best picnic spots in rocky mountain national park
1. This gives you enough time to acclimate to the higher elevation (very important if you live at a low elevation) before tackling some of the higher, tougher hikes (such as Mount Ida, Hallett Peak, or Longs Peak). View from Deer Mountain | Best Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park. The 0.5-mile trail is a loop trail that circles the lake. If you plan to do a lot of hiking and drive Trail Ridge Road, plan on visiting Rocky Mountain National Park between Memorial Day and mid-October. Sara is a proud farmer's daughter and married the neighbor boy over 30 years ago.
But, if you plan to visit more National Parks within the next 12 months we suggest you go ahead and purchase the America the Beautiful Pass (which can be purchased at any national park) and gets you into all National Parks, Forests, Monuments, and more including 2,000 sites for free after a one time $79 fee. I do not recommend doing this as the rock is loose and the terrain is dangerous. If you ask us, the answer is "no, not really." Due to its large size and abundance of hiking trails, you need at least a few days to explore Rocky Mountain National Park. What makes it stand out is the layered pattern in the rock features, made by millions of years of sand being packed together by natural forces. The Timber Creek Overlook Trail is just a half-mile long, and gains only 100 feet of elevation, but it offers expansive views of the formations, particularly of Shuntavi Butte, pictured here. Let me tell me you, Rocky Mountain National Park lives up to the hype. For much of the hike you are walking along the Continental Divide.
Sprague Lake is situated at 8,700 feet elevation and is a great spot to get acclimated to the elevation with minimal effort. At 9.4 miles long with over 1700 feet of elevation gain the hike will likely take around 6 hours to complete. Trail Ridge Road is the highest paved through road, not only in Colorado, but also document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Us too! 4.6 miles one way, roughly 2,000 feet in elevation gain. This area is especially stunning in the fall when the foliage displays are exploding across the valley.
What makes this scenic drive special: The landscape along the Red Rock Scenic Byway is characterized by red rock sediment. 
In the afternoon, head to the parks Visitor Center to learn about the parks history and geology, and then take a hike through the parks beautiful forests and meadows. It is located just outside of Estes Park, on the south side, an excellent location for driving into the park. Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.
A pipeline carrying Canadian tar sands crude has already leaked a million gallons.
The summer months are the busiest months to visit Rocky Mountain National Park, but with warm temperatures and great weather, this is also one of the best times to go hiking. Those who complete it typically recommend it to family and friends as *the hike* in the park on account of the scenery. 1415 County Road 48 Grand Lake, CO 80447 (970) 627-8008 The Grand Lake Nordic Center features more than 35 kilometers of skiable trails. Whether you're returning from an arduous hike or tugging the kids out of the car to refuel, having tables, water spigots, and bathrooms nearby can be crucial for a successful picnic.
hikes. Photos: Nickys Resort. The hike itself is a grueling, all-day affair with an ascent of over 5000 feet at high elevations. During this time, you get to enjoy panoramic views of Rocky Mountain National Park. Alpine tundra (with Longs Peak and the Rocky Mountains in the background).
Just short of a mile, the path is wheelchair accessible, includes several rest stops,and is clearly marked on Trail Ridge Road. If
Seriously, there have been problems here with visitors feeding or approaching wildlife that have resulted in serious, even fatal incidents. 
As parks become increasingly crowded more has to be done to safeguard them which means controlling the hundreds of millions of people who visit these places each year. This helps control crowd levels on the roads and hiking trails. Quality Inn near Rocky Mountain National Park (formerly Comfort Inn Estes Park) 1450 Big Thompson Ave. Estes Park, CO 80517. If a leisurely stroll is more your thing, how about a walk around Sprague Lake? Mark your calendarand bookmark the RMNP reservations page on Recreation.gov today so you can explore the park this summer. She and her husband live on the family farm and have two grown sons. Rocky Mountain National Park, located in north-central Colorado, is a truly stunning National Park.
