When I visited in April, the farthest I could go on the east side was to Rainbow Curve. (970) 586-1206. For updated information on fire restrictions visit ourFire Informationpage. Can We Address the Climate Crisis by Degrowing? For more information on planning your time, on how to plan your itinerary, with suggestions from several days up to 1 week. Park at the Park and Ride and take the Bear Lake Shuttle to these two trailheads. Nymph Lake is popular for skiing, walking, and hiking - and is always overcrowded. Stefan Myers. Join today. The lowest zone (Montane, from 5,600 to 9,500 feet) encompasses the meadows and the lower slopes of the mountains. Drive down to Granby if you are staying on the west side of the park near Grand Lake. Sprague Lake(27 tables) - located along Bear Lake Road. Our website uses cookies. Please email. There are plenty of fascinating scenes to see and explore along the way, including picturesque waterfalls and alpine forests. In 1917, John Holzwarth and his family, immigrants from Germany, built a small cabin on this site. Reservations are made online on the recreation.gov website. If you are lucky you might even see an Elk crossing the river. With fascinating natural wonders, including beautiful lakes and forests, here are the top attractions in Rocky Mountain National Park. Photo Credit: Kimon Berlin (Flickr) These breathtaking forests surround Rocky Mountain National Park and offer visitors a lot to see and do. Hikers can see ancient cabins, old foundations and read interpretive signage. Both Bear Lake and Sprague Lake are perfect spots for a quick photo or a nice stroll. A post shared by Great Smoky Mountains NP (@greatsmokynps) on Sep 20, 2016 at 4:16pm PDT, Cades Cove, Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Approximately one-third of Rocky Mountain National Park is alpine tundra. Travelers should have a good sense of direction and climbing skills to survive this route. Or, if you have less time, we also have suggestions on how to spend one perfect day in Rocky Mountain National Park. On this hike, you get to see four beautiful alpine lakes over a very short distance. The alpine tundra encompasses the highest areas of the park. On the eastern shore of Grand Lake lies the ever-popular trail toAdams Falls. Just a lovely, lovely, thorough guide to the Park and area. 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. , It is a must-go destination if one is exploring Rocky Mountain, National Park. 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. Known for its peaks, alpine lakes, and tundra landscapes, Colorado's Rocky Mountain National Park is one of America's favorite national parks. We spent one wonderful week in Rocky Mountain National Park in July. Adventure and solitude are waiting. Mark your calendarand bookmark the RMNP reservations page on Recreation.gov today so you can explore the park this summer. Numerous hiking trails also start here, including those to Bear Lake, Fern Lake, and Mills Lake. Best Things to Do in Great Sand Dunes National Park, 15 Best Things to Do at Grand Teton National Park, White Rim Road: The Ultimate Adventure in Canyonlands National Park, 5 Reasons Why Death Valley Should Be the Next National Park You Visit, Devils Garden Trail: The Best Hike in Arches National Park, 16 Best Things to Do in Denali National Park, Complete List of the US National Parks (+ FREE Printable Checklist), The Perfect Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary, One Perfect Day in Rocky Mountain National Park, Complete Guide to the Twin Sisters Peak Trail, RMNP, 15 Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Aspenglen, Moraine Park, and Glacier Basin are the most popular campgrounds and these get reserved well in advance. Spruce Flats Falls. 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. Alberta Falls at sunrise | Best Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park 6. Chasm Lake. By AndyB5542. 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. 10.4 miles, strenuous. The state is sprinkled with city, state and national parks, making it a mecca for picnic locations. Before you go, check with the National Park Service website about bivouac permits and closures for raptor nesting. Local advice about Rocky Mountain NP's hikes you can't miss. The latter is especially crucial in Zion, where summer temperatures typically top 100 degrees. 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. Bear Lake This is the shortest, most popular hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. 80517. The hike to Odessa Lake and onward to Fern Lake is a relatively low-traffic trail in Rocky Mountain National Park. The main activity here is taking rafting trips while enjoying the beautiful scenery. Moraine Park Moraine Park is one of the best places in Rocky Mountain National Park to see wildlife. THE POOL Mid Hills Campground. Odessa & Fern Lakes Hike. 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. Sierra Club 2023.The Sierra Club Seal is a registered copyright, service mark, and trademark of the Sierra Club. The Glacier Basin Campground consists of 150 single-occupancy campsites with 13 group sites. Chimney Tops A great place for the whole family to enjoy a picnic is at the Chimney Tops picnic area. Rock climbing and mountaineering has long been a popular thing to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. Estes Park Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. Before you hit the trail, visit the National Park Service website for updates on conditions. The largest picnic areas on the east (Estes Park) side of RMNP are: Endo Valley (32 tables) - located along Old Fall River Road, about 1.8 miles from the intersection with Highway 34. At this famous picnic spot, the several tables overlooking the river are