Cheers, Julie. In this post, get all of the information you need to plan your Rocky Mountain National Park itinerary. Elevation of Rocky Mountain National Park. But it is a great entrance for those traveling the Peak-to-Peak from Nederland who dont want to join the crowds entering in Estes Park. ie last an hour or so and go away? During the summer and autumn, you can expect the entrance stations to be busy for most of the day, and extra busy in the morning from 7:00am-9:30am and in the afternoon from 2:30-4:00pm. Rocky Mountain National Park operates on a timed permit entry system during the summer (May to October), and entry to the park during every season requires a $30 vehicle entrance pass. Once you are finished hiking, hop back into your car. If you are coming from sea level, you will feel the effects of the altitude as soon as you do anything strenuous. Ascending only 700 feet over 3 miles, this is a great introduction to moderate hiking in the park. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. Past the Alpine Visitor Center, you can continue on Alpine Ridge Road and go all of the way to Grand Lake, if you like. There are two ticket types: Park Access + and Park Access. Timed Entry Permit: If you have plans to visit the park in the summer months, dont forget to reserve your permit in advance. For reference, we live in Maryland, visited RMNP as our first Colorado park last summer, hiked to Emerald Lake and Fern Lake on our first day here, and had no issues whatsoever. Get answers to your questions about Rocky Mountain Do's and Don'ts When Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park, Timed Entry FAQ's and Explaining the Bear Lake Corridor. Founded in 1881, the village still embraces its original rustic architectural style . But this is a strenuous hike and longer than your 8 mile cut-off. $70. 10. Many hikes top out over 9,000 feet, with some reaching up to 13,000 and 14,000 feet. Bodies of Water. photo by Ladona Stork. At this time, cross country skiing and snowshoeing are the main things to do in the park. Estes Park. So on Tuesday, do you think I can salvage some hiking? If you are planning your Rocky Mountain National Park itinerary, this is a great place to start. They are also happy to answer quick questions, but you have to keep them very short as there will almost certainly be others waiting behind you. You can either hike to Fern Lakes and Odessa Lake as a point-to-point hike, starting at Bear Lake and ending at Moraine Park (or vice versa). BTW I reach Denver around 12.30pm on a Tuesday in mid August, that puts me in Estes Park area at about 3:30pm (waiting for rental/lunch/traffic). The Beaver Meadows Entrance was remodeled . Most people will be acclimated by this point, which means that you can hike almost any trail in the park. Grand Lake sits to the southwest of RMNP and it is another place you can consider staying, but it will be a longer drive to most sites in the park. Difficulty: Challenging. Lily Lake offers an easy and flat 0.8-mile loop trail around the lake, making it one of the top things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park with kids. So if i am staying at Estes, thats a 10-15mins drive to the Beavers meadow entrance (where I am assuming they check for the timed entry thing?) Start your trip off right, with a hike from the Bear Lake trailhead at the end of Bear Lake Road. Youll reach Trail Ridge Road a lot faster than those waiting in line at the Beaver Meadows Entrance during the summer and fall seasons. You are now standing at 12,718 feet, with 360 views, which makes this one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Old Fall River Road | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. You can get to the Fall River Entrance by driving 5-10 minutes on US 34 west from Estes Park. I hope you have a great time! But more often than not, in the summer, afternoon storms will occur. Timed entry permits (separate from an entrance fee) are no longer required. Follow the three day Rocky Mountain National Park itinerary. And if you hike fast, you should have no problem getting to all 3 lakes on Tuesday afternoon. There is even a three-bedroom house that can accommodate up to nine people. . 7.5 to 10 miles, depending on the route you choose. The parking lot at the end of Bear Lake Road is large but from here, you have access to numerous popular trails in RMNP, so it also fills fast. Cheers, Julie. Inside the park, the Rocky Mountain Conservancy offers year-round seminars, guided fly-fishing, naturalist tours, hiking and photography classes. You can hike here from Glacier Gorge or Bear Lake Trailhead. Stop at Alpine Visitor Center, the highest visitor center in the US national parks. You can learn more about all of these hikes on our post 15 Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Two of them, Beaver Meadows and Fall River, are just west of the town of Estes Park. If you are an avid hiker, you are probably ready to hike some of the longer, tougher, more thrilling hikes in the park. In July I will be doing Glacier NP so the hikes there should warm me up for RMNP QQ For RMNP, I noticed you mentioned the need for the extra pass (outside of America the beautiful) Are those passes setup in a way that they last 3 straight days (like how Yosemite or Glacier) or just limited to one day? But the real reason for doing this is for the incredible view of Sky Pond, one of the most spectacular alpine lakes in the USA. