Of course, the most amazing parts of Rocky Mountain National Park on foot. Thankfully, the park has trails for all ages and levels of fitness. From tranquil lake side strolls, to ridgeline beds with panoramic vistas – and even some challenging treks up to the highest peaks in park you will find a trail that works for all tastes. Here are some of the park’s best hikes.
This guide starts with the easiest hikes and works up to longer, more strenuous ones. All of the listed trails are day hikes, so they can be done in a single day. Note: All mileages given are for return distances.
Best Easy Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park
1. Bear Lake
One of the most heavily used trails in Rocky Mountain National Park, Bear Lake offers close proximity to parking as well as a variety of recreational activities and encourages self-exploration! This is a short, easy one being flat access to parts of the beauty contained within.
It’s less than a mile long in total, so this is definitely something even the non-hiker can attempt. Despite being largely gravel, the path is designated as proper for folks with mobility issues.
Bear Lake Hiking Details:
- Distance: 0.6 miles round-trip
- Time Required: 30 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Location: Bear Lake Trailhead at the end of Bear Lake Road Family Friendly. Yes Walk a mile up Doe Mountain for close-up, 360-degree views of Sedona’s red rocks. Secret Cave LoopHas anyone called you ‘crazy’ lately? In addition to a good parking spot, before the crowds will also offer you relaxation and peace.
The trip around the lake contains educational components in addition to it being scenic and for exercise. You can purchase the interpretive guide at the trailhead for a small fee. This guide visits 30 sites located along the trail, that it. offers a scenic look at in regards to Bear Lake area.
Note: Other hikes starting near Bear Lake include in the bucket list: Emerald Lake, Haiyaha, Sky Pond (via Alberta Falls), Black Lake and The Loch on Hallett Peak. In the event you find on one of these hikes, stopping by Bear Lake is a quick add-on and will not require much extra time.
2. Alberta Falls
One of the most popular waterfalls in Rocky Mountain National Park, Alberta Falls features an easy, year round hike that everyone can enjoy.
The Alberta Falls trail leaves from the Glacier Gorge parking area, and while it is uphill for most of its front (save a modest downhill right at start), most hikers should be able to handle this. From the falls, there are a couple of easy trails that follow Glacier Creek for short distances allowing you to wander and find just the right spot to take in this cascade, up close.
Alberta Falls Hiking Information:
- Distance: 1.7 miles round-trip
- Difficulty: Easy
- Time Required: 1 to 1.5 hours
- Location: Glacier Gorge parking area on Bear Lake Road. To get one of these spots, you should arrive before 6:30 am (or earlier). If the lot is full, park at the larger lot found in front of Bear Lake Road. Once at the Bear Lake Trailhead, take in signs guiding you toward Alberta Falls. That adds 0.4 miles of total hiking distance to and from Bear Lake Road, making the final round trip just over four miles.
This is a great trail to hike in the morning- providing some peace and quiet while sitting upon one of these lookouts watching sunrise over the mesa landscape.
3. Alpine Ridge Trail
Though only a half mile round trip, through the Alpine Ridge Trail may be short in length; do not underestimate it’s difficulty. While it is thought of as an easy hike in terms of Rocky Mountain National Park, the elevation can even slow down people who are in great shape.
This tour leaves from the Alpine Visitor Center, which is currently our highest visitor center in North America. The hike features a steep stone staircase to an amazing overlook.
A little bit tricky feature of this trail is that it begins at just under 12,000 feet in elevation. Even the most seasoned hikers will find themselves winded due to a combination of the high altitude and stair climbing. Pace yourself though, especially if these are some of your first days in the park or Colorado. Judging by your panting, it is only natural at this height.
At the viewpoint, you’ll stand at 12,005 feet above sea level and can see wide across a significant portion of the park. Previous day we crossed a few huge males with serious headgear – wow!
Rocky Mountain National Park This hike is essential in Rocky. Therefore, climb the stairs and breathe in deeply to collect your thoughts when necessary, from here above you can enjoy of a superb view. It’s well worth the effort.
