My 5 Favorite Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park (With Mileage, Elevation + Tips)
Living in Denver means Rocky Mountain National Park is my closest to home national park, and I've spent a lot of weekends figuring out which hikes are actually worth it. These are my five favorite hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, with the mileage, elevation gain, tips & tricks, and how long each one took me, breaks and photo stops included.
Quick heads up: a lot of these are best in the fall. September in RMNP means golden aspens lining the trails, and honestly it's my favorite time to go.
Rocky Mountain National Park Hikes at a Glance
Hike | Distance | Elevation Gain | Time It Took Us | Difficulty |
Sky Pond | ~8.2 mi round trip | 1,736 ft | ~8 hours | Hard |
Mills Lake via Glacier Gorge | 6.1 mi | 958 ft | ~3 hours | Moderate |
Lake Haiyaha | 4.21 mi | 899 ft | ~3 hours (with lunch) | Moderate |
Bear Lake to Emerald Lake | 3.9 mi | 728 ft | ~2 hours | Easy to moderate |
Ouzel Falls | 5.5 mi | 980 ft | ~3 hours | Moderate |
Distance: about 8.2 miles round trip (my Apple Watch tracked even more)
Elevation gain: 1,736 ft
Time: about 8 hours
I'm just going to say it. This was one of the hardest hikes I've ever done, and I'd do it again tomorrow. The views the entire way made every step worth it.
The trail is a steady incline up to the waterfall, and then you actually have to do a little climbing to get up the falls to Glass Lake. It's not technical, but you'll be using your hands. Climbing a waterfall is not for the faint of heart, and the dramatic cliffscapes makes it seem bigger than it actually is. I knew I had to climb a waterfall, and the ranger even made me aware at the gate, but proceeded to say it wasn't bad which gave me false confidence.
Upon arriving to the waterfall scramble section, I had a lot of fear, but then I watched people who were at least 40 years older than me do without hesitation and I thought to myself 'ok fine if these 70 year olds can do it, then I should be able to.' So huge thanks to that unstoppable crew who I strive to be like in 40 years!
I will also say that from there, the extra walk to Sky Pond is so worth it. Don't turn around!
The first lake, The Loch, was probably the most picturesque of the whole day, especially with the aspens turning yellow. So if you want the easy version of this hike, just stick with The Loch. You'll still get the postcard shot.
Overall? 10/10 beautiful. My legs felt like jello and it took us all day, but I highly recommend it. Start early and give yourself the whole day. Pack layers because at the highest elevation, it is very cold and windy up there even on a hot summer day.
This hike is off the Bear Lake Corridor which means you will need a pass for that section of RMNP. They release tickets in advance at recreation.gov and also a small amount the day before as well, which is what I always do because no I am not good at planning hikes weeks in advance.
Distance: 6.1 miles
Elevation gain: 958 ft
Time: about 3-4 hours
I've always wanted to make it all the way up the Glacier Gorge Trail, but the window of the year when that's realistic is pretty limited (mid summer on a clear day is most ideal, which is not an easy feat). Mills Lake is a great place to stop if you don't have a 14 mile hike to a glacier energy or weather day.
I went in September and the aspens along the way were at peak color. It's a solid moderate hike with a huge payoff, and it doesn't eat your entire day like Sky Pond does, so if you get a slightly later reservation for the Bear Lake Corridor parking, then this is more doable.
I started in the afternoon and got to the lake at a perfect golden hour reflection and then booked it back down. It started raining, of course, (I think it has rained every hike I have ever been on in RMNP) and I was in a section without a lot of coverage and hungout under a big rock for a bit. This is normal in RMNP so reminder to always pack a rain jacket, even when the sky looks clear and blue.
Mills Lake was so serene and has a great late afternoon reflection that was incredible to photograph. The water was so still. I wish I could have continued up the trail to more lakes, but Mills Lake was all my time would allow for a day hike. This would be an epic overnight trip, I'm sure. Maybe I will try that next time.
This hike requires the Bear Lake corridor reservation or shuttle to get there.
3. Lake Haiyaha
Distance: 4.21 miles
Elevation gain: 899 ft
Time: about 3 hours, including lunch
I hiked to Lake Haiyaha in September 2022 and the water was still cloudy from the rockslide, which turned it the prettiest milky blue color. I'm so glad I got to see it like that. Conditions change over time, so it may look different when you go, but it's still a gorgeous lake with giant boulders to climb and explore for different views.
Compared to other lakes in the park, this one feels deep and mysterious probably because of its interesting colors and not being able to see the bottom. It's hard to boulder jump around the shore, but I recommend finding that perfect rock for your lakeside snack break.
The aspens were yellow along the way too, which makes this a perfect fall hike. Pack a lunch and take your time at the top. The most popular trail to Lake Haiyaha can be combined with other trails and lakes at the Bear Lake corridor. You can even will have Dream Lake and Bear Lake as stops along the way. Depending on the route you choose, you can make it a somewhat loop if you continue around to The Loch or Mills Lake.
