There are lots of convenient picnic areas in the Park, along the north fork of the Big Thompson River, on the shore of Lake Estes, along the stretch of US 34 that follows the Big Thompson River, and in town along the RiverWalk. Receive small business resources and advice about entrepreneurial info, home based business, business franchises and startup opportunities for entrepreneurs. For 4 miles, you hike through the alpine tundra with awesome views of Longs Peak and the Continental Divide. This is a must-do hike for avid hikers. Alberta Falls at sunrise | Best Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park 6. The Alpine Visitor Center sits close to the halfway mark, and is a perfect place to grab a cup of hot chocolate and soak in the views. A post shared by GrandCanyonNPS (@grandcanyonnps) on Jan 7, 2015 at 3:27pm PST, Desert View Watchtower, Grand Canyon National Park. Rocky offers places for family fun, adventure, solitude, recreation, are situated throughout the park and are a great place to start your park adventure, learn something new, get that burning question answered, or purchase a souvenir in one of the. Park Access: This permit gives you access to everything in Rocky Mountain National Park except for Bear Lake Road. Visit the Eldora Mountain Ski Area to enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling. WorldMark Estes Park. This is the hotel that inspired Stephen King to write The Shining. In this post, learn about the best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park with tips on how to have the best experience. Picnics - Sprague Lake, Hallowell Park, Fern Lake Trail Ridge Road This road passes east to west over the top of the range at 12,000 feet above sea level. Also, Grand Lake is a perfect spot for exploring Rocky Mountain National Park as the park is located just outside Grand Lake-town. 14 Great Sand Dunes National Park Boondocking (Updated 2022) Take some time to set up a picnic and take in the picturesque of the lake and the waterfalls as you enjoy the varied landscape of the avalanche creek and forest. Expect congestion on roads, in parking areas, and along popular trails. This has been implemented to limit crowds at the busiest sections of the park during the peak visitation season (the summer months). Lily Lake offers an easy and flat 0.8-mile loop trail around the lake, making it one of the top things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park with kids. Access: Easy hiking. Horses and other stock are not permitted in auto campgrounds and picnic areas. It is located just outside of Estes Park, on the south side, an excellent location for driving into the park. It starts in Horseshoe Park and ends at the Alpine Visitor Center. Its a flat, beautiful, easy walk in the parkliterally. For updated information on fire restrictions visit ourFire Informationpage. For 48 miles, this road runs from Estes Park in the east to Grand Lake in the west. Prime for mountain biking, the flowing, root-filled, and rocky trails provide miles of fast-paced, ear-to-ear-grinning fun. Sierra Club and "Explore, enjoy and protect the planet" are registered trademarks of the Sierra Club. The 14-mile Mount Evans Scenic Byway leads to the 14,264-foot high summit of Mount Evans. This gives you enough time to acclimate to the higher elevation (very important if you live at a low elevation) before tackling some of the higher, tougher hikes (such as Mount Ida, Hallett Peak, or Longs Peak). Being the first and oldest scenic drive established in Colorado, Peak to Peak is significant historically. This massive natural feature can be seen almost anywhere in the park, and offers one of the most scenic and challenging 14er climbs in Colorado, by way of the Keyhole Route. When spring finally rolls around, Denverites flock to this urban oasis known as "Capitol Hill's backyard.". Glacier Basin Campground. Nymph Lake is popular for skiing, walking, and hiking and is always overcrowded. At more than 12,000 feet and home to several Alpine lakes, Rocky Mountain National Park offers some of the most spectacular landscapes in the United States.. Travelers who like the outdoors or just want some time away from the city will enjoy this short 90-mile adventure northwest of Denver. Just be aware that this is also the busiest time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park. By mid-morning, parking areas are often full. Day 2 - Get a good workout on the Bear Lake Trail (6+ miles), see very different scenery at Lumpy Ridge, and . Chasm Lake. Several backcountry camping sites are available (inquire with the National Park Service) making this a wonderful place to witness a summertime meteor shower. Find more information on picnicking in Rocky Mountain National Park, including regulations, group fees and responsible practices at the officialRocky Mountain National Park Picnicwebpage. 3.6 miles, easy to moderate. 