If you are a hiker, be sure to get all the details about this hike in our Alpine Ridge Trail Hike snapshot.
Alpine Ridge Trail Hiking Details:
- Distance: 0.6 miles round-trip
- Difficulty: Easy
- Time Required: 30 minutes
- Location: Alpine Visitor Center on Trail Ridge Road
4. Gem Lake
As part of that hike, we were rewarded to find a relatively easy-to-reach lake in Gem Lake.
The trail to Gem Lake may be short but expect some steep sections that can make the hike quite a challenge. On the way you can see Estes Park as well as looking at distant Longs Peak.
Gem Lake For farther family-friendly hiking adventure that comes with a serene lake and breathtaking views, you can opt to the route of Gem Lake — just as long as stairs don’t bug your party.
Gem Lake Hiking Information:
- Distance: 3.4 miles round-trip
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Time Required: 2 to 3 hours
- Location: Lumpy Ridge Trailhead. This trailhead is located just north of Estes Park. To reach it, follow Devils Gulch Road to Lumpy Ridge Road.
5. Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge
With spectacular Rocky Mountain National Park vistas to boot, the Ute Trail From Upper Beaver Meadows To Tombstone Ridge will be tops on your list. This is a very short hike for people that do not want to work too hard and be rewarded with great views; I think it can well rank among the best of Cumberland Gap´s day-hikes.
This relaxed walk alone the alpine tundra-feel of Ute Trail is offering wide opening vistas to Longs Peak, Forest Canyon and looking west toward Mummy Range in front so vivid sights- -along with Tombstone Ridge. Some courses are still held, while most open led by the Parks Department to ensure that people of different abilities can appreciate and enjoy the beauty of this park runaway—from its cascading stream with towering trees above on either side.
Tombstone Ridge Hiking Details:
- Distance: 4 miles round-trip
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Time Required: 1.5 to 3 hours
- Location: Ute Trailhead on Trail Ridge Road, 7 miles east of the Alpine Visitor Center
So this is a good family hike – you can turn around before 4 miles if someone gets tired, and they will not miss too much. There will be alluring vistas right from the beginning until here. This is your last chance to turn back in case you are feeling tired or reached Great to combine it with a drive on Trail Ridge Road and only 15 mins away from the Alpine Visitor Center by car, starting at the trailhead.
6. Nymph, Dream & Emerald Lakes
Emerald Lake is one of the most visited sites in Rocky Mountain National Park as hikers can visit four spectacular alpine lakes—Bear, Nymph, Dream and Emerald—with moderate effort.
This trail is perfect for almost any age and skill level hiker. This is a kid friendly choice and makes for an amazing way to start off hiking in the park. The distance is moderate, and the grade to elevation gain is gentle so it makes this hike ideal for those who are acclimating themselves to grassroots in Rocky Mountains.
Dream & Emerald Lake Hiking Details:
- Distance: 3.6 miles round-trip
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Time Required: 2 to 3 hours
- Location: Bear Lake Trailhead, located at the end of Bear Lake Road
Emerald Lake is a destination most hikers dream about hiking to, but you don’t have to do all the trials – outerspacelicants killers – to get there. Nymph and Dream Lakes are beautiful on their own, so turning around at Dream Lake is just as rewarding.
If you are up for more, tack on the extra leg to Lake Haiyaha and it will be 6.2 in total.
7. Deer Mountain
It provides one of the easier hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park that still offers commanding mountain views at its highest point Deers Peak.
From Poatina, the path to the top is a gradual ascent through green bush of mountain Ash. A few beautiful scenes of Longs Peak pop up in the distance around the beginning quarter-mile, but trust us when we tell you that they get even better on top.
Hiking to the summit of Deer Mountain gives sweeping views over Moraine Valley, Longs Peak and especially mountains just east.
Deer Mountain Hiking Details:
- Distance: 6.2 miles round-trip
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Time Required: 3 to 4 hours
- Location: The Deer Mountain Trailhead is located on Trail Ridge Road, 3 miles west of the Beaver Meadows entrance. If you’re staying in Estes Park, it’s a 20-minute drive to the trailhead.