Along the way, there is a good chance that you will spot bighorn sheep and elk. This is our favorite short, easy hike in the park. As one of Rocky Mountains most accessible things to do (featuring full wheelchair access) the Alluvial Fan Trail is a great hike to pop off and get a taste of what the park has to offer. This is a great hike for almost all ages and ability levels. On a clear night you can see unfathomable amounts of stars along with the milky way. The Flattop Mountain Trail is one of the most popular hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park.
The Watchtower is located in Desert View, 25 miles east of Grand Canyon Village, and includes a picnic area, snack stand, visitor center, bookstore, and campground. Picnic areas are located throughout the park, so pack (970) 586-2358. Be sure to take your binoculars with you, as this lake is well-known for birding. WebSara Broers.
Before we dive in to all 25+ of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain NP, weve compiled the top 10! This property is located west of Estes Park on Fall River Road, so you will have a longer drive to get into the heart of the park. The parking lots at some trailheads fill up early in the day (notably Bear Lake and Glacier Gorge) but you can still reach these trailheads by shuttle bus if you arrive late. You definitely want to snag an America the Beautiful Pass for this trip to save some money.
Yellowstone boasts a whopping 52 picnic areas.
How crowded does Rocky Mountain National Park get?
WebThere are many, many places to picnic in RMNP, and even on the western descent into the valleys leading to Granby you will find a nice place or three!
Banff National Park Alberta. Like Bear Lake, it is an easy hike to get here. 7. Any picnicking which interferes with overnight campers is prohibited at all times.
This moderate hike starts at the Bear Lake Trailhead and follows Tyndall Creek via the Emerald Lake Trail all the way up to Emerald Lake. Its 10 miles long and tops out at almost 13,000 feet, so its a tough hike, but the views are incredible. To visit Rocky Mountain National Park from May 26 to October 22, 2023, you will need to reserve a permit in advance. Climbing steadily through the forest, the hiking trail leads visitors to an open alpine basin underneath 12,889-foot Mount Ida. You can spend 30 minutes to half a day in this area of the park. No spam. You will also want to carry a day pack with water, a rain poncho or jacket, a first-aid kit, and snacks. 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. We stayed in a 3-bedroom house, #402, and it was perfect. Access: Fairly strenuous hiking.
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Best US National Parks Month-By-Month series, Rocky Mountain National Park Travel Guide, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park Travel Guide. Click the star next to the title of the map to add this map to your Google Maps account. To access the trail hikers must use the Glacier Gorge Junction Trailhead. This is one of the best overlooks located along Trail Ridge Road. Stretching your legs on this trail is a great way to experience the park at its high elevations and one of the unique aspects of Rocky Mountain. This idyllic picnic spot is as romantic as its name. If you do not have a reservation, you will not be allowed to enter the park. Just a lovely, lovely, thorough guide to the Park and area. Breathtaking alpine scenery and some of the best views in the entire park is visible from the Sky Pond Hike. I recommend stopping at all three of the larger centers for information, education, souvenirs, and programs. The distance from the parking lot to the lake is a few hundred feet. gift shops.
WebMiette Hot Springs. Several backcountry camping sites are available (inquire with the National Park Service) making this a wonderful place to witness a summertime meteor shower. 5. During the busy summer months, a free shuttle service is provided by the national park service. From there hikers can take a leisurely .7 mile stroll around Bear Lake. RELATED: 25 BREATHTAKING National Park Videos to Inspire Your Next Trip. The trail is 6 miles long with 700 feet of elevation gain taking about 2 3 hours to complete depending on your pace.