80517. Located at Rocky Mountain National Park's west entrance, Gran Lake is accessible any time of the year and offers recreational opportunities to travelers. Each daily reservation costs $2 per vehicle, which is in addition to the $25 daily entrance fee or $35 weekly entrance fee per vehicle. Elevation: 7,935'. (970) 586-1206. This area also offers 30 fire grates, allows portable grills and has vault toilets. In 1917, John Holzwarth and his family, immigrants from Germany, built a small cabin on this site. Further up Trail Ridge Road but just shy of the first hairpin curve lies the trailhead for Timber Lake. Sky Pond. Rocky Mountain National Park Hiking Trail #10 - Chasm Lake Trail. Backpack into the heart of the park and sleep under the stars. Using the Lumpy Ridge Trailhead, take the 3.5-mile round-trip hike to Gem Lake, where the lake is formed by trapped snowmelt and rainwater that has collected in a basin that is surrounded by the large granite cliff walls that give this destination its distinctive look. Best Things to Do Rocky Mountain National Park. Laurel Falls Possibly the most popular falls in the park, the 80-foot high Laurel Falls is located 1.3 miles down the trail, which is rated moderately difficult. Explore the accessible and family-friendly Coyote Valley Trail to look for wildlife, get an up-close view of the river and have a picnic. 10/10 Bear . Picnic areas are located throughout the park, so pack your cooler and enjoy a meal with a view. View from Deer Mountain | Best Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park. Temperatures are low in the winter, but so are the crowds. This helps control crowd levels on the roads and hiking trails. Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the highest national parks in the USA. Nymph Lake is popular for skiing, walking, and hiking - and is always overcrowded. These easy hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado are a great way to experience some of the most scenic lakes and mountain peaks without major miles. Travelers should have a good sense of direction and climbing skills to survive this route. By signing up, you are opting in to receive periodic communications from the Sierra Club. Continental Divide Trail to Mount Ida. Or, if you have less time, we also have suggestions on how to spend one perfect day in Rocky Mountain National Park. Spruce Flats Falls is a wonderful hidden gem just outside of the Tremont Institute. With its expansive glacier-carved valleys, easily accessible tundra, abundant wildlife and thunderous waterfalls, Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the American West's must-see places. Backpack into the heart of the park and sleep under the stars. Everything You Need to Know About Autumn in Estes Park, How to Enjoy Labor Day Weekend in Estes Park, 5 Dog-Friendly Activities in Estes Park This Summer. 7.4 miles, moderate. 8. A few minutes into the trail, youll find tables flaked by shady trees. If you want to stay in the park, you will be limited to campgrounds. As you climb to it, you may be astonished to learn that the humble creek it follows is actually the Colorado River. We spent one wonderful week in Rocky Mountain National Park in July. Once at the waterfall, you can explore the short trails along Glacier Creek to find your favorite view of the waterfall. The area offers six fire grates, vault toilets and allows the use of portable grills. This gave us enough time to hike at least one trail every day, with contingency time for bad weather. Can We Address the Climate Crisis by Degrowing? Hike 9 miles round-trip to a spectacular alpine lake with close-up views of Longs Peak. 3M Curve, also commonly known as the Longs Peak Viewpoint, is an easy 3.5-mile drive from Beavers Meadow Visitor Center on the East entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park. In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. The path to the Upper Colorado River starts in Rocky Mountain National Park towards Utah. Deer Mountain. This hike is 1.7 miles round trip and takes 1 to 1.5 hours. If you have any questions about the best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park, let us know in the comment section below. Sunrises and sunsets are particularly stunning, especially when the alpenglow reflects off the 12,000-foot Mount Craig that sits on the horizon in Rocky Mountain National Park. The park is much less crowded at this time, but Trail Ridge Road is not open and many, if not all, of the hiking trails can be snow covered. Camping out in the many beautiful campgrounds nestled in these forests provides a fascinating travel experience. Scenic overlooks abound and the alpine tundra will take your breath away. Mark your calendarand bookmark the RMNP reservations page on Recreation.gov today so you can explore the park this summer. Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests, in the Rocky Mountains, are home to a wildlife refuge that protects birds and mammals. This is one of the best overlooks located along Trail Ridge Road. Sprague Lake, Rocky Mountain National Park Sprague Lake is a popular picnic spot and wedding destination. A post shared by Zion National Park (@zionnps) on May 11, 2015 at 3:07pm PDT. Drew Higgins is an environmental educator and freelance writer based in Jackson, Wyoming. The latter is especially crucial in Zion, where summer temperatures typically top 100 degrees. Thanks so much! I highly recommend this particular residence. Reservations are made online on the recreation.gov website. The Kawuneeche Valley is also the best place to look for moose in the park. This property is located west of Estes Park on Fall River Road, so you will have a longer drive to get into the heart of the park. