Best trails in Rocky Mountain National Park
4.5·229,910 reviews·United States: #4 of 60 national parks
Want to find the best trails in Rocky Mountain National Park for an adventurous hike or a family trip? AllTrails has 230 great trails for hiking, camping, and backpacking and more. Enjoy hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you.
Ready for your next hike or bike ride? Explore one of 32 easy hiking trails in Rocky Mountain National Park that are great for the whole family. Looking for a more strenuous hike? We've got you covered, with trails ranging from 0 to 7,519 feet in elevation gain. Whatever you have planned for the day, you can find the perfect trail for your next trip to Rocky Mountain National Park.
Top trails
1
(19854)
•Moderate
•3.2 mi
•Est. 1h 39m
This scenic hiking trail through the Tyndall Gorge to Emerald Lake is an extremely popular route in Rocky Mountain National Park. Starting from the Bear Lake Trailhead, hikers will walk through pine forests, past pristine alpine lakes including Nymph Lake and Dream Lakes, and be treated to beautiful vistas of rocky peaks. Throughout your trip you’ll come across incredible views of Flattop Mountain, Hallett Peak, Glacier Gorge, and Tyndall Glacier.
This is a great hike for photographers to...
2
(14749)
•Hard
•8.6 mi
This hike to Sky Pond features some of the best views in Rocky Mountain National Park. The trek begins at the Glacier Gorge Trailhead along Bear Lake Road. You'll also stop by several other sought-after spots including Alberta Falls, The Loch (also known as Loch Vale), Lake of Glass, and Timberline Falls. You can also add on a side trip to Andrew's Tarn on your way back.
Shortly after setting off along the Glacier Gorge Trail, you’ll come to Alberta Falls. For much of the climb, you’ll...
3
(7437)
•Moderate
•4.0 mi
•Est. 2h 2m
Lake Haiyaha is a very popular destination within Rocky Mountain National Park. It is known for its clear, beautiful water where trout are often visible. The lake is surrounded by boulders and beautiful rock formations. In 2022, the lake changed color to a milky turquoise due to landslides above the lake in Chaos Canyon.
This route goes by several gorgeous high-altitude lakes and has intermittent views of Long’s Peak. It starts at the Bear Lake Trailhead and much of the way to Nymph Lake...
4
(7600)
•Moderate
•5.0 mi
•Est. 2h 34m
This route takes you to several gorgeous and popular high-altitude lakes and has intermittent views of Long’s Peak. It starts at the Bear Lake Trailhead, taking you first to Nymph Lake. Nymph lake is known for the lily pads that often fill the lake during the summer months. There is a great place to see fields of wildflowers during the summertime between Nymph and Dream Lake. From Dream Lake to Lake Haiyaha there is a steep wooded section and some boulders to wind through. The route flattens...
5
(9849)
•Moderate
•3.2 mi
The beautiful trail leading up to Gem Lake features interesting rock formations and amazing views of Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. Although located in the park, this great hike begins before the park’s main entrance. You can find the Lumpy Ridge Trailhead just off Devils Gulch Road in Estes Park.
This hike begins in a relatively lower elevation zone of the park and climbs almost 1,000 feet. The breathtaking views on your way up make every step worth it. After a short distance...
6
(5245)
•Moderate
•2.0 mi
•Est. 1h 3m
Get ready for a trip to the incredibly scenic Dream Lake! The trail is clearly marked and easy to follow. The alpine lake water is so clear that you can often see cutthroat trout swimming by. You'll also visit Nymph Lake, which is filled with lily pads in the summer months. This hike is often lined with gorgeous wildflowers during the summer.
You'll start at the Bear Lake trailhead parking lot in Glacier Gorge. This trailhead is popular. The parking lot usually fills up early during the...
7
(5051)
•Moderate
•5.4 mi
•Est. 2h 40m
The trek to the Loch (aka Loch Vale) from Glacier Gorge Trailhead is an incredible route that features amazing views of the Eastern Glacier Knobs, Taylor Glacier, and several surrounding peaks
You’ll start out on a rather gentle incline and pass Alberta Falls before making your way around the Eastern Glacier Knobs. Between the West and East Glacier Knobs, you’ll come to a trail junction that leads north to the gorgeous Lake Haiyaha. At this same trail intersection, you’ll also have the...
8
(4379)
•Moderate
•5.2 mi
•Est. 2h 21m
Iconic Mills Lake sits at the top of Glacier Gorge. This route takes you past several popular Rocky Mountain National Park destinations to the serene Mills Lake. You'll pass Alberta Falls and Glacier Falls before reaching the lake. The boulders around the lake are great spots to take a break before heading back to the trailhead.
