Photo: Andrew Parlette from Elkridge,MD, US, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Rocky Mountain packs alpine lakes, waterfalls, elk meadows and miles of tundra above 11,000 feet into a park just two hours from Denver. Most hikes start high, so the air is thin and afternoon thunderstorms roll in nearly every summer day. The rule here is simple: start early and be off exposed ground by early afternoon. Two or three days covers the lakes near Bear Lake, a drive over Trail Ridge Road, and one bigger hike.
TRAILS
1 OF 7
Emerald Lake via Nymph and Dream Lakes
Difficulty
Moderate
Length
3.6 mi
Elevation gain
600 ft
Bear Lake Road · Bear Lake trailhead — Three lakes in under two miles, each one more dramatic. Nymph Lake is dotted with lily pads, Dream Lake reflects Hallett Peak, and Emerald Lake sits in a rocky bowl right below the cliffs. It's the most popular hike in the park, so start at sunrise for calm water and a parking spot. The trail can stay icy into June.
⚠︎ Timed entry with Bear Lake Road access needed in season.
Photo: Nicolas Henderson from Coppell, Texas, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
2 OF 7
Sky Pond
Difficulty
Hard
Length
9.8 mi
Elevation gain
1,700 ft
Bear Lake Road · Glacier Gorge trailhead — A string of highlights: Alberta Falls, the Loch, then a scramble up wet rock beside Timberline Falls to Lake of Glass and finally Sky Pond, under the jagged Cathedral Spires. The scramble is short but steep and slick, so use your hands. Turn around if storms build; the upper basin is no place to be in lightning.
⚠︎ Timed entry with Bear Lake Road access needed in season.
Photo: Christine Warner, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
3 OF 7
Mills Lake
Difficulty
Moderate
Length
5.6 mi
Elevation gain
750 ft
Bear Lake Road · Glacier Gorge trailhead — Many hikers rate this the prettiest lake in the park. You pass Alberta Falls, then climb into Glacier Gorge to a long lake with Longs Peak and the Keyboard of the Winds lined up at the far end. Rock slabs along the shore make perfect picnic spots. A great alternative when Emerald Lake feels too busy.
⚠︎ Timed entry with Bear Lake Road access needed in season.
Photo: Айрат Хайруллин, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
4 OF 7
Chasm Lake
Difficulty
Strenuous
Length
8.4 mi
Elevation gain
2,400 ft
Longs Peak · Longs Peak trailhead — This hike takes you right under the sheer east face of Longs Peak, the Diamond, without the risks of the summit route. The trail climbs above treeline with huge views, then finishes with a short scramble to a cold lake at the base of the wall. It ends near 11,800 feet, so altitude is real. Start before dawn; the lot fills in the dark.
⚠︎ Exposed to afternoon lightning above treeline. Snowfields can linger into July.
Photo: mark byzewski, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
5 OF 7
Ouzel Falls
Difficulty
Moderate
Length
5.4 mi
Elevation gain
950 ft
Wild Basin · Wild Basin trailhead — Wild Basin, in the southeast corner of the park, is quieter and greener than the Bear Lake area. This trail passes Copeland Falls and Calypso Cascades before reaching Ouzel Falls, a strong waterfall dropping through the forest. Early summer, when snowmelt is high, is the best time. The trailhead lot is small, so come early.
Photo: Hogs555, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
6 OF 7
Tundra Communities Trail
Difficulty
Easy
Length
1 mi
Elevation gain
200 ft
Trail Ridge Road · Rock Cut — A paved path takes you onto the alpine tundra above 12,000 feet, with views of the Never Summer Mountains and peaks in every direction. Look for pikas and marmots in the rocks and tiny wildflowers at your feet. Walk slowly; the air is thin up here. Stay on the path, since tundra plants take decades to recover.
⚠︎ Trail Ridge Road is seasonal, usually late May to mid-October.
Photo: AlphaOrionis42, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
7 OF 7
Bear Lake Loop
Difficulty
Easy
Length
0.5 mi loop
Elevation gain
20 ft
Bear Lake Road · Bear Lake trailhead — A short, mostly level path around a subalpine lake with Hallett Peak and Longs Peak framing the view. It's great for families and anyone easing into the altitude, and in fall the aspens on the far shore turn gold. Come at sunrise for still water. The loop is mostly accessible, with a few steeper spots.
⚠︎ Timed entry with Bear Lake Road access needed in season.
Photo: G. Lamar, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Plan your Rocky Mountain trip
The Nova Bound app builds the whole trip around these trails: where to stay, where to charge, and what to see each day. Coming soon to the App Store.
Distances are round trip unless noted, from NPS.gov and rounded. Trails, permits and road openings change; always check nps.gov before you go. Trail write-ups by Nova Bound.