Rocky Mountain National Park

On our way to Rocky Mountain National park we got off the AMTRAK train in Granby Colorado. Not much happening in Granby, we rented a car with 100,000 miles on it and drove to Grand Lake where we stayed right on the lake at the edge of Rocky Mountain National Park. The town of Grand Lake is located on the north end of the lake and is not very large. There are many different options for places to stay in Grand Lake, from hotels and motels to cabins and lodges. If you’re looking for a more luxurious experience, there are also several resorts in the area. The town of Grand Lake, elevation 8,369′ is located on the north end of the lake and only has a population of 410. There are many different places to stay in Grand Lake, from hotels and motels to cabins and lodges. If you’re looking for a more luxurious experience, there are also several resorts in the area. Our hotel was right on the lake about a half a mile from the first trail that we hiked in Rocky Mountain National Park. We were lucky enough to see our second mouse of the trip. There are six trails that start from town and there are three more within a mile of town. Which makes this one of the most convenient places we have hiked.

The Alpine visitor center, Rocky Mountain National Park, is at 11,796’, is the highest elevation visitor center in the National Park System. This webcam reveals views of Mount Chapin, Fall River Canyon, Old Fall River Road, and part of Trail Ridge. This is a must stop on the trail ridge road. The altitude here is no joke. There is a short trail from the visitor center that is steps. I had to retreat on my first attempt to reach the summit due to the altitude. While we had been hiking at 9 and 10 feet this additional altitude made these steps difficult.

Rocky Mountain National Park Epic Hikes

Sky Pond Hike. This is an 8.6 mile out and back hike that passes a number of lakes. This is at a high altitude going as high as 11,000 feet. The hike itself has an elevation gain of 1,771 feet. For this reason alone it should be considered difficult. The trail has some of the best views of the park including two waterfalls.

Cascade Falls trail this 6.8-mile out-and-back trail near Grand Lake, Colorado. Right near our hotel Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 36 min to complete. This is a very popular area for backpacking, camping, and fishing, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are May through October. This is the trail that we saw the moose on. Unfortunately horses are allowed on the trail and it scared the moose away.

Chasm Lake Hike. An 8 mile out and back with an elevation gain of 2,552 and is considered challenging. Chasm Lake is a classic, must-do Colorado hike. You’ll get incredible views while traversing the subalpine forest up to the alpine tundra. The lake sits below the spectacular Long’s Peak, the highest peak in the park. This hike begins at about 9,000 feet.

Mt Ida Hike. Another trail that starts near grand lake. This 9.4 mile out and back is considered a challenging route. This trail climbs to over 12,000 feet. The trail passes beautiful viewpoints, knobs, and boulders as it takes you above the tree line into the alpine area. The alpine areas are often frequented by marmots and bighorn sheep.

Tombstone Ridge Hike. This 3.8 mile out and back is near Estes Park and considered moderately challenging. Tombstone Ridge is a narrow ridge with a summit just at the edge of the tree line. This hike takes you up the Ute Taril and along the spine of Tombstone Ridge to its high point and back. You’ll get good views once you reach the summit. Keep your eye out for wildlife like bighorn sheep on this trail!

Cub Lake Trail. This is a 5.2 mile out and back near Estes Park and is moderately challenging. Cub Lake is a small lake nestled in a steep valley. The area around the lake burned in 2012 in the Fern Lake Fire. The fire impacted the forest around the lake. You’ll begin the hike at the Cub Lake Trailhead near Moraine Park Campground. On your route, you’ll pass by a number of gorgeous small ponds and through a lovely pine forest. On your way to Cub Lake, you’ll be able to see great views of Steep Mountain to the south.

Dream Lake Trail. This for us is on the shorter side at 2 miles. What it lacks in distance it makes up for in incredibly scenery. The trail is clearly marked and easy to follow. The alpine lake water is so clear that you can often see cutthroat trout swimming by. You’ll also visit Nymph Lake, which is filled with lily pads in the summer months. This hike is often lined with gorgeous wildflowers during the summer.