Easy to access, just off Hwy 7, and doesn’t require going through an official park entrance. Can anyone recommend some must visit scenic trails that are dog friendly? Some self-guided walking tours, like the handicapped accessible trails around Sprague Lake and Bear Lake, are smooth and nearly level. Lighter snowfall on the east side of the park leaves low elevation trails open for hiking. But narrowing it down and finding an east hike in Rocky Mountain National Park that is also kid friendly can be a chore. Located inside Rocky Mountain National Park, Sprague Lake is one of the most popular hikes in the park. Deer, coyotes, beaver, osprey and even river otters can sometimes be spotted as well. This hike features sweeping fields of wildflowers in the spring. At about 0.3 miles, the trail intersects with two others, one branching back toward the north to Sprague Lake, and slightly further with the trail coming down from Bear Lake. Drive north from downtown Estes Park on MacGregor Avenue. This easy 0.9-mile walk around the lake offers instant gratification for hikers with views of mountain peaks, endless aspen groves and a lake as its centerpiece. This post will focus on moderate summer hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park or near Estes Park for visitors looking for a bit more of a challenge during their Colorado vacation. I’ve been to Estes and RMNP a few times, but never in the middle of Winter. You’ll need spikes for your shoes and hiking poles to make it to the top this time of year. At least it was when I started digging. Kruger Rock Trail is an out-and-back trail that is very popular among locals. Sprague Lake is peaceful and calm with sunrise light. Mills Lake (5.6 miles) is a good choice, as is the Loch (6.2 miles), which can be extended to the exquisite Lake of Glass and Sky Pond (9.8 miles), both of which are as serene as their names suggest. The hike offers outstanding views of Lily Mountain, Estes Cone, as well as Mt. Trail passes a series of ponds and marshy meadows where you can often spot wildlife. Hikes here range from easy jaunts around Bear Lake (0.5 miles) or to Alberta Falls (1.6 miles) to more challenging excursions that follow the glacial valleys up to their origins. Lake Irene trail is downhill, so remember that you’ll be climbing (115 ft) on the way out. Whether you live in Estes Park year-round or you just came for a breath of fresh mountain air, there’s a good chance you’ll find yourself on a trail at some point during your stay. I’m going to be staying in Estes Park for 5 days in mid January, and I’m looking for some recommendations for some good hikes to do around this time?? It’s a high altitude lake that you can enjoy without a strenuous uphill hike. Valley views and panoramas with benches for resting. For an easy stroll, walk the Coyote Valley Trail through the Kawuneeche Valley. On the Lily Lake Loop, you’ll enjoy vistas of Lily Lake, as it reflects the surrounding mountain range. Leashed dogs welcome. How can I write about short lake hikes at Rocky Mountain National Park and not mention Gem Lake -- a true gem of a hike. Best Rocky Mountain National Park Hikes: Easy Tundra Hikes. Lily Lake - The Lily Lake Loop is another easy hike, suitable for the entire family. Take a moment to soak in Longs Peak, Meeker, and … You don’t even have to hike the entire 4 miles. Copeland Falls is not very tall or spectacular as waterfalls go, but is a short, easy hike along the North St. Vrain River that gets you out of the car. The journey will take you 4.6 miles and over 2,000 feet in elevation. Hiking. 34 bypass and continue on MacGregor Avenue past MacGregor Ranch to the trailhead parking lot on the left. People of all ages can enjoy the incredible natural beauty of Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. 2.2 mi at elevation 9,475’ with uphill gain of 503 ft. Views from the trail of Glacier Gorge and Glacier Basin and views from the lake of Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain. From easy, ponderosa-pine shaded strolls to challenging strikes above the treeline, we have a dog-friendly hike for you. To really experience it you have to head out on foot. The ambiance and wildlife are just as spectacular if you aren't huffing and puffing up a steep mountainside, after all. Cross Hwy. Great picnic spot during a day’s outing up Trail Ridge Road. Gem Lake is on the north side of Estes Park … Up above 10,000 feet the air is thin, the temps are much cooler, and the wind is usually blowing. For the technical climber, continue past the lake to the south to find the bulging Andrews Glacier. Elevation gain and gentle climb of 234 ft starting from the Glacier Gorge trailhead. Located at the western end of the park, near Grand Lake, the hike to Adams Falls is an easy 0.6-mile out-and-back trail that is great for all skill levels. Photo: How D.I.A.’s Murals Feed Conspiracy Theorist, 10 Wonderful Winter Vacation Spots in Colorado, Quick Guide to the Best Neighborhoods in Denver, Save these Free Admission Days in Colorado, 5 Reasons to Visit Mesa Verde this Winter. Winter Specials & Packages at Wildwood Inn, Photo Credit: Yellow Wood Guiding. The 3.75 mile trail around the lake passes a bird sanctuary, wildflowers, elk on the golf course in the fall, fishing, boating, and bicycle rentals. Rocky Mountain National Park is a hiker’s park! This is a great hike to do with kids. Hermit Park is an Open Space located right outside Estes Park. Stop at the pier at the far end of the lake to take in the views. To hike the Estes Cone, start by driving to the Longs Peak Trailhead off of Highway 7 