Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park

Top Trails, Alpine Lakes & Scenic Hikes Near Estes Park

Overview of Hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the premier hiking destinations in North America, offering more than 350 miles of trails that range from easy lakeside walks to challenging summit climbs. Located just outside Estes Park, the park provides access to alpine lakes, waterfalls, tundra landscapes, and iconic Colorado peaks. Whether you’re looking for a short scenic stroll or a full-day adventure, this guide covers the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park for every skill level.

Easy Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park

These easy hikes are perfect for families, beginners, or anyone adjusting to the altitude.  For all of these hikes, it is recommended to bring or rent lightweight daypacks + trekking poles for comfort on easy hikes

Bear Lake Loop

Distance: 0.6 miles
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Why Go: One of the most iconic views in the park
Bear Lake is the most accessible hike in RMNP, offering stunning reflections of surrounding peaks and is one of the most photographed spots in the park.  To access this area, you will need to get a Timed Entry+ Bear Lake Corridor pass.

Sprague Lake

Distance: 0.8 miles
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Why Go: Flat, accessible trail with panoramic views

Great for sunrise and families.

Lily Lake

Distance: 1 mile
Why Go: Quieter alternative to Bear Lake

Located just outside the main entrance near Estes Park.

Alberta Falls

Distance: ~1.6 miles round trip
Why Go: One of the park’s most popular waterfalls

Gear Recommendations

📌 Bring water and a lightweight daypack.

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Moderate Hikes (Best Scenic Payoff)

These hikes offer the best balance of effort and reward.

Dream Lake → Emerald Lake

Distance: 3.2 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: ~650 ft
Why Go: Multiple alpine lakes in one hike
This is one of the most popular hikes in RMNP—and for good reason.

The Loch (Loch Vale)

Distance: 5 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: ~1,000 ft
Why Go: Dramatic cliffs and alpine scenery.  Tends to have fewer crowds than Bear Lake.

Ouzel Falls

Distance: 5.4 miles round trip
Why Go: Scenic forest hike ending in a beautiful waterfall

Access this trail from the Wild Basin Entrance which is down Route 7 just past Saint Catherine’s Chapel on the Rock on the right hand side.

📌 This area of the park tends to get afternoon storms.  A morning start is recommended.

Cub Lake

Distance: 4.8 miles
Why Go: Wildflowers and meadow views

Gear Recommendations

📌 Bring at least 32 oz of water and a daypack to carry nutrient dense snacks, layers, and wear closed toe shoes and moisture wicking socks, like Smart Wool Brand.

 

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Challenging & Bucket List Hikes

For experienced hikers, RMNP offers some of the most iconic high-alpine adventures in Colorado.

Sky Pond

Distance: 9 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: ~1,700 ft
Why Go: One of the most stunning alpine lakes in Colorado

Includes a short scramble up a waterfall—an unforgettable experience. Arguably one of the most rewarding hikes in the park.

Chasm Lake

Distance: 8.4 miles
Why Go: Incredible views of Longs Peak

⭐ Good Mountain Adventures offers a guided hike to Chasm Lake

Flattop Mountain

Distance: 8.8 miles
Why Go: Expansive tundra views above tree line

Longs Peak (Keyhole Route)

Distance: 14+ miles
Elevation Gain: 5,000+ ft
Why Go: One of Colorado’s most famous 14ers

⚠️ Only for experienced hikers due to exposure and difficulty.

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Best Lake Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park

RMNP is famous for its alpine lakes.

Top Lake Hikes:

• Bear Lake
• Dream Lake
• Emerald Lake
• Sky Pond
• Chasm Lake

These hikes are some of the most photographed locations in Colorado.

⚠️ These are all accessed via the Bear Lake Corridor which requires a special Timed Entry.

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Best Family-Friendly Hikes

Traveling with kids? These hikes are perfect:

• Bear Lake
• Sprague Lake
• Lily Lake
• Alberta Falls

These trails are short, scenic, and manageable for all ages.  Bear Lake and Sprague Lake are accessible from the Bear Lake Corridor.  Lily Lake is “outside” the park down Rt 7 heading towards Allenspark and across from the Seven Keys Lodge (stop in for lunch!)

