Best trails in Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most popular natural parks featuring incredible mountain scenery. It is known for its alpine and subalpine lakes, peak hikes, and wildlife. You'll often catch a glimpse of an elk, moose, or marmot driving or hiking in the park. The park is also known for Trail Ridge Road, a jaw-dropping feat of engineering that takes visitors over the Continental Divide from Grand Lake to Estes Park. The road typically closes between October and June every year. The park features seventy-six mountains each over ten thousand feet tall. Equally enjoyable on foot or from your car. You can explore four stunning ecosystems within the park: montane, subalpine, alpine tundra, and riparian.
The park is easily accessible by shuttle from Denver International Airport and many shuttles run between the various trailheads, the Moraine Park Visitor Center, and even the Glacier Basin Campgrounds. Shuttles are a great way to get around the park since it is often crowded and parking is limited. There is no reliable cell service in the park, so it is a good idea to download your AllTrails maps ahead of time for hiking, biking, walking, and scenic drives within the park.
Like most National Parks, dogs are not allowed in most parts of Rocky Mountain National Park. Dogs are not allowed on any trails in the park, tundra, or any area off of a paved developed road. Dogs are only allowed on leash on roads, in campgrounds, and in parking lots.
Rocky Mountain National Park requires a permit and campsite reservation for overnight camping in the wilderness. Backpackers must also follow specific regulations when camping overnight. For more information, please visit: https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/wilderness-overnight-backpacking.htm
Top trails
- (25172)·Moderate·3.4 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...
- (17018)·Strenuous·8.7 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. There is a short but steep Class 4 scramble up alongside Timberline Falls. The rock can be slippery, so continue up this section with caution. You can also add on a side trip to Andrew's...
- (8923)·Moderate·4.0 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...
- (10367)·Moderate·5.2 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...
- (12012)·Moderate·3.4 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...
- (6368)·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...
- (5663)·Moderate·5.6 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...
- (5337)·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...
- (9116)·Hard·8.4 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...
- (5069)·Moderate·4.0 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
Valid for 1 day. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers. 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.
Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers. 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 for US citizens and residents on these days:
February 16 — Presidents' Day
May 25 — Memorial Day
June 14 — Flag Day
July 3–5 — Independence Day weekend
August 25 — National Park Service's birthday
September 17 — Constitution Day
October 27 — Theodore Roosevelt's birthday
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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Are there camping trails available in Rocky Mountain National Park?
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Are there any trails with scenic mountain peak views in Rocky Mountain National Park?
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Are there any trails with glaciers in Rocky Mountain National Park?
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Are there any trails with picnic areas 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
- 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
- Trails with historic sites 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
- Trails with no dogs 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
- Trails with views in Rocky Mountain National Park
- Waterfall trails in Rocky Mountain National Park
- Wildflower trails in Rocky Mountain National Park
- Wildlife trails in Rocky Mountain National Park
