14 Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park
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Finding the perfect hike can take hours of scouting, reading reviews, or wandering along nature’s paths. We’ve spent time on the trails scouting the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National park so that we can leave the best part for you!
There’s something simply magical about catching sunrise above the timberline, wandering through densely wooded evergreen forests, and hiking to a natural wonder in the mountains.
All of these hikes are within an hour and half drive from Denver and yes, the entrance to the park does require a small, upfront park fee, but the simple act of hiking truly satisfies the soul in a way a savings account cannot.
Many of these hikes are also along the Bear Lake Corridor within the park, which does require an additional timed entry, so be sure to read which ones require it to save you some time. Head over to their website, grab a park pass, and hit the trails!
Check out the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park below!
Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park
Emerald Lake
🥾Distance: 3.2 miles
Emerald Lake is one of the best alpine lake hikes in all of Rocky Mountain National Park. This stunning, sparkling lake can be accessed from the Bear Lake Trailhead, which does require an additional timed entry ticket.
Along this moderate trail, you’ll pass by some other pristine alpine lakes, such as Nymph Lake and Dream Lake. The trail ends at the beautiful and secluded Emerald Lake.
On average, this hike takes just under two hours to complete. There are a few steep climbs, and some sets of stairs along the way. This trail is always brimming with wildlife, especially elk during rutting season, so be aware!
Lake Haiyaha
🥾Distance: 4.0 miles
Lake Haiyaha is another trail that starts at the Bear Lake Trailhead, also requiring a timed entry pass, but after moderate rainfall, it is truly one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park!
Lake Haiyaha has been known to turn a unique turquoise color that hasn’t been found anywhere else in the park. The lake turns this color when minerals make their way into the water from debris and rock slides.
At the time you reach Dream Lake, you’ll reach a fork in the trail where you’ll turn left to hike your way up to Lake Haiyaha. As you get closer to the lake, you’ll have to scramble some boulders to find the best view of this stunning alpine lake!
Alberta Falls
🥾Distance: 1.6 miles
The Alberta Falls Trail is one of the best easy hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park! This short out-and-back trail starts at the Glacier Gorge Junction Trailhead and takes an average of 45 minutes to complete.
You’ll follow the creek to start, wander through several aspen groves, overlook Glacier Gorge (one of the best views in Rocky Mountain National Park) and end at Alberta Falls! Explore the falls and the beautiful rocks around you for an epic adventure in the park!
Alberta Falls also connects to several other trails that lead you to alpine lakes within the park. Consider hiking past the lake to Loch Lake, Mills Lake, Lake Haiyaha, or Black Lake!
Sprague Lake
🥾Distance: 0.8 miles
Sprague Lake is one of the easiest hikes in all of Rocky Mountain National Park. This trail loops around Sprague Lake and hardly takes 20 minutes to complete! Sprague Lake is accessible year-round and is beautiful when it ices over in the winter.
Don’t be surprised if you encounter some elk or other wildlife on your hike! This trail is known for finding moose somewhere out in the water!
Alpine Ridge Trail
🥾Distance: 0.6 miles
The Alpine Ridge Trail can be found along Trail Ridge Road. While driving through Rocky Mountain National Park, consider stretching your legs for this short, moderate hike! Although a short trip to the ridge, you’ll be walking up several sets of stairs, so stay hydrated to avoid any altitude sickness.
Once you reach the top of the ridge, you’ll encounter some of the best views in Rocky Mountain National Park. Enjoy the best views without hiking all the way into the backcountry or gearing up for the day!
This hike takes under 20 minutes to complete, but it’s a popular one, so be ready to greet some friendly faces on your climb!
Twin Sisters
🥾Distance: 7.4 miles
Twin Sisters Peak Trail begins at the Lily Lake trailhead, which will be your only restroom for 7 miles, so take advantage! This long, steep hike is a popular climb up to the Continental Divide in Rocky Mountain National Park.
There is a lot of elevation gain during this hike, so be sure to hydrate properly and take the climb slowly. There will be a few rocks to scramble as you push for the summit, which ranks this trail as hard, but you’ll find some of the best views in all of RMNP at the top!
We recommend starting this hike early. You’ll be far above the timberline, and thunderstorms are common at those elevations each afternoon and you certainly don’t want to be stuck at the summit while it’s storming!
Sky Pond
🥾Distance: 8.6 miles
Sky Pond can be accessed from the Glacier Gorge Trailhead, which is found along Bear Lake Road. These glass-like waters are difficult to reach, but they’re certainly rewarding!
