Best trails in Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park epitomizes wilderness, freedom, and breathtaking mountain views. From elk herds grazing in misty meadows, to black bears foraging through the dense undergrowth, to eagles soaring through the sky, these mountains on Colorado's rooftop have it all. The more patient (and fortunate) hikers may even spot otters playing in the rivers, moose lumbering through the woods, or bighorn sheep near Sheep Lakes. Whether you admire the beauty and drama of the Rocky Mountains from a gentle, family-friendly trail or a rugged, challenging route, this park will capture your heart and claim lots of your phone's photo storage.
Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the highest-elevation national parks in the country. The park straddles the Continental Divide and includes more than 75 summits that are %{12000_feet} or taller. The lower atmospheric pressure at higher elevations may make you feel light-headed or short of breath, even on hikes well within your ability. If possible, it's a good idea to acclimate for a day or two before hiking in the park.
Even though the park is open 24 hours a day, year-round, most people choose to avoid the rugged climate at high elevations by visiting in the summer or fall. The best time to visit is from June through September, when the weather is mild and most of the snow has melted. Keep in mind that Trail Ridge Road closes for the winter, usually sometime in October until May. If you plan to take this road through the park, be sure to check current conditions and closure status.
An entrance fee or park pass is required year-round. If you're planning a trip from May through October, you will also need to book a timed entry permit.
Top trails
- (25139)•Moderate•3.3 mi•Est. 1.5–2 hrCome explore the stunning Tyndall Gorge on your way to Emerald Lake, a true gem in Rocky Mountain National Park! Starting from the busy Bear Lake Trailhead, this hike treats you to incredible mountain scenery every step of the way. You'll pass by the charming Nymph Lake, then the aptly named Dream Lake, before arriving at the spectacular Emerald Lake. Each lake offers a new, beautiful view, with towering peaks like Flattop Mountain and Hallett Peak reflected in their clear waters. As you...
- (17217)•Hard•8.6 miThis hike to Sky Pond features some of the best views in Rocky Mountain National Park. The trek begins at the Glacier Gorge Trailhead along Bear Lake Road. You'll also stop by several other sought-after spots, including Alberta Falls, The Loch (also known as Loch Vale), Lake of Glass, and Timberline Falls. You can also add on a side trip to Andrew's Tarn on your way back. Shortly after setting off along the Glacier Gorge Trail, you’ll come to Alberta Falls. You’ll have Glacier Creek on...
- (9051)•Moderate•3.9 miLake Haiyaha is a very popular destination within Rocky Mountain National Park. It is known for its clear, beautiful water where trout are often visible. The lake is surrounded by boulders and beautiful rock formations. In 2022, the lake changed color to a milky turquoise due to landslides above the lake in Chaos Canyon. This route goes by several gorgeous high-altitude lakes and has intermittent views of Long’s Peak. It starts at the Bear Lake Trailhead and much of the way to Nymph Lake...
- (10377)•Moderate•5.0 miThis route takes you to several gorgeous and popular high-altitude lakes and has intermittent views of Long’s Peak. It starts at the Bear Lake Trailhead, taking you first to Nymph Lake. Nymph lake is known for the lily pads that often fill the lake during the summer months. There is a great place to see fields of wildflowers during the summertime between Nymph and Dream Lake. From Dream Lake to Lake Haiyaha there is a steep wooded section and some boulders to wind through. The route flattens...
- (11853)•Moderate•3.2 miThe beautiful trail leading up to Gem Lake features interesting rock formations and amazing views of Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. Although located in the park, this great hike begins before the park’s main entrance. You can find the Lumpy Ridge Trailhead just off Devils Gulch Road in Estes Park. This hike begins in a relatively lower elevation zone of the park and climbs almost 1,000 feet. The breathtaking views on your way up make every step worth it. After a short distance...
