This hike passes Cub Lake, Fern Falls, Fern Lake, Odessa Lake and Lake Helene. Once you pass through the entrance booth, you have access to that area of the park (for example, if you are coming from Estes Park and enter through the Beaver Meadows entrance before 9 am, you do not need a permit and can tour the park, with the exception of the Bear Lake Corridor, for the rest of the day). This is a great warm-up for those who plan to hike Longs Peak. Driving distance from Denver: 1-2 hours. If you are an avid hiker, I recommend spending five or more days in Rocky Mountain National Park. The price for one way is just $55, but you can also book a round-trip shuttle for $95. Prospect Mountain is a 15-minute drive, and you can set out along Lake Estes Trail less than 10 minutes after departing the accommodation. While here you can enjoy quiet walks, exhilarating hikes, gorgeous sunrises and . Loveland & Boulder, CO - Rocky Mountain lodging further away. Rocky Mountain National Park | Estes Park Wildlife & Activities It is about 2 hours to get to the western entrance and 2 3/4 hours to get to the eastern entrance, taking the least scenic routes in both cases and hoping for no significant delays for the Twin Tunnels construction near Idaho Springs. You can get to the Fall River Entrance by driving 5-10 minutes on US 34 west from Estes Park. Miles of trails: More than 355 miles along about 160 trails. Mount Ida. After you drive through the entrance station you can park at the Sandbeach Lake Trailhead which is immediately on your right or continue straight ahead on Wild Basin Road for 2 miles to reach the main parking area. Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) is one of the most popular attractions in Colorado, drawing 4.5 million annual visitors to its 415 square miles of mountain beauty. Rocky Mountain National Park Travel Guide - Earth Trekkers Equally enjoyable on foot or from your car, there are four separate ecosystems: montane, subalpine, alpine tundra, and riparian. Have fun in RMNP! The Best Campgrounds Near Rocky Mountain National Park And if you hike fast, you should have no problem getting to all 3 lakes on Tuesday afternoon. We still had some snow in a few spots at the higher elevations. During the winter months, cross-country skiing is also a popular activity. You're going to want to start early, because parking fills up fast. Its our favorite hike in RMNP. Altitude sickness is rare in RMNP, unless you are hiking to peaks over 12,000 feet and are not acclimated. The park is quieter and with the snow, it is a winter wonderland. Length: 5.5 miles. Cheers, Julie. Call 970-586-1222 before you head out. On the western side of the park, you can explore the Colorado Rivers headwaters, look for moose and hike to the site of Lulu City, a former mining town, among many other things. And you wouldn't be disappointed at any choice. Restaurants. The Alberta Falls Trail, like many other hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, follows a creek (in this case, Glacier Creek). COLORADO ITINERARY: With 10 days in Colorado, road trip to all four national parks (Rocky Mountain, Great Sand Dunes, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, and Mesa Verde), linking them together with some very scenic drives. There are two options and option #1 (Bear Lake Road and the rest the park) is the best option since it gives you access to the entire park. Or visit recreation.gov to make your reservation. If you love lakes you'll like this hike. If you are an avid hiker, I recommend spending five or more days in Rocky Mountain National Park.