beautiful and are difficult to procure. On an early morning in July, it was only 34 degrees at the Alpine Visitor Center during our visit. By mid-morning, parking areas are often full. All distances are round-trip. Population: 2,132. Her writing is inspired by her passion to travel to new destinations and inspire others to get out of their comfort zones and explore the beauty of this world - whether they travel around the world or in their own countries. You can drive Trail Ridge Road, visit the Alpine Visitor Center, hike to Longs Peak and to Chasm Lake, and hike Gem Lake. Be a champion for the environment and fight for everything we hold dear. In 1974, the property was purchased by The Nature Conservancy and then became part of the national park. You are actually in the middle of Canmore Village waiting for the sun to pop over the mountains to light up the river and the famous Three Sisters. Here is a map of the best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. Kruger Rock Trail Photo: Brendan Bombaci Why you should go: What better way to find some solitude than in a place called Hermit Park? Sierra Club and "Explore, enjoy and protect the planet" are registered trademarks of the Sierra Club. One week was perfect for us. This spot makes the list for two reasons: 1.) Availability of roads and facilities can vary seasonally so check the current conditions. Learn more about the US National Parks in our Guide to the National Parks. Try Nurturing Everyday Awe.. Sky Pond | Best Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park. Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests, in the Rocky Mountains, are home to a wildlife refuge that protects birds and mammals. Surrounded by forest and crowned by a distant yet imposing granite wall, Lake Verna's jewel-like surface isan unparalleled scenic reward after a challenging hike. Rocky is a peak baggers' heaven with more than 60 mountains topping out at over 12,000 feet. Nestled high in the Sierra between Tuolumne Meadows and Yosemite Valley, this pristine glacial lake is largest in the parks front country. Here are the 16 best Glacier National Park hikes. Its nearby neighbors of Bear Lake, Emerald Lake, and Dream Lake get a lot more visitors, so if you are looking for a relatively uncrowded trail with the chance to visit multiple alpine lakes, this is a nice hike to consider. 12 Easy Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park In the spring, warmer temperatures melt the snow and visitation picks up. One of the best places to see inside Rocky Mountain National Park is the tundra ecosystem, which is the land above the trees. 9.8 miles, strenuous. To see fall colors and the elk mating season, plan your visit from mid-September through mid-October. The Stanley Hotel offers a wide range of rooms. Longs Peak. 3. The parking lots at some trailheads fill up early in the day (notably Bear Lake and Glacier Gorge) but you can still reach these trailheads by shuttle bus if you arrive late. If you go during fall, youll witness vibrant Indian hemp painting the riverbanks. Prime for mountain biking, the flowing, root-filled, and rocky trails provide miles of fast-paced, ear-to-ear-grinning fun. This loop trail is 0.7 miles in length and can be busy at times. 970 586-1206 Its a great hike for families and makes a great intro to hiking in the park. For spectacular high mountain scenery. Here, the melting snow makes way for Frisbee throwing, people watching and picnicking in droves. Get more information, and see many more photos, in our post15 Great Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. Receive small business resources and advice about entrepreneurial info, home based business, business franchises and startup opportunities for entrepreneurs. The scenic byway was built by the City of Denver in 1927 as a tourist attraction. Being the first and oldest scenic drive established in Colorado, Peak to Peak is significant historically. This area also offers 30 fire grates, allows portable grills and has vault toilets. 4.6 miles one way, roughly 2,000 feet in elevation gain. Beforehand, stock up on grub at the . 7.4 miles, moderate. Located inside Rocky Mountain National Park, Nymph Lake is a beautiful water body surrounded by stunning mountain views. Bear Lake at Rocky mountain As a true classic, Bear Lake is a popular stop for many visiting Rocky Mountain National Park. Visitors can engage in scenic driving and discover the stunning sightings around these two forests. 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. How Much Time Do You Need in Rocky Mountain National Park? Hike one of several trails in the area, or bike or drive the 11-mile road that loops the cove, before lunching at the picnic tables at its eastern end. Julie Last updated: November 21, 2022 United States 19 Comments. 11 miles of this road is located in the alpine tundra, which is above the treeline. This gives you enough time to acclimate to the higher elevation (very important if you live at a low elevation) before tackling some of the higher, tougher hikes (such as Mount Ida, Hallett Peak, or Longs Peak). During the summer months, volunteers offer daily tours of the Holzwarth site. . The vast majority of these people visited the park between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Citizen scientists are tracking the adorable climate indicators using a new app, Pumas are thriving in southern Chile, increasing the risk of conflict with humans, A bison colony abandoned by the 1920s movie industry is thriving off the coast of Los Angeles, Tips for beginners, why to take it up, and the best gear to start. Chimney Tops Picnic Area The Chimney Tops picnic area, which is open between 3/11 and 11/26, has 68 picnic sites and is our favorite picnic spot in the entire Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The views from the overlooks are stunning. Whether a traveler is visiting for hiking, cycling, scenic drives, or wildlife viewing, Rocky Mountain National Park offers an incredible safari experience. Sara Broers 2. From the Glacier Gorge parking lot, is a mostly uphill walk to get to Alberta Falls, but it is not too strenuous. I recommend staying at The Residences. The region is cold, dry and the growing season is small. Ouzel Lake boasts scenic alpine views and makes for an unforgettable picnic spot. Sprague Lake, Rocky Mountain National Park Sprague Lake is a popular picnic spot and wedding destination. 