Rocky Mountain National Park's 15 Best Hikes

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