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Rocky Mountain National ParkA photo of visitors on a flat section of trail that is lined with rocks.
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Rocky Mountain National Park
Suggested Hikes
 

Unless otherwise indicated, the distance shown below is one-way.

To download a park map, click here. (pdf 650 kb file)  It will open in a separate window.

Lake Hikes

Destination

Trail Head

Distance

Difficulty

Bear Lake

Bear Lake

0.6 mile-loop

Easy

An excellent interpretive nature trail circles this popular subalpine lake at the end of Bear Lake Road.

Cub Lake

Cub Lake

2.3 miles

Moderate

A park favorite, this hike to a mountain pond travels through woods that blaze with color in the fall.

Mills Lake

Glacier Gorge

2.8 miles

Moderate

The view of Longs Peak and the Keyboard of the Winds from Mills Lake is one of Rocky Mountain's finest.

Bluebird Lake

Wild Basin

6 miles

Strenuous

This long hike to a scenic lake includes a stop at Ouzel Falls, a trip through a recovering, fire-charred forest, and beautiful wildflowers.



Waterfall Hikes

Destination

Trail Head

Distance

Difficulty

Adams Falls

East Inlet

0.3

Easy

A beautiful stream and pleasant scenery accompany hikers on this popular west side walk.

Alberta Falls

Glacier Gorge Jct

0.6

Easy

Glacier Creek thunders down this spectacular waterfall that ranks as one of the park's more popular hiking destinations.

Cascade Falls

North Inlet

3.5

Moderate

The hike through forested country ends with a scenic respite beside this tumbling waterfall on the park's west side.

Ouzel Falls

Wild Basin

2.7

Moderate

Watching the falls' namesake - the ouzel, or dipper - plunge into the rushing stream water entertains hikers at this popular spot.

Timberline Falls

Glacier Gorge Jct

4.0

Strenuous

Scenic Loch Vale is enjoyed en route to these delicately beautiful falls on the park's east side.



Summit Hikes

Destination

Trail Head

Distance

Difficulty

Deer Mountain

Deer Ridge Jct

3.0

Moderate

Deer Mountain Deer Ridge Jct. 3.0 Moderate Fine views, pleasant hiking and a picnic on top make this trip a hiking favorite. Summit elevation 10,013' (gain of 1083').

Twin Sisters Peaks

Twin Sisters

3.7

Moderate

Twin Sister Peaks Twin Sisters 3.7 Moderate These two peaks sit off by themselves to the east, offering outstanding vistas sweeping in all directions. Elevation at summit 11,428' (gain of 2338')

Flattop Mountain

Bear Lake

4.4

Strenuous

Panoramic views and access to many other great peaks lure hikers up this mountain in the middle of the park. Summit elevation 12,324' (gain of 2849').

Mount Ida

Milner Pass

4.5

Moderate

This high altitude tundra hike begins at the Continental Divide and offers views east and west. Summit elevation 12,880' (gain of 2130').



a photo of backcountry hikers
Backcountry hikers
For more information about hiking in the Park return to the Hiking home page
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a photo of a handicapped visitor
Access is available for handicapped visitors
For more information about Accessible Trails, use this link.
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a photo of a snowshoer at Wild Basin
A snowshoer at Wild Basin
For more information on Winter Hiking, use this link
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Ptarmigan in summer camouflage  

Did You Know?
The ptarmigan is camouflaged perfectly in summer, with "mottled rock" color, and in winter, when it takes on the color of snow.

Last Updated: June 11, 2009 at 11:33 EST