Looking down into Estes Park valley from the Longs peak trail. But if you are a beginner hiker, knowing where to begin can be overwhelming. Located in Hermit Park, an open space just outside Estes Park, the Kruger Rock Trail is one of the best hikes in the area for families and dogs. Photo by Jack Barker. Pinterest. This trail might be my favorite of all the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Alpine lakes, waterfalls, views of the peaks and more await in this region. In addition to the sub-alpine lake, you will also find waterfalls and rapids along the way. Twin Sisters. The Beaver Meadows Visitor center entrance includes a majority of the hiking options for RMNP. If you’re looking for a getaway, book a day at the spa and relax. Elev. Just about four miles round trip, the out-and-back trail is relatively flat, but includes a few steep stretches and a rock scramble at the end so you can still get a good workout. It is on Forest Service land just adjacent to the National Park. The trailhead is located on Hwy 7, about 10 minutes south of Estes Park, on the right hand side of the road. The crown jewel of Rocky hiking, start EARLY (beat the weather and get a parking spot). Gain 2390 ft. From short, easy strolls around lakes, to ridgeline trails with panoramic views, to challenging but epic climbs to the tallest mountain peaks, there … Hiking in and around Estes Park is one of the many ways to enjoy the beauty of Colorado. This family-friendly trek launches from the Glacier Gorge Junction trailhead and offers sweeping views of the surrounding peaks in addition to stunning waterfalls. I was such a lucky kid to have many memories hiking around Rocky Mountain National Park and other areas near Estes Park, Colorado. Get a discounted rate on pet friendly hotels in Estes Park. Bear Lake provides phenomenal views of aspen, making it one of the best hikes to try during the fall months. I have not hiked in the Southwest region of the park, and do not cover that area of the park. Photos of Estes Park - 41. The sign is fairly small but there are usually cars parked there. Complete hiking information for Estes Park, Colorado with maps, photos, trail descriptions, guides and outfitters, and more Most of the hikes in Estes Park take place on the eastern edge of Rocky Mountain National Park. For a complete hiking guide of Rocky Mountain National Park, I recommend this book and trail map (click photo for details): The Easiest Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Estes Park hikes for kids. Twitter. So, grab that cozy sweater and head out on one of the best fall hiking trails near Estes Park. From leisurely strolls to challenging summits, hiking near Estes Park offers multiple opportunities for the novice and seasoned hikers. This small first-come, first-serve campground is open only in summer, which happens to be the best season for Rocky Mountain National Park hikes anyway. http://www.instagram.com/the.adventurous.mind Weather can change at a moments notice. The beginner hikes listed below are under five miles roundtrip and are considered fairly easy. Make a virtual visit to Longs via the video link which shows the Keyhole route in 3D. Estes Park is a northern Colorado town that serves as a base camp for Rocky Mountains National Park. Climb through aspen and pine to reach the beautiful views of Estes Park and the majestic peaks of RMNP. It is one of our favorite places for hiking with dogs in Estes Park. This scenic hiking trail to Emerald Lake from the Bear Lake Trailhead is a popular route in Rocky Mountain National Park. Brynwood on the River features cabins, motel room, and vacation homes all to suit your traveling needs. Gem Lake. Trail takes you across a variety of landscapes from dense forest to spare tundra. Lake Estes has a great paved trail all the way around it! Take the guided trip of your life and summit Longs Peak with one of our professional Rocky Mountain National Park guides! The hike to reach the lake is absolutely stunning, and the lake itself offers peace and quiet. Backpacking Trips. Be sure to get here early, as there can be a line for the entrance on the weekends. Glacier Gorge – this easy access, stunning area is one of the most popular areas for day hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park. Here are the best waterfalls near RMNP and Estes Park, CO, in no particular order:. If you do the full loop it’s 3.75 miles. Fortunately, there are hikes for all ages and ability levels. As part of the Hermit Park open space, the hike to Kruger Rock is spectacular and one of our favorite accessible hikes outside of Rocky Mountain National Park. The good news is that there are several fun hikes around Estes Park that you and your furry friends can enjoy together. An incredible destination unto itself with its cozy vacation rentals and stellar views, Estes Park's proximity to one of the most visited parks in the country propels its status to the top. Enjoy colorful wildflowers in the summer and yellowing aspens in the fall. Sponsored Content. Starting at the Deer Ridge Trailhead, the route