The first time I stepped foot in Rocky Mountain National Park was August of 2016. My family rented a cabin in Estes Park and spent a week hiking and enjoying Colorado’s beauty. I think we all fell in love with the park that August. Never had I seen the land so teeming with wildlife. We were lucky enough to spend five days exploring the park. Hiking till our feet ached, lungs were on fire, and faces were pink from the sun. Now, three years later I’ve compiled a list of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP).
I may be better prepared for hiking nowadays (shout-out to that one time I walked three miles in flip flops) but I still enjoy moderate day hikes over anything extreme. Since Noah and I moved to Colorado, we have had an endless stream of friends and family asking for RMNP hiking suggestions. So I wanted to write this blog post to share the five best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park more suited for families or beginners. These hiking trails are manageable for people like me with ‘little Florida lungs’ that aren’t used to such high altitude.
Bridal Veil Falls | Cow Creek Trail
First on the list is Bridal Veil Falls via Cow Creek Trail. Noah and I hiked this six-mile out-and-back trail on a whim one Sunday afternoon. The park can get pretty congested on weekends, especially if you don’t get an early start (I’m talking 6 am). But Cow Creek Trail is a great option on those days since it’s not in the central park hub. This means you won’t have to take a shuttle, there will be fewer people on the trail and no entrance fees! A win, win situation.
Distance: 6.1 miles out-and-back
Elevation Gain: 964 feet
Features: Wildflowers and a gorgeous waterfall at the end of the trail. Also, the trail connects to Gem Lake so you can always hit that up on your way back to the car lot.
Tips: Bring an Eno and relax near the waterfall. It’s the perfect spot to snag a quick nap before hiking back out.
Backpack: Osprey Hikelite | Leggings: Fabletics | Water Bottle: Hydroflask | Sports Bra: Prana | Hat: Vintage
Emerald Lake
The Emerald Lake hike is named the #1 trail in RMNP by All Trails for a good reason. It was one of the first trails my family hiked back in 2016, and I STILL remember how beautiful it was. The only thing is that it’s super popular. If you want to beat the crowds, I would suggest either waking up and getting to the parking lot before 7 am, especially on weekends. Or, save it as a late afternoon hike and hope that most people are finished for the day. Of course the later you hike, the more likely afternoon showers will pop up. So be prepared.
Distance: 3-mile out-and-back
Elevation Gain: 708 feet
Features: This hike features a great view of some of the parks main features including Nymph Lake and Dream Lake along with Flattop Mountain, Hallett Peak, and Glacier Gorge.
Tips: Call the Information Office (970) 586-1206 to make sure there isn’t any construction or issues with accessibility. When I tried to do this hike in early August (2019) it was only accessible via shuttle and there was a 1.5 hr bus delay due to road construction.
Alluvial Fan
In 1982, a lake flooded in RMNP causing significant destruction and creating a washout known as the Alluvial Fan. I keep coming back to this spot and never seem to get tired of it. This is probably considered more of a scramble than a hike. By hopping over massive boulders you can get up close and personal with this gushing waterfall.
Distance: 0.7 miles out-and-back
Elevation Gain: 203 feet
Features: Short moderate hike along the waterfall/washout.
Tips: You have to take off your shoes and feel the chilly water! Also, if you’re down for an adventure continue driving past the Alluvial Fan up Old Fall River Road. This one-way gravel road will take you to Trail Ridge Road.
Sports Bra: Manduka | Shorts: Topo Designs | Hiking Boots: Keen
Gem Lake
Gem Lake is a moderate three-mile out-and-back trail. One of the best things about this trail is that it’s technically not in the “park.” Meaning that you can skip the entrance lines and parking madness while still getting the RMNP experience. It is probably one of the more strenuous hikes on this list due to the higher elevation gain, aka up-hill the whole way to the lake. But don’t be deterred! Up-hill the entire way there means hiking back down is a breeze.
Distance: 3.1-mile out-and-back
Elevation Gain: 990 feet
Features: Gem Lake, as pictured above, is crystal clear with a pebbly beach.
Tips: Watch out for chipmunks! These creatures may look cute and cuddly but they are out to steal your food. Don’t leave food unattended while on the trail, or anywhere in the park for that matter.
Trail Ridge Road
Okay, you got me. Trail Ridge Road isn’t a hike. It’s a road, unlike any other. As your car climbs over 12,000 ft in 48-miles, you get the best views of the park below. Elk are often seen grazing on the side of the highway, and you’re guaranteed to see a marmot or two!
When you reach the alpine visitors center there, is a gift shop, dining & snack bar, and a short hike to an overlook. Make sure to bring a jacket! It can get chilly at 12,000 ft.
Distance: 0.6 mile out-and-back
Elevation Gain: 209 feet hiking trail | 12,000 ft Trail Ridge Road
Features: Alpine Visitors Center, short hike, amazing views overlooking the park.
Tips: Bring warm clothes, a snack for the car, and your camera! BTW this road is only open during late spring/summer/early fall due to snowfall. So take advantage of it while you can.
Let me know in the comments which trail you’re planning to hike. I hope you put this guide to good use discovering some of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park!