Top Things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park
Top Hotels in Rocky Mountain National Park Campgrounds
Things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park, Rocky Mountain National Park: The Best Bodies of Water
One of America's premier national parks, it boasts 355 miles of hiking trails.
Restaurants in Rocky Mountain National Park Campgrounds
1. Chasm Lake
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 14 reviews
Located in Rocky Mountain National Park along the Key Hole Route.
Reviewed By 924patd - Imperial, United States
This is one of the best hikes in RMNP! The hike starts at the Long's Peak trailhead. Unless you arrive well before sunrise you will probably not get a parking space in the lot during the summer. Simply park along the road and walk uphill to the ranger station. The trail climbs steadily uphill and in the forest for the first 2.0 to 2.5 miles or so. Once you're out of the trees the trail opens up and enters the alpine zone. You still have another uphill mile or more until you reach Chasm Junction. The Boulder Field and Long's Peak trail heads right and Chasm Lake heads left. There is a privy there if needed. From here the trail is mostly flat as you follow a ridge that overlooks Peacock Pool and Columbine Falls. You cannot see Chasm Lake until you complete a relatively easy rock scramble to reach it. It’s a great and moderately challenging 9-mile hike with an elevation gain of about 2,600 feet. Have some clothing layers, water and calories in your backpack and enjoy the day.
2. Sky Pond
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 99 reviews
Located at the bottom of Colorado's Petit Grepon.
Reviewed By JMC5152 - Loveland, United States
Be prepared, Bring water, sunblock, extra coat, always allow uphill hikers the right of way. Tell someone where you are going.
3. Thunder Lake day hike or backpack
4. Shelf Lake
5. Lake Haiyaha
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 34 reviews
Reviewed By TravelingSoccerLoon - Saint Paul, United States
Added a hike to Lake Haiyaha on the return from Emerald lake and it was well worth the extra effort. The trail from Bear Lake Trailhead to Emerald Lake is quite popular. It was nice to veer off on the trail to Lake Haiyaha which is much less traveled, The views of the Bear Lake area and Morraine Valley are quite spectacular as you make the tough ascent to the lake. When arriving at the lake , getting a good view is challenging as it requires scaling up the rocks surrounding the lake. Although I found this quite fun, it may create a challenge for some.
6. Mills Lake
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 44 reviews
Reviewed By johnvR2768NI - Westminster, United States
One of my favorite hikes. You first go by a very gorgeous waterfall, then continue up into a great canyon with amazing views. The actual lake is gorgeous with nice views of Long's Peak. If you continue on, theirs some excellent smaller lakes that can be less crowded. The trail will become popular later in the day, also, the parking lot can be full by 7am. Take the free shuttle or hike down from Bear lake.
7. Lake Helene
8. Dream Lake
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 56 reviews
Reviewed By Steve5863 - Avon, United States
Dream Lake is the second of three lakes along the excellent Emerald Lake Trail in the Bear Lake section of the park, 1.1 miles (1.8k) from the trailhead and 0.6 miles (1.0k) beyond Nymph Lake. Dream Lake is the prettiest lake along the trail and makes the 500 foot (152m) climb at altitude worth the effort; look closely, and one will be able to see trout in the crystal clear water from the banks. While many people decide to turnaround here, if one still has the energy, continuing the 0.7 miles (1.1k) to Emerald Lake is worthwhile to see the high mountains rise abruptly from the banks of the small alpine lake.
9. Sprague Lake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 371 reviews
Reviewed By Sailorsgirl - Springfield, United States
Despite the pandemic and the apparent drought in the area, Sprague Lake was beautiful and peaceful. There is a delightful 3/4 mile easy hike around the Lake with a bounty of lovely views. We visit RMNP most years but this was our first visit in October and first to Sprague Lake. Ducks swim in the lake as well as Brook Trout which can be seen in the shallows near the entrance of the walk. Mallard ducks fly in and land on the water, and the wind gently shakes the golden leaves on the Aspen trees. We think it's prettier than Lily Lake. FYI, timed reservations are required during the pandemic to visit RMNP to avoid overcrowding in the Park.. The reservations are $2.00 per visit plus your entrance fee, unless you have a lifetime Senior Park Pass. Reservations can be made online at the NPS website. Picnic tables and restrooms are available and plenty of parking. I can't provide specifics for each photo posted, but hope you can still enjoy just looking at them.
10. Bear Lake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,625 reviews
Reviewed By sarahmaryj - Kirkcaldy, United Kingdom
This is the place everyone goes to at this side of the park, but for good reason. It's breathtakingly beautiful. This hike is short, flat and manageable for all ages and abilities. We got fantastic photos here and took our time. There are benches and rocks to stop at. The hike was a bit short for us, so we hiked to Bierstadt lake - this was SO quiet compared to Bear Lake and goes through forest. We found out from passers by that from Bierstadt you can hike all the way back to the park and ride - this was a lovely walk with amazing mountain views at the end. We hardly passed any other people by the end, so I'd recommend this as a good way to lengthen your hike and get back to your car without going all the way back.