The hike itself can be a bit boring, as you go pretty much straight uphill through the forest until reaching an open meadow with views of the summit. However, it is a great alternative for those seeking out a more peaceful trail near Estes Park.
Deer Mountain, one of the park’s easiest summits to reach on foot is perfect for first time summit seekers. And it’s a good warm-up hike for people flying in from out of state on vacation, before tackling more demanding conquer famous mountains like Chasm Lake or Flattop Mountain (both part of the Dream Lake Loop) and Mount Ida.
8. Twin Sisters
The Twin Sisters Peaks is one of the Lower Front Range trails with beautiful views from 11421 feet; they are located at the eastern boundary or edge of Rocky Mountain National Park.
Twin Sisters Hiking Details:
- Distance: 7.4 miles round-trip
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Time Required: 4 to 5 hours
- Location: Eastern Rocky Mountain National Park, near Lily Lake
It may not be the most thrilling on this list, but it is a good little warm-up for anyone interested in hiking Hallett Peak or Longs Peak. This is also good for hikers who want a trail that will have less people and plenty of views in the end.
Much of the hike winds through pine forests, so it can feel somewhat monotonous after a while. But the view from above is worth every bit of it.
On the trail, we observed this to be much loved by locals & (trail) runners and those that seem like they have already hiked a handfull of all other hikes in CLP.
9. Odessa Lake & Fern Lake
A hike almost no one will tell you about, other than frequent hikers to Rocky Mountain National Park who have explored a little off the beaten path from soggy Bear Lake & Emerald Lakes and require some solitude on their trail: The trek up to Odessa Lake — motto here is “Skip Dream for Fern” signifying choosing another place over crowded efforts at Dream Lake. If you are looking to a road less traveled with the possibility of backcountry great trail traverses and numerous pristine high alpine lakes, this is one that should be on your list.
Odessa & Fern Lakes Hiking Details:
- Distance: 7.5 to 10 miles round-trip, depending on your chosen route
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Time Required: 4 to 7 hours
- Location: Bear Lake Trailhead or Moraine Park
This hike is nice, but there are other lake-fed walks that can definitely take precedence. The scenery at Sky Pond and Chasm Lake is more dramatic, with the latter being slightly tougher. Many visitors also prefer Emerald and Dream Lakes.
The Fern Lake Hike actually takes three different forms. They offer a point-to-point route starting at from Bear Lake and ending in Moraine Park (or vice versa). You can also do an out and back hike starting from Bear Lake or Moraine Park.
We choose of the out-and-back route from Bear Lake to Odessa and Fern Lakes Check out our post on Fern Lake for an in-depth guide to this hike.
10. Mills Lake & Black Lake
Mills Lake and Black Lake are often hailed as two of the most beautiful lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park.
This hike begins at the Glacier Gorge Trailhead. Early on, you’ll pass the scenic Alberta Falls. After enjoying the waterfall, continue following the signs to Mills Lake. Around three miles into the hike, you’ll reach Mills Lake, a good turnaround point for those seeking a shorter and easier trek.
Mills & Black Lakes Hiking Details:
- Distance: 10 miles round-trip
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Time Required: 5 to 7 hours
- Location: Glacier Gorge Trailhead on Bear Lake Road
- For those continuing, the trail extends another two miles to Black Lake. Along the way, you’ll traverse through bogs and forests, pass by Ribbon Falls, and catch a stunning view of the Keyboard of the Winds. Black Lake, nestled among jagged mountain peaks, bears a resemblance to Chasm Lake, another striking alpine lake in the park.f our new favorites at RMNP and you should definitely check it out if you are looking for an epic adventure.
11. Sky Pond
Sky Pond ranks as one of the top hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, and it’s easy to see why. This trail offers a diverse experience, including waterfalls, alpine lakes, panoramic mountain views, and exciting river and stream crossings.
