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  • Rocky Mountain National Park
  • Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

    For a mountain person, you just can't beat the Rockies. Home to some of the most glorious mountains in the world, countless lakes and rivers, world-class rock climbing and miles of trails, this place belongs on everyone's national park bucket list.

    Top Spots in and near Rocky Mountain National Park

    • Estes Park, Colorado

      Alberta Falls Trail

      4.0
      1.66 mi / 200 ft gain
      Heading into the park from Beaver Meadows Entrance Station turn left at the first road in .2 miles. Follow Bear Lake Road for 8 miles until reaching the Glacier Gorge parking area on the left. Take the trail from the parking area and follow it to the intersection with the Sprague Lake Trail. Stay...
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    • Estes Park, Colorado

      Green Lake via Glacier Gorge Trail

      5.0
      11.38 mi / 3400 ft gain
      Begin at the popular Glacier Gorge trailhead along Bear Lake Road in Rocky Mountain National Park. Arrive VERY early for parking as the lot typically fills by 7:30 am. For the best photography options - choose to either backpack into the Glacier Gorge campsite (reservations must be made early in ...
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    • Larimer County, Colorado

      The Loch Lake Trail via Glacier Gorge Trail

      5.53 mi / 1072 ft gain
      The Loch Lake Trail via Glacier Gorge Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Estes Park, Colorado.
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    • Larimer County, Colorado

      The Loch Vale Hike

      5.0
      5.53 mi / 1056 ft gain
      The trail starts at the Glacier Gorge trailhead along the road to Bear Lake. After hiking for just under a mile, you'll pass Alberta Falls and continue up the trail through the gorge. At about 2 miles you'll reach a clear junction, with trails towards Mills Lake, Lake Haiyaha, and The Loch. Take ...
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    • Larimer County, Colorado

      Mills Lake via Glacier Gorge Trailhead

      4.8
      5.24 mi / 940 ft gain
      Start hiking at the Glacier Gorge Trailhead down the bear lake road in rocky mountain national park. The trailhead is very popular so it can be difficult to find a parking place at times. From Glacier Gorge, follow the obvious trail and signs towards mills lake. In the summer the trail will go p...
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    • Larimer County, Colorado

      Sky Pond via Glacier Gorge Trailhead

      4.7
      8.43 mi / 1780 ft gain
      Start at the Glacier Gorge trailhead on Bear Lake Road. Parking is limited so it is advised to get there very early. It's a longer hike so plan on taking a full day to complete or stay overnight to enjoy more of the scenery. Within the first mile on the Glacier Gorge Trail you will pass by Alber...
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    • Estes Park, Colorado

      Black Lake Trail

      5.0
      9.17 mi / 1400 ft gain
      The Black lake hike begins at the very popular Glacier Gorge trailhead along Bear Lake road in Rocky Mountain National Park. During the summer and weekends, the park shuttle may be the best parking option as the lot is often full by 7am and can be difficult to find a spot throughout the day. Fr...
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    • Larimer County, Colorado

      Winter Hike to Loch Vale

      4.0
      5.4 mi / 1056 ft gain
      This winter adventure begins at the popular Glacier Gorge Trailhead in Rocky Mountain National Park. Make sure you arrive early as the parking lot fills up quickly! We started the hike with our microspikes on and carried our snowshoes. The park ranger informed us snowshoes may be necessary in som...
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    • Larimer County, Colorado

      Hike to Jewel Lake

      4.0
      6.12 mi / 727 ft gain
      This trail starts at the Glacier Gorge Trailhead. This trailhead fills quickly at any time of year, so it's best to get there early to guarantee a parking spot. You can also park at Bear Lake where there's more spaces and add just under 2 miles to your round trip length. A mile into the hike, y...
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    • Larimer County, Colorado

      Hike the Spearhead

      5.0
      12.44 mi / 3300 ft gain
      Beginning from the Glacier Gorge trailhead, follow trail signs towards Mills Lake. At Mills, continue onward past Black Lake, and then continue hiking up into the incredible basin above Black Lake. Spearhead will be unmissable. Once in the basin, head to the north side of Spearhead. By hugging t...
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    • Larimer County, Colorado

      Bierstadt Lake Loop

      4.3
      2.93 mi / 675 ft gain
      From the Bierstadt Lake Trailhead on Bear Lake Road in Rocky Mountain National Park, you start out in lodgepole pines at 8850 feet high. But you quickly get into the aspens. In the breeze, aspens flutter or quake. It's unique sound as the leaves almost dance in the wind. The views and aspens ...
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    • Estes Park, Colorado

      Hike to Cub Lake

      5.0
      4.6 mi / 645 ft gain
      Rocky Mountain National Park showcases 355 miles of hiking trails, 6 campgrounds, and hundreds of backcountry camp sites. The cost to enter the park is $20.00 per vehicle, I recommend buying the annual National Parks Pass for $80.00. Cub Lake is an excellent trail for viewing wildlife. There ar...
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    • Estes Park, Colorado

      Photograph the Night Sky Over Trail Ridge Road

      4.0
      The highest continuous paved road in North America, Trail Ridge Road takes you above 12,000 ft to an alpine tundra. Being above treeline means you have unclogged panoramic views of the night sky and any possible meteors. You can start your trip from Grand Lake in the west or Estes Park in the ea...
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    • Estes Park, Colorado

      Watch the Sunset at Forest Canyon Overlook

      5.0
      0.2 mi / 32 ft gain
      Trail Ridge Road is an incredible highway that crosses the mountains between Grand Lake and Estes Park, one of the most famous parts of Rocky Mountain National Park. It features incredible views of the Rockies and the Front Range, as well as the unforgettable experience of being immersed in the t...
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    • Estes Park, Colorado

      Hike along Tombstone Ridge

      4.3 mi / 3250 ft gain
      Tombstone ridge can be accessed via the ute trail from two directions. The lower trail starts at upper beaver meadows and is ~4.3 miles with 3250 feet of elevation gain. It can also be accessed at the Ute trail crossing along trail ridge road, which leaves you a 1.1 mile hike with just under 300 ...
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    • Estes Park, Colorado

      Sprague Lake Loop

      5.0
      0.81 mi / 26 ft gain
      Located in Rocky Mountain National Park at an elevation of almost 8,700 feet, Sprague Lake offers visitors great views with very little effort required. It's a short 15 minute drive from Estes Park and hikers can take the short trail around the circumference of the lake. You'll find bathrooms and...
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