20 of the Absolute Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park

The main reason Daniel and I chose to head to Colorado? It was to check out some of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park! Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local, there is an unlimited amount of trails to keep you busy during the spring, summer, and fall months. Check out some of these options and lace up your hiking boots! Some of these hikes even lead to the best places for kayaking in Colorado!

Rocky Mountain National Park requires reservations for the 2023 season. To find out more, head to my guide on Rocky Mountain National Park reservations so you know how to get them and you’re prepared before you go!

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The best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park you can’t miss

These are the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park that you’ll want to explore on your Rocky Mountain National Park itinerary!

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Emerald Lake Trail

Difficulty: Moderate

Length: 4.1 miles

Emerald Lake Trail is easily accessed at Bear Lake Trailhead in the Bear Lake Road Corridor. This is one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park as it includes access to not one but three lakes. It’s not the most difficult trail you’ll find, but it does require some effort to hike the full loop as it is on rugged terrain. 

This out-and-back trail leaves you at Nymph Lake half a mile in. As you continue the trek, you’ll find yourself at Dream Lake after another half mile. From there, Emerald Lake is about one mile away.

This is one of the hikes in Estes Park that you’ll want to leave early in the morning for as it is quite popular.

Sky Pond

Difficulty: Strenuous

Length: 9.0 miles

The hike to Sky Pond is both stunning and intense. It requires a combination of hiking and rock climbing to reach the final destination —Sky Pond. You’ll stumble upon Alberta Falls, which is a popular (and impressive) 30-foot waterfall just under a mile into the hike. 

At about two miles in, you’ll reach Mills junction, which branches off into three trails. Stick to the middle route leading to Loch Vale Trail. Here is where the more difficult part of the hike begins; you may want to turn around if you have small children with you.

This is another of the most popular Rocky Mountain National Park hiking trails. It’s advised to use the free shuttle to avoid waiting for parking to get to Bear Lake Trailhead.

The Loch

Difficulty: Moderate

Length: 5.4 miles

The Loch is another of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. For this trek, you’ll want to start at the Glacier Gorge Trailhead. The route is quite similar to the Sky Pond as you’ll pass Alberta Falls and continue on the Loch Vale Trail at Mills Junction.

Expect multiple switchbacks once you pass through the Mills Junction. You’ll be led through a gorge to reach The Loch. During the trek, you’ll experience stunning views and some steep climbs.

The Loch is one of three stunning lakes that make up the Loch Vale. It is one of the most scenic Rocky Mountain National Park trails and one that should not be missed.

Gem Lake Trail

Difficulty: Moderate

Length: 3.5 miles

Start your trek on Gem Lake Trail by heading to the Lumpy Ridge Trailhead. Upon arrival, the trailhead offers two routes; you’ll want to stay to the right to reach Gem Lake. 

Keep an eye out for Paul Bunyon’s Boot about 1.4 miles into the hike. It’s a unique rock formation that looks like a giant boot and makes for some great photos.

The final section of the trail up to Gem Lake is a bit steep. However, there are some rock steps to assist with the climb. When you’re close to Gem Lake, you’ll have excellent views of Estes Park and Lake Estes.

This trail makes hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park year-round easy. With minimal switchbacks and low elevation, the trail is fairly safe to traverse, even in winter.

Chasm Lake

Difficulty: Strenuous

Length: 8.5 miles

As far as RMNP hikes go, Chasm Lake is one of the top hiking trails. You’ll want to start the trek at Long’s Peak Trailhead, which is at 9,400 feet in elevation. 

The trail begins in a dense forest for the first two miles; then, you’ll hike through an alpine tundra filled with rocks. After some rock climbing, you’ll end at Chasm Lake.

Head here early in the morning (between 3-5 am) to ensure you have enough time for one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. This route is safest during the middle of summer when there is no snow.

Keep in mind, at these altitudes–it’s easy to get altitude sickness. If your body is getting used to the altitude, consider hiking part of the trail instead of the full trail since the end is where you will gain the most elevation.

Deer Mountain Trail

Difficulty: Moderate

Length: 6 miles

Deer Mountain Trail is one of the most popular Rocky Mountain National Park hiking trails and is easy to reach by Trail Ridge Road. You’ll want to head here as early in the morning as possible to avoid crowds and parking snafus.

This hike is unique in that it begins in a thick forest of ponderosa pines. Wildlife is abundant on this trail, so you’ll want to keep an eye out for deer and elk. This is mainly in the first mile of the hike as hikers travel through an open meadow.

Expect amazing views once you reach the summit after trekking on the RMNP trails. You’ll be able to catch the sights of Longs Peak, Moraine Park, Upper Beavers Meadows, and Estes Park at the top.

Ouzel Falls

Difficulty: Moderate

Length: 5.4 miles

Ouzel Falls is named after small grey birds that are found locally in this area. It begins at the Wild Basin Trailhead and features views along the hike of North Saint Vrain Creek.

