Favorite Hike At Rocky Mountain National Park
Although there are more miles to hike at Rocky Mountain National Park than I will more than likely ever cover, I am pretty sure we have found our favorite miles to hike. This hike involves 3 extraordinary lakes that one can gaze at for eternity and still not absorb all their beauty.
Estes Park
The beginning of this adventure for us actually started within the town lines of Estes Park. Deanna and I had already been here together 3 years ago on our honeymoon, but this was Blaze’s first time. Since Rocky Mountain National Park isn’t exactly the most dog friendly national park, we decided we needed to get this pup some exercise prior to our adventures.
If for whatever reason Rocky Mountain National Park isn’t in the itinerary, I would at least recommend hitting up the town of Estes Park. Not only does it’s beauty out perform it’s charm, but there is also a ton to do and see in the area that doesn’t involve a pair of hiking boots.
Of course a visit to Colorado wouldn’t be complete without a hail storm, so lucky for us, we were able to experience one whilst walking through downtown Estes Park. I must say, Blaze didn’t like it much more than we did.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Now on to my favorite National Park thus far, Rocky Mountain National Park. As I said, Blaze had to sit this one out…but I don’t think he would have really enjoyed the strenuous hiking anyways at the age of 10.
Hiking up to Emerald Lake
This trail starts at the bear lake trail head, but make sure you get there EARLY…I’m talking before folks start waking up, if you want a spot in the parking lot. We had to drive all the way up from Lyons, CO and we had a bit of a late start, so we ended up having to take the park and ride. Still a good system, but definitely slows down your progress at one of that nation’s most busy national parks.
Although it was a bit snowy of a hike, I believe this is really the best time to explore the area. It gives such a unique experience without the need of a winter jacket. We hit up Rocky Mountain National Park twice in the last 3 years and both times were the beginning of June. During this time frame there is still snow covered areas of the trail up to Emerald Lake, but even Deanna preferred short sleeves after burning some calories on the way up.
On the way up to Emerald Lake you encounter two other incredibly beautiful works of nature called Nymph Lake and Dream Lake. Out of the 3, Dream Lake is definitely the biggest, but Emerald Lake is the goal most folks have in mind while hiking the trail.
The trail starts off fairly crowded towards the bottom, but we noticed some people do tend to stop at Dream Lake rather than weaving their way up the snowy path the rest of the way to Emerald Lake. Don’t like crowded trails? Keep pushing forward and although others will be there to join you at Emerald Lake, it will be worth it to get that amazing serene view.
Although this is rated as “easy”, don’t let that fool you if you aren’t used to the elevation and a slushy trail that slides out from under you. The slushy snow is similar to hiking up the Great Sand Dunes of Great Sand Dunes National Park, slowly giving way underneath each step. This adds to the difficulty and makes me give this more of a moderate hike rating. There isn’t a huge elevation gain, but the views you get from start to finish make elevation gain irrelevant.
OTHER NEARBY ADVENTURES
Great Sand Dunes National Park
NOTE FROM WRITER
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Adventure On!
