7 Epic Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park

On our way to Rocky Mountain National Park, we stepped off the Amtrak in Granby, Colorado, rented a car, and headed toward the high country. The journey quickly became part of the adventure.

The park’s trails offer a remarkable range of experiences, from alpine lakes and open meadows to high passes where the landscape seems to go on forever. Every hike brought a new reason to stop and take in the view.

These seven hikes capture the variety that makes Rocky Mountain National Park so special: big scenery, changing weather, and the kind of trail days that stay with you long after the boots come off.

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 is 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 Trail 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.