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Benefits of Booking a Guided Hike

Would you rather go with a guide?  In Estes there are many outfitters who offer guided hikes.  They have programs that range of gentle walks to climbing your first 14er.  Hiring a professional for a guided hike adventure is are a great option for first-time visitors, families, wedding parties and solo hikers who are looking for a community. Hiring a professional guide not only offers local knowledge of those hidden gems, but it also gives you a community to enjoy the hike together and meet new people.

No Timed Entry Needed!

The biggest benefit of hiring a local guide is that you do not need a timed entry!  While a park pass may still be needed for some outfitters, most include admittance to the park.  Other benefits include trained, certified, expert guides for an added level of safety and transportation is included for many companies.

Professional guiding companies such as Estes Park Tour Guides™, Tundra Tours, and Good Mountain Adventures offer different kinds of hikes. Each offer some form of 1/2 day or full day hike, but they also have their signature programs.

Signature Hikes

Tundra Tours | Night hikes with smores

Estes Park Tour Guides™ | Sunset Hikes and Stargazing Night Hikes

👉 More Guided Hikes in Estes Park

Maybe you don’t want to hike?  Purple Points Touring Company and Tour Estes Park are two tour companies in Estes Park who offer group tours of the park.

👉Guided Tours of Rocky Mountain National Park

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🧭 Plan Your Rocky Mountain National Park Hiking Trip

Before you hit the trails, here are some tips and recommendations to help make your trip seamless:

When to Go Hiking in RMNP

Seasonality plays a major role in your experience.  Trail access, conditions, wildlife and where you can go within the park are all impacted by the seasons.

Summer (Memorial Day Weekend to August)
Full park and trail access
Wildflowers and alpine lakes

Fall (September–October)
Fall colors + elk rut

Winter (November – March
Snowshoeing and quiet trails
Ice Fishing

Spring (April – May)
Fewer crowds, but snow at higher elevations.
Seasonality plays a major role in trail access and conditions.
Trail Ridge Road is still closed to vehicles, but can be hiked or biked.

Book a Guided Hiking Tour

• Perfect for first-time visitors
• Includes the Timed Entry
• Includes transportation + expert guides
• Great for wildlife spotting and less traveled trails

What to Pack or Reserve Gear Before You Arrive

Must-Have Gear:

• Daypack
• Water (hydration pack recommended)
• Layers (weather changes fast)
• Wicking material (not jeans).  Think hiking pants and tech shirts.
• Trekking poles
• Trail snacks
• Whistle
• Zip lock bags to pack out your trash.

📌 Map | Cell service in the park can be spotty, so relying on an app or access to a website is not a guarantee. Take a paper map!

💡Take a picture of the map from the trailhead with your cell phone.

Stay Close to the Trails

• Lodging near RMNP = early trail access + fewer crowds

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Hiking Tips for Rocky Mountain National Park

Start Early

Colorado summers can easily bring afternoon storms.  When you are hiking, lightening can pose a serious threat when you are above tree line.  So, it’s recommended to start your hike early morning so you are below tree line by 1pm.

Parking lots tend to fill up – especially Bear Lake and Alluvial Fan.

Prepare for Altitude

When you come to Estes Park, you are at 7,658′ above sea level.  And most hikes in RMNP start above 8,000 feet.  It is recommended to start hydrating before you come to Colorado.  And once here, have lots of water, consider bringing electrolyte tablets such as Nunn or Liquid IV.  Also, alcohol hits you harder and quicker at altitude.  So if you choose to drink, do so in moderation and alternate a glass of water with a cocktail or beer.

Be Prepared

Bring Layers

There is an old saying in Colorado… if you don’t like the weather, wait 10 minutes!  Our weather can change rapidly.  A sunny summer day in town, can turn into a snow squall at 11,000′.  Our a bluebird sky in the morning, can yield a thunder storm by 2pm.  Here is a helpful list of things to bring on a hike according to the professional guides at Estes Park Tour Guides™:

 

When hiking the trails and enjoying the Colorado outdoors, remember these 7 principles to help Care for Colorado!