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 5 miles one way, roughly 2,500 feet in elevation gain. Alberta Falls Trail. Book your permit as far in advance as you can, which can be up to one year in advance or as late as 7 days. Of course, the river is known for being a perfect recreational spot with many other activities visitors can enjoy - fishing and floating, available year-round. If you want low crowds and dont mind cold temperatures and snow, plan your visit from November through May. Be sure to check the road conditions for what is open during your visit. These 14 best picnic spots in Colorado are just waiting for a and basket full of food. This spot makes the list for two reasons: 1.) Hit the trails on horseback. Both Bear Lake and Sprague Lake are perfect spots for a quick photo or a nice stroll. Yes, another lake is on the list, but we would be remised to leave Sprague Lake off the list. Sprague Lake (27 tables) - located along Bear Lake Road. Be sure to check which visitor centers are open during your stay. Can't-miss highlight of this Colorado mountain town: Designed with families in mind, Granby Ranch ski resort comprises four chair lifts over two mountains: East, offering green and blue trails, and West, with more challenging blue and black ones. Most of these areas neaar conveniently accessible by vehicle, and feature open grassy areas perfect for laying out a blanket. Alberta Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls to visit in Rocky Mountain National Park. Horses and other stock are not permitted in auto campgrounds and picnic areas. Lily Lake. Bear Lake | Best Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park. Moraine Park is one of the best photo spots in Rocky Mountain National Park, because it has a little of everythingmountains, valleys, rivers, trees, even some wildlife if you're lucky! There are sixty mountain peaks over 12,000 feet and many of these top out over 13,000 feet. The entire hike is 0.6 miles long, making it great for all ages and ability levels. The Watchtower is located in Desert View, 25 miles east of Grand Canyon Village, and includes a picnic area, snack stand, visitor center, bookstore, and campground. Often overlooked for the more popular Bear Lake Trailhead, Sprague Lake is a must-see, easily accessible lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. Important: Trail Ridge Road is typically open from Memorial Day through mid-October. Work up an appetite by strolling the half-mile loop around the 13-acre lake, which offers stunning views of several mountains in the Continental Divide, including Hallett Peak. One of the very best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park with kids is to explore the beauty of its many natural, freshwater lakes. As a true classic, Bear Lake is a popular stop for many visiting Rocky Mountain National Park. Known for its peaks, alpine lakes, and tundra landscapes, Colorado's Rocky Mountain National Park is one of America's favorite national parks. If you are an avid hiker, you could easily spend 5 to 7 days in the park and never run out of things to do. From the parking area, its a very short walk to a viewpoint of this waterfall. As you plan your trip and just before your visit, get updates on trail closures and park conditions on the National Park Service website. During this time, you get to enjoy panoramic views of Rocky Mountain National Park. Mojave National Preserve. Beforehand, stock up on grub at the . The picnic area has 10 tables. This is the shortest, most popular hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. The drive over Trail Ridge Road alone is worthy of any mountain-lover's bucket list. Boulder Brook is one of the best places to visit in Rocky Mountain National Park during the fall. Like a dream, Dream Lake is the true essence of Rocky Mountain National Park. 4 miles, easy to moderate. Head out on a day hike and experience the wilderness of Rocky Mountain National Park. Hike the 14,259-foot peak (you'll have to start around 2 a.m. to make it up and back in time before the afternoon lightning storms tend to roll around), or ogle its awesome cliffs from Chasm Lake (an 8.4 mile hike, one way). Hiking to Lulu City an abandoned ghost town is one of the most fascinating activities in the park. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. CO The park has gotten so popular that in 2020 a timed entry system was put into effect. 