To reach Sky Pond, you’ll need to scramble up a waterfall—a thrilling and refreshing challenge, especially in warmer weather, though it can be brisk in cooler conditions.
The true highlight of this hike is the breathtaking view of Sky Pond, one of the park’s most stunning lakes.
Sky Pond Hiking Details:
- Distance: 9.5 miles round-trip
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Time Required: 4 to 6 hours
- Location: Glacier Gorge Trailhead on Bear Lake Road
This trail never lacks excitement, with constantly shifting scenery and varied trail conditions that keep the journey engaging. While it is a lengthy and challenging hike, the reward at the end—a jaw-dropping view of Sky Pond—makes it all worthwhile.
This hike quickly became one of our favorites in Rocky Mountain National Park, and we highly recommend it to anyone seeking an unforgettable adventure.
12. Chasm Lake
As one of the all-time best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, Chasm Lake is surely at or near the top.
The first part of the trail is a common one for those traveling to Longs Peak, the highest point in the park. You will be greatly rewarded when you reach the final mile with panoramic views of Longs Peak, Columbine Falls, Peacock Pond and finally — Chasm Lake.
Hikers who know Glacier National Park might think of the Grinnell Glacier trail. As the water crashes down into Peacock Pond, with towering rock walls above and sometimes wildlife below or on shore, it is a sight that might feel akin to one of Glacier6s signature landscapes.
Chasm Lake Hiking Details:
- Distance: 9 miles round-trip
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Time Required: 4 to 6 hours
- Location: Longs Peak Trailhead, situated at the end of Longs Peak Road on the eastern side of RMNP
13. Continental Divide Trail to Mt. Ida
Hiking to Mt Ida provides a truly above-the-world feeling. The trail spends much time on the Continental Divide and offers wide-open views into Rocky Mountain National Park.
And then you climb until the summit of Mt. Ida, which is worth an extra point for driving effort. The entire park unfolds before your eyes at an elevation of 12,899 feet.
Mt. Ida Hiking Details:
- Distance: 9.8 miles round-trip
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Time Required: 4.5 to 6.5 hours
- Location: Poudre Lake/Milner Pass on Trail Ridge Road, 4.5 miles south of the Alpine Visitor Center
This is a unique hike compared to many of the others in the park, as you spend very little time below the tree line which provides some pretty stunning views for almost all of your trek. Furthermore, it is a lightly traveled trail so there will be less hikers.
However, this hike is a hard one. Kicking off at 10,800 feet and capping out at the summit of 12,899 feet you should expect to respect the altitude. Expect high winds and freezing temperatures, even in the summer.
We rate this trail as one of our favorites in Rocky Mountain National Park and it is a must-do if you are looking for amazing alpine views.
14. Flattop Mountain to Hallett Peak
This challenging hike starts at Bear Lake and ascends rapidly as it follows the Flattop Mountain Trail. Soon enough, you will be rewarded with breathtaking sights of Longs Peak and The Keyboard Of The Winds.
Climbing up, you are soon out of forest and into subalpine with expansive views over the park. You will also encounter some nice views at Dream Lake, and waterfalls from the Emerald Lake. Beyond the overlook is Flattop Mountain, which reaches its summit just down the trail.
Follow the rocky and sometimes faint trail to continue on toward Hallett Peak. This section is particularly hard because you walk across largely open class II terrain. The trail ends at the 12,718-foot Hallett Peak summit which offers a literally breathtaking view in every direction and is one of those hikes that are among the not to be missed trails through Rocky Mountain National Park.
A great acclimatization hike for folks planning to climb Longs Peak, Hallett Peak.
15. Longs Peak
At 14,259 feet tall Longs Peak is the only fourteener on this list but it is also one of the most iconic and difficult hikes in all of Rocky Mountain National Park.
The route is over 15 miles in length and climbs more than 5,000 feet. The last couple hundred yards or so along the Keyhole Route involves technical, Class 3 rock scrambling with serious exposure. It highlights the sobering reality of a mountain where more than 60 others have died trying to conquer its peak.
