Are you looking to hike out west but are scared from because you’re used to hiking trails close to sea level? That’s completely understandable! But there are NUMEROUS practical (and fun) Rocky Mountain National Park trails for the midwest hiker. From easy to a challenge, depending on your level anyone can find something!
Things to note while visiting Rocky Mountain National Park:
- An entrance fee is needed at all times, in all areas of the park. Purchase your America the Beautiful Pass for $80 to visit any and all National Areas.
- Dogs and other pets are prohibited on ALL Rocky Mountain National Park Trails. Read here as to why.
- During peak months (May 26th-October 22nd for 2023) a reservation is required to enter Rocky Mountain National Park between the hours of 9AM and 2PM, a different pass is needed if you want to enter Bear Lake Corridor between the hours of 5AM and 6PM.
Easy Hikes: Rocky Mountain National Park Trails for the Midwest Hiker
Lily Lake Ridge Trail
Region: near Estes Park off of Highway 7 | Distance: 0.8 miles – 1.25 miles
Highlights: gorgeous short and accessible trail with a ridge portion that’s worth the couple hundred feet of elevation (about 250 feet of elevation gain).
Lowlights: small parking lot that can fill quickly during peak season and on weekends.
Yes
Children
Entrance Fee
Parking (small lot at the trail head, parking across Highway 7 for Twin Sisters Peak, some parking on road)
Trail running (easy)
Restrooms (outhouse)
No
Dogs
Backcountry camping (by permit only)
Alluvial Fan Trail
Region: Near Estes Park, closest to the Fall River Entrance | Distance: Under 1 mile
Highlights: short, accessible trail, gorgeous small-medium falls depending on the season
Lowlights: has a short but steep (19% grade) section for about 75 feet
Yes
Children
Entrance fee
Parking (two lots, one on the west end of the trail and one on the east end of the trail)
Restroom (vault toilet at West Trailhead)
No
Dogs
Water
Alberta Falls
Region: Bear Lake Corridor | Distance: 1.2 miles out and back
Highlights: Short hike to large falls. Falls best viewed in early summer for maximum water.
Lowlights: very popular trail, can be crowded and busy.
Yes
Children
Entrance Fee
Parking
Restroom (vault toilet)
No
Dogs
Water
Trail Running (would be difficult due to the popular nature of the trail)
Sprague Lake Loop
Region: Bear Lake Corridor | Distance: 0.8 mile loop
Highlights: Wheelchair accessible trail for 0.4 miles out and back with wheelchair accessible backcountry camping sites (permit only). Flat partial paved or boardwalk trail. We’ve seen TWO moose while hiking at sunrise.
Lowlights: popular trail
Yes
Children
Backcountry camping (permit required)
Parking
Trail Running (east)
Restroom (vault toilet, flush toilets available during summer months)
Entrance fee
No
Water
Dogs
Moderate Hikes: Rocky Mountain National Park Trails for the Midwest Hiker
Hollowell Park
Region: Bear Lake Corridor | Distance: 3.5 miles loop
Highlights: Good access to other trails that are located along Bear Lake Corridor.
Lowlights: Some wildfire damage can be seen.
Yes
Children
Entrance Fee
Backcountry camping – Permit Only
Parking (small lot at trail, few parking spaces along the road reaching the trailhead)
Trail running (easy-moderate)
Restrooms (vault toilets)
No
Dogs
Water
Emerald Lake Trail
Region: Bear Lake Corridor | Distance: 3.6 miles out-and-back
Highlights: A gorgeous forested hike with 360 degree views of mountains, numerous alpine lakes. For additional milage you can add on the hike around Bear Lake. This hike can be completed in the winter as well, though snowshoes are recommended, ice spikes at a minimum are needed. All down-hill on the return hike back from Emerald Lake.
Lowlights: An incredibly popular trail, even in the winter the trailhead will often fill. All up-hill on the way to Emerald Lake.
Yes
Children
Entrance Fee
Parking (lot will often be filled before noon)
Trail running (moderate-hard)
Backcountry camping (permit only)
Restrooms (vault toilet)
Water
Ranger Station
No
Dogs
Continental Divide
Region: Near Grand Lake | Distance: you determine
Highlights: gorgeous views, often less busy than other trails
Lowlights: numerous spots to start on the trail
Yes
Children
Backcountry camping (by permit only)
Trail Running (moderate-hard)
Entrance Fee
No
Water
Dogs
Hard Hikes: Rocky Mountain National Park Trails for the Midwest Hiker
Mt. Ida
Region: West of Alpine Visitor Center | Distance: 10 miles out-and-back
Highlights: spectacular views of the Never Summer mountains. Pika and marmots galore.
Lowlights: The hardest hike I have ever done in my life (I would 100% do again though!), very rocky and scrambling at the summit
Yes
Parking (small lot at the trailhead, additional lot located down the road)
Restroom (vault toilet)
Entrance Fee
No
Dogs
Backcountry camping
Water
Chasm Lake Trail
Region: near Estes Park off of Highway 7 | Distance: 8 miles out and back
Highlights: gives you incredible views of Longs Peak (the only 14ner in Rocky Mountain National Park)
Lowlights: this is an incredibly popular trailhead that will often be filled no matter the time of day.
Yes
Backcountry camping (permit required)
Parking
Restroom (vault toilet)
Entrance fee
No
Water
Dogs
