16 Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most beautiful and iconic parks in the US. It is an absolute hiker’s paradise with a wide range of mountain environments. 

If you’re after the best hikes in the Rocky Mountain National Park, then you’re spoiled for choice with how many trails are on offer.

Most of the hikes here take you to beautiful lakes, although there’s plenty of other scenery to experience in this park. These aren’t some of Colorado’s best trails and some of the best hikes in the USA.

No matter what type of hiking adventure you’re after, here are our picks of the best hikes in the Rocky Mountain National Park. 

Distance: 6-day backpacking trip

Difficulty: Moderate

Because there are so many amazing hikes in the Rocky Mountain National Park, we say the best way to explore the park’s trails is via a multi-day backpacking adventure. 

Our 6-day Rocky Mountain backpacking route lets you experience some of the best sights and landscapes in the park. This includes Thunder Lake, Finch Lake, Lion Lake, or Lake of the Winds.

The trip starts at a campsite just outside the park and culminates with hiking out of the backcountry.

There’s endless fantastic scenery along the way, and camping out in remote parts of the park makes this trail unique.

Distance: 9 miles round trip

Difficulty: Difficult

Sky Pond is a challenging hike with incredible scenery and a big payoff at the end. 

The trail takes you past Alberta Falls, The Loch, and Lake of Glass before reaching the final destination at Sky Pond.

It’s this magnificent pond that makes this trail one of the best hikes Rocky Mountain National Park has to offer.

At 10,900 feet, this lake is surrounded by granite cliffs, including the Sharkstooth, which make it one of the most stunning spots in the park.

The hike is relatively tricky, with a steep rock scramble near Timberline Falls, but it’s well worth the effort for the views along the way.

Distance: 3.2 miles round trip

Difficulty: Easy

Emerald Lake is one of the most popular hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, and for good reason. The trail is accessible for most hikers and offers breathtaking views of alpine lakes, including Nymph Lake and Dream Lake, and beautiful wildflowers in the summer.

The final destination, Emerald Lake, is nestled in the Tyndall Gorge and provides stunning views of surrounding peaks.

It’s one of the best day hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park for anyone who wants high rewards without too much effort.

Pro tip: If this sounds like an exciting adventure, check out the best hikes in Yellowstone. They're unforgettable!

Distance: 10.3 miles

Difficulty: Difficult

Hallett Peak is a popular destination for anyone looking to summit a classic Colorado 13er.

It’s a challenging hike where you have to climb 3,238 feet.

But the views and sense of accomplishment make it one of the best Rocky Mountain hikes.

The hike begins at the Bear Lake Trailhead and follows the Flattop Mountain Trail before branching off to the summit of Hallett Peak. 

The views from the top are breathtaking, offering 360-degree panoramas of Rocky Mountain National Park, including views of Longs Peak, the Continental Divide, and the Mummy Range.

Distance: 7.6 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Fern Lake is a fantastic day hike. The trail is usually less crowded than many of the park’s more famous trails.

Still, it doesn’t lack any of the incredible scenery or wildlife you could experience on other hikes. 

The hike is easy to follow, starting at the clearly marked Fern Lake Trailhead. You’ll pass through various landscapes, including aspen groves, pine forests, and open meadows.

Reaching the tranquil Fern Lake is the highlight, and it’s the perfect spot to relax, have a picnic, and enjoy the quiet surroundings.

Before you reach the lake, you’ll also pass Fern Falls - a scenic waterfall well worth exploring.

Distance: 2.8 miles round trip

Difficulty: Easy

This is it if you’re after one of the best hikes in the Rocky Mountains that offers a quieter trail.

The quieter trail makes it a peaceful hike, and it also means more opportunities to see wildlife along the way. 

The trail follows Old Fall River Road and leads to Chasm Falls, a picture-perfect waterfall that’s the ultimate picnic spot. 

We’d recommend doing this hike in the off-season, where you might spot moose in the Endovalley. After all, it is one of the best treks in the world.

Distance: 9.6 miles round trip

Difficulty: Difficult

If you’re after an impressive mountain summit, then Mt. Ida is undoubtedly one of the best hikes in the Rocky Mountain National Park.

Mt. Ida offers an exposed, rugged hike with breathtaking views along the Continental Divide. The hike starts on Trail Ridge Road and climbs steadily to the summit. 

The trail is often full of wildlife, including bighorn sheep.

If you don’t get to spot any of these locals, you will be guaranteed some of the best summit views in the park. 

As this is a high mountain, be prepared for changing weather conditions along the trail. You’ll also have to do some route-finding near the top, so bring a sense of adventure.

Distance: 11 miles round trip

Difficulty: Moderate

The East Inlet Trail to Lone Pine Lake is a beautiful hike on the park’s west side. It’s a moderately challenging route, perfect for a rewarding day hike.

The trail offers a good mix of forest, waterfalls, and wildlife spotting opportunities - helping you experience the best of the Rockies in one hike.

The route culminates at Lone Pine Lake, a serene spot perfect for a picnic or rest. 

