The best hiking trails in Rocky Mountain National Park may be all. Because no matter where you are in Rocky Mountain National Park, you can enjoy 360-degree views. You may be more drawn to certain features, such as waterfalls or wildlife sightings, than others.
Rocky Mountain National Park Trails is a great place to explore if you enjoy the outdoors. You can either take it easy or venture into the tundra to experience the famous Twin Sisters near Estes Park.
Trail Ridge Road is a great way to travel into the Rockies by car. Trail Ridge Road, also known as “the highway to the sky,” will take you from Highway 34 in Colorado to the treeline at Rocky Mountain National Park. You will be at 12,183 feet without ever leaving your car.
Flattop Mountain Trail
Flattop Mountain Trail is a popular hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. It is 8.9 miles long and begins at Bear Lake Trailhead. You can also see Bierstadt Lake and Mills Creek Basin along the way. Flattop Mountain is one of the most strenuous hikes within Colorado national park.
Flattop Mountain Trail was known as the Grand Trail and the Big Trail. Although the trail is more difficult higher up, you will see some places that few people get to see. Flattop Mountain’s summit will bring you closer to Flattop Mountain. From there, the trail will flatten, and you’ll be able to see Tyndall Glacier and Hallett Peak.
Continental Divide Trail
The Continental Divide Trail is the most famous. It runs through Rocky Mountain National Park, all the way to Canada, and all of the way to Mexico. The Continental Divide Trail runs just over 3000 miles and includes both developed and wild trails. It is recommended for experienced hikers.
Rocky Mountain National Park’s portion is not on the official Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. It is still one of the most beautiful hikes in the park, as it takes you above the treeline to experience the alpine tundra climate. Most people who choose to hike the entire section within the park make it a backpacking trip and camp in the park. Many people start at Granite Falls or the opposite end at North Inlet Junction and then make a 3- or 4-day trip.
Even the most experienced hiker can find it difficult to hike up this rugged trail with its many switchbacks. You’ll also see wildlife such as moose, elk, waterfalls, and alpine worlds. You will need a permit to reserve your campsite for Rocky Mountain National Park.
Bear Lake Trailhead
Bear Lake is one of the most popular and accessible hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Although it’s only a half-mile hike, there are many things to see along the Bear Lake Trail. As you circle the lake, you’ll see Hallet Peak rising above. You will see Half Mountain and Longs Peak as you continue your circle.
Also, it would help if you looked directly at the ground instead of the sky. The surrounding trees will be miles high, including Aspen, Pine, Spruce, and others. Although all ages can enjoy the Bear Lake hike, steep inclines may prove difficult for people with mobility problems. To start your walk, you can take the Rocky Mountain Park shuttle.
Moraine Park Trail
The Moraine Park Trail in Rocky Mountain National Park is considered an easy hike. It is approximately 3.5 miles round trip. There is a moderate 350-foot elevation gain. This trail is ideal for all ages. This trail is more suitable for a stroll than a long hike.
A picnic can be taken along, and you can enjoy the wildlife and scenery. This trail is more famous for horses than people, but it allows you to take in beautiful Rocky Mountain National Park views without carrying heavy backpacks or hiking gear.
Odessa Lake
Odessa lake hike measures 8.9 miles round trip. It is considered moderate. The walk starts at Bear Lake trailhead and climbs 1900 feet. Before you reach the dense pine forest, the Odessa Lake Gorge is visible in front of your eyes.
Fishing in Odessa Lake is possible. Then, you can return to the trailhead. Alternatively, you could continue to Fern Lake Falls or exit at the Fernlake Trailhead.
Emerald Lake Trail
It is a short hike, but the Emerald Lake day hike takes about three hours. The Emerald Lake trail runs 3.6 miles from Estes Park to the end. As you climb, you’ll gain 650 feet. The Bear Lake Trailhead is on Bear Lake Road. This is where you will begin your hike. To get there, you can use the shuttle.
You will head north from the trailhead to Nymph Lake. This is a small lake that is filled with wildflowers and lilies. Dream Lake lies just past Nymphy Lake, which is almost as idyllic as it sounds. It’s like being transported to another dimension with chirping birds, wildflowers, and peaceful mornings.
Visit the Emerald Lake Overlook to see Tyndall Creek flowing through a canyon and playing mood music. While the hike is relatively easy, Emerald Lake and Dream Lake have steep inclines.
Glacier Gorge Trailhead
The hike is moderately strenuous at 5 miles. However, it is recommended to wear shoes that have traction. While spikes are sufficient for the trail, snowshoes might be necessary toward the end. Glacier Gorge Trail can sometimes get windy, increasing the snow and cold. Make sure you’re prepared.
Although your elevation gain is only 872 feet, the Glacier Gorge Trailhead starts you at a high altitude, and you can enjoy some stunning views. The trailhead can be parked, and you can walk from there. You’ll be able to see Mills Lake from anywhere. The views are stunning and serene.
Alberta Falls
Alberta Falls is considered one of the most beautiful waterfall hikes in the Rocky Mountains. It drops 30 feet and is easy to reach. The round trip is just 1.7 miles so everyone can participate.
You’ll need to start your Alberta Falls hike by heading to the Glacier Gorge Trailhead. The park shuttle can transport you to the Glacier Gorge Trailhead, which is located on Bear Lake Road. Parking is available at Bear Lake Road but is trendy, so reserve your spot quickly.
The Alberta Falls Hike will take you through the fall aspens, across Chaos Creek, and along Glacier Creek Trail. Named after the wife of Estes Park pioneer settlers, the falls were named for her. You have two options once you reach the falls: you can either go back down or continue to Mills Lake.
