Rocky Mountain National Park is between Estes Park and Grand Lake with the Continental Divide’s east and west slopes going directly through the park’s center. With more than 125 hiking trails and trailheads spread across five geographic locations and ranging in easy to extreme, there is something for everyone in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Paved trails, mountain adventures, and backcountry campsites await those seeking a day or overnight experience to one of over a hundred campsites. Many of the trails are only accessible in the summer due to hazardous weather conditions during the winter.
REGION 1
The trails found in this region is where Grand Lake is. This area is also known as the Continental Divide’s West side. Lush green expansive meadows and lots of moose are prevalent here.
Are you a lake lover? Great, put on your best pair of hiking boots and make the seven miles up Bowen Lake. As you start on an even surface, there is a gradual climb that weaves its way through a thick forest.
After experiencing the beauty of Bowen Lake, continue and head through Bowen Pass. Note that this seven-and-a-half-mile hike is also steep. When you reach your destination, you will be in the Arapaho National Forest.
Those that brought their tents and other backcountry supplies will enjoy hiking less than 14 miles across the East Inlet Trail, around Lone Pine Lake, and through a forest to reach Lake Verna. There are two sites here available for camping.
When you love to push things to the extreme, you will find the 30 miles of Continental Divide National Scenic Trail the place to be. This trail traverse’s magnificent scenery, tundra, and views of Rocky Mountain National Park.
Do not worry if you are not a thrill-seeking hiker and are looking for something more relaxing. Adams Falls is less than a half-mile and the most popular stroll that takes you thru river scenery, aspen, pine forest, and rocks of grey and black that jut out along the way.
Wildlife lovers, especially those hunting moose for some outstanding photo shots, will love Coyote Valley. Follow along the Colorado River banks as you enjoy your early morning stroll searching for the best view to snap that million-dollar picture. This one-mile hike is paved, allows strollers, and offers picnic tables for those who wish to come and eat lunch.
REGION 2
The Alpine Region is the name given to Region 2. High elevations and incredible vistas await you here.
Pack up your picnic basket and head to Lake Irene, where eight picnic tables await you and your family. This easy, one-mile trip offers up incredible rolling meadows to venture out and see. Enjoy a couple of hours or the whole day, as you also explore the nearby forest land.
Another excellent walk takes you a little over one mile. Tombstone Ridge is rated easy and comes with some incredible views.
If you have traveled to the Rocky Mountain National Park to view the Continental Divide, the 5.8-mile hike Mount Ida is for you. Break out the camera and snap some pictures of the expansive views that take your breath away. Thunderstorms are frequent on this hike, so pack a raincoat.
REGION 3
The northern part of the Rocky Mountain National Park is a wilderness paradise. Trails in Region 3 range from a charming 0.15 miles up to some intense hiking going 9.5 miles.
Alluvial Fan is the beautiful short hike that will lead you to a river and show you how the Lawn Lake Flood affected it. This easy, 20 feet elevation hike is a paradise for the lovers of water. Bring your lunch to enjoy at one of the picnic tables as you watch the kiddos splashing around in the stream nearby.
Should you decide to venture out in the winter, head up the Chasm Falls trails. The road is closed during this time, so you will need to park at the West Alluvial Fan lot. Bring the kids along, as this is a kid-friendly hike.
REGION 4
Region 4 plays host to Rocky Mountain National Parks most visited and famous trails. Here you will enjoy trails with easy access, superb views, and lakes galore.
Bear Lake Loop is an incredible fast hike that takes you past spectacular peak views to the base of Flattop Mountain and Hallett Peak. Bear Lake Loop is an extremely popular trail in Rocky Mountain National Park. Do not let the 0.6 miles fool you, though, as Bear Lake is not entirely flat, and rocks are throughout the dirt.
If you are seeking out a destination wedding location, then look no more. Bear Lake Loop can host your fabulous day, as it accommodates anywhere from 2-35.
Dream Lake is an excellent place for a family hike. As this is the most photographed lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, you will be kicking yourself if you forget the camera. Capture images of Nymph Lake and Hallett Peak, Glacier Gorge, or Flattop Mountain. If this dreamy location is not enough, hike on over to Emerald Lake, just 0.7 miles away.
REGION 5
The south side of Estes Park is considered Region 5. The iconic fourteener, Longs Peak, is located here. Impressive waterfalls and backcountry areas are also in this Wild Basin area.
Lily Lake is a one-mile trail that offers incredible views of Mount Meeker and Longs Peak. Bring your fishing pole and stop at the fishing pier to try your luck.
CONCLUSION
These are just a few of the incredible trails that one can enjoy either solo or with family in Rocky Mountain National Park. Amazing views, superb vistas, challenging, and easy hikes provide an incredible incentive to hike in this national park.
Should you need some more enticement, do not forget about Trail Ridge Road. Trails along this area bisect Rocky Mountain National Park and supply outstanding views as you go over the top of the Continental Divide.
If you need help planning any Colorado or Colorado Springs family of corporate adventures, don’t hesitate to give the experts at Broadmoor Outfitters a call.