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. At an elevation of over 14,000 feet, guests will be in awe of the breathtaking craggy peaks and lush valleys. The Aspire rooms are higher-end, modernly decorated rooms but many people state that they are overpriced for what you get. In July, we hiked through a snowstorm on the way back from Sky Pond. great service , clean and location is in the center of town. The Beaver Meadows and the Kawuneeche Visitor Centers both show free park films. 1. (Old Maps, 20th Century Maps, Americana, Travel, Tourism, Colorado, Rocky Mountain National Park, Granby Reservoir, Granby).Grand Lake West Entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park.Published c. 1940's, United States.Folding cartoon pictorial travel map, printed on both sides of the sheet. 5. But dont bring your RV there. Most recently, in 2020, we spent one very busy week here, and learned a lot about this park. Do you think August is a good time to visit RMNP? This route will lead you up past the Stanley Hotel. Youll be glad you did. Is it safe?. [The vibe of Estes Park is very wild west mountain-like] [We passed at least 4 Saltwater Taffy shops on our way up the main street] [The Historic Park Theater] Estes Park is definitely worth checking out if you go through the Beaver Meadows entrance like we did. What would be the best time to hike RMNP after labor day? The Alberta Falls Trail, like many other hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, follows a creek (in this case, Glacier Creek). All passes are available at all park entrance stations. 6. This road is gravel and is quite narrow. View from the Alpine Ridge Trail | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. Fern Lake | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. We have visited Rocky Mountain National Park several times in the past. What are some alternate routes if Trail Ridge Road is closed? Among its special features are beautiful mountain vistas (114 named peaks above 10,000', with Longs Peak at 14,259'), and thousands of varieties of wild plants and animals. Spend the afternoon and evening exploring Estes Park. Timed Entry Ticket: You will need a Bear Lake Road Corridor + Full Park Access permit (Park Access +) if you plan to hike Sky Pond, Hallett Peak, or Mills and Black Lake. Parking lot sizes vary. You can also see more travel itineraries on our Travel Itineraries page and our National Park Itineraries. #1 Estes Park - Overall Best Place to Stay in Rocky Mountain National Park. Julie Last updated: February 23, 2023 United States 61 Comments. Combine two of the above hikes into one great experience. Sometimes, when the permits open up, you just have to grab them, no matter where you are in the world (we got our Narrows permit for Zion while rock climbing Svolvaergeita in Norway ). For those with an interest in historical sites, make sure you visit the Holzwarth Historical Site and learn more about the life of Colorado homesteaders. Evening back at Estes park at my hotel. Autumn ushers in cooler days, smaller crowds, golden aspen and elk bugling. Have fun in RMNP! Want to receive a printed insiders guide to Colorados four national parks including Rocky Mountain National Park? If you wish detailed information to help enjoy your time in the park, stop by one of the park's visitor centers. Or visit recreation.gov to make your reservation. Hike one of the trails that I mentioned earlier in this itinerary, or click here to see our list of 15 great hikes to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. Finch Lake Hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. This area is home to various trails, lakes, and wildlife. Trail Type: Out-and-back. If you live in Colorado and/or are planning on visiting the park more than once, you can get the Rocky Mountain National Park Annual Pass for US$ 70 per vehicle. The Continental Divide runs through the park. Pass Type. We have info on this post on how to do this, so make sure you get your permit for each day that you plan to be in the park. Loveland & Boulder, CO - Rocky Mountain lodging further away. You may experience lines that can stretch up to a mile long during the busy season. The elevation of the lowest sections of the park range from 5,600 to 9,500 feet. The map above displays the main entrances, campgrounds, lodging options, and locations for the best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. Mills Lake and Loch Vale are very nice and might be perfect for you. From here, hike the Alpine Ridge Trail. 