This trail is less crowded than others, and the diverse ecosystems along the way make it one of the best Rocky Mountain National Park hikes. 

Distance: 9.4 miles

Difficulty: Difficult

Andrews Glacier is a must for those looking for a unique hike that includes seeing a glacier up close. 

Starting from the Glacier Gorge Trailhead, the hike takes you through forested areas, past alpine lakes, and up to the glacier’s base.

The final stretch involves a steep climb, but the views from the top are incredible, with Andrews Tarn, a small alpine lake, and panoramic vistas of the surrounding peaks.

It’s a challenging hike, with an elevation gain of 2,700 feet and the highest point reaching 12,240 feet.

However, this high vantage point and glacial scenery make it one of the top hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Distance: 12.6 miles

Difficulty: Difficult

The hike to Bluebird Lake is a challenging journey that rewards you with some of the park’s most beautiful and secluded scenery.

It may not be easy, but it’s undoubtedly one of the best hikes in the Rocky Mountain National Park if you’re after the ultimate viewpoints or photos.

Beginning at the Wild Basin Trailhead, the trail passes several waterfalls, including Copeland Falls and Ouzel Falls. After this, you start the ascent to the high-altitude Bluebird Lake. 

Towering peaks surround the lake, offering a serene spot to enjoy the alpine beauty. Have an icy swim, or relax in this remote and peaceful part of the park.

Distance: 8.1 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Timberline Falls is a scenic and moderately challenging hike that offers everything: waterfalls, alpine lakes, and a touch of adventure.

This will be a top pick if you want to experience the full range of scenery that the Rocky Mountain National Park is known for in one relatively short hike.

The hike starts at the Glacier Gorge Trailhead, where the trail leads past The Loch and continues to Timberline Falls.

This is the most technically challenging part of the hike, as you’ll need to scramble up a short, steep section to get to the top of the falls. 

The view from the top is spectacular, with Sky Pond just a little further up the trail. Since Sky Pond is so close, we recommend continuing your hike to this iconic pool.

Distance: 9.7 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Many of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park involve hiking to a lake, and this is no exception.

The hike to Black Lake is a stunning journey through some of the park’s most iconic scenery. It’s another hike that packs a lot of rewards into a relatively short trail.

This trail starts at the Glacier Gorge Trailhead. It passes by Alberta Falls and Mills Lake before climbing steadily through a dramatic gorge to reach Black Lake.

Black Lake is nestled beneath McHenrys Peak and Chiefs Head Peak. Its towering mountain peak surroundings make for a genuinely excellent mountain setting. 

Distance: 8.8 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Flattop Mountain is a well-loved hike that offers stunning views without the technical challenges of a peak summit. 

The trail starts at Bear Lake and climbs steadily through forest and alpine tundra to the broad, flat summit. From here, hikers can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, including Longs Peak, Hallett Peak, and the Continental Divide.

Even though you reach a pretty impressive altitude, the hike is manageable and manageable, making it one of the best day hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Distance: 9.9 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Ouzel Lake is an excellent choice for a peaceful hike with beautiful waterfalls and a serene alpine lake as your destination. 

The hike starts from the Wild Basin Trailhead. It meanders through forests and past a few fantastic waterfalls - including Calypso Cascades and Ouzel Falls.

The final destination is Ouzel Lake, a tranquil spot perfect for a picnic or simply soaking in the natural beauty.

Distance: 12.6 miles

Difficulty: Difficult

Another lake hike, Lawn Lake, takes you to a remote and peaceful destination.

It’s a relatively long trail and involves a bit of a climb, so it’s the perfect hike if you’re looking for a longer, more secluded route. 

You start at the Lawn Lake Trailhead and gradually ascend through forests and meadows before reaching Lawn Lake, a large alpine lake nestled beneath Mummy Mountain.

This lake sits at 11,010 feet, and we think it’s one of the most relaxing places in the Rocky Mountain National Park.

The area around the lake often has lots of wildlife. There are also some brilliant views of the surrounding peaks from the lake.

Distance: 8.4 miles

Difficulty: Difficult

Chasm Lake is a classic hike that offers some of the most dramatic scenery in Rocky Mountain National Park.

It’s one of the best hikes at Rocky Mountain National Park if you want a more challenging hike to an impressive lake.

Starting from the Longs Peak Trailhead, the trail climbs steadily through forests and alpine tundra before reaching the lake, which sits beneath the towering diamond face of Longs Peak. 

The final stretch of the hike involves a bit of scrambling, but the views of the lake and surrounding peaks are more than worth the effort.

If you’re brave, you can dip in the icy waters.

It may be cold, but the water is crystal clear and refreshing after a long hike!

Whether after a short day hike or a multi-day backpacking adventure, these are some of the best hikes in the Rocky Mountain National Park for all kinds of hikers.

No matter your route, you’ll see the superb mountain scenery that makes this park famous.

Keen to explore this national park with an experienced guide and a fun group? Then check out our Rocky Mountain Backpacking adventure for an unforgettable trip.