Rocky Mountain National Park's 15 Best Hikes
Explore an adventure playground full of 14ers, alpine lakes, and over 300 miles of trails.
It's no surprise that Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most popular parks in the country. If you love mountains, this is the place for you. From lush wooded forests full of wildlife to the alpine tundra of the peaks above, the park has a wide variety of terrain waiting for you to explore. If you're planning an adventure to Rocky soon, check out our favorite hikes in the park and see how many you can knock off your list before your trip ends.
For the 2021 Season, the park is implementing a new pilot temporary timed entry permit reservation system. Permits are still available, and we encourage you to secure park access before heading out there! Book your access here.
1. Hike Mt. Ida
Photo: Jon King
2. Hike Flattop Mountain and Hallett Peak
Photo: Tobin Akehurst
3. Hike the Ypsilon Lake Trail
Photo: Breanne McNitt
4. Hike to Chasm Lake
Photo: Kyle Frost
5. Hike to Sky Pond
Photo: Ryan Dewane
6. Hike from Bear Lake to Fern Lake Trailhead
Photo: Jon King
7. Hike to Lake Helene and Two Rivers Lake
Photo: Eric Schuette
8. Hike to Ouzel and Bluebird Lakes
Photo: Mio Monasch
9. Hike to Nymph, Dream, Emerald, and Haiyaha Lakes
Photo: Ryan McKinney
10. Hike to Ptarmigan Lake
Photo: Jason Hatfield
11. Hike the Mummy Kill (a.k.a. Mummy Mania)
Photo: Ian Glass
12. Summit Longs Peak
Photo: Jeff Richards
13. Hike to Verna, Spirit, Fourth and Fifth Lakes
Photo: Cyrstal Brindle
14. Hike to Alberta Falls
Photo: Jason Hatfield
15. Hike above Black Lake to an Alpine Paradise
Photo: Cyrstal Brindle
Cover photo: Ian Glass
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
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