970 586-1206 Snow on the trail in July (hiking to Fern and Odessa Lakes from Bear Lake). It includes Bear Lake Road and the hikes that start here (Bear Lake, Emerald and Dream Lakes, Alberta Falls, Sky Pond, Hallett Peak, and Sprague Lake). 11 miles of this road is located in the alpine tundra, which is above the treeline. Tahosa Valley Cabin is situated near the entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park, easily sleeping up to four guests. Within the boundaries of Rocky Mountain National Park, more than 100 peaks rise above 11,000 feet in altitude, including Longs Peak at 14,259 feet. RMNP is quite popular, with about than 3 million visitors a year. The rooms within the main hotel building get mixed reviews. We stayed in a 3-bedroom house, #402, and it was perfect. 1. Outside the usual water, bug spray, sunscreen, etc? Located on Highway 34, the gateway to Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park, the Quality Inn & Suites Loveland hotel is the perfect resting point for vacationing travelers. The Continental Divide Trail to Mount Ida. Rocky Mountain Nat'l Park; Flat Tops Wilderness; Maine. Ive lived down the hill and explored RMNP a lot for 44 years. You have included all of our favorite hikes in RMNP so I think your list looks good! This is one of the most popular hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Gem Lake. Clicking on the photos on this page will open up a larger version. The Continental Divide Trail connects some of the tallest peaks, such as Mount Ida, Flattop Mountain, Hallett Peak, Isolation Peak, and many more. Longs Peak is the biggest at 14,259 ft and can be seen from nearly anywhere. After the passes and permits are sorted, they will offer you a park map and a park newspaper. There are sixty mountain peaks over 12,000 feet and many of these top out over 13,000 feet. Hiking poles can help you keep your balance in the snow. However, this property gets rave reviews. Its a short, easy hike in the subalpine tundra so you have 360 degree views on the entire hike. What you will find is an old-fashioned charm combined with recreational opportunities like relaxing at the beach, paddle boarding, paddle boating and kayaking on Grand Lake and visiting the park. Take a tour of the historic Stanley Hotel, ride the Aerial Tramway to the peak of Prospect Mountain, go shopping, walk the Riverwalk, visit Lake Estes, play mini-golf, or visit a winery or brewery. Here are six tips on what to do in Estes Park during your Rocky Mountain National Park vacation. On the way you'll pass the Kawuneeche Visitor Center on your right. Call 970-586-1222 before you head out. In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. There will be people. To visit Rocky Mountain National Park from May 26 to October 22, 2023, you will need to reserve a permit in advance. You need to make it through the Beaver Meadows entrance and where they check permits for the Bear Lake Corridor (I think that is the junction of Bear Lake Road and US-36 but I am not 100% about this) before 5 am. Emerald Lake | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. Do you think I can do Nymph, dream and emerald lakes (or at least 2 out of those 3?). That means you will not be able to visit the Alpine Visitor Center, hike the Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge, drive Old Fall River Road, or visit some of the best overlooks in the park. Kawuneeche Entrance. When you visit Rocky Mountain National Park, you have several choices of which entry point to use. Some visitors complain of noise and hot temperatures in the summer (there is no air conditioning). If you do not have a reservation, you will not be allowed to enter the park. The last stretch to Wild Basin is a narrow, gravel road that becomes one lane in places, so it is not appropriate to bring your RV. Trailhead: Glacier Gorge (40.31053, -105.64033) Why we love it: This quiet winter hike avoids the Bear Lake throngs while still delivering the same stop-in-your-tracks alpine viewsincluding Longs Peakfor hardy snowshoers. Required fields are marked *. By fv1989. This hike is much different than many other hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Recorded Trail Ridge Road status: (970) 586-1222. It is located at 9,500 feet in a pine forest. Watch the weather, enjoy the time you spend in the park, and you might find you want to hike more, or less, than you expected to. Trailhead Location. The longer and harder the hike, the earlier you will have to start. #2 Grand Lake - Where to Stay in Rocky Mountain National Park for Couples. You will hike past Alberta Falls, wind around lovely Mills Lake, and end at Black Lake. Rocky Mountain National