On your hike to Sky Pond, you’ll adventure past Alberta Falls and several other stunning alpine lakes in the park. The combination of rugged peaks and beautiful waters is a true winner!
This trail is open year-round and is easily one of the most popular hikes in the park. Sky Pond ranks top on the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park AND the best views!
Gem Lake
🥾Distance: 3.2 miles
Gem Lake is sort of a hidden gem in Rocky Mountain National Park! This trail starts outside of the entrance to the park at the Lumpy Ridge Trailhead. Gem Lake Trail starts out at a lower elevation than most but requires a moderate climb up to the lake.
The lower elevation makes this hike a popular one all year round, as less snow accumulates at Gem Lake than all of the other alpine lakes in the park. Once you reach Gem Lake, though, you’ll encounter some amazing views!
Chasm Lake
🥾Distance: 8.0 miles
Chasm Lake is a classic climb through Colorado’s most beautiful subalpine forests and tundras. Chasm Lake sits right below the highest peak in all of Rocky Mountain National Park, Longs Peak. To access this trail, you’ll need to begin at Longs Peak Trailhead.
Because this trail is a hard, long hike through Rocky Mountain National Park, it is popular for backpacking, camping, and a full day of exploring! There is a lot of scrambling on this trail, so be prepared!
This hike is not recommended during the winter months as the ascent up to the alpine lake is already tricky enough, and the ice and snow create hazardous conditions.
Continental Divide Trail
🥾Distance: 16.1 miles
The Continental Divide Trail is one of the best backpacking trails in Rocky Mountain National Park! This hike has been timed to take an average of 10 hours to complete, so gear up, pack the sleeping bag, map, and compass, and be prepared to spend the night on one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park!
This hike is almost completely off-trail; it’s a true wilderness explorer’s dream! The trail route starts at Ute Trail Trailhead and crosses several peaks and ridges that require mountaineering experience to tackle.
This challenging hike only has a small window for the best hiking conditions, so plan an overnight trip between July and September!
Long’s Peak
🥾Distance: 13.3 miles
Take on Colorado’s most northern fourteener in Rocky Mountain National Park, Long’s Peak! Long’s Peak reaches an impressive 14,259 feet and offers some of the best views in Rocky Mountain National Park.
There are several routes to reach the top of Long’s Peak, but the most popular and the one we recommend is the Keyhole route. This route still requires a fair amount of scrambling, and the terrain is technically difficult, but the views at the end are more than rewarding! And – to say you hiked a fourteener?! Worth it.
The hike to Long’s Peak is also popular for backpacking and camping, so consider turning this 13-mile hike into a backpacking trip!
The Loch via Glacier Gorge
🥾Distance: 5.4 miles
Turn the trek to The Loch into an all-day alpine adventure by starting at the Glacier Gorge Trailhead, which requires a timed entry pass. Pass Alberta Falls, detour to Lake Haiyaha or Mills Lake, and soak in the views once you reach The Loch.
The Loch features a stunning alpine lake and beautiful views of Taylor Glacier and the surrounding peaks. This hike typically takes just under three hours to complete and can be hiked any time of the year!
Mills Lake
🥾Distance: 5.2 miles
Many of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park can be accessed from the same trailheads. Mills Lake can be accessed from the Glacier Gorge Trailhead along the Bear Lake Corridor. Listen to the roaring of two stunning waterfalls along the path to Mills Lake.
There are many boulders surrounding Mills Lake, so there are some secluded spots to enjoy the stunning, serene views that Mills Lake has to offer. This moderate hike takes just under three hours to complete, and you can tackle some of these other bucket list hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park along the way!
Ouzel Falls
🥾Distance: 5.3 miles
Ouzel Falls begins at the Wild Basin Trailhead and packs in several waterfalls along the way! This moderate hike displays stunning meadows of wildflowers, wildlife, and mountain peaks.
Ouzel Falls is a popular trail that takes an average of three hours to complete. Wander through the forest of Rocky Mountain National Park to some stunning waterfalls!
Final Thoughts: Best RMNP Hikes
It’s time to gather your hiking gear, fill your hydroflasks, and lace up your hiking boots because these hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park are ready for you to tackle.
We’d say bring your camera, but honestly, the lens cannot capture the beauty you’re about to witness, so we recommend capturing the moment in real-time!
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