RMNP Trail reports & reviews
Shelf & Solitude Lakes. Challenging Hikes in RMNP!by Aaron Bojan
Shelf and Solitude Lakes sit high on a rocky bench above the Mills Lake to Black Lake Trail. Sitting at approximately 11,200 feet, Shelf Lake takes your breath away as you crest the final section of the trail. Solitude rests just above Shelf, nestled alongside the ridge, creating an awe-inspiring view surrounded by tall walls and a deep canyon stretching into the distance. Solitude sits at 11,400 feet. The climb to these two lakes is challenging, with an ascent of roughly 1200 feet starting at the creek and climbing to Shelf Lake. Keep Reading... |
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RMNP WINTER DESTINATION:
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Take a January Hike to Chasm Lake in Rocky Mountain National ParkThis winter, why not try a trek to a Rocky Mountain National Park classic, Chasm Lake. Chasm Lake is also doable in the winter if the conditions are right. A winter trek is every bit as glorious as the summer hike is, and potentially more challenging. As a winter trek, you immerse yourself in a rocky mountain winter climate and get a taste of winter life for the flora and fauna of the alpine. The challenge of wintering above 11,000' seem to make the summers even more glorious.
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Along the Fern Lake Trail
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Three Hikes for Early Winter in
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Five Favorite Hikes for the Fall Seasonby Jamie Palmesano - Brownfield's
“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” We are graced by the changing seasons of life. All four seasons in Rocky Mountain National Park are magical, but there is something extra special about autumn in the mountains. From bugling elk to quaking aspen, the sights and sounds of fall in RMNP are unmatched. September has a beauty all of its own and there are plenty of easy and moderate hikes that will fully immerse you in the awe of autumn. These are my five favorite fall hikes in RMNP. Keep Reading... |
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Nature Immersion in Rocky Mountain National ParkBy Dave Rusk
Lily Lake, Coyote Valley, Copeland Falls Summer hiking season is fleeting and from the early days of summers warmer weather, a panic can overtake me that I won't get enough days on the trail before it's all over.A day on the trail is the best, but sometimes in the rush to get as much hiking as I can, I can feel as rushed on the trail as I do off the trail and I forget to slow down. The days of August can be the best days to practice taking time to slow time on the trail. It can be a time of nature immersion. Keep Reading... |
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by Dave Rusk
Chasm Lake, Mt Ida, Chapin-Chiquita-Ypsilon Elevation defines Rocky Mountain National Park, with the world of the Alpine being an exciting place to be during the month of July. This Land-Above-the-Trees is the last place winter holds its grip in the spring and the first place it descends upon in the fall. That makes summer in the alpine zone short but spectacular. Here are three alpine hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park to enjoy this July. Keep Reading... |
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by Dave Rusk
Tundra Communities, Mills Lake, Lions Lakes Basin, Flattop Mtn-North Inlet It's almost the Summer Solstice, also known as the First Day of Summer. If you haven’t been out hiking by this time it’s time to get started! The daylight hours are long, the high trails in Rocky Mountain National Park are free of snow with prolific alpine flowers blooming. Here are four hikes from short and easy to long and challenging to get you out on this spectacular day of prolonged daylight. Keep Reading... |
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Two RMNP Easy Hikes to Get You Outside!by Jason Miller
Lumpy Ridge and Lily Lake This month we wanted to go on two different hikes that are EASY. After a long winter of sitting on the couch watching TV, it is best to ease back into the hiking season. We chose two hikes that are located outside the gates of Rocky Mountain National Park. You will still need to acquire a RMNP Entry Reservation (entry reservations begin May 24, 2024). The Lumpy Ridge Loop is only 1.6 miles but has some vertical gain which will get your blood pumping. Lily Lake Trail is just under one mile but is also a wonderful spot to begin your summer hiking season. Keep Reading... |
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Winter Days on Flat Top Mountainby Marlene Borneman