Park is a relatively large park, with a total area of 415 square miles. For reference, I was able to do Highline trail from the loop all the way to Grinnell viewpoint, Ptarmigan tunnel and Grinnell Glacier including Grinnell lake, hidden lake overlook, virginia waterfalls over 3 full days at my recently concluded Glacier NP trip. Aspenglen, Moraine Park, and Glacier Basin are the most popular campgrounds and these get reserved well in advance. Most of this hike is over 11,000 feet, in the alpine tundra, so its best to save this hike for when you are acclimated to the altitude. This hike starts just under 12,000 feet of elevation and it is a stair climb to the top. You will need a Park Access (Excludes Bear Lake Road Corridor) permit if you plan to hike Chasm Lake or Mount Ida. If you are an avid hiker, dont miss the Gunnison Route, a trail that takes you from the rim to the Gunnison River. The job of the entrance station rangers is to welcome the visitors to the park, issue entrance passes, and answer visitor questions. You can get to this entrance without going through the middle of town by following highway 34 up East Wonderview Avenue. Hiking poles are a good idea for some of the tougher hikes (Sky Pond, Chasm Lake) if you have knee issues or if there is snow on the trail. Just a mile from the park's west entrance, Grand Lake, Colo., offers incredible family friendly activities from paddle boating and nature walks to world-class theater productions. I think Augusts dates open on Jul 1 but i will be at Lassen NP around then (so idk about internet coverage and the morning ones usually fly out fast). Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. Learn about each of them and find the entrance station that will best meet your needs. Cascade Cottages & Colorado Cottages. With its large collection of hotels and restaurants, this is a great place to stay when you visit Rocky Mountain National Park. Snow can linger on the trails as late as July, especially for the trails at higher elevations. From the Alpine Visitor Center, drive Alpine Ridge Road back to Estes Park. Park Access +:This permit gives you access to everything in Rocky Mountain National Park. I think that puts the Mills Lake + Loch Vale hike somewhere around 7.6 miles total. Each residence is individually managed, so some are better than others. Just be aware that this is also the busiest time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park. There is also a shuttle bus that runs from Denver International Airport straight to Estes Park. The permit system limited visitation to about 60% of parking capacity. This hike passes Cub Lake, Fern Falls, Fern Lake, Odessa Lake and Lake Helene. After the trail split, the hike gets easier and the views of Longs Peak and the alpine landscape is jaw-dropping. Many of the taller peaks make up the Continental Divide, where snowmelt runs . If you plan to go hiking during July and August, you will have to assume that there will be a 2 pm thunderstorm. So August is a safer bet if you want to hike snow-free. It does get tiring, but these trails are so much fun and offer such a wide variety of views and experiences that it never gets monotonous or boring. The Fall River entrance also has three entry booths and can sometimes be a faster way to enter the park when it is busy. Running north to south through the park is the Continental Divide and the highest mountain peaks.. We also really liked the Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge. Its proximity to the charming town of Grand Lake make it even more alluring. I definitely recommend Lassen NP if you havent been there. What is a good itinerary for a day trip to RMNP in the winter? The Inn on Fall River & Fall River Cabins. This helps control crowd levels on the roads and hiking trails. This is a must-do in Rocky Mountain National Park. The best time for this Rocky Mountain National Park itinerary is from Memorial Day through mid-October, when Trail Ridge Road is open. It is only staffed in the busy season and during the busiest hours of the day the line can get long. Summer (generally Memorial Day to Labor Day) is peak visitor season for good reason trails are snow-free, the park's wildlife is active, and the wildflowers are in full bloom. Turn west onto Highway 84 (Wild Basin Road) and follow it for 0.4 miles to the Wild Basin entrance station. 10 miles, moderate, 5 to 7 hours. Stay on US 34 as it becomes Trail Ridge Road to enjoy a spectacular tour of the parks incredible landscapes. The Stanley Hotel offers a wide range of rooms. Odessa and Fern Lakes, Mills and Black Lake, Sky Pond, and Hallett Peak can all be hiked from this trailhead. Park at Bear Lake Trailhead. The Mummy Mountain Range, Lumpy Ridge, and several hiking trails sit to the north of Trail Ridge Road. I recommend the shorter, easier hikes if you are not acclimated to the altitude, arent a big fan of hiking, and/or have more than one day in Rocky Mountain National Park. Sky Pond | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. Longs Peak Campground on the East Side. Approaching Moraine Park, the road winds through large open meadows where the elk love to congregate. Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the best US national parks to go hiking. Cheers, Julie. miles of dramatic beauty, high rugged mountains, sparkling lakes, 350 miles of hiking trails, and abundant wildlife. If you are an avid hiker, I recommend spending five or more days in Rocky Mountain National Park. For 48 miles, this road runs from Estes Park in the east to Grand Lake in the west. Glacier Gorge parking lot and Longs Peak trailhead parking lot fill before sunrise. Whats the Best Season to Visit Rocky Mountain National Park. Pssst. 4. Deer mountain Alpine ridge trail Trail ridge drive Ute trail to tomb bridge Alberta falls Nymph, dream and emerald lake Haiyaha Bear lake Sprague lake loop sheep lakes lily lake loop chasm falls Gem lake Mills lake, Rocky Mountain is very safe for a solo traveler and yes, in the mornings, there will be people on these trails. In a normal year, Rocky Mountain National Park attracts well over 4 million visitors to its 415 square miles that are home to 147 lakes, dozens of different mammals (bear, moose and bighorn sheep among them), 355 miles of hiking trails and the Continental Divide. This hike starts at Bear Lake and summits Flattop Mountain before arriving at Hallett Peak. In the southeast corner of the park there is an entrance to the Wild Basin area. From the hotel it's a 15-minute drive to Beaver Meadows Entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park, while downtown Estes Park is just a couple of miles away. These amazing mountains cradle the Estes Valley, providing residents and guests with incredible beauty and inspiration. Turn around and look for the trailhead on your left. Sky Pond. If you plan to hike Sky Pond, Mills Lake, or Black Lake later in this itinerary, you will pass Alberta Falls, so there is no need to hike to it today. 9. The hike itself is relatively easy but follows uneven terrain and rock so take caution with small children and older folks. This is a great warm-up for those who plan to hike Longs Peak. Estes Park sits to the east of the park. Lily Lake. If driving Trail Ridge Road or Old Fall River Road is on the top of your list and you have limited time, you may want to enter the park via the Fall River Entrance on the parks east side. One Perfect Day in Rocky Mountain National Park. I recommend getting here early (ideally by 7:30 am) to make sure you get a parking space and to give yourself plenty of time today. Along the way explore over 300 miles of hiking trails and incredible wildlife viewing. Travel to Aspen and Rock Mountain During thanksgiving Nov 08, 2022. Not bad for a town of 400 residents, all of whom seem . Complete Rocky Mountain National Park Winter Guide. 6.2 miles, moderate, 3 to 4 hours. Here are several to choose from. Do we have others using the trails even in the mornings? Yes, take a look at the Where to Stay section of this article. Since I like to hike, I am guessing maybe 3 solid days? 15 Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. The permit is in effect from 9 am to 2 pm. I love all of the information you provide and find your advice extremely helpful. For more information about where to stay and where to eat, read our Guide to Estes Park. more, Rocky Mountain National Park Destination Experts. But one afternoon, they went until dinner, off and on. This is our favorite hike in RMNP. Stop by the Kawuneeche Visitor Center near the Grand Lake Entrance to get more information. Waterproof hiking shoes or boots are a great idea too, since snow is a possibility on some of these trails, all year. On the other side of this entrance station you enter the meadows of the Kawuneeche Valley. On the west side of the park is the Kawuneeche entrance, located just north of the town of Grand Lake. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Get a free Colorado national park trip planner for inspiring itineraries and essential information. We also have a guide to the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park and how to spend one day in RMNP. Cheers, Julie. You could plan your visit for the end of September and keep your fingers crossed that the weather cooperates. This entrance gives you access to Sandbeach Lake, Finch & Pear Lake, Calypso Cascades and Ouzel Falls, Thunder Lake, and Bluebird Lake. , Tombstone Ridge | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. If time permits be adventurous and try a different entrance each day! Shuttle Bus. Difficulty: Moderate. Travelers favorites include #1 Trail Ridge Road, #2 Beaver Meadows Visitor Center and more. 3.1 miles (5 km). The Finch Lake trail is a great choice for