Your ultimate guide to hiking the Rockies: Rocky Mountain Day Hikes
Rocky Mountain National Park is a land of towering peaks, alpine meadows, crystal-clear lakes, and diverse wildlife. Its rugged landscapes and awe-inspiring vistas have been drawing travelers and explorers for generations. Whether you're a seasoned hiker, an amateur photographer, or a family looking to create lasting memories, the park's charm is unparalleled. Rocky Mountain Day Hikes serves as a compass, pointing you toward the best trails, activities, and experiences the region has to offer. Here are a few options for hikes the next time you’re in Colorado!
Emerald Lake
Round Trip - 3.6 miles
With three lakes and multiple waterfalls, this hike is a must if you’re in Rocky Mountain National Park. You can access the Bear Lake trailhead from Bear Lake Road. Please note that you will need to acquire a Timed Entry Permit with the National Park Service to access Bear Lake Road from 5 AM-6 PM. Otherwise, you can take the easy-to-use Hiker Shuttle the park service provides.
Dear Mountain
Round Trip - 6 miles
With 1,000 feet of elevation gain, this trail gives you killer views of the Front Range before ascending to the ridge. This trail is not for the inexperienced, so be sure to check out HIke Rocky’s video to preview the trail!
Sprague Lake
Round Trip - half mile
This ADA-accessible trail is a wonderful stop on your tour of RMNP. Just a short half-mile loop, the hike offers numerous benches around the lake to observe the beautiful rocky mountains. Although easily accessible, please remember that dogs are not allowed on National Park Service trails.
With just a glimpse of the trails within Rocky Mountain National Park, there proves to be a wide variety of paths for all abilities. Dust off your hiking boots, load up some snacks and water, and hit the trails with Rocky Mountain Day Hikes as the best source for all things Rocky.