Distance: 3.9 miles
Elevation gain: 728 ft
Time: a little over 2 hours with breaks and photos
This is the one I recommend to everyone. You start at Bear Lake and pass Nymph Lake and Dream Lake on the way to Emerald Lake. That's four lakes in one hike, so roughly every mile you are getting a new epic viewpoint. It makes this hike feel highly rewarding. The trail is well groomed with views the whole way; it's so epic that even someone who doesn't love hiking can stay motivated.
Most of it is pretty moderate, but there are a lot of stairs and some real elevation gain between Dream Lake and Emerald Lake. The trail gets rocky near the top, but a chunk of it is through the forest with some shade coverage. The elevation gain is less than some of the other hikes on this list, but the weather and temps can vary, so always pack layers.
Most recently, I had to hurry down at the end because it started to hail at Emerald Lake, which is not uncommon at Rocky Mountain National Park. I think it has hailed about 50% of my visits to the park, so I cannot stress enough to always pack a rain jacket. And even if you don't make it all the way to Emerald, that's okay. You've still seen three amazing lakes.
This is another trail that requires the Bear Lake corridor permit for parking or a pre-purchased shuttle from Estes Park is an option too.
Distance: 5.5 miles
Elevation gain: 980 ft
Time: about 3 hours
If you love waterfalls, this is your hike! I counted something like five waterfalls on the way up. It is a fun hike for chasing waterfalls. It is an out and back trail through the Wild Basin. It can be continued on to make a much longer loop for a backpacking adventure if desired.
You start at the Wild Basin Trailhead and follow North St. Vrain Creek for the first part of the trail. Take the short detour on the Copeland Falls trail to see Lower and Upper Copeland Falls, then keep going to Calypso Cascades before you reach Ouzel Falls. It's a waterfall-packed day without being brutal on your legs. Be warned there are 200 stairs though, but the trail is well-maintained and the stairs are pretty doable.
The hike is mostly through the forest, so it is a great one for a hot and sunny day. Spring or early summer is best for wild flowers and more flowing water in the falls. If going in the Spring, expect some mud. The trail is also shared with horses, so expect some poop piles.
This is the only trail on my list of favorites that does not require the Bear Lake Corridor reservation, so this is great if you only get the general park timed entry.
If You Only Do One Hike in Rocky Mountain National Park
Do Emerald Lake. It's my favorite hike in the park because there's so much scenery along the way. You literally get four lakes in one hike (Bear Lake, Nymph Lake, Dream Lake and Emerald Lake) with views in every direction.
It's also the best hike for unpredictable weather. If you get rained or hailed out, you've hopefully at least made it to the second lake. I've been hailed on going to Emerald Lake more than once, so bring rain gear even if it's not in the forecast.
It's a really popular trail, so I wouldn't stress too much about wildlife, but they are out there. Stay bear aware. But mostly, stay aware that you need a Bear Lake corridor permit for your car, or reserve a hiking shuttle ticket in advance.
What to Pack for a Day Hike in RMNP
Plenty of water in a water backpack (more than you think, the altitude is no joke!)
Trail mix, PB&J, and other snacks, obviously
A rain jacket, even on a sunny morning!
Layers, because the temperature drops fast up high and it gets super windy
Sunscreen and sunglasses
Hiking boots with grip, especially for the climb to Glass Lake. I would personally never wear regular sneakers on these hikes, they're too technical and you're risking a rolled ankle or slick rocks
When to Go for Fall Colors
Every hike on this list except Ouzel Falls is one I did in September, and the aspens were stunning. If you want golden trails, plan for mid to late September. Go early in the day too, since afternoon storms roll in fast in the summer and early fall.
Before you go, check the Rocky Mountain National Park website for current timed entry reservation requirements and trail conditions.
FAQ: Hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park
What is the best hike in Rocky Mountain National Park for beginners? Bear Lake to Emerald Lake. It's under 4 miles round trip, the trail is well maintained, and you can turn around at any of the lakes along the way.
What is the hardest hike on this list? Sky Pond. It's about 8.2 miles round trip with over 1,700 feet of elevation gain and a short scramble up a waterfall to reach Glass Lake.
What is the best waterfall hike in RMNP? Ouzel Falls from the Wild Basin Trailhead. You'll pass Copeland Falls and Calypso Cascades on the way.
What is the best fall hike in Rocky Mountain National Park? Mills Lake, Lake Haiyaha and The Loch all had gorgeous yellow aspens when I went in September.
Does it hail in Rocky Mountain National Park? Yes, and more often than you'd expect. I've been hailed on at Emerald Lake more than once. Always pack rain gear.
Have you done any of these? Tell me your favorite RMNP hike in the comments, I'm always adding to my list.
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