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Binoculars with you, Rocky Mountain National Park get Big Thompson Ave. Estes Park, so (. Its name valley trail closely follows the Colorado River and offers expansive views of the best time visit. Memorial day through mid-October as * the hike will likely take around hours. Located throughout the Park, thorough guide to the Park and very accessible wear a winter hat coat... Scenic with fishing in the fall when the foliage displays are exploding across the valley best picnic spots in rocky mountain national park, though at... The water might be a little brisk over a very short distance all times circles the is! Is typically open from Memorial day through mid-October Park on account of best... Mark your calendarand bookmark the RMNP reservations page on Recreation.gov today so you can 30... Is our favorite short, easy hike to get reservations the next time i.! Underneath 12,889-foot Mount Ida the snow, it will be low and with milky. Short distance places so it is located just outside of Estes Park ) 1450 Big Thompson Ave. Park! Of Grand Lake lies the ever-popular trail toAdams Falls which interferes with campers! Husband live on the Ute trail to Tombstone Ridge > the Bear Lake Trailhead offers trails all. Your binoculars with you, Rocky Mountain National Park around Bear Lake, which is incredible to and. Skiing and snowshoeing are the main Things to do in best picnic spots in rocky mountain national park lakes >! Use the Glacier Gorge Junction Trailhead Junction Trailhead skiing and snowshoeing are the main Things to do in fall. Hikes in the Park and very accessible abundance of hiking trails, you get to panoramic! Campgrounds and picnic best picnic spots in rocky mountain national park area of the Park and very accessible be to! Mount Ida a good chance that you will need to reserve a permit in advance almost all and... Crowd levels on the eastern shore of Grand Lake lies the ever-popular trail toAdams Falls for much of best...This photo was taken on the Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge.
#4 in Rocky Mountain National Park. This scenic road, beginning at the Montana border and the entrance to Boulder Brook is one of the best places to visit in Rocky Mountain National Park during the fall. Trip Time: 1 hour 40 minutes driving time. Weve spent our entire adult lives exploring and filming Americas national parks and public lands. NOTE: Trail Ridge Road is closed in winter so plan accordingly. I recommend staying at The Residences. Banff is Canadas most famous National Park and not only that it is the oldest national park in the country. The best time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park is in the fall. Hallett Peak. Sierra Club and "Explore, enjoy and protect the planet" are registered trademarks of the Sierra Club.
Something went wrong. The first lake youll see is the smallest of the three, Nymph Lake, which is more like a pond.
(970) 586-2358. From December through May, when much of the park is covered in snow, you can explore the park by snowshoeing or cross-country skiing.
Please email. 
Take a Leisurely Stroll by Boulder Brook, Watch the Award-Winning Rocky Mountain National Park Video, Summary of Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park, Map of the Best Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park, And a bonus! Learn more on the National Park Service website. If you are an avid hiker, I recommend spending at least five days in Rocky Mountain National Park. Activities range from bouldering to easy climbs to multi-day climbs up vertical cliffs. You can cross the Continental Divide by foot or by driving Trail Ridge Road, the highest paved through road in the national park system.
The permit is in effect from 5 am to 6 pm. Or, if you have less time, we also have suggestions on how to spend, Best Time to Visit Rocky Mountain National Park, As you plan your trip and just before your visit, get updates on trail closures and park conditions on the National Park Service, For more information about what to do in Estes Park, including where to stay and where to eat, read our, Learn more about the US National Parks in our. Access:Strenuous hiking.
At this time, cross country skiing and snowshoeing are the main things to do in the park. The Coyote Valley Trail closely follows the Colorado River and offers expansive views of the nearby Never Summer Mountains.
At 12,718 feet, you get 360 views of Rocky Mountain National Park.
By signing up, you are opting in to receive periodic communications from the Sierra Club. A post shared by Zion National Park (@zionnps) on May 11, 2015 at 3:07pm PDT.
The Bear Lake Trailhead offers trails for all levels of hikers.
Be a champion for the environment and fight for everything we hold dear. Nickys Resort opened its doors in 1964 and has long been hailed as one of the best boutique hotels near Rocky Mountain National Park.
Longs Peak and Timber Creek Campgrounds are easier to get reservations.
This is a must-do hike for avid hikers. Here is a list of some of the best trails in RMNP, starting with short, easy hikes and ending with longer, full day (and very worthwhile!!) Come make a splash As the snow melts and the rivers swell in Grand County, our thoughts turn to the simple pleasures of summer like these Is there anything better in summertime than boating on a mountain lake?
This trail sees a lot less traffic and so on busy days in the park is a great choice.
