For those who plan to go to visit Rocky Mountain National Park, hiking is the best way to get around. In fact, it is the only major way you can access the park’s natural wonders from March until sometime in October. You can camp on the grounds or spend the night in nearby lodgings. We are biased, but the town of Grand Lake provides excellent access to the Park. Establish a comfortable base in one of our rustic, but fully updated cabins nestled right up against the west entrance to the Park. We can also make certain you have the right clothing and footwear to make your hiking experience at least a comfortable one.
Hiking the Trails in Rocky Mountain National Park
Finding a place to hike in the Park presents no problem. With at least 355 miles of hiking trails available, you can easily find a destination and skill or experience level to suit your needs. Whether your idea of a hike resembles a Sunday morning stroll or a mountain assault, you are sure to discover a trail that satisfies your needs. The same applies to terrain and points of interest. Whether you want to view the Park from the heights of a mountain or look up at the towering peaks from the side of a glacial lake, the trails in Rocky Mountain National Park can provide you with such a vast selection.
It is easily to categorize the available trails. Some prefer to consider popularity. Easily, the most commonly used trail in the Park is the one known as Bear Lake. You can catch a Park Shuttle to the trailhead and then choose one of several paths. You can walk around the lake, take a longer jaunt to Alberta Falls or really stretch your hiking legs by walking several miles to Mills Lake, Glass Lake or Sky Pond. If you want to beat the crowds, arrive early in the morning. This will give you time to enjoy the solitary feel such scenery can bring as well as admiring the rugged beauty of Hallet Peaks or Long Peaks directly or through their reflections in Bear Lake.
Other favorite trails include:
- Ute Trail: Featuring panoramic views of Forest Canyon, the Mountains and lakes without steep climbing
- Bear Lake to Fern Lake: An easy downhill hike with diverse scenery. You can take the Park Shuttle there and hike back
- Lumpy Ridge to Gem Lake: This landscape with lumpy rocks to climb is a favorite with children
These are a few of the many trails popular for those who go enjoy Rocky Mountain National Park hiking.
Beyond Popular: Rocky Mountain National Park Hiking
By consulting the Grand Lake Chamber site or talking to our staff, you will be able to discover ways to enjoy your vacation in the area. We know more than the popular and easily accessed hiking trails. Our knowledge includes trails that challenge experienced hikers, pass through windswept tundra and up overhanging rocky passes. We know the Rocky Mountain National Park hiking trails that are responsible for making this national park a hiker’s paradise.