 

• Know Before you Go
• Stick to the Trails
• Be Careful with Fire
• Trash the Trash
• Leave it as Your Found It
• Stick to the Trails
• Keep Wildlife Wild

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Hikes Outside of the Park

In Estes Park, the majority of the trails are within the boundaries of Rocky Mountain National Park.  To get access, you will need a pass and a timed entry.  There are, however, lots of trails in and around Estes Park that are free and you can hike them anytime.  Some of these trails are multi-use trails, so you may see mountain bikers and equestrian riders  Others are strictly for hiking only.  Some offer gentle walks and others will challenge you!  There are destination trails that take you to amazing water falls or follow a raging creek.  Others take you to new heights, such as the Continental Divide or to the summit of a 13er.  Whatever you are seeking, however much time you have, there is a trail for you!

Hiking Trails in Estes Park

Lily Mountain Trail

Difficulty:  Moderate   Distance:  4.0 miles   Elevation Gain:  1,282 feet   Dog Friendly?  Yes

This trail is considered a challenge.  But the view from the top is incredible, making the steep climb to the summit of Lily Mountain worth every step. If hiking in the summer or fall, be sure to bring water.  If hiking late fall or winter, the top can be icy and snowy, so bring micro spikes.   Dogs are allowed on leash within Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forest. Most of the trail itself is in the National Forest, but the parking lot and trailhead are within Rocky Mountain National Park boundaries.

Mount Olympus

Difficulty:  Hard   Distance:  2.5 miles   Elevation Gain:  1,438 feet   Dog Friendly?  No

The climb to the top of Mt. Olympus is challenging, but offers rewarding views at the top. The summit of Mt. Olympus gives hikers a perfect view of Estes Park and the high peaks that surround the area, from Mount Meeker to Lumpy Ridge and the Mummy Range. Be sure to follow the cairns as the trail can be hard to follow.

East Portal to Sprague Lake

Difficulty:  Moderate   Distance:  3.2 miles   Elevation Gain:  N/A   Dog Friendly?  No

Access one of the most popular lakes inside the park, Sprague Lake via the Adams Tunnel East Portal trailhead. While there is no actual summit, hikers will enjoy views of the Continental Divide, including Hallett Peak, Taylor Peak, and Flattop Mountain towering over Sprague Lake. Add distance to your hike with the Sprague Lake loop. The loop is just under one mile and is relatively flat, making it an easy addition to your hike.

Kruger Rock Trail in Hermit Park

Difficulty:  Moderate   Distance:  3.7 miles   Elevation Gain:  1,137 feet   Dog Friendly?  Yes

This is a favorite of ours.  Located off route 36 in the Hermit Park Open Space, Kruger Rock Trail takes you through fields of wildflowers in the summer time and quaking yellow aspen trees in the fall.  With a short scramble towards the top, Kruger Rock offers amazing views of Estes Park and the majestic peaks of Rocky Mountain National Park. This is a part of the

Panorama Peak and The Notch

Difficulty:  Moderate   Distance:  7.3 miles   Elevation Gain:  1,400 feet   Dog Friendly?  Yes

From 36 HWY heading back to Boulder, turn left onto Pole Hill Road.  Wind through a residential neighborhood and you will find the Forest Road. There is no trailhead.  Just parking on the side of the road – very limited.

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Finding Nearby Trails

The Hiking Project is a crowd sourced hiking guide.  The trail information on this site is contributed by passionate hikers, just like you.  Click on the link, create an account and start logging your hikes and sharing your experience with your outdoor community.

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FAQ: Hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park

What is the most popular hike in RMNP?

Bear Lake to Emerald Lake is the most popular and accessible hike.

What is the hardest hike in RMNP?

Longs Peak via the Keyhole Route is the most challenging.

Do you need reservations to hike in RMNP?

Yes, timed entry permits are required during peak seasons.

How many days do you need for hiking in RMNP?

2–3 days is ideal to experience multiple trails.

Can I bring my dog on a hike in Rocky Mountain National Park?

No. While dogs are permitted to be in the park, they can not be on the trails.  They are allowed to be leashed on any paved areas.