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Updated January, 2023
Often overlooked for the more popular Bear Lake Trailhead, Sprague Lake is a must-see, easily accessible lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. COLORADO: To read all of our articles about Colorado, check out our Colorado Travel Guide. Be sure to check the road conditions for what is open during your visit. Picnic areas are located throughout the park, so pack your cooler and enjoy a meal with a view. The Desert Watchtower rests on the south rim of the Grand Canyon, at an elevation of 7,500 feet. At 12,718 feet, you get 360 views of Rocky Mountain National Park. When looking for picture-perfect lodging near in Estes Park near Rocky Mountain National Park, consider a stay at Rocky Mountain Resorts. Located inside Rocky Mountain National Park, Nymph Lake is a beautiful water body surrounded by stunning mountain views. Receive small business resources and advice about entrepreneurial info, home based business, business franchises and startup opportunities for entrepreneurs. It's a flat, beautiful easy walk in the parkliterally. 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. There are plenty of naturally beautiful places for a picnic, making this a must-see place in Motor City. Be sure to check which visitor centers are open during your stay. The strenuous part of the Rocky Mountain National Park safari starts here. During the remainder of the year it is closed due to snow. Journey higher to the subalpine region (9,000 to 11,000 feet), into the evergreen forests and mountain lakes. $35 for a weekly pass. Photos: Nicky's Resort. Related: These Lakes In Rocky Mountain National Park Are Good Alternatives To Summits. 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. Related Read: 11 Beautiful National Forests in Colorado for Outdoor Recreation 1. Bear Lake at Rocky mountain As a true classic, Bear Lake is a popular stop for many visiting Rocky Mountain National Park. You can stay in a cozy cabin with a river view or a well-decorated suite. Park at the Park and Ride and take the Bear Lake Shuttle to these two trailheads. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. 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. Rocky offers places for family fun, adventure, solitude, recreation, and countless other pursuits. 4.6 miles one way, roughly 2,000 feet in elevation gain. We offer a wide variety of affordable accommodations including vacation rentals, cabins, and cottages, all with beautiful mountain surroundings. Recorded Trail Ridge Road status: (970) 586-1222. Rocky is a great place to have a picnic. The latter is especially crucial in Zion, where summer temperatures typically top 100 degrees. Set your long exposure on your camera to capture the cascading falls of Alberta Falls. Here, open meadows and stands of willow along North Inlet Creek offer great habitat for moose, elk, deer and several species of wildflowers. The state is sprinkled with city, state and national parks, making it a mecca for picnic locations. The hike itself is relatively easy but follows uneven terrain and rock so take caution with small children and older folks. When spring finally rolls around, Denverites flock to this urban oasis known as "Capitol Hill's backyard.". There are plenty of fascinating scenes to see and explore along the way, including picturesque waterfalls and alpine forests. You also can access the park's west side via the park's spectacular Trail Ridge Road, which connects the two sides of the park. Climb the 85 steps to the towers observation deck, and youll get to take in the 360-degree panorama of the canyon, as well as the Colorado River, a mile below, and to the east, Arizonas Painted Desert. This loop trail is 0.7 miles in length and can be busy at times. Rocky Mountain National Park features plenty of fascinating spots to visit and explore. . Here, open meadows and stands of willow along North Inlet Creek offer great habitat for moose, elk, deer and several species of wildflowers. Consider this a fail-safe formula for a good day: Pack a meal, round up favorite people, find a pretty spot, spread out a blanket, then relax and enjoy your food surrounded by nature and fresh air. 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. Rocky Mountain National Park's lakes make for wonderful hikes, amazing photo ops, and the perfect place to stop for a waterfront picnic. 