Longs Peak Hiking Details:
- Distance: 15 miles round-trip
- Difficulty: Extremely difficult
- Time Required: 10 to 15 hours
- Location: Longs Peak Trailhead, located at the end of Longs Peak Road. Access via Highway 7 south from Estes Park.
Longs Peak is a formidable challenge, and many who attempt it turn back due to storms or the difficulty of the terrain. This hike requires careful planning and preparation. Spend several days in the park on other trails to acclimate to the altitude. Choose a day with a clear weather forecast, start in the early hours (many hikers begin around 3 or 4 am), and hope that afternoon thunderstorms stay at bay.
16. Sprague Lake Loop
Length: 0.8 miles
Elevation Gain: Minimal
If you are looking for an easy and accessible trail that takes you to a peaceful lake in the heart of the Bear Lake corridor than Sprague is your best option. Right next to Bear Lake, SpragueLake with nice views of the mountains surrounding it and in my opinion looks more beautiful than even bear lake.
Circumnavigating Sprague Lake on a 0.8-mile trail with some of the prettiest views at its end Did you imagined people fishing along the shore, or saw a small wedding on ocean front pier. One of my favorite easy hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park is Sprague Lake and I am sure it will be your new fave soon enough as well.
17. Lily Lake Trail
Length: 0.8 miles
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Lily Lake is a bit longer of a drive but offers some peace and tranquility rather than the hustle with more crowded lakes. Another of the lesser-known lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park, located just south of Estes Park and it’s also beautiful without all the crowds you’d easily find at other spots. This a very easy, 0.8-mile trail that is perfect for all ages, and it’s mellow length makes it just right to enjoy the opportunity of being close to those mountains without much intrusion from larger crowds than you might encounter otherwise in many similar spots on occasional weekends during summer months.
18. Toll Memorial Trail
Length: 1.1 miles
Elevation Gain: 150 feet
The Toll Memorial Trail ranks among my favorite hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park due to its breathtaking views. Starting near the Rock Cut, one of the park’s highest points, this 1.1-mile trail offers an easy stroll with panoramic 360-degree vistas. A short detour leads to unique rock formations resembling mushrooms, which are well worth the visit.
As you near the end, the trail ascends a brief but steep rock formation, revealing some of the most spectacular views in the park. At the summit, the Toll Memorial highlights the surrounding peaks, adding an educational touch to the experience. The Toll Memorial Trail is an exceptional way to take in the expansive views of Rocky Mountain National Park without the intensity of a strenuous hike. This easy trek is sure to become a favorite.
19. Marmot Point Trail
Length: 0.8 miles
Elevation Gain: 330 feet
Marmot Point Trail is a great Rocky Mountain National Park hike that you can access from Old Fall River Road. This scenic road linking Estes Park and the Alpine Visitor Center opens in July, delivering hiking options at almost every bend (stop to walk Marmot Point Trail.
The 0.8-mile ridge hike will have your legs burning for the summit viewpoint, but you’ll be there before too long as it climbs steeply at the end of trail. The payoff is 360-degree views of the park. Also the hike is not very crowded and you will find a lot fewer people than on other popular trails. Marmot Point Trail will quickly become one of your best easy hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park!
20. Alluvial Fan Trail
Length: 0.7 miles
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Alluvial Fan Trail — Another great hike off of Old Fall River Road is the Alluvial Fan Trail. This easy 0.7 mile walk near the start of Old Fall River Road by Estes Park goes to a lovely waterfall The waterfall is at its most impressive in early summer, as it plunges into the canopy beneath a staggering 30 meters below.
A contributes byproduct of the flood is Alluvial Fan Trail — a scenic, but quick hike that offers great views For an adventure to get later in day consider hiking Alluvial Fan Trail for landscape photos. This timing usually sees fewer other tourists as well so you are more likely to see wildlife. We followed the path and were lucky to see moose and elk grazing in the meadows just near where we started which made for a fairly exciting start to it all.