I would consider this one of the best Rocky Mountain National Park hikes due to the number of attractions that can be viewed during your trek. Copeland Falls and Calypso Cascades are a few sights to checkout, as well as an unnamed waterfall.

The trail ends at the 40-foot magnificent Ouzel Falls. The trek also provides excellent views of wildflowers along the way.

This trail can be slippery in certain parts near the water and waterfalls. Keep an eye on where you step for a safer experience.

Dream Lake

Difficulty: Easy

Length: 2.2 miles

Dream Lake is one of the easier hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. It’s a great trail for those who want a warm-up before hiking to steeper areas. 

As with many other trails, you’ll be starting at the Bear Lake Trailhead. This 1.1-mile (one way) trail takes you up through aspen groves and ponderosa pine to Nymph Lake, filled with pond lilies. 

After another half a mile, you’ll reach Dream Lake, where you’ll find views of Tyndall Gorge and Tyndall Glacier (from certain angles).

You can continue onto Emerald Lake from Dream Lake, which adds about ¾ mile to the hike. Heading to Dream Lake is truly one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park.

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_cta h2=”Hiking essentials”]Recommended hiking boots: Salomon Quest 4 Gore-tex

Recommended jacket: The North Face Antora Jacket

Recommended hiking poles: Black Diamond Trail Cork Trekking Poles

Recommended day pack: Osprey Daylite Pack[/vc_cta][vc_column_text]

Alberta Falls

Difficulty: Easy

Length: 1.7 miles

Alberta Falls is a great 1.7-mile roundtrip trail. It’s perfect for hikers of all ages, so you can bring your kids along. Start your hike at Glacier Gorge Trailhead and make your way down the Glacier Creek Trail, taking the first left after Chaos Creek.

This trail winds through pine forest and aspen groves. Seeing this trail during fall is especially beautiful with the changing colors of the aspen trees. 

Once you arrive at Alberta Falls, you can stop and observe the stunning waterfall. There are rocks to pause for a break, lunch, or snack. Many people head here as it’s one of the best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park for a few hours.

As a tip, there is wildlife that can get aggressive when food is present. Make sure to keep food away from animals here. 

Twin Sisters Summit

Difficulty: Strenuous

Length: 7 miles

The hike to The Twin Sisters Summit is one of the top Rocky Mountain National Park day hikes. Instead of beginning at a trailhead, this hike starts at the Lily Lake Visitor Center. This visitor’s center is no longer in use, so you will not be able to purchase passes here, though it is a good trail marker.

The hike begins on a gravel path that weaves in and out of Rocky Mountain National Park and Roosevelt National Forest for about ¾ mile. 

You’ll be trekking through the forest, over a landslide, through steep switchbacks, and finally over a slippery, rocky area to the summit. The Twin Sisters Summit remains one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park for views of Mount Meeker, Longs Peak, and Estes Cone.

Estes Cone

Difficulty: Strenuous 

Length: 6.5 miles

Estes Cone is another one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. It is well known for its difficulty. The trail starts at an elevation of about 9,400 feet along the East Longs Peak Trail. 

You’ll catch glimpses of the Estes Cone (cone-shaped mountain) while hiking along the trail. You will also pass by the Eugenia Mine and old homestead. What makes this trek so difficult is how steep it is from the base of the mountain to the top. 

This is one of the best day hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park that is well worth the effort. Once you reach the top of Estes Cone, you’ll have stunning views of Longs Peak–the tallest peak in the park.

Adams Falls

Difficulty: Easy

Length: 0.9 miles

The trail to Adams Falls can be considered one of the easiest Rocky Mountain National Park hikes. Adams Falls was named after Jay E. Adams – a settler in the late 1800s. With a 0.9-mile roundtrip length, you can reach the falls and get back to your car in less than an hour.

Start at the East Inlet Trailhead and walk for about 1/3 mile through aspen and pine trees. Once you reach the Adams Falls Trail, it’s a quick walk to an overlook of this smaller but beautiful waterfall. 

Still, feel like hiking more? You can walk past the Adams Falls to a nearby valley filled with wildflowers and moose sightings.

Cascade Falls

Difficulty: Moderate

Length: 6.8 miles

It’s a 3.4-mile trek on the North Inlet Trail in the Rocky Mountains to arrive at Cascade Falls. This is truly one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park due to the array of different terrain you travel on. You’ll start on an easy hike through a meadow that is known for marmots – see if you can spot any. 

Along the way, you’ll pass by a summer camp and shift from a dirt path to a standard trail. The closer you get to the falls, the more greenery you’ll notice, especially once you start heading through the forest, turning this route into one of the best trails in Rocky Mountain National Park.

The falls themselves are stunning and different from the other falls available. The water tumbles down a granite rock slope instead of falling straight down, creating a tranquil effect. 

