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Hikes in RMNP

Hello friends!

We will be in Estes Park for 3 days next week. We have one timed entry pass with access to Bear Lake Road and one timed entry pass with no access to Bear Lake Road (on two different days). What hikes should we absolutely do on each day considering we have different access on each day? We're in our late 50s, reasonably fit - could do about 10 miles comfortably.

Thank you!

Rocky Mountain National Park has fantastic hiking options both within the Bear Lake Road corridor and outside it, so having one day with Bear Lake access and one without works perfectly. Since you’re reasonably fit and comfortable with up to 10 miles, you can enjoy some of the park’s best classic loops and alpine scenery. Below is a suggested plan: one day dedicated to the Bear Lake region (lakes, waterfalls, iconic views) and one day dedicated to the rest of the park (alpine tundra, meadows, wildlife, and quieter trails).

Recommended hikes for your Bear Lake Road access day:

Bear Lake Road offers the most popular—and most stunning—hikes in the park. With alpine lakes, dramatic peaks, and flexible mileage options, this is the day to focus on classic scenic loops.

  • Dream Lake + Emerald Lake + Nymph Lake loop (3.6 miles)

    An iconic must-do, even if you choose a longer hike. The scenery is extraordinary, with Hallett Peak towering above. Easy to moderate and perfect for early morning when reflections are best.

  • Sky Pond via the Loch (9–10 miles)

    If you want one of RMNP’s absolute best full-day hikes, Sky Pond is the top choice. This includes Alberta Falls, The Loch, Timberline Falls (small scramble), and the spectacular alpine basin at the top. A solid challenge but absolutely worth it.

  • Lake Haiyaha (4–6 miles depending on route)

    Dramatic boulder fields and surreal aqua-blue water make this unique. You can add it on to the Dream/Emerald loop for a longer tour.

  • Bear Lake to Fern Lake via the shuttle (7–9 miles)

    Less crowded and great if you want a one-way, varied hike with forests, lakes, and views. Requires shuttle planning.

If you want one perfect 10-mile hike for your Bear Lake day:

  • Sky Pond – best epic alpine scenery, moderate challenge, waterfalls, lakes, and a bucket-list destination.

Recommended hikes for your day WITHOUT Bear Lake Road access:

Outside Bear Lake Road, you’ll find quieter trails, big meadows, wildlife, and wide-open views. This is also where you get some of the best tundra and forest experiences.

  • Ute Trail (6–10 miles, out & back)

    Start at the Alpine Ridge area or near the Alpine Visitor Center. The tundra is sweeping, with endless vistas and possible elk sightings. You can choose your mileage.

  • Deer Mountain (5.6 miles)

    One of the best moderate hikes for wide panoramic views of the entire Estes Valley. Great for morning light and much less crowded than Bear Lake areas.

  • Gem Lake (3.5 miles)

    A shorter but steep hike starting near Estes Park. Big rock formations and a peaceful lake at the top. You can combine this with Lumpy Ridge trails for a longer day.

  • Chasm Lake (8.5 miles)

    A stunning alpine hike at the base of Longs Peak. Gorgeous basin views, rugged cliffs, and a dramatic payoff. A perfect 8+ mile day—but start early; this is a popular trailhead with limited parking.

  • Cub Lake + Fern Lake Loop (10+ miles)

    A great non–Bear Lake loop with meadows, ponds, moose habitat, forest burn areas, and varied scenery. You can shorten or lengthen depending on how you connect trails.

If you want one perfect ~10-mile non–Bear Lake Road hike:

  • Chasm Lake – dramatic, iconic, and one of the best non–Bear Lake hikes in the park.

Suggested itinerary for your two hiking days:

  • Day with Bear Lake Road access: Sky Pond (for a big alpine day) OR the Dream→Emerald→Haiyaha combo (for a flexible scenic day)
  • Day without Bear Lake Road access: Chasm Lake (if you want a big challenge) OR Deer Mountain or Ute Trail (if you prefer an easier, wide-open, scenic day)

Final Tips:

Start early for both days to avoid afternoon storms and to enjoy cooler morning temperatures. Be prepared for altitude—hydrate, pace yourselves, and take breaks as needed. Weather can change quickly, so pack layers, rain gear, and plenty of water.

With these two days scheduled, you’ll experience both RMNP’s famous alpine lakes and its less crowded but equally impressive high-country and valley trails—an excellent mix for a short visit.

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