Summary of the Best Hikes
Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado
Truth be told, the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park are probably all of them. That’s because no matter what part of Rocky Mountain National Park you travel, you’re treated to 360 degrees of stunning views. If you’ve got a particular affinity for certain nature hike features like waterfalls or wildlife spotting, you’ll likely appreciate some hikes more than others.
However, if you love all that the great outdoors can offer, Rocky Mountain National Park trails deliver in spades. Whether it’s the famed Twin Sisters near Estes Park or the friendly Bear Lake, you can take it as easy as you want or head up into the tundra region for a real adventure.
Flattop Mountain Trail
The Flattop Mountain Trail is one of the most popular hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. It begins at Bear Lake Trailhead and is an 8.9-mile hike. Along the way, you can check out Bierstadt Lake and Mills Creek Basin. The Flattop Mountain hike is considered one of the more strenuous hikes in Colorado national parks.
As you approach the top of Flattop Mountain, the trek will flatten out, and you’ll be rewarded with views of Tyndall Glacier and Hallett Peak.
- Length of Hike: 8.9 miles /14.32 kilometers
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Parking: Bear Lake Trailhead
Continental Divide Trail
This is the mother of all trails, the Continental Divide Trail runs through Rocky Mountain National Park all the way up to Canada and down to Mexico. Spanning just over 3000 miles, it features a mix of wild and developed trails that is recommended for experienced hikers.
While the portion in Rocky Mountain National Park may not exactly align with the official Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, it is still one of the best hikes in the park, offering the chance to go above the treeline and experience the alpine tundra climate.
- Length of Hike: 28-mile loop /45 kilometers
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Parking: Grand Lake/East Shore Trailhead
Bear Lake Trailhead
One of the easiest and best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park is undoubtedly Bear Lake. This 0.5-mile walk offers stunning views as you circle the lake and provides a picturesque view of Hallet Peak, Longs Peak, and Half Mountain.
This trail is suitable for all ages, though some steep inclines may pose challenges for those with mobility issues. You may take the Rocky Mountain Park shuttle to reach the Bear Lake Trailhead.
- Length of Hike: .8-mile loop / 1.2 kilometers
- Difficulty: Easy
- Parking: Bear Lake Road – shuttles available
Moraine Park Trail
The Moraine Park Trail is considered an easy trek in Rocky Mountain National Park, extending 3.5 miles round trip with a moderate elevation gain of 350 feet. It’s ideal for a leisurely nature walk suitable for families.
- Length of Hike: 3.5-mile loop / 5.5 kilometers
- Difficulty: Easy
Odessa Lake
The Odessa Lake hike is an 8.9 miles round trip and is deemed a moderate hike. Starting at Bear Lake trailhead, it provides a 1900 feet elevation gain. Experience fishing in Odessa Lake before heading towards Fern Lake Falls.
- Length of Hike: 8.9 miles / 14.32 km
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Parking: Bear Lake Trailhead
Emerald Lake Trail
The Emerald Lake day hike is straightforward yet rewarding, taking about 3 hours. It is 3.6 miles long round trip, beginning at Bear Lake Trailhead.
During this hike, you will visit Nymph Lake, a small, clear lake surrounded by vibrant flowers, before arriving at Dream Lake, a picturesque stop that feels otherworldly.
- Length of Hike: 3.6-mile loop / 5.5 kilometers
- Difficulty: Easy
- Parking: Club Lake Trailhead
Glacier Gorge Trailhead
This 5-mile out-and-back hike necessitates moderate exertion, so wearing shoes with traction is recommended. Snowshoes may be needed towards the end of the trail due to cold and snowy conditions.
- Length of Hike: 5 miles / 9.3 kilometers out and back
- Difficulty: Easy
- Parking: Glacier Gorge Trailhead
Alberta Falls
Renowned as one of the best waterfall hikes in the Rocky Mountains, the Alberta Falls hike is a quick and easy 1.7-mile round trip. Primarily accessible from Glacier Gorge Trailhead, this hike invites everyone in the family to partake in the natural beauty.
- Length of Hike: 1.7-mile loop / 2.7 kilometers
- Difficulty: Easy
- Parking: Glacier Gorge Trailhead
Sky Pond
The hike to Sky Pond encapsulates breathtaking beauty but may require caution due to slippery sections. Covering 8 miles, it serves as a moderate to difficult challenge.
- Length of Hike: 8.5 miles /13.7 kilometers
- Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
- Parking: Glacier George Trailhead
Chasm Lake
Chasm Lake stands out as one of the most demanding lake hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. It sits at the foot of Longs Peak, with an elevation gain of 2566 feet and a total distance of 8.5 miles round trip.
- Length of Hike: 8.2 miles /13.1 kilometers out and back
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Parking: Longs Peak Trailhead
Fern Lake Trailhead
For those wanting an overnight adventure, the Fern Lake Trail could be the perfect spot. The 23-mile loop can challenge even seasoned hikers, making it a quieter trail for those seeking solitude.
- Length of Hike: 7.4 miles / 12 kilometers Out and Back
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Parking: Moraine Park Area
Gem Lake
The Gem Lake trail caters to families, offering a 4.4-mile journey that begins at the Lumpy Ridge Trailhead. However, be mindful of the steeper parts of the trail.
- Length of Hike: 5 miles / 5 kilometers out and back
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Parking: Lumpy Ridge
Ute Trail
At 11,000 feet above sea level, the Ute Crossing Trailhead provides a flat hiking experience, easy for everyone. Nonetheless, severe weather can pose a risk in this alpine tundra area.
- Length of Hike: 4 miles out and back
- Difficulty: Easy
- Parking: Ute Crossing Trailhead
Thunder Lake
The Thunder Lake hike, which begins at Wild Basin Trailhead, is an 11-mile trek classified as quite difficult. Despite being less crowded during the summer months, hikers are encouraged to stay prepared.
- Length of Hike: 11.6 miles / 18 kilometers
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Parking: Wild Basin Trailhead
Ouzel Falls
The Ouzel Falls hike is a 6-mile journey considered moderate in difficulty. Despite its popularity, hikers should prepare for snowy conditions, which may require poles or spikes.
- Length of Hike: 5.4 miles / 8.6 kilometers
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Parking: Wild Basin Trailhead
Tips for a Great Hike
- Never feed wildlife; maintain a safe distance to ensure your safety as well as theirs.
- Be mindful of altitude changes, especially if you have certain health conditions.
- Pack sufficient snacks and fluids; take periodic breaks to stay energized and hydrated.
- Bring a map, compass, or GPS for navigation during your hike.
- Always apply sunscreen and wear protective clothing against high-altitude sun exposure.
- Check weather updates frequently as conditions can change rapidly, particularly above the treeline.
- Pets are not allowed in the park, but pet boarding is available in nearby towns.
