go to Your Places, click Maps, and you will see this map on your list. 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. The permit is in effect from 5 am to 6 pm. The Alberta Falls Trail, like many other hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, follows a creek (in this case, Glacier Creek). Day 2 - Start with a scenic drive from Boulder to Rocky Mountain National Park (60-90 minute drive), visit Trail Ridge Road and end with a hike on the Wild Basin trail (1-6 mile options) with plenty of chances to see wildlife. The subalpine regions and alpine tundra can be explored by cross-country skiing. The rooms within the main hotel building get mixed reviews. Settle in at a campground along the Colorado River or in one of the several lodges in and around Grand Lake and explore the secret side of Colorado's favorite park with these six hidden gems.Note:You'llneedreservations or a Timed Entry Permit to enter the park between May 27 and October 10, 2022. You do not need a 44, standard vehicles will do fine on this road. It is located in Northern Colorado and is about an hour outside of Denver. Cascade Ponds might just be one of the best Banff picnic spots. For about $1, you can purchase the interpretive guide at the trailhead, which takes you through 30 marked spots along the trail that teaches you about the Bear Lake area. In fact, the western side of the park in Grand County is noticeably quieter than the more frequently visited eastern side. 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. Herds of elk can be found grazing in this valley. 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. However, there are plenty of pull-offs to allow vehicles to pass. Dog-friendly lodging can be . You can drive Trail Ridge Road, visit the Alpine Visitor Center, hike to Longs Peak and to Chasm Lake, and hike Gem Lake. Adams Falls, Rocky Mountain National Park. Afterward, post up at a picnic table, or simply spread your blanket on the sandy beach. From nice and mellow to pure To help you plan a family-friendly winter vacation with confidence,here's a quick guide to the best family-friendly winter activities in our grand corner of For all the reasons to take a skiing or snowboarding lesson, there always seems to be twice as many reasons or rather, excuses 2022 Grand County Colorado Tourism Board. During the busy summer months, a free shuttle service is provided by the national park service. Photos: Nicky's Resort. Difficulty: Moderate Distance: 4 miles Elevation Gain: 977 feet Hermit Park is an Open Space located right outside Estes Park. Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests, in the Rocky Mountains, are home to a wildlife refuge that protects birds and mammals. Mojave National Preserve. Ouzel Lake boasts scenic alpine views and makes for an unforgettable picnic spot. These breathtaking forests surround Rocky Mountain National Park and offer visitors a lot to see and do. In total, they cover about 14.5 million acres of open space. Sign up for email updates on nature, environmental politics, living well, and doing good. Five visitor centers are situated throughout the park and are a great place to start your park adventure, learn something new, get that burning question answered, or purchase a souvenir in one of the Rocky Mountain Conservancy gift shops. In 2021, Rocky Mountain National Park was the 5th most visited national park in the United States, with 4.4 million visitors. Where can you find easy access to 600 miles of mountain biking trails just 90 minutes from Denver? Sierra Club 2023.The Sierra Club Seal is a registered copyright, service mark, and trademark of the Sierra Club. This gave us enough time to hike at least one trail every day, with contingency time for bad weather. Most of these areas neaar conveniently accessible by vehicle, and feature open grassy areas perfect for laying out a blanket. Rocky Mountain National Park officially became a national park on January 26, 1915. gift shops. From a picnic table atBeaver Meadows Visitor Centerto large-scale, outdoor cafeteria-like settings, you can find just the right atmosphere and convenience you seek. Most visitors arrive during the summer and on fall weekends. Please practice the seven principles of Leave No Trace: plan ahead, stay on the trail, pack out what you bring to the hiking trail, 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. at least three days in Rocky Mountain National Park. The trail gets a bit muddy during rainy months, but visitors don't have to worry as the scrambling spots are well taken care of and accessible for exploration. Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado is one of the most amazing places to elope for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure lovers. Sky Pond is one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park for good reason. 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Longs Peak, at 14,259 feet, is the only fourteener in the park, but for serious hikers, getting to the top of this behemoth is one of the best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. Sprague Lake (27 tables) - located along Bear Lake Road. Day 1 - Get settled and explore Historic Downtown Boulder. It's home to over 350 miles of hiking trails and a huge array of peaks and rock formations that entice rock climbers from around the globe. This one-way, gravel road is 11 miles long and it takes about one hour to drive it. The absolute best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. R ocky Mountain National Park is well-known for its hiking trails, and with good reason. How many days do you need in Rocky Mountain National Park? Alberta Falls Trail. The loop walk around Bear Lake itself, less than a mile long, provides great views of jagged Hallett Peak and distant Longs Peak. Related: These Lakes In Rocky Mountain National Park Are Good Alternatives To Summits. It's home to over 350 miles of hiking trails and a huge array of peaks and rock formations that entice rock climbers from around the globe. Rocky offers places for family fun, adventure, solitude, recreation, and countless other pursuits. The Cascade Ponds picnic area has over 40 picnic tables, firewood, several options for parking, toilets and shelters. 3M Curve, also commonly known as the Longs Peak Viewpoint, is an easy 3.5-mile drive from Beavers Meadow Visitor Center on the East entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park. At 14,259 feet, Longs Peak is the tallest mountain in Rocky Mountain National Park and stands among Colorado's highest peaks. The 14-mile Mount Evans Scenic Byway leads to the 14,264-foot high summit of Mount Evans. 10. The picnic area has 10 tables. Be sure to check which visitor centers are open during your stay. 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. Make sure you bring extra layers, even during the summer months. It's popular among both fly fishers and grazing elk. Now What? It is a perfect stopping point for a break before travelers start hiking the Andrews Glacier. As time moves forward, fewer and fewer people remember the ski resort in Rocky Mountain National Park. Required fields are marked *. There are also plenty of ways to experience Rocky Mountain National Park that are off the beaten hiking . A post shared by Zion National Park (@zionnps) on May 11, 2015 at 3:07pm PDT. it's flat and easily accessible; 2.) Her work has also appeared in Climbing Magazine, Outside Online, and The American Alpine Journal. As one of the most popular hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, the Alberta Falls Trail is a must on any itinerary. 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