Flat Top Mountain - 2020/2023 Rocky Mountain National Park provides year round recreational opportunities. In winter months back-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating and trekking on spikes are popular activities. With increasing winter visitation in Rocky the trails are often packed down enough spikes are the only equipment needed on popular trails. I prefer to ski the trails when the snow conditions are prime. My husband, Walt, and I are out in all weather and all conditions since Rocky is our backyard. Keep Reading... |
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A Day at the Beach in Winter? Yes!by Marlene Borneman
Sandbeach Lake Little to no snow describes the beginning of the Sandbeach Lake trail early this year. In fact, there was no need for snowshoes or even microspikes until about 1.5 miles up the trail. Icy spots were manageable and in many places the trail was bare. The start of the trail is on the south facing slopes of a moraine exposing it to the sun. Nonetheless, I found the lack of snow very unusual for January. Keep Reading... |
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Somebody Yell Timber!by Lincoln Chapman
Timber Lake I'm not sure I've ever hiked a more adequately named trail in recent memory. I'm also fairly certain that I hadn't hiked this unprepared in several years. I hope to do the journey that was Timber Lake Trail justice with this piece. Timber Lake Trailhead is located on the west side of the Park, closer to Grand Lake than Estes Park. Keep Reading... |
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A Hidden Gem in Rockyby Marlene Borneman
Hidden Valley A spot with deep roots for winter adventures within Rocky Mountain National Park is long-loved Hidden Valley. At 9,240 feet of elevation and thick with Engelmann spruce and Subalpine fir, this narrow valley offered enjoyment in the snow long before it became known as a downhill ski area. Keep Reading... |
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Winter Wonderland in Wild Basinby Rebecca Detterline
Wild Basin The golden peach light hitting the December snow on these shortest days of the year always brings me to a place of quiet contemplation. Pausing at the Saint Vain bridge 2.4 miles from the Wild Basin winter parking area, I breathe in the cold winter air and reflect on the past decade. Keep Reading... |
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Winterby Marlene Borneman
Flattop Mtn, Estes Cone I have come to appreciate Rocky in chilly, snowy and yes, even windy conditions. The landscape is transformed to a peaceful, awe-inspiring, and captivating space to recreate or just to pause. Snow glistens like scattered glitter and icy streams create fine art. Hikers may spot a snowshoe hare, ptarmigan or ermine in white winter camouflage. Winter offers so much to observe, learn, and wonder about. Keep Reading... |
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Lake of Clouds in the Never Summer Rangeby Marlene Borneman
Lake of the Clouds Lake of the Clouds sits at 11,430 feet among the “cloud” peaks named after cloud formations. It is the largest lake east of the Continental Divide in the Never Summer Range. This section of the park is remote, rugged, encompassing stunning alpine scenery. Keep Reading... |
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Trouble on the Tonahutu Trailby Chris Reveley
Tonahutu Trail October 14, 2020: The East Troublesome Creek Fire was first reported, burning in the hills, northeast of Kremmling, Colorado. Entering the National Park, the fire quickly burned halfway up the North Inlet valley and through the entire Tonahutu Creek drainage. In July, after almost two years of restoration and rebuilding by determined RMNP trail crews, the Tonahutu trail was reopened to the public. I wanted to see it for myself. Keep Reading... |
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Along the Coyote Valley Trailby Barb Boyer Buck
Coyote Valley Trail The Coyote Valley Trail, located on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park, is a half-mile stroll through the Kawuneeche Valley. Situated between the Front Range and the Never Summer Mountains, carved by glacial movements and the headwaters of the Colorado River, this mile-wide valley is beautiful and home to a plethora of wildlife. Keep Reading... |
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A Hike to Cascade Fallsby Jason Miller
Cascade Falls When I was asked to do Cascade Falls for a late-June hike, I was excited to say the least. The last time I had seen the falls was six years ago. This hike begins with a very gentle uphill slope for the first mile or so along an old, dirt service road. You will cross private land all along this section of the trail. Keep Reading... |
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Flattop Mountain & Hallet Peakby Dave Rusk
