Often overlooked for the more popular Bear Lake Trailhead, Sprague Lake is a must-see, easily accessible lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. Where portable grills are allowed, the used charcoal and ash must be completely extinguished and disposed of in trash receptacle. Best tip to help: plan ahead. Rocky Mountain National Park draws many tourists among America's most famous national parks. 7.5 to 10 miles, depending on the route you choose. The Continental Divide runs north south through the park. This gives you enough time to drive Alpine Ridge Road, Old Fall River Road, and hike a few of the trails. Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado is one of the most amazing places to elope for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure lovers. The entire hike is less than a mile in length, making it great for all ages and ability levels. The official National Park Service website lists when the permits become available and has more information about the permits. Picnic areas are located throughout the park, so pack your cooler and enjoy a meal with a view. Note: The trailhead is in the park, but the path leaves the park boundaries and enters National Forest land in short order. In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. This hike is one of the best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. Hiking to Lulu City an abandoned ghost town is one of the most fascinating activities in the park. On this hike, you get to see four beautiful alpine lakes over a very short distance. Afterward, post up at a picnic table, or simply spread your blanket on the sandy beach. The scenic byway was built by the City of Denver in 1927 as a tourist attraction. Over 60 people have died attempting to summit Longs Peak. After setting up at thebackcountry campsite adjacent to Lake Verna,follow the trail upto Spirit Lake to catch the sunset. Longs peak is Rocky Mountain National Park's highest point and is more than 14000 feet above the average sea level (the parks only fourteener), making it a spot of interest to climbers and hikers. Download the official NPS app before your next visit. Lindsey Botts. Be sure to check which visitor centers are open during your stay. On the eastern shore of Grand Lake lies the ever-popular trail toAdams Falls. Rocky is a peak baggers' heaven with more than 60 mountains topping out at over 12,000 feet. One week was perfect for us. Gem Lake. When looking for picture-perfect lodging near in Estes Park near Rocky Mountain National Park, consider a stay at Rocky Mountain Resorts. PRO TRAVEL TIP: Avalanches are a possibility in the winter months. Home to the headwaters of the mighty Colorado River, the Kawuneeche Valley is a great place to enjoy the quieter west side of Rocky. From the parking area, its a very short walk to a viewpoint of this waterfall. Visit recreation.gov to make your reservation. 970 586-1206 At more than 12,000 feet and home to several Alpine lakes, Rocky Mountain National Park offers some of the most spectacular landscapes in the United States.. Travelers who like the outdoors or just want some time away from the city will enjoy this short 90-mile adventure northwest of Denver. It features a lake and is best used between June and October for activities like hiking horseback riding, rock climbing, and bird watching. Reservationswill go on sale at 10 a.m. Mountain Daylight Time on Monday, May 2. From the peak you will have a great view over Moraine Park and out to Longs Peak. Ideally, plan on spending at least three days in Rocky Mountain National Park. Stick to the meadows and flatter land in Moraine Park for meadow views, the Big Thompson River, and one of the best places to spot a herd of elk. Elk on Trail Ridge Road | Best Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park, Alpine Ridge Visitor Center and Trail Ridge Road | Best Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park. Herds of elk can be found grazing in this valley. 9. The Stanley Hotel offers a wide range of rooms. Check out these top 7 picnic areas in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park: 1. Your email address will not be published. A post shared by Great Smoky Mountains NP (@greatsmokynps), A post shared by GrandCanyonNPS (@grandcanyonnps), A post shared by Rocky Mountain National Park (@rockynps), A post shared by Yosemite National Park (@yosemitenps), A post shared by Yellowstone National Park (@yellowstonenps), A post shared by Zion National Park (@zionnps), These Scientists Want You to Become a Pika Patroller. View from Deer Mountain | Best Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park. Spruce Flats Falls is a wonderful hidden gem just outside of the Tremont Institute. We stayed in a 3-bedroom house, #402, and it was perfect. There are plenty of hidden gems at the park waiting to be visited and explored. The lowest zone (Montane, from 5,600 to 9,500 feet) encompasses the meadows and the lower slopes of the mountains. Odessa & Fern Lakes Hike. The park is much less crowded at this time, but Trail Ridge Road is not open and many, if not all, of the hiking trails can be snow covered. View our special rates here and book your stay with us today! Chasm Lake Trail is 15.1 kilometers long with an elevation gain of 793 meters hence rated as difficult. In fact, there is even a picnic area where you can relax and enjoy the sites. Yes, another lake is on the list, but we would be remised to leave Sprague Lake off the list. 100% 7 Reviews. The views from the overlooks are stunning. It's no surprise, then that it is one of the most popular spots