those who prefer solitude as it's one of the lesser traveled trails in the Wild Basin region of RMNP. So, after Labor Day, you might have some of both (snow and crowds). Cheers, Julie. Afternoon/Evening spending it around the visitor center, or back at Estes Park 4) Fri Morning: Chasm lake. It is the east side (Estes Park side) of RMNP that has . These shuttle buses connect Moraine Park and Bear Lake, with numerous stops in between. With its short distance and manageable elevation gain, it is a great first hike in the park, as you acclimate to the higher elevation. How crowded does Rocky Mountain National Park get? You can also access Bear Lake Road, but it requires an additional 10 minutes of driving. Longs Peak and Timber Creek Campgrounds are easier to get reservations. During the winter months, cross-country skiing is also a popular activity. Because the Wild Basin Entrance is about a 30-minute drive south of Estes Park on the parks east side, most of the parks visitors never even see the Wild Basin area. The best entrance for Rocky Mountain National Park is Beaver Meadows Entrance or Fall River Entrance. This "rest of park" Timed Entry Permit Reservation period will be in effect between the hours of 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cheers, Julie. The vast majority of these people visited the park between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Youre itinerary is great, thanks for this! GREAT SAND DUNES: In our article Best Things to Do in Great Sand Dunes National Park, we cover the top experiences, plus how to plan your time, where to stay, and more. COLORADO ITINERARY: With 10 days in Colorado, road trip to all four national parks (Rocky Mountain, Great Sand Dunes, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, and Mesa Verde), linking them together with some very scenic drives. On our first attempt it was cloudy and we could barely see the lake and we couldnt see the spires of rock around the lake at all. If you want to see some of the best lakes such as Bear Lake, Glacier Gorge, or Sprague Lake, then you should go to the Beaver Meadows entrance. If you have five or more days in Rocky Mountain National Park (lucky you! Funds from RMNP passes insure the preservation of the Lily Lake area and help to maintain the parking lot, vault. Illustrated t Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the highest national parks in the USA. Grand Lake's bustling little downtown with its charming historic boardwalk is right outside of Rocky Mountain National Park's West Entrance. Do 4 days if you canthere are a LOT of hikes to choose from here. Is there anything you recommend to bring on the hikes? Entrance tickets and fees. Price. If you did not do it yet, you have the option to hike the short but sweet Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge. To reserve a campsite at Elk Meadow Lodge & RV Park, call (970) 586-5342. This entrance station gives you access to the Aspenglen Campground, Horseshoe Park, Old Fall River Road, and Trail Ridge Road. It is located further north than the Beaver Meadows Entrance. Al, Thats a tricky question to answer. 7.4 miles (12 km). Take a 0.4-mile detour to Lake Haiyaha for an added bonus. Rocky Mountain National Park is a beautiful place so we hope you have a wonderful time here. For many visitors, the winter months are their favorite time to visit RMNP. You have a choice today: take a break from hiking and explore Rocky Mountain National Park and Estes Park, or hike another trail. This entrance station has only one entry booth. Its time for an amazing scenic drive in RMNP. Take the shuttle to avoid parking hassles. This is an essential hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. Miles of trails: More than 355 miles along about 160 trails. They will ask to see your park pass and ID or offer you the opportunity to purchase one. Running north to south through the park is the Continental Divide and the highest mountain peaks. Emerald lake lays below Hallett peak, Tyndall glacier, and Flattop mountain. If you choose to skip Sky Pond, you can combine Loch Vale and Mills Lake into one hike. Visit the Rockies and experience mountain climbing, hiking, camping, fishing, and breathtaking views of jagged peaks, glaciers, and high-mountain lakes. Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous paved road in the United States. Note: Its a slightly shorter hike (1.7 miles) if you park at the Glacier Gorge Trailhead. Estes Park On the way, you'll pass the park entry sign on your right, which is a great place to take family photos, and then the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center on your left. The only thing to note is that each day I started the hike between 4a-5a (especially because some parking lots like the Glacier gorge one and Longs peak one get filled up by 5a).

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