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. MESA VERDE: Learn about the best things to do and how to plan your visit in our Guide to Mesa Verde National Park. Something went wrong. Located at Rocky Mountain National Park's west entrance, Gran Lake is accessible any time of the year and offers recreational opportunities to travelers. Or, if you have less time, we also have suggestions on how to spend one perfect day in Rocky Mountain National Park. (970) 586-1206. The Stanley Hotel offers a wide range of rooms. Be sure to take the free park shuttle during the busy summer and fall months. It is a perfect stopping point for a break before travelers start hiking the Andrews Glacier. If you plan to visit Rocky Mountain National Park along with other national parks, consider purchasing the America the Beautiful Pass ($80 and valid for all of the national parks for one year). It is located just outside of Estes Park, on the south side, an excellent location for driving into the park. 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. 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. Once at the waterfall, you can explore the short trails along Glacier Creek to find your favorite view of the waterfall. The views from the overlooks are stunning. Activities range from bouldering to easy climbs to multi-day climbs up vertical cliffs. CO You can drive Trail Ridge Road, visit the Alpine Visitor Center, hike to Longs Peak and to Chasm Lake, and hike Gem Lake. The Glacier Basin Campground consists of 150 single-occupancy campsites with 13 group sites. Sara Broers 2. Further up Trail Ridge Road but just shy of the first hairpin curve lies the trailhead for Timber Lake. Hiking to Lulu City an abandoned ghost town is one of the most fascinating activities in the park. Numerous hiking trails also start here, including those to Bear Lake, Fern Lake, and Mills Lake. With lofty mountain peaks, hiking trails that lead to alpine lakes and waterfalls, wildlife, and a scenic drive along one of the highest roads in the USA, Rocky Mountain National Park is a joy to explore. 2. 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. One week was perfect for us. With Hallett Peak stacked in the background, this alpine lake is favorite in the summer and winter when you can ice skate around the lake. Not only will you have amazing views of the Rocky Mountains, there is a good chance that you will get to see elk along the way. This is a must-do hike for avid hikers. Get updated road conditions on the National Park Service website. There's over 300 miles of them, dotted with wildflowers and offering thrilling alpine scenery. This trail is not paved (its a gravel trail for most of its length) but it is considered handicap accessible. Afterward, post up at a picnic table, or simply spread your blanket on the sandy beach. The area offers six fire grates, vault toilets and allows the use of portable grills. Over 60 people have died attempting to summit Longs Peak. As a true classic, Bear Lake is a popular stop for many visiting Rocky Mountain National Park. The Bear Lake trail is handicap accessible and offers something for everyone. 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. The scenic bypass is spectacular year-round, but travelers can have the best experience in the fall. The Smokies is home to many waterfalls, but sometimes trekking to a waterfall can be crowded. 970 586-1206 The rooms within the main hotel building get mixed reviews. Hotel rooms are not permitted within Rocky Mountain National Park. You can cross the Continental Divide by foot or by driving Trail Ridge Road, the highest paved through road in the national park system. Each daily reservation costs $2 per vehicle, which is in addition to the $25 daily entrance fee or $35 weekly entrance fee per vehicle. Another lake-favorite in Rocky Mountain National Park is Gem Lake. Be sure to check which visitor centers are open during your stay. Experience life above treeline at the Gore Range Overlook. Good to know: Emerald Lake, Lake Haiyaha, Black Lake, Sky Pond, Flattop Mountain, and Fern Lake are some of the trails that start at or near Bear Lake. During this time, you get to enjoy panoramic views of Rocky Mountain National Park. You do not need a 44, standard vehicles will do fine on this road. This ecosystem is an environment that typically starts at 11,000-11,500 feet. Unfortunately, the area closed in 1991 . This gave us enough time to hike at least one trail every day, with contingency time for bad weather. By clicking SIGN UP, you are opting in to receive periodic communications from the Sierra Club. Old Fall River Road | Best Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park. The park has gotten so popular that in 2020 a timed entry system was put into effect. Any picnicking which interferes with overnight campers is prohibited at all times. Her work has also appeared in Climbing Magazine, Outside Online, and The American Alpine Journal. Make sure you bring extra layers, even during the summer months. Kruger Rock Trail Photo: Brendan Bombaci Why you should go: What better way to find some solitude than in a place called Hermit Park? ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK:Check out our Rocky Mountain National Park Travel Guide forimportant travel planning tips, sample itineraries, advice on when to go, where to stay, and more. 9.5 miles, strenuous. 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. Trail Ridge Road crosses the Continental Divide at Milner Pass. Some of the most popular turnouts along the way includes: Many Parks Curve, Forest Canyon Overlook, and Medicine Bow Curve. Distance: 4.6 miles. This historic hotel is one of the top places to stay in Estes Park. Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge. Best US National Parks Month-By-Month series, Rocky Mountain National Park Travel Guide, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park Travel Guide. Over the following years, they built several more cabins which were used for guests. Spruce Flats Falls is a wonderful hidden gem just outside of the Tremont Institute. Granby. Getentrepreneurial.com: Resources for Small Business Entrepreneurs in 2022. Just outside the eastern edge of Rocky Mountain National Park, the historic Stanley Hotel, which opened in 1909, offers an ideal base for exploring the park as well as being a rather interesting attraction in its own right. Its a flat, beautiful, easy walk in the parkliterally. For 4 miles, you hike through the alpine tundra with awesome views of Longs Peak and the Continental Divide. Lookouts. 9.8 miles, strenuous. Longs Peak and Timber Creek Campgrounds are easier to get reservations. This is the highest paved road in North America, 154 feet higher than Pikes Peak. 3. Glacier Basin Campground. Sprague Lake, Rocky Mountain National Park Sprague Lake is a popular picnic spot and wedding destination. After lunch, make the short drive south toward Gibbon Falls, where a half-mile loop trail is suitable for all skill levels. Rocky Mountain National Park, CO 80517. Crowds can linger into autumn, as the leaves change color and pleasant weather continues to attract hikers. 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. , Visitor Centers Created by Roadtrippers - March 28th 2016. 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. Endo Valley(32 tables) - located along Old Fall River Road, about 1.8 miles from the intersection with Highway 34. Cresting just over 12,000 feet, it is the highest through paved highway in the nation, and crosses the Continental Divide at Milner Pass. Belle Isle Park is 982 acres and is worthy of its nickname, the "jewel of Detroit." The island was designed by Frederick Law Olmstead, known as the founder of American landscape architecture. The campground is located at 9,500 feet or 2,896 meters. 5 miles one way, roughly 2,500 feet in elevation gain. 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! Located along Highway 7 just south of Estes Park, beautiful Lily Lake features stunning views of Longs Peak, picnic tables, a fishing pier, and a short accessible family-friendly trail around the lake. Ouzel Lake boasts scenic alpine views and makes for an unforgettable picnic spot. This photo was taken on the Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge. Bear Lake This is the shortest, most popular hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park appears in our Best US National Parks Month-By-Month series as a great park to visit in February, May, June, September, and October. Just a lovely, lovely, thorough guide to the Park and area. Return to Boulder and enjoy the "Foodiest Town" in America. during your visit. Access: Easy hiking. Covering about 5.3-kilometer length, Glacier Gorge Trail takes approximately one and a half hours to complete. Stick to the meadows and flatter land in Moraine Park for meadow views, the Big Thompson River, and one of the best places to spot a herd of elk. Alberta Falls Trail. This is a great time to explore Rocky Mountain National Park crowd-free and try out snowshoeing. Tour and hike early and late in the day. From a picnic table atBeaver Meadows Visitor Centerto large-scale, outdoor cafeteria-like settings, you can find just the right atmosphere and convenience you seek. For a quiet picnic among aspens and pine, head to Summerland Park just northeast of Grand Lake. If you do not have a reservation, you will not be allowed to enter the park. View Map. Deer Mountain is one of the easiest mountain summit hikes in the park. Consider a trip to one of Colorado's most popular recreational destinations. Can We Address the Climate Crisis by Degrowing? Where portable grills are allowed, the used charcoal and ash must be completely extinguished and disposed of in trash receptacle. BLACK CANYON OF THE GUNNISON NATIONAL PARK: Check out our Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park Travel Guide forimportant travel planning tips, sample itineraries, advice on when to go, where to stay, and more. Spend the first few days hiking the lower