Located at Rocky Mountain National Park's west entrance, Gran Lake is accessible any time of the year and offers recreational opportunities to travelers. If you are lucky you might even see an Elk crossing the river. Sign up for email updates on nature, environmental politics, living well, and doing good. But it is also a great place to explore in the winter months. 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! From December through May, when much of the park is covered in snow, you can explore the park by snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. Several ecological zones can be seen in the park. The state is sprinkled with city, state and national parks, making it a mecca for picnic locations. Best Hikes Rocky Mountain National Park. one perfect day in Rocky Mountain National Park. It features a lake and is best used between June and October for activities like hiking horseback riding, rock climbing, and bird watching. Get your camera ready for these top picture-worthy spots in Rocky Mountain National Park. This hike offers great views of Rocky Mountain National Park and ends at a very pretty alpine lake. For those willing to put in the effort, the hike up Baker Gulch to Parika Lake will leave an indelible memory. A few great hikes start and end along this road. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Step inside, and youll find murals by the Hopi artist Frank Kabotie. This area is steeped in history of some of the Smokies' original inhabitants and was even the site of a CCC camp. Longs Peak, at 14,259 feet, is the only fourteener in the park, but for serious hikers, getting to the top of this behemoth is one of the best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. As a true classic, Bear Lake is a popular stop for many visiting Rocky Mountain National Park. R ocky Mountain National Park is well-known for its hiking trails, and with good reason. Glacier Basin Campground. City Slickers: Cheesman Park, Denver. Difficulty: Moderate Distance: 4 miles Elevation Gain: 977 feet Hermit Park is an Open Space located right outside Estes Park. Of the many beautiful byways, Peak to Peak is among Colorados most stunning drives. Drive down to Granby if you are staying on the west side of the park near Grand Lake. Several backcountry camping sites are available (inquire with the National Park Service) making this a wonderful place to witness a summertime meteor shower. Another lake-favorite in Rocky Mountain National Park is Gem Lake. When is the best time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park? Be a champion for the environment and fight for everything we hold dear. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. A post shared by Great Smoky Mountains NP (@greatsmokynps), A post shared by GrandCanyonNPS (@grandcanyonnps), A post shared by Rocky Mountain National Park (@rockynps), A post shared by Yosemite National Park (@yosemitenps), A post shared by Yellowstone National Park (@yellowstonenps), A post shared by Zion National Park (@zionnps), These Scientists Want You to Become a Pika Patroller. Spruce Flats Falls is a wonderful hidden gem just outside of the Tremont Institute. Located inside Rocky Mountain National Park, Nymph Lake is a beautiful water body surrounded by stunning mountain views. 500 Big Thompson Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517 | 970-577-9900, Colorado State Special District Records Management. 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! 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. Photo Credit: Kimon Berlin (Flickr) 11 miles of this road is located in the alpine tundra, which is above the treeline. Some visitors complain of noise and hot temperatures in the summer (there is no air conditioning). Arch Rock Campground. at least three days in Rocky Mountain National Park. By clicking SIGN UP, you are opting in to receive periodic communications from the Sierra Club. Rocky Mountain National Park features plenty of fascinating spots to visit and explore. Mojave National Preserve. 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. Expect congestion on roads, in parking areas, and along popular trails. Lookouts. Lake of Glass (on the hiking trail to Sky Pond) | Best Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park. It's popular among both fly fishers and grazing elk. As it should be because the park offers a variety of activities like camping, climbing, biking, fishing, horseback riding, picnicking, wildlife viewing, and hiking. 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. Nymph Lake is popular for skiing, walking, and hiking and is always overcrowded. The Bear Lake Area has scenic overlooks, picnic sites, and trailheads for many of the most popular hikes on the east side of the park. 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. Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado is one of the most amazing places to elope for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure lovers. It's a fantastic place for your next RV getaway. This is the hotel that inspired Stephen King to write The Shining. gift shops. The Bear Lake trail is handicap accessible and offers something for everyone. The Hidden Valley Ski Area was a beloved spot for locals, offering a quick drive of only 45 minutes to get there, much less than the lengthy trek required to reach the ski resorts of U.S. Interstate 70. Visitor Centers It is located just outside of Estes Park, on the south side, an excellent location for driving into the park. CO For spectacular high mountain scenery. Alberta Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls to visit in Rocky Mountain National Park. For updated information on fire restrictions visit ourFire Informationpage. Rocky Mountain National Park, CO 80517. This wheelchair-accessible picnic spot also includes 16 fire grates, flush toilets (summer) and allows the use of portable grills. Crowds can linger into autumn, as the leaves change color and pleasant weather continues to attract hikers. Spending the day in the park doesn't mean going hungry. This is a gorgeous drive. Now What? Distance: 4.6 miles. In this post, learn about the best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park with tips on how to have the best experience. Adventure and solitude are waiting. 