- (6315)•Moderate•2.0 mi•Est. 1–1.5 hrGet ready for a trip to the incredibly scenic Dream Lake! The trail is clearly marked and easy to follow. The alpine lake water is so clear that you can often see cutthroat trout swimming by. You'll also visit Nymph Lake, which is filled with lily pads in the summer months. This hike is often lined with gorgeous wildflowers during the summer. You'll start at the Bear Lake trailhead parking lot in Glacier Gorge. This trailhead is popular. The parking lot usually fills up early during the...
- (5656)•Moderate•5.4 mi•Est. 2.5–3 hrThe trek to the Loch (aka Loch Vale) from Glacier Gorge Trailhead is an incredible route that features amazing views of the Eastern Glacier Knobs, Taylor Glacier, and several surrounding peaks You’ll start out on a rather gentle incline and pass Alberta Falls before making your way around the Eastern Glacier Knobs. Between the West and East Glacier Knobs, you’ll come to a trail junction that leads north to the gorgeous Lake Haiyaha. At this same trail intersection, you’ll also have the...
- (5376)•Moderate•5.2 mi•Est. 2.5–3 hrIconic Mills Lake sits at the top of Glacier Gorge. This route takes you past several popular Rocky Mountain National Park destinations to the serene Mills Lake. You'll pass Alberta Falls and Glacier Falls before reaching the lake. The boulders around the lake are great spots to take a break before heading back to the trailhead. This is a very popular hike, especially during the summer months. There is limited parking at the trailhead. If the Glacier Gorge parking lot is full or you'd like...
- (8966)•Hard•8.3 miChasm Lake is a classic, must-do Colorado hike. You'll get incredible views while traversing the subalpine forest up to the alpine tundra. The lake sits below the spectacular Long's Peak, the highest peak in the park. You'll start at Long's Peak Trailhead and hike along the Long's Peak Trail. This trailhead is very popular and becomes full early in the morning. Weather conditions on this route can change to severe, stormy, or wintry at any time (even in the middle of the summer). Afternoon...
- (5107)•Moderate•3.8 mi•Est. 2–2.5 hrThis route takes you to many of the popular, sought-after lake destinations within the Bear Lake area. You'll take a tour around Bear Lake before heading off to Nymph Lake (known for its yellow-flowered lily pads during summer), Dream Lake, and Emerald Lake. You'll head back to the Bear Lake trailhead on the Nymph Lake Trail. The Bear Lake trailhead area is extremely popular. The parking lot often fills up early during the summer months and on weekends. This hike is also popular in the...
Visitor info
1-Day Motorcycle Entrance Pass. This pass is valid for one private motorcycle to enter RMNP for one day only. One pass is good for one motorcycle (including all riders). Park entrance passes may be purchased in person at the any of the park's entrance stations or in advance online at www.recreation.gov.
7-Day Motorcycle Entrance Pass. This park entrance pass is valid for one motorcycle to enter RMNP for 7 consecutive days (including all riders). Park entrance passes may be purchased in person at the any of the park's entrance stations or in advance online at www.recreation.gov.
1-Day Per Person Entrance Pass. This park entrance fee is for individuals, walk-ins, bicycles, and non-commercial groups to enter RMNP for 1-day only. Park entrance passes may be purchased in person at the any of the park's entrance stations or in advance online at www.recreation.gov.
7-Day Per Person Entrance Pass. This park entrance fee is for individuals, walk-ins, bicycles, and non-commercial groups to enter RMNP for 7 consecutive days. Park entrance passes may be purchased in person at the any of the park's entrance stations or in advance online at www.recreation.gov.
1-Day Vehicle Entrance Pass. This pass is valid for one private vehicle to enter RMNP for one day only. All passengers inside the vehicle are covered. Park entrance passes may be purchased in person at any of the park's entrance stations or in advance online at www.recreation.gov.
7-Day Vehicle Entrance Pass. This vehicle entrance pass is valid for one vehicle to enter RMNP for 7 consecutive days. All passengers inside the vehicle are covered. Park entrance passes may be purchased in person at the any of the park's entrance stations or in advance online at www.recreation.gov.
