Trail Guide to
Rocky Mountain National Park
The trails described on this website will take you by rushing mountain streams, meadows of wildflowers, through forested pines and aspens, to high lakes and waterfalls, and across the alpine tundra.
"The essence of nature guiding is to travel gracefully rather than arrive." ~ Enos Mills
Trail Descriptions
Rocky Mountain National Park is a hikers paradise offering spectacular mountain terrain for hikers at all levels. The wide variety of hikes listed on this website are organized by distance to the destination. However, when selecting a hike to take, be sure to also consider the gain in elevation. The description for each hike includes a Trail Profile that shows how steep a trail is. Enjoy exploring the hikes on this website.
About Hiking in the Park
Follow all National Park Rules & Regulations,
as posted at trailheads and on the official Park map. Click Here
Be sure to carry some water,
if you're planning to be gone for a while. Although the mountain streams are cold and clear and appear clean, abundant wildlife pass over these streams and may leave pathogens that could give you intestinal giardiasis. It's best to bring your own water.
Bring something warm to put on.
The weather in the mountains is not predictable. You can easily start off on your hike warm and sunny and return cold and wet. Afternoon thunderstorms are common and temperatures can vary considerably. It's always best to be prepared.
Pay attention to the weather.
Thunderstorms can pop up quickly and could be hazardous if you're in a bad spot; be ready to to take cover. Sometimes these thunderstorms pass quickly, followed by bright sun and fresh air.
Refrain from feeding the wildlife.
In some places, the little chipmunks and birds are so used to being fed, they will practically insist on a treat. It is illegal to feed any wildlife in the Park, even a friendly deer. Do not approach wildlife. This is their home; we should allow them to live here as undisturbed as possible while we watch.
as posted at trailheads and on the official Park map. Click Here
Be sure to carry some water,
if you're planning to be gone for a while. Although the mountain streams are cold and clear and appear clean, abundant wildlife pass over these streams and may leave pathogens that could give you intestinal giardiasis. It's best to bring your own water.
Bring something warm to put on.
The weather in the mountains is not predictable. You can easily start off on your hike warm and sunny and return cold and wet. Afternoon thunderstorms are common and temperatures can vary considerably. It's always best to be prepared.
Pay attention to the weather.
Thunderstorms can pop up quickly and could be hazardous if you're in a bad spot; be ready to to take cover. Sometimes these thunderstorms pass quickly, followed by bright sun and fresh air.
Refrain from feeding the wildlife.
In some places, the little chipmunks and birds are so used to being fed, they will practically insist on a treat. It is illegal to feed any wildlife in the Park, even a friendly deer. Do not approach wildlife. This is their home; we should allow them to live here as undisturbed as possible while we watch.
About the maps:
The maps included with each hike are the most current USGS topographical maps. However, there are cases where the map may show old trails and so they should be used with caution and only as a general guide.
Trail miles:
Most of the hikes listed show the one-way distance from the trailhead to a particular destination and the return distance needs to be added. In a few cases, the miles given are for the whole hike, for example, loop hikes or through-hikes (where the hike ends at a different trailhead then where you started).
Calculating hiking pace:
You can gage how much time you will need to complete a hike if you know the speed at which you hike. Most people will hike between 1-2 miles per hour. Start by seeing how long it takes to walk a 1/2 mile loop. Don't forget to factor in breaks, too.
These Trail Pages made possible with Support from our Local Partners.
When in Estes, Shop Locally!!
When in Estes, Shop Locally!!
Snowy Peaks Winery
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Images of RMNP
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Rams Horn Village Resort
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Xplorer Maps
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Brownfield's
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Sky Run Vacation Rentals
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Bank of Estes Park
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Estes Park Health
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Inkwell Brew/Macdonald Books
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New Roots Real Estate
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Affinity Massage & Wellness
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Scot's Sporting Goods
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First Colorado Realty
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Spur Liquor
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Lumpy Ridge Brewing Co
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