3M Curve, also commonly known as the Longs Peak Viewpoint, is an easy 3.5-mile drive from Beavers Meadow Visitor Center on the East entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park. The subalpine regions and alpine tundra can be explored by cross-country skiing. Make sure you bring extra layers, even during the summer months. At 14,259 feet, Longs Peak is the tallest mountain in Rocky Mountain National Park and stands among Colorado's highest peaks. Distance: 9.4 miles Elevation Gain: 1,683 feet Difficulty: moderate Estimated Time: 4.75 hours Just be aware that this is also the busiest time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park. Each residence is individually managed, so some are better than others. The Kawuneeche Valley is also the best place to look for moose in the park. The wilderness features stunning mountain peaks and spectacular valleys. I highly recommend this particular residence. As you climb to it, you may be astonished to learn that the humble creek it follows is actually the Colorado River. Access: Strenuous hiking. Experience life above treeline at the Gore Range Overlook. 14 Great Sand Dunes National Park Boondocking (Updated 2022) This property is located west of Estes Park on Fall River Road, so you will have a longer drive to get into the heart of the park. View Map. This hike is one of the best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. The official National Park Service website lists when the permits become available and has more information about the permits. Hiking the many trails, while exploring the lakes and beautiful waterfalls found here gives the best Rocky Mountain National Park safari experience. 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. It's a fantastic place for your next RV getaway. Related: These Lakes In Rocky Mountain National Park Are Good Alternatives To Summits. Continental Divide Trail to Mt Ida | Best Things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. A group picnic area is available at Lily Lake, by reservation only and for a fee. The hike itself is relatively easy but follows uneven terrain and rock so take caution with small children and older folks. The Cascade Ponds picnic area has over 40 picnic tables, firewood, several options for parking, toilets and shelters. By GroverR. Nicky's Resort. Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado is one of the most amazing places to elope for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure lovers. Temperatures are low in the winter, but so are the crowds. . Day 2 - Start with a scenic drive from Boulder to Rocky Mountain National Park (60-90 minute drive), visit Trail Ridge Road and end with a hike on the Wild Basin trail (1-6 mile options) with plenty of chances to see wildlife. Opened in 1920, Old Fall River Road was the first road that led into Rocky Mountain National Park. Also, Grand Lake is a perfect spot for exploring Rocky Mountain National Park as the park is located just outside Grand Lake-town. 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! Journey higher to the subalpine region (9,000 to 11,000 feet), into the evergreen forests and mountain lakes. If you do not have a reservation, you will not be allowed to enter the park. 11. Tucked away on an especially scenic section of Fall River, the RMNP Fall River entrance is just 3 miles up the road. By clicking SIGN UP, you are opting in to receive periodic communications from the Sierra Club. There's also an easy half-mile walk to Nymph Lake, and it's half-mile or so farther to Dream Lake. Most of these areas neaar conveniently accessible by vehicle, and feature open grassy areas perfect for laying out a blanket. American architect Mary Colter designed the structure, which was built in 1932, in the style of an ancestral Puebloan tower. Hike 9 miles round-trip to a spectacular alpine lake with close-up views of Longs Peak. It is a famous route to explore Rocky Mountain National Park and is a perfect spot for bird watching, hiking, and camping. From short, easy strolls around lakes, to ridgeline trails with panoramic views, to challenging but epic climbs to the tallest mountain peaks, there truly is something here for everyone. Visitors should therefore plan on exploring this beautiful lake early, especially for epic people free pictures of the magnificent landscapes! The Desert Watchtower rests on the south rim of the Grand Canyon, at an elevation of 7,500 feet. There are plenty of naturally beautiful places for a picnic, making this a must-see place in Motor City. And there are many to choose from. 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. If you want, you can choose to hike around the well-marked nature trail around Bear Lake. at least three days in Rocky Mountain National Park. 12 Best Hotels in Rocky Mountain National Park | U.S. News When to Go Stargazing in Rocky Mountain National Park. Visitors to the park can tour the property to learn more about the life of Colorado homesteaders. 0.6 miles, easy. Drew Higgins is an environmental educator and freelance writer based in Jackson, Wyoming. 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