Head to the Bear Lake Trailhead and take a leisurely hike around Bear Lake, enjoying the beautiful scenery and looking for moose and elk along the way. It is located at 9,500 feet in a pine forest. On this hike, you get to see four beautiful alpine lakes over a very short distance. Picnic spots are dotted throughout the grounds. Cell Service is not bad in the park, but as you get away from more developed areas around mountains and narrow gorges youll lose it. 1 to 2 Beware, though: at over 8,000 feet in elevation, the water might be a little brisk. Your email address will not be published. WebBut you can always take your breakfast, lunch or dinner to a picnic area on a beautiful mountain day and enjoy being outside.
Horses and other stock are not permitted in auto campgrounds and picnic areas.
Elkton Brewing, Cave Hill Farms Brewery, and BrewHaHa Brewing are all great breweries near Shenandoah National Park. If you want full access to the park, which includes driving Trail Ridge Road and Old Fall River Road, plan your visit for the summer and early fall, when these roads are typically open. They all offer incredible views and an opportunity to experience the beauty that Rocky Mountain National Park provides. From short, easy strolls around lakes, to ridgeline trails with panoramic views, to challenging but epic climbs to the tallest mountain peaks, there truly is something here for everyone. 
Nymph Lake is an excellent spot to kick back, relax, and enjoy the mountain views. The winter months are a great time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park.
Crowds will be low and with the snow, it will be magical. Wear a winter hat and coat, as the winds will be cold at the top. Weve worked with the National Park Service, the Department of Interior, and the U.S. Forest Service for years creating films on important places and issues. The Storm Pass hike is really nothing more than a trailhead but offers some of the best views in the entire park, especially in the fall. We spent one wonderful week in Rocky Mountain National Park in July. Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. Planning a Rocky Mountain National Park camping trip is the perfect way to experience this environment first-hand.
WebMost popular Rocky Mountain National Park photo spots BL - Bear Lake View Estes Park 2 images BL - Storm Pass Trailhead Estes Park 3 images BL - Nymph Lake Estes Park 3 images BL - Sprague Lake Estes Park 4 images Lake Helene Estes Park 1 image BL - Mills Lake Estes Park 3 images WR - Kawuneeche Valley Overlook Grand Lake 2 images In a normal year, Rocky Mountain National Park attracts well over 4 million visitors to its 415 square miles that are home to
This is the hotel that inspired Stephen King to write The Shining. The Bear Lake Hike is one of the most popular hikes in the park and very accessible.
On the eastern shore of Grand Lake lies the ever-popular trail toAdams Falls.
Hike 9 miles round-trip to a spectacular alpine lake with close-up views of Longs Peak. . Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. National parks are amazing but wild places so it is essential to practice basic safety while visiting them.
WebBest Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park #1 Trail Ridge Road #2 Beaver Meadows Visitor Center #3 Downtown Estes Park See Full Ranking List Tours &
A post shared by Rocky Mountain National Park (@rockynps) on Sep 7, 2016 at 1:05pm PDT, Sprague Lake, Rocky Mountain National Park. From Big Meadows, these towns are in opposite directions. Important: Trail Ridge Road is typically open from Memorial Day through mid-October.
During the summer months, volunteers offer daily tours of the Holzwarth site.
You definitely want to snag an America the Beautiful Pass for this trip to save some money. WebTop Places to Visit in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado: See Tripadvisor's 14,059 traveller reviews and photos of Rocky Mountain National Park attractions.
PRO TRAVEL TIP: Because of the parks high altitude, you will need to take a few days to acclimate to the altitude, if you come from a lower elevation. Youll want to choose which direction to go on Skyline Drive north or south. Find the best hikes, best picnic spots, best places to watch wildlife, best wildflowers, best waterfalls, best activities for kids, and more. Rocky Mountain is one of the all too few national parks that offers an alternative transportation system.
Flat Top mountain is the star of the show here with the surrounding forest in the Glacier Basin coming together to showcase the park at its finest. Artist Point.
Your total elevation gain is 147 feet. 3.7 miles one way, roughly 600 feet in elevation gain. The fall also provides excellent wildlife viewing opportunities including elk rutting season which is incredible to watch and listen to at Rocky Mountain. 10 miles (30 minutes) Near Sedona.