Take advantage of the amazing views in our state with a beautiful Rocky Mountain National Park hike!
In Colorado, we’re lucky enough to have the majestic and scenic Rocky Mountain National Park right in our backyard. Take advantage of the amazing views the park has to offer on these amazing hikes! If you do go on one of these hikes, it’s important to keep an eye on the skies while you’re on the summits of these hikes - the weather can change quickly and you definitely don’t want to be stuck on the peak during a lightning storm or sudden hailstorm.
Alpine Ridge Trail - Easy
This trail is an easy 0.6 miles round trip and starts at the Alpine Visitor Center. Even though it’s short, the trail can be kind of steep - it has the local nickname “Huffer’s Hill!” Head to this one in the spring or early summer to catch some beautiful wildflowers, and you may even see a few marmots or a pika! The highlight, though, it the sweeping panoramic views in every direction, including views of Mt. Chapin and Ypsilon Mountain in the east and the Never Summer Mountains in the west. This Rocky Mountain National Park hike is pretty exposed and can get windy, so you’ll definitely want to come prepared for colder weather!
Forest Canyon Pass - Moderate
This is a really beautiful Rocky Mountain National Park hike, nearly 5 miles round trip. The trail starts on the Poudre Lake Trailhead at Milner Pass. It circles around Poudre Lake, providing some beautiful views on the way. Once past the lake, the trail starts to climb through a gorgeous subalpine forest. Make sure to turn left when you reach the Mt. Ida Trail junction, and the trail should start to level out considerably. The trail passes through several meadows that have been known to have flowers late into the end of summer. Finally, after another short climb you’ll reach the pass. This summit will give you breathtaking panoramic views of your surroundings. If you have two vehicles, you can park one at the Alpine Visitor Center and continue on this trail for another 2 miles to reach it, making it a one-way trip.
Ute Trail - Moderate
At just about 4 miles round-trip, this Rocky Mountain National Park hike is one of the shortest on this list. Trying to find the trailhead can be a little confusing because aside from an informational kiosk it’s unmarked, but it’s well worth it. This hike gives you some great views of Alpine tundra without a lot of climbing - you only gain 203 ft in elevation! You’ll have amazing panoramic views the whole time, since you’re above the treeline. Around 2 miles in, you’ll reach Timberline Pass, the common endpoint of this hike. You’ll have amazing views of Longs Peak, Estes Park, and Moraine Park. The weather up there can change very quickly, so make sure to keep an eye on the sky while you’re enjoying the views.
Lily Mountain - Moderate
This one is a slightly shorter hike, coming in at only 4 miles round trip. It starts at the Lily Mountain Trailhead a little less than 6 miles south of Estes Park. Although it is not technically inside the park, it is included on the official park map. As the trail goes on, it does get steeper and more rugged, so be prepared to navigate around some boulders and rocks. The trail does offer a lot of shade, making it a manageable hike even on a sunny day. When you feel like you’re losing the trail, just follow the cairns and the few signs posted to keep you on track. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular 360-degree views of the national park and surrounding area, including Longs Peak, Estes Cone, and the Mummy Range.
Twin Sisters Peak - Strenuous
This Rocky Mountain National Park hike can be used as a warm-up for Longs Peak or Hallett Peak, but it’s a beautiful destination in its own right as well. As you head up this hike, you’ll reach an area that was washed out by a massive landslide, caused by the 2013 flood. Cairns have been built here to guide hikers across to the new social path people have using instead. After about a mile, you’ll reconnect with the original trail. This section can get quite steep, but is fairly easy to navigate. A little after the 3-mile mark, you’ll reach the saddle between the two summits. Cairns mark the routes to each peak, and the East Peak is slightly taller than the West Peak. From the summit, you’ll have amazing views of Longs Peak, the Continental Divide, and Estes Cone, among others.
Peak 12,150 - Moderate
Ok, so this technically isn’t a peak, but it’s still got an amazing view! This Rocky Mountain National Park hike is located in the divide between Mt. Ida and Milner Pass, and it’s too short to be considered its own peak. The trail is well-defined, and it’s a great choice for those who don’t feel up to the strenuous Mt. Ida hike. You’ll start off following the same path explained above, leading you to Forest Canyon Pass. When you reach the Mt. Ida Junction, turn right and start heading south. Eventually, you’ll come out of the forest onto an open tundra. Keep an eye out for elk and bighorn sheep. The cairn sitting in a junction in the trail marks the end of this particular hike. If you want to stand on the actual peak you’ll have to go cross-country! The end of this hike is exposed, so come prepared for potential storms and high winds.