Flattop Mtn Normally when I hike the Flattop Mtn. trail, I'll go sometime in July when I know the trail is mostly free of snow and the alpine flowers are putting on a grand show. But I promised my editor a story on hiking Flattop, and possibly Hallett, and while I have done this hike many times over the years, I've never hiked it in early June. Keep Reading... |
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West Ute Trail, Best Wildflower Hike, Part 3by Marlene Borneman
West Ute Trail The trail crosses the expansive alpine tundra taking in alpine clover, dwarf clover, Parry's clover, blackhead daisy, alpine sunflower, American bistort, mountain dryad, spotted saxifrage, alpine stitchwort, alpine parsley and loads more. In July, the petite elegant snowlover can be abundant and a treasure to find. Keep Reading... |
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Timber Lake, Best Wildflower Hikes, Part 2by Marlene Borneman
Timber Lake This is terrific wildflower hike on the west side of the park through a broad range of habitats. The East Troublesome fire forever changed the landscape in some areas of the park's west side, however this trail was spared.The hike begins at the Timber Lake Trailhead approximately 32 miles from the Beaver Meadows entrance and 10 miles from the Grand Lake entrance. Keep Reading... |
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Bluebird Lake, Best Wildflower Hikes, Part 1by Marlene M. Borneman
Bluebird Lake This is spectacular hike in Wild Basin takes you from a moist montane forest to alpine terrain. Waterfalls, fast flowing streams, and a small pond are features along the way with the finale of a stunning alpine lake surrounded by high peaks on the Continental Divide—graced by magnificent wildflowers. Keep Reading... |
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Beaver Mountain & Cleaning Up our Park!by Jason Miller
Beaver Mtn There is no shortage of wonderful hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. This month's hike that I am featuring is one that almost anyone can conquer. It does not involve any climbing or bouldering but brings the essence of the Rockies from start to the finish. Keep Reading... |
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Into the Subnivean at Loch Valeby Dave Rusk
Loch Vale I stepped back on the path and continued my meander through the frozen Loch Vale to the Loch, with the sound of cold snow crunching under my snowshoes. I rounded a few bends into a clearing and then paused again, turning toward the vista to the north of the distant Mummy Range. I noticed the silence around me. It isn't a deathly silence but a silence of stillness. Keep Reading... |
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Snowshoeing to Subalpine Lakesby Marlene Borneman
Finch Lake, Fern Lake Finch and Fern Lakes are destinations I have been to many times in every season. People often ask me if I get tired visiting the same places over and over. The answer is always “no.” For me each outing in Rocky is different. The surroundings and circumstances change, making each excursion a unique experience. Keep Reading... |
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An Early-Winter's Hike to Lake Haiyahaby Dave Rusk
Lake Haiyaha Even though it's only 2.2 miles from the Bear Lake parking lot, this lake is often overlooked by the many Dream Lake trekkers. It is a lake with a pronunciation that even laughs at itself. They say the name means “rock” and indeed there are boulders strewn about everywhere in Chaos Canyon that stretches above the lake. Keep Reading... |
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Gem Lake via the Cow Creek Trailby Jason Miller
Gem Lake I have hiked up to Gem Lake via Lumpy Ridge Trailhead many times in the past years and highly recommend doing it. This time, we started deep within the McGraw Ranch and ended up at this iconic spot atop of Lumpy Ridge. We came across grasslands, rivers, forest, mountains, but very few people. This hike is a MUST DO! Keep Reading... |
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Timber Lake in Late Septemberby Dave Rusk
Timber Lake The trail starts off easy enough, traversing around the lower west side of Jackstraw Mountain, crossing over Phantom and Beaver Creek, and then begins a steady climb going around the south side of Jackstraw and into the Timber Creek drainage. But while some sections of the 2,000-foot elevation gain got me huffing, the trail is mixed with more gradual stretches too. Keep Reading... |
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Meeting Lake of Many Windsby Rebecca Detterline
Lake of Many Winds The snow at Thunder Lake was definitely deeper than anticipated on a recent attempt at a few remote peaks in Wild Basin. It quickly became obvious that our original plan would be thwarted by the slick conditions resulting from the first snowfall of the season. Knowing that our hike would be considerably shorter than we had prepared for, my two girlfriends and I hopped from rock to rock, following the steep trail that leads hikers from Thunder Lake to Lake of Many Winds, occasionally post-holing into calf-deep snow. Our feet were already cold and wet, and each step into the fresh snow packed a bit more snow into our sneakers. Keep Reading... |
