Best Trails in Rocky Mountain National Park

Much thanks to the reviews left over the weekend 5/11-5/12 - hiked to Sky Pond 5/14 - bought spikes and trekking poles and only used spikes. As everyone else is saying the earlier the better with snow, becomes slushy and you begin to sink with your steps later in day. Extremely rewarding to go up to Lake of Glass and continuing to Sky Pond. Currently Timberline Falls is covered in snow so you are climbing on snow with no rocks. Was on all 4 and took careful time up solo to ensure I didn’t fall or lose footing.

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Amazing hike with my husband! A lot of uphill but worth it at the top!

My first hike in Colorado today with my daughter. We loved the view while doing the switchbacks. Snow through the forest but totally worth it once we caught sight of the lake. We had hiking shoes only and were able to navigate just fine.

So crowded and is a small waterfall into a muddy pool. I don’t see emerald. I don’t come to the mountains for crowds.

Fantastic hike that includes a roaring waterfall (Fern Falls) and gorgeous and dramatic views from Fern Lake. The first 1.5 miles is relatively flat but interesting nonetheless. After the falls there was a lot of snow and glad I had my micro spikes. I post holed a couple of times but overall the trail fine. 20+ mph cold wind by the lake so only hung out for 20 minutes or so. On the hike down, I stopped at the pool at about 12:30 and relaxed having lunch listening to the Big Thompson River. Only saw a couple of people on my way, more people on the way down but never crowded. Next time I might extend the hike and continue to Bear Lake and then loop back to Cub Lake. Hike was about 7 miles as an out and back. If you continue to Bear Lake, it’s about 8 miles and then shuttle back to Cub Lake parking area. About 13 miles if you loop onto the Mill Creek Trail back to the Pool and back to the TH.

We started at 830 and got 4 miles in by around 10am. The trail itself is well maintained with small amounts of snow and mud, and it is so beautiful! After we hit one of the rivers the trail became straight snow and it looked too deep to continue hiking even though we were in snow boots. We hiked a total of 8 miles and it was pretty flat except for a few areas with stairs and slight incline. I would highly recommend this trail even if you done get to the lake. Just wear good hiking boots no matter what!

Amazing views. Not many people for a Saturday. Really great having spikes.

Great trail. Pretty difficult step sections at the top but well worth it. Dry the whole way.

Still pretty snowed-in, but we did it without traction. Astounding views. Super cold.

My boyfriend and I successfully made it to Lone Pine Lake on 5/16 with some hiking boots, shorts and tee shirts, and positive attitudes. HOWEVER, it was incredibly difficult with the snow the last 1.5 miles to the top. We were falling through snow that ranged from 2-5 ft deep, but were determined to make it regardless of the damage it brought it our bodies (lots of cuts and scrapes on shins/hands from falling in the sharp snow/ice!). Overall, it was a great experience for us, as it was not only a great challenge, but the views along the way are absolutely breathtaking. Unfortunately, no wildlife was spotted but we saw numerous moose/elk skat and tracks and even some tree damage from a bear! The entire hike took us from 11am-7pm, as we took some breaks to catch our breath or to snap some cool photos. Snow shoes are highly encouraged, but if you’re looking for a challenge during this time of year, we highly recommend this hike!

I took the trail in the second week of May to find it heavily snow covered. Off trail, the snow was apparently 5 feet deep. But even with the snow, the difficulty wasn't beyond moderate and offered really breathtaking views of the snow capped mountains. The way back was part skating, part sliding and was much quicker and fun than the way up. Would recommend!

Hiked it May 16 2019 starting at noon from parking lot. Lots of snow! Very sloshy by mid-day from the sun. Great views though and temperature was great, bring layers, waterproof boots and snow gaiters. Poles will help too. Couldn’t make the top due to weather.

Beautiful hike! In the snow with amazing views. I like this hike because you can go to 2 other lakes form dream lake if you want. We decided to head back because it Starting raining ! But the hike to dream lake wasn’t bad. It’s was covered in snow and moderate amount of people. we didn’t rent the spikes but we saw many people with them. We did have good hiking boots, which I think were good enough!

100% recommend this hike. It’s an easy 1 mile up and 1 mile down. Total 2 miles. We did it in snow and it wasn’t too bad. The views of the waterfalls at the end are amazing ! You also have the high views of the park. Wonderful experience.

This is a very easy-moderate trail with pretty views throughout, definitely worth it. I completed this on 5/16/19 with my group in regular running shoes and it’s definitely doable! We did not use spikes or poles. We started the hike around 9:30 and the lot was maybe halfway filled. Definitely will get busier with summer approaching. It’s a little over 1.7 to Emerald Lake. The trail was snowy, the only trouble we had was on the way back due to the icy conditions. Be aware that if you do step over to the side of the trail, the snow is about 4-5 feet deep. The overall hike with stopping/enjoying Emerald Lake only took us around 2.5 hours from the car and back. By the time we returned to the parking lot it was basically packed. Additionally, altitude was not an issue after being in Colorado for 4 days. The views are beautiful and I would suggest this to anyone that visits Rocky Mountain National Park.

I would rate this trail hard in snow and mud as I hiked it, so.. great views and awesome workout, be sure to be careful this time of year and take your time.

Nice “family” hike. Entered at shadow my lake dam and walked down ~2 miles where the trail meets the Colorado at a bend in the river. Trail was clear, some recent tree fall over trail, it’s apparent that these are getting cleaned up pretty quickly. Saw a moose at the beginning of the hike and a beaver scurrying away about a mile in. Highly recommend

Low/average effort for amazing views. Perfect trail for when you have family visiting, although I could see how it might get too busy in the warmer months. I went this past weekend 5/11 and would definitely suggest micro spikes. People without them were struggling at certain points. Packed snow all the way up to emerald lake, a bit slushy and slick at points.

Beautiful afternoon walk with the fam bam!

Great starter trail! Fairly easy and very enjoyable! Amazing scenery!

Easy afternoon hike with beautiful views! A local recommended this to us when we arrived - we were looking for a shorter hike until we acclimate to the elevation. Leisurely hike, took one hour up and two hours down (to take a million photos). Great hike!

Easy afternoon hike with beautiful views! A local recommended this to us when we arrived - we were looking for a shorter hike until we acclimate to the elevation. Leisurely hike, took one hour up and two hours down (to take a million photos). Great hike!

Hiked this trail yesterday. Beautiful views all the way up. Not too difficult. Not too many people. No snow or ice when we were there so no special equipment needed. Most hikers had shorts and sneakers.

Did this trail yesterday, amazing views! There's a good amount of snow above the treeline but doable without snowshoes or spikes. A couple of pretty steep sections after the landslide but absolutely worth the effort. Really fun scramble to the eastern peak!

Outstanding trail. Favorite for RMNP thus far (hiked Fern, Odessa, Gem, Deer Mtn, etc.). About half way up we hit somewhat challenging snow (waist deep at times at a few soft spots but snow was well packed 95% of the time) but the micro spikes help. We summited one of the sisters ( I believe the western peak) and the view was worth every step taken. Highly recommended.

Excellent trail. Moderately trafficked though.