RMNP Park-specific Annual Pass. This park pass is valid for entry to RMNP only for 1 year. One pass is good for one passholder and may be used in any personal vehicle. Park entrance passes may be purchased in person at the any of the park's entrance stations or in advance online at www.recreation.gov.
Join millions of people who enjoy our National Parks with the "America the Beautiful" National Park & Federal Recreational Lands Pass, otherwise known as the Interagency Annual Pass. The pass is valid for a year's worth of visits from the month of purchase at more than 2,000 federal recreation sites across the country.
No entrance pass required on these days:
Monday, January 20 — Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Saturday, April 19 — First day of National Park Week
Thursday, June 19 — Juneteenth National Independence Day
Monday, August 4 — Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
Saturday, September 27 — National Public Lands Day
Tuesday, November 11 — Veterans Day
The Interagency Access Pass is accepted here.
The visitor centers, bookstores, and information desks are all accessible to visitors using mobility equipment or strollers. The visitor centers also have wheelchair accessible restrooms and drinking fountains. Park films at the Beaver Meadows and Kawuneeche Village Visitor Centers include closed captioning.
An all-terrain wheelchair can be checked out at no cost. Call the main park number (970-586-1206) for more information or to make a reservation.
The park brochure is available in braille and large print. Assistive listening devices and sign language interpretation services are available but require advanced notice to guarantee availability (two weeks is suggested for assisted listening devices and a month for sign language interpreters).
Additional information about accessibility at Rocky Mountain National Park can be found on their website: https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.
The summer shuttle buses that operate along the Bear Lake corridor are wheelchair accessible. Call Rocky Mountain Transit at (970) 577-7477 to learn about Town of Estes Park shuttle buses.
Electric Personal Assistance Mobility Devices (EPAMD), such as Segways, are allowed for people with disabilities in certain areas, including sidewalks, parking lots, roads closed to motor vehicles, and four trails.
The visitor centers, bookstores, and information desks are all mobility equipment accessible. The visitor centers also have wheelchair accessible restrooms and drinking fountains. Park films at the Beaver Meadows and Kawuneeche Village Visitor Centers include closed captioning.
There are wheelchair accessible picnic tables and restrooms at several trailheads, including Lily Lake, Sprague Lake, and Coyote Valley. Many of the overlooks along Trail Ridge Road have designated accessible parking.
There are both “front-country” and “back-country” wheelchair accessible camping sites at various locations.
Service animals must be on-leash throughout the park.
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Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to hike in Rocky Mountain National Park?
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Activities
- Backpacking trails in Rocky Mountain National Park
- Birding trails in Rocky Mountain National Park
- Camping trails in Rocky Mountain National Park
- Cross-country skiing trails in Rocky Mountain National Park
- Fishing trails in Rocky Mountain National Park
- Hiking trails in Rocky Mountain National Park
- Horseback riding trails in Rocky Mountain National Park
- Rock climbing trails in Rocky Mountain National Park
- Running trails in Rocky Mountain National Park
- Snowshoeing trails in Rocky Mountain National Park
- Walking trails in Rocky Mountain National Park
Attractions
- Hard trails in Rocky Mountain National Park
- Easy trails in Rocky Mountain National Park
- Forest trails in Rocky Mountain National Park
- Historic site trails in Rocky Mountain National Park
- Lake trails in Rocky Mountain National Park
- Long trails in Rocky Mountain National Park
- Moderate trails in Rocky Mountain National Park
- No dogs trails in Rocky Mountain National Park
- River trails in Rocky Mountain National Park
- Short trails in Rocky Mountain National Park
- Strenuous trails in Rocky Mountain National Park
- Scenic viewpoint trails in Rocky Mountain National Park
- Waterfall trails in Rocky Mountain National Park
- Wildflowers trails in Rocky Mountain National Park
- Wildlife trails in Rocky Mountain National Park