in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park features plenty of fascinating spots to visit and explore. Your email address will not be published. During the summer months, volunteers offer daily tours of the Holzwarth site. Once at the waterfall, you can explore the short trails along Glacier Creek to find your favorite view of the waterfall. Sky Pond | Best Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park. Most visitors arrive during the summer and on fall weekends. Any picnicking which interferes with overnight campers is prohibited at all times. The Alpine Visitor Center sits close to the halfway mark, and is a perfect place to grab a cup of hot chocolate and soak in the views. Bear Lake | Best Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park. A few great hikes start and end along this road. Head out on a day hike and experience the wilderness of Rocky Mountain National Park. Like a dream, Dream Lake is the true essence of Rocky Mountain National Park. You will LOVE each of the spots below! Continental Divide Trail to Mt Ida | Best Things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. How crowded does Rocky Mountain National Park get? Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. Alpine tundra (with Longs Peak and the Rocky Mountains in the background). On the Keyhole Route, the hike ends with some serious rock scrambling and lots of exposure. During this time, you get to enjoy panoramic views of Rocky Mountain National Park. COLORADO: To read all of our articles about Colorado, check out our Colorado Travel Guide. Scenic overlooks abound and the alpine tundra will take your breath away. How Much Time Do You Need in Rocky Mountain National Park? Adams Falls, Rocky Mountain National Park. Twin Sisters. I highly recommend this particular residence. Whoops! 5 miles one way, roughly 2,500 feet in elevation gain. 4. Work up an appetite by strolling the half-mile loop around the 13-acre lake, which offers stunning views of several mountains in the Continental Divide, including Hallett Peak. Trail Ridge Road crosses the Continental Divide at Milner Pass. Best Things to Do in Great Sand Dunes National Park, 15 Best Things to Do at Grand Teton National Park, White Rim Road: The Ultimate Adventure in Canyonlands National Park, 5 Reasons Why Death Valley Should Be the Next National Park You Visit, Devils Garden Trail: The Best Hike in Arches National Park, 16 Best Things to Do in Denali National Park, Complete List of the US National Parks (+ FREE Printable Checklist), The Perfect Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary, One Perfect Day in Rocky Mountain National Park, Complete Guide to the Twin Sisters Peak Trail, RMNP, 15 Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. there are always elk. Mojave National Preserve. The busiest spot in this wilderness area is Brainard Lake, home to many campgrounds, making it an ideal destination and hiking. Get updated road conditions on the National Park Service website. There is no lodging inside Rocky Mountain National Park. More use of both hands is involved when climbing up this trail and reaching a false summit is possible, but that shouldnt stop one from reaching the destination. Moraine Park Moraine Park is one of the best places in Rocky Mountain National Park to see wildlife. In the fall, the park lights up with a brilliant color of mostly yellowed aspens and a few spots of orange and red. Temperatures are low in the winter, but so are the crowds. You are actually in the middle of Canmore Village waiting for the sun to pop over the mountains to light up the river and the famous Three Sisters. For 48 miles, this road runs from Estes Park in the east to Grand Lake in the west. Surrounded by high-rises and Gilded Age mansions, Cheesman offers 80 acres of gentle grassy . The Information Office is open year-round: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. daily in summer; 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Mondays - Fridays and 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Saturdays - Sundays in winter. R ocky Mountain National Park is well-known for its hiking trails, and with good reason. Sprague Lake, Rocky Mountain National Park Sprague Lake is a popular picnic spot and wedding destination. The Glacier Basin Campground consists of 150 single-occupancy campsites with 13 group sites. Each daily reservation costs $2 per vehicle, which is in addition to the $25 daily entrance fee or $35 weekly entrance fee per vehicle. You might tempted to lunch near iconic spots like Old Faithful or Canyon Village, but we recommend skipping the crowds and toting your sandwiches to the Gardner River, just three miles south of the parks north entrance. The hike itself is relatively easy but follows uneven terrain and rock so take caution with small children and older folks. ESTES PARK: In our Guide to Estes Park, learn about where to stay, where to eat, and what to do. Belle Isle Park is 982 acres and is worthy of its nickname, the "jewel of Detroit." The island was designed by Frederick Law Olmstead, known as the founder of American landscape architecture. Known for its peaks, alpine lakes, and tundra landscapes, Colorado's Rocky Mountain National Park is one of America's favorite national parks. The latter is probably the best way to enjoy the destination as it takes guests right where the action is. This area also offers 30 fire grates, allows portable grills and has vault toilets. The hike to Odessa Lake and onward to Fern Lake is a relatively low-traffic trail in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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