Lake Haiyaha

Difficulty: Moderate

Length: 7 miles

Bear Lake Trailhead is the starting point for this hiking trip. You’ll find yourself traveling 3.5 miles (one-way) to reach the stunning Lake Haiyaha area. This is one of the Estes Park hikes that are worth the sections of tricky terrain for the views at the end.

The rocks that cover the shore right before you reach the lake are a section to watch out for. They are usually slippery, so it’s best to follow the trees for this section. 

The word Haiyaha means “lake of many rocks,” which will make sense as soon as you arrive at the lake. Rocks surround the mirror-like water as you sit at the bottom of Otis Peak and Hallet Peak.

Lily Lake Loop

Difficulty: Easy

Length: 0.8 miles

The trail to Lily Lake Loop is an easy 0.8-mile trek (roundtrip). While most trails in Rocky Mountain Park are out-and-backs, this is a nice little loop that gets you back to the trailhead while offering many excellent views. This trail makes hiking in Estes Park a great activity for people of all ages.

You’ll start at the Lily Lake Trailhead and make your way around the water. Views of Meeker Mountain, Longs Peak, and Twin Sisters Mountain will occur during this hike. There are also excellent spots to stop for a lunch or snack break.

This is one of the best spots for bird watching and fishing. If you want an extra challenge, take the ridge trail for a higher view of this beautiful lake.

Mills Lake

Difficulty: Moderate

Length: 5.3 miles

The hike to Mills Lake is one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park because it is one of the most popular. This means you’ll have a well-marked trail that will be easy to follow. 

Besides being easy to follow, this is one of the best RMNP hikes because of the sights offered. You’ll spot multiple waterfalls, streams, and a gorge en route to Mills Lake. Once you arrive, you’re rewarded with incredibly clear water surrounded by peaks and lush green trees.

Make it a challenge by hiking another 1.7 miles up to Blake Lake. This will change the difficulty level to strenuous as this final section is steep.

Sprague Lake Loop

Difficulty: Easy

Length: 0.5 miles

This is one of the short but sweet hikes near Estes Park, where you can explore for thirty minutes before heading on to your next adventure. It’s a wheelchair-accessible trail that circles Sprague Lake and leaves you with views of the Continental Divide in the background. 

Lookouts and benches are available at multiple points of this trail. This is an amazing spot for photographers (new and experienced) to take incredible lake pictures. If you’re planning on stopping, for this reason, you’ll want to head here as early as possible to catch the clear blue skies reflecting off of the water.

Bear Lake

Difficulty: Easy

Length: 0.8 miles

Bear Lake is another Estes Park, Colorado hiking trail that is short but provides beautiful lake views. You’ll be starting at the Bear Lake Trailhead (1/2 mile from the Bear Lake Road parking lot in the Bear Lake Road Corridor), and it’s advised to hike counter-clockwise once you arrive so you can follow along with a self-guided tour. A pamphlet you can purchase at the trailhead provides you with historical information about the area as you walk along the lake.

Anytime you head to Bear Lake Trailhead, keep in mind it will be busy and crowded. The earlier you arrive, the more likely you are to avoid the crowds. 

You’ll be walking through a thick forest at certain points, and once you arrive at the beginning of the trail, you’ll be offered stunning views of Hallet Peak. Halfway through the trail, you’ll be able to see Half Mountain as well.

Bluebird Lake

Difficulty: Strenuous

Length: 12.6 miles

The hike to Bluebird Lake is the exact opposite of the previous two hikes. This is a strenuous hike that leaves you at an elevation of nearly 11,000 feet. That doesn’t take it off the list of best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, though. 

It is one of the best hiking trails in Rocky Mountain National Park because of the sheer number of attractions that you pass on the way to Bluebird Lake. You’ll be able to see Ouzel Falls, Copeland Falls, Cascade Falls, and Ouzel Lake on your way to Bluebird Lake.

Originally, Bluebird Lake housed a manmade dam that was 58 feet tall. However, it was removed due to failure in the early 1980s.

Odessa Lake

Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous

Length: 8.8 miles

Hiking to Odessa Lake is absolutely one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. The views of the varying terrain you encounter during this hike are exquisite. 

This hike starts with a trek through a dense pine forest that opens up to Odessa Gorge. After that, you’ll arrive at Odessa Lake, which is surrounded by granite. If you enjoy fishing, you are welcome to bring your gear here. Check in with a ranger first for any fishing rules before doing so.

This hike has multiple starting points, including the Fern Lake Trailhead and the Bear Lake Trailhead. The best hike in Rocky Mountain National Park is provided by the route that starts at the Bear Lake Trailhead. You’ll find it provides more picturesque views. 

Have you tried any of these best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park? Which would you recommend?

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Want more information on Colorado? Check out these articles:

• 15 Amazing Coffee Shops in Colorado Springs You Need to Check Out
• The Absolute Best Places for Kayaking in Colorado
• The Ultimate Guide to Lake Estes, Colorado
• 20 Awesome Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park