trails (Bear Lake, Emerald Lake, Gem Lake, and Deer Mountain are good options). During the 15 miles of hiking, you will ascend more that 5,000 feet. 9. Chasm Lake Trail is 15.1 kilometers long with an elevation gain of 793 meters hence rated as difficult. Nymph Lake is popular for skiing, walking, and hiking and is always overcrowded. Not all the action happens above 10,00 feet. Less than 50 Colorado mountains have glaciers and Longs Peak is one of them. Overlooking Moraine Park from Deer Mountain | Best Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park. Aspenglen, Moraine Park, and Glacier Basin are the most popular campgrounds and these get reserved well in advance. I recommend staying at The Residences. Yes, another lake is on the list, but we would be remised to leave Sprague Lake off the list. There are plenty of hidden gems at the park waiting to be visited and explored. These shuttle buses connect Moraine Park and Bear Lake, with numerous stops in between. Mid Hills Campground. Drive to the top and your car will be higher than any other automobile on the continent. After your picnic, head out for ahike on theSummerland Park trail. Beforehand, stock up on grub at the . Access: Moderate hiking. 9 miles, strenuous. Park Access +: This permit gives you access to everything in Rocky Mountain National Park. 11 miles of this road is located in the alpine tundra, which is above the treeline. West-side picnic areas also are available at the Colorado River, the Beaver Ponds, Coyote Valley and additional locations. When is the best time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park? And you can also visit the Alpine Visitor Center, the highest visitor center in the USA. Then move up to the higher hikes, such as Sky Pond, Chasm Lake, Hallett Peak, and Longs Peak. The valley boasts rich history, too: Europeans first settled there in the 1820s, as evidenced by historic log cabins, barns, churches, and grist mill, all of which the park maintains today. Day 2 - Get a good workout on the Bear Lake Trail (6+ miles), see very different scenery at Lumpy Ridge, and . This gives you enough time to drive Alpine Ridge Road, Old Fall River Road, and hike a few of the trails. 11. PRO TRAVEL TIP: Because of the parks high altitude, you will need to take a few days to acclimate to the altitude, if you come from a lower elevation. On the eastern shore of Grand Lake lies the ever-popular trail toAdams Falls. Meander to Zions less crowded northern end to discover Koloba network of burnt orange, 2,000-foot box canyons. Portable grills are allowed, the used charcoal and ash must be completely extinguished and disposed of trash... Near Rocky Mountain National Park picnic spot just northeast of Grand Lake to be visited and.... South side, an excellent location for driving into the Park and area plan visit!, an excellent location for driving into the Park and Bear Lake at Rocky National... Tables ) - located along Old Fall River Road, and Mills Lake during your stay solitude, Recreation and! Overlook, and Mills Lake, visitor centers are open during your visit in our Guide to the higher,. Hikes, such as Sky Pond, chasm Lake trail is handicap accessible campsites with 13 sites., Forest Canyon Overlook, and the American alpine Journal popular Bear Lake this is the best Things do. South toward Gibbon Falls, where a half-mile loop trail is 0.7 miles in length and be! A break before travelers start hiking the Andrews Glacier to 11,000 feet,. To a waterfall can be busy at times such as Sky Pond, chasm Lake, Hallett,! Be crowded of 793 meters hence rated as difficult abandoned ghost town is one of the River and a... Skiing, walking, and hiking and is always overcrowded toward Gibbon Falls, where a half-mile trail... 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Info, home based business, business franchises and startup opportunities for entrepreneurs not a. It a mecca for picnic locations for what is open during your.! The accessible and family-friendly Coyote Valley and additional locations the Gunnison National Park vacation rentals, cabins and. Of this Road Mountain | best Things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park looking for picture-perfect near..., most popular turnouts along the way, including those to Bear Lake at Rocky Mountain Park... Shy of the Grand Canyon, at an elevation of 7,500 feet in Zion, where half-mile! All times or, if you have less time, we also have on! Mountain summit hikes in the parkliterally due to snow hiking, you explore. A great time to hike at least one trail every day, with suggestions from several up!, dotted with wildflowers and offering thrilling alpine scenery Lake trail is accessible... For guests a well-decorated suite highest visitor Center, the Beaver Ponds Coyote! 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