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. A post shared by GrandCanyonNPS (@grandcanyonnps) on Jan 7, 2015 at 3:27pm PST, Desert View Watchtower, Grand Canyon National Park. I recommend staying at The Residences. Also, Grand Lake is a perfect spot for exploring Rocky Mountain National Park as the park is located just outside Grand Lake-town. With parts of the park soaring up to 14,259 feet above sea level, visitors can enjoy mountain views which are reachable by scenic hiking trails. Nymph Lake is popular for skiing, walking, and hiking - and is always overcrowded. Reservationswill go on sale at 10 a.m. Mountain Daylight Time on Monday, May 2. You'll find Longs Peak near the trailhead to hike the summit of Longs Peak, which is the only 14er in Rocky Mountain National Park. Something went wrong. Spend the first few days hiking the lower trails (Bear Lake, Emerald Lake, Gem Lake, and Deer Mountain are good options). Access: Strenuous hiking. 970 586-1206 Chasm Lake trail NPS Wilderness Head out on a day hike and experience the wilderness of Rocky Mountain National Park. However, at 265,000 acres in size, the park also harbors thousands of quiet, off-the-beaten path places that most visitors don't know about. Odessa & Fern Lakes Hike. Alberta Falls Trail. 7 miles one way, roughly 2,000 feet in elevation gain. A post shared by Yellowstone National Park (@yellowstonenps) on Sep 23, 2016 at 12:28pm PDT. Kruger Rock Trail Photo: Brendan Bombaci Why you should go: What better way to find some solitude than in a place called Hermit Park? 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. Be sure to check the road conditions for what is open during your visit. The meadow is large and edged by the forest. Local advice about Rocky Mountain NP's hikes you can't miss. Your email address will not be published. The trail gets a bit muddy during rainy months, but visitors don't have to worry as the scrambling spots are well taken care of and accessible for exploration. Download the official NPS app before your next visit. Beware, though: at over 8,000 feet in elevation, the water might be a little brisk. Bow River Photography Place- Canmore Village. 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. rocky Mountain national park wedding Permit Tips. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Here, the melting snow makes way for Frisbee throwing, people watching and picnicking in droves. There's also an easy half-mile walk to Nymph Lake, and it's half-mile or so farther to Dream Lake. 10/10 Bear . Or, if you have less time, we also have suggestions on how to spend, Best Time to Visit Rocky Mountain National Park, As you plan your trip and just before your visit, get updates on trail closures and park conditions on the National Park Service, For more information about what to do in Estes Park, including where to stay and where to eat, read our, Learn more about the US National Parks in our. Quinter Auma is a travel writer based in Kenya. 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. Click the star next to the title of the map to add this map to your Google Maps account. Hiking Andrews Trail is strenuous and visitors have to watch closely for cairns to show them the way. Hit the trails on horseback. This is one of the best overlooks located along Trail Ridge Road. This gave us enough time to hike at least one trail every day, with contingency time for bad weather. For 48 miles, this road runs from Estes Park in the east to Grand Lake in the west. The latter is probably the best way to enjoy the destination as it takes guests right where the action is. After your picnic, head out for ahike on theSummerland Park trail. Learn more about the US National Parks in our Guide to the National Parks. Visitors should therefore plan on exploring this beautiful lake early, especially for epic people free pictures of the magnificent landscapes! Get updates on road conditions on the national park service website. At this famous picnic spot, the several tables overlooking the river are beautiful and are difficult to procure. Beforehand, stock up on grub at the . 15 miles, extremely difficult. The Information Office is open year-round: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. daily in summer; 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Mondays - Fridays and 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Saturdays - Sundays in winter. From the peak you will have a great view over Moraine Park and out to Longs Peak. Continental Divide Trail to Mount Ida. Access: Fairly strenuous hiking. Over the following years, they built several more cabins which were used for guests. Take your pick from one, two, three, and four bedroom houses that come equipped with a full kitchen. It is a perfect stopping point for a break before travelers start hiking the Andrews Glacier. Whether a traveler is visiting for hiking, cycling, scenic drives, or wildlife viewing, Rocky Mountain National Park offers an incredible safari experience. Here are some of the main places to go during your visit. ESTES PARK: In our Guide to Estes Park, learn about where to stay, where to eat, and what to do. Horses and other stock are not permitted in auto campgrounds and picnic areas. Please practice the seven principles of Leave No Trace: plan ahead, stay on the trail, pack out what you bring to the hiking trail, properly dispose of waste, leave areas as you found them, minimize campfire impacts, be considerate of other hikers, and do not approach or feed wildlife. We stayed in a 3-bedroom house, #402, and it was perfect. 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. Or, if you have less time, we also have suggestions on how to spend one perfect day in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. The 14-mile Mount Evans Scenic Byway leads to the 14,264-foot high summit of Mount Evans. Estes Park is the most popular lodging option for Rocky Mountain visitors. You can cross the Continental Divide by foot or by driving Trail Ridge Road, the highest paved through road in the national park system. How crowded does Rocky Mountain National Park get? 100% 8 Reviews. 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. A mecca for picnic locations NPS app before your next visit of the main places to go during visit... 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