Hikes & Trails

Awaken your senses as you wander alongside waterfalls and streams that lead to The Loch, a serene lake nestled within soaring snow-peaked mountains. A must-see in Rocky Mountain Park, so pack a picnic and take in the sublime scenery.

A fairly easy uphill climb through an evergreen forest featuring switchbacks that lead you to Deer Mountain summit (10,006 feet), where you will encounter epic views of Longs Peak, Moraine Park, Upper Beaver Meadows, and Estes Park.

This trail begins and ends at a high elevation (avg. 11,500), but it’s a relatively flat footpath along the alpine tundra, well above the treeline. Around a mile in you will be met with amazing panoramic views featuring Longs Peak. When you reach the ridge (2-mile mark), the trail dips down steeply to Upper Beaver Meadows, making this a common turnaround point to avoid loss of views and a steep climb back up. At this altitude, hikers should prepare for a lot of sun and wind, with the potential for afternoon thunderstorms, so it’s a perfect trail for rising early to catch the sunrise over Tombstone Ridge.

This trail runs along the Big Thompson River, leading you through arched rocks and over a bridge to “The Pool,” where Big Thompson and Fern River converge into a series of turbulent cascades. The trail also features burn scars created from 2020’s East Troublesome Fire, which ravaged the area. Fern Lake is about 3.9 miles in, but we highly recommend trekking one mile higher to Odessa, which offers majestic views of Little Matterhorn. Paths are mostly exposed to the sun so hit the trail early and bring plenty of water. For a shorter hike, you can access Odessa Lake via Bear Lake Trailhead.

Chasm Lake is revered as one of the most stunning lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park. The climb is a strenuous but beautiful 2,500 vertical feet through the evergreens. Above the tree line you will be met with breathtaking views of Mount Lady Washington, Mount Meeker, and Longs Peak before arriving at Chasm Lake.

One of the most majestic hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park due to its ever-changing terrain and scenic waterscapes. The majority of the trail is a moderate trek to Timberline Falls, but the route takes a challenging turn with a rock scramble up the waterfall, climbing nearly 100 feet. The views at the top however are magnificent.

Seasoned adventurers will appreciate the dexterity this hike calls for. The trail is unmarked but well-worn enough to show the path to Ypsilon Lake. Ascending through the forest, across and under logs, you will eventually reach Ypsilon Lake which features serene mountain views and snow filled gullies. Moving toward Spectacle Lakes you will encounter elevation shifts and be tasked with a rock slab climb with dizzying heights at your back. At the end, you’re rewarded by the stunning, crystalline waters of the lakes beneath a massive bowl, perhaps all to yourself, with the enormous satisfaction of having earned it.

The park’s only 14er, Longs Peak summits at 14,259 feet and serves as a beacon for mountain enthusiasts. Naturalist Enos Mills, who was the main figure behind the creation of RMNP, is said to have climbed Longs Peak 297 times, which reinforces its specialness. The trail is a demanding trek, particularly The Keyhole Route which is a veritable rock climb to the top. Leaving pre-dawn is essential if you want to reach the top and be back before sun-down. Know your limits and be sure to check the weather as snow and ice can appear suddenly at high elevations.