7.5 to 10 miles, depending on the route you choose. To visit Rocky Mountain National Park from May 27 to October 10, 2022, you will need to reserve a permit in advance. Longs Peak. Access:Strenuous hiking. The largest picnic areas on the east (Estes Park) side of RMNP are: Additional well-known picnic areas include Lily Lake, Lawn Lake, the Longs Peak Ranger Station, Tuxedo Park and the Wild Basin Trailhead. Her writing is inspired by her passion to travel to new destinations and inspire others to get out of their comfort zones and explore the beauty of this world - whether they travel around the world or in their own countries. The peak was named in honor of Stephen Harriman Long, an explorer, and features one Mills Glacier, the one surviving glacier situated just above Lake Chasm at the Eastern Faces base. For more information on planning your time, we have a detailed post on how to plan your itinerary, with suggestions from several days up to 1 week. A Week-Long Family Friendly Winter Escape, 5 Can't-Miss Towns in the Rocky Mountains, Top 5 Places for Fall Color in Grand County, 11 Reasons to Mountain Bike in Grand County, User Generated Content Terms and Conditions, About Grand County Colorado Tourism Board. And there are many to choose from. Gibbon Meadows Picnic Area lies in a flat meadow with an edging of forest on the Gibbon River. There are plenty of places throughout the park where this spectacular display can be admired. City Slickers: Cheesman Park, Denver. It's popular among both fly fishers and grazing elk. gift shops. This hike has a little bit of everythingwaterfalls, alpine lakes, high mountain views, and fun river and stream crossings. During the busy summer months, a free shuttle service is provided by the national park service. Park Hours: Park entrances are open 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. Endo Valley(32 tables) - located along Old Fall River Road, about 1.8 miles from the intersection with Highway 34. Five visitor centers are situated throughout the park and are a great place to start your park adventure, learn something new, get that burning question answered, or purchase a souvenir in one of the Rocky Mountain Conservancy gift shops. Lake of Glass (on the hiking trail to Sky Pond) | Best Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park. Elk on Trail Ridge Road | Best Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park, Alpine Ridge Visitor Center and Trail Ridge Road | Best Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park. It is possible to drive through Rocky Mountain National Park. Because whats better than food? It's home to over 350 miles of hiking trails and a huge array of peaks and rock formations that entice rock climbers from around the globe. At this viewpoint, you will be standing at 11,716 feet and have panoramic views of Longs Peak, Stones Peak, Hayden Gorge, and Gorge Lakes. Please email. This very highly rated property offers two-bedroom apartments that can accommodate up to six people. On the eastern shore of Grand Lake lies the ever-popular trail toAdams Falls. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Earth Trekkers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn advertising fees by advertising & linking to Amazon.com. From short, easy strolls around lakes, to ridgeline trails with panoramic views, to challenging but epic climbs to the tallest mountain peaks, there truly is something here for everyone. Not only is this a scenic walk around a lake, but this also can be a learning experience. At 14,259 feet, the only fourteener on this list, the trek up Longs Peak is one of the most epic hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. 100% 7 Reviews. This is one of the best places to see elk without buildings like hotels or visitor centers. With fascinating natural wonders, including beautiful lakes and forests, here are the top attractions in Rocky Mountain National Park. 6.2 miles, moderate. Availability of roads and facilities can vary seasonally so check the current conditions. Catch it on a calm day and the water looks like glass, making a perfect mirror reflection of the trees and mountain peaks that surround the lake. Along the drive, stop at Chasm Falls. Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests Colorado is an outdoor wonderland, with 11 different national forests, plus two national grasslands. Join today. The Desert Watchtower rests on the south rim of the Grand Canyon, at an elevation of 7,500 feet. There are plenty of fascinating scenes to see and explore along the way, including picturesque waterfalls and alpine forests. Odessa Lake & Fern Lake. The Inn on Fall River & Fall River Cabins. Al fresco food with a view, of course. Park at the Park and Ride and take the Bear Lake Shuttle to these two trailheads. From December through May, when much of the park is covered in snow, you can explore the park by snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. PRO TRAVEL TIP: Old Fall River Road is only open during the summer months. Hike one of several trails in the area, or bike or drive the 11-mile road that loops the cove, before lunching at the picnic tables at its eastern end. It reaches its highest point at 12,183 feet. Like Bear Lake, it is an easy hike to get here. Its a great hike for families and makes a great intro to hiking in the park. Local advice about Rocky Mountain NP's hikes you can't miss. Here, open meadows and stands of willow along North Inlet Creek offer great habitat for moose, elk, deer and several species of wildflowers. Interesting Facts about Rocky Mountain National Park, Best Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park, Get more information, and see many more photos, in our post, Map of Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park. Granby. Spend the first few days hiking the lower trails (Bear Lake, Emerald Lake, Gem Lake, and Deer Mountain are good options). Located in northern Colorado, in the western United States, Rocky Mountain