will take you along North Deer Mountain Trail which traverses the northern flanks of the grand Deer Mountain. Here are some of our favorite dog-friendly hikes: Kruger Rock—A Dog Friendly, Early Season Trail just outside Estes Park, Colorado. View Longs Peak, Half Mountain, and Hallet Peak looming over the undulating terrain. Hikers will pass pristine alpine lakes including Nymph Lake and Dream Lakes and be treated to beautiful views of rocky peaks including Flattop Mountain, Hallett Peak, and Glacier Gorge. Many families choose to camp in the park at Moraine Park Campground, and others choose from the great selection of mountain cabins and vacation rentals in the area. 3.7 miles. July 30, 2018. Add Your Photos. Hiking Project is built by hikers like you. Hiking is the perfect way to experience Rocky Mountain National Park. Estes Park is about more than just the nearby wilderness to explore. Estes Park is situated on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park which contains incredible views of the Rocky Mountains, and over 350 miles of hiking trails. WhatsApp. Winter in Estes Park, CO. On our previous trip out west to Sedona, we rented a Toyota Prius which served as a faithful steed on our road trip across the rugged terrain of Arizona.For our January trip out to Colorado, we knew we would require something more “off-road” that could handle the mountainous landscape and potentially icy roads of the Rockies. Follow me! Top Estes Park Hiking & Camping Tours: See reviews and photos of hiking & camping tours in Estes Park, Colorado on Tripadvisor. One of the best ways to enjoy Estes Park and hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park is having a comfortable hotel room to come back to! Using travel photography, I’ll take you through one of the best hikes in Estes Park. You and your camera will not be disappointed. Quite often I think about how fortunate I was to grow up near to such a beautiful place. This trail is available as a guided … There are several parking options on any and every side of the lake but we find it better to park at the dog park so you have a couple of options for your pooch. No matter if … If you’re a fan of waterfalls and looking for an easy hike or a warm-up, Alberta Falls is a great choice. Dog-Friendly Hikes in Estes Park. I am not a fan of the cold, so it’s surprising how much I enjoy hiking in the snow. From easy hikes in Estes to the most beautiful Colorado fourteeners, this guide gives you everything you need to know to experience jaw-dropping trails in the area. You can make it an amazing hike in 3-4 miles or as many as 10-12. Top Estes Park Hiking Trails: See reviews and photos of hiking trails in Estes Park, Colorado on Tripadvisor. Note: this list is not comprehensive. Some of the best hikes in Estes Park can be found just outside the town while others pass right by some of Colorado’s most famous scenic drives. 9 Wintry Hikes in Estes Park, Colorado and Rocky Mountain National Park. There are 3 dog friendly hiking trails in Estes Park, and 5 more nearby. Alberta Falls Alberta Falls in Estes Park, CO. Photo: Bert Cash Alberta Falls is reached by a short, 0.8 mile hike on a gentle, easy trail in Rocky Mountain National Park.This spectacular waterfall on Glacier Creek is one of the most popular hiking spots in the park. Spectacular views of Longs Peak from the twin summits. Come check out the Top Things to do in Estes Park, Colorado! From easy, ponderosa-pine shaded strolls to challenging strikes above the treeline, we have a dog-friendly hike for you. Learn More. Sponsored Content. I’ll share my experience hiking between Nymph, Dream, Emerald and Bear Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. Perhaps the #1 reason you’ve come to Estes Park is to hike deep in the Rocky Mountains. Features: Bear Lake Loop is one of the most popular hiking loops in The Park, and it’s one of the flattest hikes. These five beginner hikes in the park are sure to please, as they provide both great scenery and easy terrain. Fall of 2019. Located just 15 minutes from the heart of downtown Estes Park, this loop is one of our favorites in the area. Coming from out of town? Stay at Brynwood on the River for quick access to these trails during your Estes Park vacation. Discover beautiful Rocky Mountain National Park with an overnight adventure, al So, we’ve gathered up a few of our tips for beginner hikers in Estes Park to help … The Kruger Rock Trail is located in Hermit Park, just outside of Estes Park on Highway 36. Whether it’s you and your loved one or you drop the kids off for a ski lesson while you get pampered, there’s a handful of spas in the area with treatments ranging from facials to full-body mud immersion. A brief list of some of the more popular hikes outside the park follows. Take a stroll around the lake, and gaze upon the beauty of Glacier Gorge. Rocky Mountain National Park is best seen from a hiking trail. Beaver Meadows Visitor Entrance . The best Rocky Mountain National Park day hikes to do from Estes Park are: 1. 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