This is a very popular hike, especially during the summer months. There is limited parking at the trailhead.
You can also consider beginning this trail from the...
9
(6818)
•Hard
•8.0 mi
Chasm Lake is a classic, must-do Colorado hike. You’ll get incredible views while traversing the subalpine forest up to the alpine tundra. The lake sits below the spectacular Long’s Peak, the highest peak in the park.
You’ll start at Long’s Peak Trailhead and hike along the Long’s Peak Trail. This trailhead is very popular and becomes full early in the morning. Weather conditions on this route can change to severe, storming, or wintery at any time (even in the middle of the summer)....
10
(3563)
•Moderate
•3.8 mi
•Est. 1h 52m
This route takes you to many of the popular, sought-after lake destinations within the Bear Lake area. You'll take a tour around Bear Lake before heading off to Nymph Lake (known for its yellow-flowered lily pads during summer), Dream Lake, and Emerald Lake. You'll head back to the Bear Lake trailhead on the Nymph Lake Trail.
The Bear Lake trailhead area is extremely popular. The parking lot often fills up early during the summer months and on weekends.
This hike is also popular in the...
Showing results 1–10 of 230
Guides
Trail reviews for Rocky Mountain National Park
$30 Rocky Mountain National Park entry fee. Very easy to locate using Apple Maps, I went between 9:30-10am ish plenty of parking and not that crowded. Some slippery / icy parts so be careful but I survived in Timberland boots, leggings and a hoodie. Very beautiful and easy for anyone or any age and accessibility!
Gorgeous hike along the water. The first quarter mile is a bit steep, but then it levels off into a very flat, easy walk. Warning if you bring your dog - about 1 mile in, you enter Rocky Mountain National Park and dogs are not permitted.
Parking: Free, Small lot
East Shore Trail
A beautiful day to hike to one of the prettiest lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park . We added in Jewel Lake just for fun.
Difficulty: Moderate
Right outside Rocky Mountain National Park, free to walk. Exquisite views of rivers, waterfalls, and mountain ranges.
It’s a typical Rocky Mountain trail, lots of rocks, lot of uphill hiking, and well marked.I forgot to stop All Trails at the end and it continued recording as we were driving away.
Parking: Entry fee, Free, Large lot
The Loch via Glacier Gorge Trail
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Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to hike in Rocky Mountain National Park?
According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Rocky Mountain National Park is Emerald Lake Trail, which has a 4.8 star rating from 19,854 reviews. This trail is 3.2 mi long with an elevation gain of 702 ft.
What is the longest trail in Rocky Mountain National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Rocky Mountain National Park is Grand Ditch. This trail is estimated to be 29.9 mi long.
How many trails are in Rocky Mountain National Park?
There are 230 trails in Rocky Mountain National Park. These trails have an average 4.5-star rating from 229,910 AllTrails community reviews.
Which trail has the most elevation gain in Rocky Mountain National Park?
If you're looking for elevation gain, Rocky Mountain National Park has you covered. Lake Nanita and Nokoni via Flattop Mountain and North Inlet Trail boasts the most elevation gain with 7,519 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Longs Peak via Storm Pass and Longs Peak Trail, which will get you 7,112 ft of elevation gain.
Are there camping trails available in Rocky Mountain National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 106 camping trails in Rocky Mountain National Park and the most popular is Sky Pond via Glacier Gorge Trail with an average 4.9 star rating from 14,749 community reviews.
Are there running trails available in Rocky Mountain National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 94 running trails in Rocky Mountain National Park and the most popular is The Loch via Glacier Gorge Trail with an average 4.8 star rating from 5,051 community reviews.
Are there biking trails available in Rocky Mountain National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 4 biking trails in Rocky Mountain National Park and the most popular is Chasm Falls via Old Fall River Road with an average 4.4 star rating from 844 community reviews.
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Points of interest
- Timberline Falls
- Glacier Falls
- Glacier Knobs (East)
- Alberta Falls
- Middle Gemstone
- West Gemstone
- East Gemstone
- Deer Mountain
- Upper Copeland Falls
- Ouzel Falls
- Copeland Falls
- Lower Copeland Falls
- Calypso Cascades
- Hidden Falls
- Longs Peak
- Twin Sisters Peaks
- Twin Sisters Mountain
- Glacier Knobs (West)
- Adams Falls
- Ribbon Falls