National Park is the 6th highest national park in the USA. . Related Read: 11 Beautiful National Forests in Colorado for Outdoor Recreation 1. ESTES PARK: In our Guide to Estes Park, learn about where to stay, where to eat, and what to do. COLORADO: To read all of our articles about Colorado, check out our Colorado Travel Guide. The path and picnic area are wheelchair-accessible, as is the nearby backcountry campground. Download the official NPS app before your next visit. Located in the Never Summer Wilderness, Parika Lake offers an unusual view of Longs Peak some 20 miles away. Journey higher to the subalpine region (9,000 to 11,000 feet), into the evergreen forests and mountain lakes. Cultivating this daily habit could change your world for the better, Supporters of degrowth emphasize the principles of the slow movement, Mary Katherine Ray helped outlaw traps in her state, Adapted from an interview by Yes, thats how beautiful it is. Carpool and/or use the free park shuttles to/from the Bear Lake corridor. Crowds can linger into autumn, as the leaves change color and pleasant weather continues to attract hikers. Several ecological zones can be seen in the park. These shuttle buses connect Moraine Park and Bear Lake, with numerous stops in between. West Side of Yellowstone: Gibbon Meadows, Gibbon Falls area. This picnic area is just across the road from the Boiling River Swimming Area, where a large hot spring meets the Gardner, creating natures version of a jacuzzi. Yes, that's how beautiful it is. Hikers can see ancient cabins, old foundations and read interpretive signage. For much of the hike you are walking along the Continental Divide. Rocky Mountain National Park features plenty of fascinating spots to visit and explore. Its 10 miles long and tops out at almost 13,000 feet, so its a tough hike, but the views are incredible. The winter months are a great time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park. Get updated road conditions on the National Park Service website. Numerous hiking trails also start here, including those to Bear Lake, Fern Lake, and Mills Lake. If you have no experience snowshoeing, consider joining a free ranger-led program. 9. With so many incredible locations I'll go over the best places to elope in Rocky Mountain National Park and go over some logistics and tips! Spending the day in the park doesn't mean going hungry. Park Access +: This permit gives you access to everything in Rocky Mountain National Park. there are always elk. There are two different types of timed entry permits. A post shared by Yosemite National Park (@yosemitenps) on Jun 2, 2016 at 9:54am PDT. Near the Alpine Visitor Center, this overlook provides sweeping views of the Gore Range and Never Summer Range. In total, they cover about 14.5 million acres of open space. This destination features alpine forests, running streams, and clear waters. There are also plenty of ways to experience Rocky Mountain National Park that are off the beaten hiking . More use of both hands is involved when climbing up this trail and reaching a false summit is possible, but that shouldnt stop one from reaching the destination. Any picnicking which interferes with overnight campers is prohibited at all times. Set your long exposure on your camera to capture the cascading falls of Alberta Falls. This hike offers great views of Rocky Mountain National Park and ends at a very pretty alpine lake. It's a flat, beautiful easy walk in the parkliterally. Catch it on a calm day and the water looks like glass, making a perfect mirror reflection of the trees and mountain peaks that surround the lake. Easily accessed right off the Trans-Canada Highway and with plenty of parking, you won't have to walk far from your car to snag a picnic table. Indian Peaks Wilderness is forest land that can be found in Rocky Mountain National Parks southern side, in Roosevelt and Arapaho National Forests. Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. Access in the winter is by foot only. Try Nurturing Everyday Awe.. As time moves forward, fewer and fewer people remember the ski resort in Rocky Mountain National Park. 3/4 mile loop, with minimal elevation gain. The scenic bypass is spectacular year-round, but travelers can have the best experience in the fall. CO Park Fee: $25 per vehicle, valid for 1 day. 3.7 miles one way, roughly 600 feet in elevation gain. For more information on planning your time, on how to plan your itinerary, with suggestions from several days up to 1 week. Monthly giving provides the resources to sustain long-term campaigns that permanently protect our most precious resources. Whether you pack your own meals or order dinner to go from an Estes Parkrestaurant, picnicking in Rocky Mountain National Park is always a treat! Temperatures are low in the Park has gotten so popular that in a. Pretty alpine Lake 10, 2022, you will need to reserve a permit in advance for wildlife, an. Walking along the way, roughly 2,500 feet in elevation gain business and! To stay, where to stay in the Park is located just outside the! Trails along Glacier creek to find your favorite view of Longs Peak some miles... Miles, depending on the list, but so are the crowds family, from. 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