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A Hike to Fern Lake a Year after the East Troublesome Fireby Dave Rusk (8/1/21)
Fern Lake I wanted to see just how drastic the landscape had changed after the East Troublesome Fire came through the previous year. I made the trek at the end of July, 2021. Keep Reading... |
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A Hike up Estes Coneby Dave Rusk
Estes Cone The hike to the Estes Cone begins at the Longs Peak trailhead with a starting elevation of 9,400ft. The first 2/3 of the hike are pleasant, passing by the remains of an old mine and through Moore Park. The trail begins to climb up Storm Pass with the last 1/2 mile best described as steep and rocky with breathtaking views at the top of Estes Cone. Keep Reading... |
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Snowy Twin Sisters Mountainby Marlene Borneman (published 5.1.21)
Twin Sister Mountain My husband and I started the month of May by hiking to the summit of Twin Sisters Mountain. This mountain has two distinct summits giving its name. The established trail leads to the west summit, the lower by fifteen feet. The day was a warm fifty-six degrees with clear skies and only a few cars in the parking lot at 6:30 a.m. April and May are mud season months as snow is rapidly melting with warmer temperatures; spring conditions. Keep Reading... |
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Skiing to Endovalleyby Barb Boyer Buck (published 4.2.21)
I broke my back 21 years ago. It was a fracture which resulted in spondylolisthesis and it brought on years of physical therapy, chiropractic treatments, loss of mobility, and pain. It was the time when orthopedic surgery was very much feared, and outcomes were relatively unpredictable. It was also the time when conservative treatment was recommended and surgery was avoided at all costs. Keep Reading... |
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A Winter Hike up Storm PeakStorm Peak
by Dave Rusk (published 2.9.2021) It's now 40 days past the Winter Solstice and our destination was Storm Peak, which means a trek to the Boulderfield below Longs Peak. As we started our hike up the Longs Peak trail, it's pretty evident on this day that there has not been any fresh snow for a good many days. Snow at the base of trees and on the south-facing slopes where the sun hits has melted away. And though the trail is snow packed from a steady traffic, portions of ice are starting to appear. Keep Reading... |
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Dreamy Day at Dream Lakeby Barb Boyer Buck (published 1.26.2021)
A hike to Emerald Lake, that was the intention. It had lightly snowed overnight and the sky was a cloudless, cobalt blue. Most importantly, there wasn’t any wind. If you don’t know about the wind in the eastern foothills of Colorado – most notably in the valleys– well, It’s brutal. When air is forced over the Continental Divide and combines with Chinook upslope winds, the result is a cacophony of directionless and fierce wind. It’s just as crazy-making as the sound of a symphony warming up. Keep Reading... |
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Winter Hike to Green Lakeby Dave Rusk (published 1.17.21)
It was 20 days past the Winter Solstice last week when we ventured up into the Glacier Gorge area. Even though it was still 60 days until the Spring Equinox, the snowpack at the trailhead was very thin and it seemed like it wouldn't take much warmth to melt it away. But on this day, the trail was still snow covered, the skies were blue, and there was hardly a wiff of wind. The morning temperature was still cold. Keep Reading... |
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West Side Storyby Marlene Bornean (published 1.9.21)
This past week my husband and I got to spend time on the west side of RMNP. Please do not misunderstand when I say we have held the west side of Rocky special in our hearts for many years. We enjoy every square inch of Rocky from corner to corner. However, as soon as Trail Ridge Road opens in the spring until it closes in the fall, we hike, climb and backpack as much as possible on the west side of the divide. There is something about fewer trails, remote lakes/peaks and the sheer ruggedness that is a strong pull. The west side of the divide receives more precipitation resulting in lush, captivating forest, powerful waterfalls, vast meadows and a variety of plant life. Keep Reading... |
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