Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park

In a state that has boundless majestic nature destinations, Rocky Mountain National Park might be the most famous in Colorado. The Rocky Mountains start in Canada’s British Columbia coming all the way down through New Mexico. (Not Mexico, the US state!)

Rocky Mountain National Park is home to amazing wildlife like elk, bighorn sheep, moose, deer, black bears, and mountain lions to name a few. It is also home to one of the most famous 14er mountains, Longs Peak, that constantly looms overhead.

The park was established in 1915, making it one of the top 10 oldest national parks in the USA. There are so many incredible hikes to do and here are some of the best to do on your trip to RMNP. But first, a bit of information about entrances and fees.

Rocky Mountain Reservations

Because of the overload of people now visiting make sure to visit the official RMNP website to book your entrance time or camping spots.

From the end of May through early October, you must make a reservation to enter the park even if you aren’t planning on camping overnight. In recent years, like many national parks around the country, they have become overcrowded, and to preserve nature this is the best resolution even if it seems a bit frustrating.

Trust me, it was much more frustrating without reservations when I had to wait for hours to enter at 7AM and still couldn’t find parking so hiking was questionable. It’s better now, especially if you’re coming from Boulder or Denver.

Here is the link to the official website to make your reservations for timed entrances to the park. You won’t be permitted to enter if you don’t have a reservation even if you have an annual pass.

In the off-season from late October to early May you don’t need to make a reservation, just show your park pass or pay the entry fee at the entrance gate.

Entrance Fees

After making your reservation the fee to enter the park is $30 per vehicle which you pay at the entrance gate. If you plan to visit more than one national park I would recommend buying America the Beautiful Pass which is an annual pass for $80 that is good for a year and gets you into all National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands.

You can then visit the other 3 National Parks in Colorado, Great Sand Dunes, Black Canyon of the Gunnison & Mesa Verde. Once you enter the park make sure to take the free map brochure to easily get around.

Note: For faster delivery of the card, you can also buy the pass at other OTAs such as REI.

Nine Best Hiking Trails In RMNP

1. Emerald Lake Trail

Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 3.2 miles Out and Back

Although one of the most popular trails, Emerald Lake Trail