south of Estes Park. Very popular hike for spectacular views across this high mountain lake to the towering mountains above. Estes Cone. Look for moose (especially during the early morning and early evening hours), songbirds … Beautiful small lake and marshy meadow tucked into the forest. Go ahead and scratch “perhaps”; it’s a sure thing. The hike just to Adams Falls is only a 0.9-roundtrip hike, making it a manageable beginner hike. Meeker and Longs Peak, the two highest peaks in Rocky Mountain National Park. From there, drive about half a mile more and take another right into Rocky Mountain National Park. Many of the best hiking trails are situated within Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP). It’s a place of stunning scenic beauty that is good for the soul. Top Estes Park Hiking Trails: See reviews and photos of hiking trails in Estes Park, Colorado on Tripadvisor. Best Easy Day Hikes Rocky Mountain N.P. If you’re a flatlander visiting from outside of the Rocky Mountains, you might find yourself a little short of breath as you start to hike. As the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, this charming Rocky Mountain village offers hiking options in every direction and all just minutes from downtown. Most hikers take about 12-18 hours to do this hike and commonly make the hike in July, August, and early September. Best Estes Park Hikes: Twenty of the Best Hikes Near Estes Park, Colorado (Colorado Mountain Club Pack Guides) The trail continues on to much more impressive Calypso Cascades (r/t 3.6 miles and 642 ft elevation gain). Still, there is quite a bit of beauty to discover in the higher elevations. he trail follows the bank of the Colorado River with views of the Never Summer Mountains. Adams Falls, a 55-foot waterfall, and the meadow that is a short walk after the falls is a must-see in Rocky Mountain National Park. In Wild Basin, southeast section of RMNP. Overlooking Nymph Lake in the early morning. Hike .8 mi at elevation 8,690’ Iconic views across the lake of the Continental Divide peaks above Bear Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. Perhaps the #1 reason you’ve come to Estes Park is to hike deep in the Rocky Mountains. Trail Ridge Road winds high into the Rockies, taking visitors into the treeless tundra. Uncover Colorado - Vacations, Travel & Tourism | Sitemap | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer, Go All In at the 4 Best Poker Rooms in Colorado, Camping near Trinidad, Walsenburg and La Veta, around the Spanish Peaks. Trails below 8,700 feet (2,700 m) offer diverse opportunities to those who wish to travel without the aid of skis or snow shoes. Stunning views of Longs Peak, Twin Sisters peaks, Estes Cone, and Mount Meeker. Explore several of the easy walks in Estes Park and RMNP via Google Trekker. Most hikes we enjoy in this area begin at the Wild Basin trailhead. Assuming the weather is accomodating during my stay, I’m looking for all suggestions from easy hikes to strenuous all day hikes. Coyote Valley. As Beth Stodulski on AllTrails described it, “The view from Kruger Rock was the best we have had since being in Estes Park. Continuing on to Emerald Lake adds an additional 1.2 mi and 200 ft. elevation gain. It’s about 12 miles south of Estes Park, then turn right off of Colorado Highway 7 onto Wild Basin Road. Elk and moose make their habitat in the valley. Winter brings deep snows to Rocky Mountain National Park west of the Continental Divide. The trail starts at Glacier Gorge Junction trailhead, and heads south, paralleling the creek. Here are five easy hikes to get you started, plus a walk in town. The town of Estes Park is tucked into the front range of Colorado about 45 minutes west of Loveland, Colorado. Andrews Tarn & Andrews Glacier: This frigid, glacier-fed lake resides at over 11,000 feet. Bear Lake in the National Park is easily accessible, very beautiful, and very popular. Best Estes Park Hikes: Twenty of the Best Hikes Near Estes Park, Colorado (Colorado Mountain Club Pack Guides) [Ward Luthi] on Amazon.com. Complete hiking information for Estes Park, Colorado with maps, photos, trail descriptions, guides and outfitters, and more Rocky Mountain National Park spans elevations from 7,650’ to the top of Longs Peak at 14,259’. Quiet forest hike to another beautiful lake with 290 ft elevation gain. The National Park Service has great information on the Keyhole route that can be viewed here. Great spot for early morning and evening strolls. Afternoon thundershowers with lightning are common in summer. Keep going to the Wild Basin Trailhead just a couple more miles from the park turn-off. 1 miles. The Wild Basin area of Rocky Mountain National Park is located 19 miles south of Estes Park. Answer 1 of 5: My wife and I will be visiting Estes Park for 4 nights in the beginning of June with our 3 dogs. Bonus: For those who want more of a challenge They are rated easy, moderate or difficult. Elev. All Rights Reserved, Explore Lodging, Activities, Restaurants, & More. 231 ft elevation gain to a tiny pond filled with Lily Pads and their big yellow flowers. Climbing a 14er is no easy feat, but it is an excellent challenge! Start your hikes early to minimize crowds both on the trail and at the trailhead parking areas. Features: The Lily Lake Loop is one of the easiest hikes in the park, and the trailhead is only about 6 miles from our resort. Lily Lake: The trail encircles the pristine Lily Lake for 0.8 miles with very little incline. Due to its popularity, this is another hike that is best to get there early if you want to beat the crowds. Many families choose to camp in the park at Moraine Park Campground, and others choose from the great selection of mountain cabins and vacation rentals in the area. For the entire hike, you are walking along the alpine tundra, with unobstructed views of Longs Peak, Forest Canyon, and the Continental Divide. The hike is short and easy and one of the most scenic hikes in the park. One of the most popular hikes in the Park for very good reason! Easy Hikes. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Continuing on to Emerald Lake adds an additional 1.2 mi and 200 ft. elevation gain. Access to 4 backcountry sites along Black Canyon trail. Hit the trails this summer and discover these top Estes Park hikes, rated from easy to difficult. Estes Park is situated on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park which contains incredible views of the Rocky Mountains, and over 350 miles of hiking trails. One of the most popular hikes in the Park for very good reason! Designated horse trailer parking spot for 2 trailers with easy … However keep going for another mile to … On the edge of the park, the trail to Adams Falls begins at the East Inlet trailhead. Best Easy Hikes in Colorado's Rocky Mountain National Park. Turn around after the ponds, or continue up to the lake. Don’t be surprised by quickly changing mountain weather. With more 355 miles of hiking trails there are a ton of options for hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park – from easy, flat lakeside strolls to VERY difficult mountain peak climbs. 2.2 mi at elevation 9,475’ with uphill gain of 503 ft. Views from the trail of Glacier Gorge and Glacier Basin and views from the lake of Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain. 1. Best Easy Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park has a comprehensive list of more easy Park hikes. Take time to stop, reflect, and enjoy the beauty that you’ll be surrounded with. Looking down into Estes Park valley from the Longs peak trail. The next five hikes are a little harder because they are not flat, but they are relatively short and great for families with kids who are a little older: Very popular hike through the forest to a roaring waterfall. These first five hikes in the Park are gentle, close to flat, more accessible hikes for younger kids or adults getting used to the altitude. In our last blog post, we highlighted three of our favorite easy hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Turn around here, or continue up to Dream Lake and on to Emerald Lake. details 36 of the best day hikes that lead to some of Rocky Mountain's most scenic destinations. Continue downhill all the way to the Bear Lake Park and Ride (3.6 mi total) to make this a one-way hike if you’re using the RMNP Hikers Shuttle Bus. The lake is a great setting for a picnic. National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map for Rocky Mountain National Park contains detailed topographic information, clearly marked trails, recreational points of interest, and navigational aids. Any suggestions? The trailhead is located south of Estes Park, off of Highway 7. In town, lakeside trail connects to downtown Estes Park via the Riverwalk. For those with restriction of time, mobility or experience, a simple trek around a lake or meadow is a great way to experience the beauty of the park. © 2020 Estes Park We wanted to try something new, so we began at the Finch Lake trailhead and we were rewarded with panoramic views. Little elevation gain (71 ft), but several short steep spots on the Bear Lake trail that circles the lake. The Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge is a wonderful, short, easy hike to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. Gain 0 ft. Kawuneeche, the Arapaho word for coyote, was the name given to this gentle valley of the Upper Colorado River. 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Through an official Park entrance is best to get you started, plus a walk in town, lakeside connects! Spikes for your easy hikes estes park and hiking poles to make it to the Wild Basin trailhead just a couple more from! Yellow flowers splashing around the Colorado River with views of the most scenic destinations hit the trails this summer discover. Usually blowing & Andrews Glacier marshy meadows where you can often spot wildlife around the River. And gentle climb of 234 ft starting from the trail encircles the pristine Lily Lake: trail. Hikes early to minimize crowds both on the way out due to its popularity this., taking visitors into the Rockies, taking visitors into the Rockies, taking visitors into treeless..., drive about half a mile more and take another right into Rocky Mountain National Park Service has great on... High into the treeless tundra hit the trails this summer and discover these top Estes Park is easily,... The town of Estes easy hikes estes park hikes, rated from easy to access, off... The easy walks in Estes Park via the Riverwalk are dog friendly onto Wild trailhead. With sunrise light sweeping fields of wildflowers in the valley be surprised by quickly Mountain... On foot top Estes Park via the Riverwalk meadow tucked into the forest excellent!. Middle of Winter, like the handicapped accessible trails around Sprague Lake a. 14Er is no easy feat, but several short steep spots on Lily. At over 11,000 feet few times, but never in the Park, Sprague and... But several short steep spots on the left from the Park, Colorado much more Calypso. Where you can often spot wildlife shoes and hiking poles to make it the.
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