Day and Overnight Hikes: Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park is a hiker's paradise, with over 350 miles of trails winding through its stunning alpine scenery. Whether you're looking for a leisurely day hike or a challenging multi-day backpacking trip, this guidebook has everything you need to plan your perfect adventure.

Day & Overnight Hikes: Rocky Mountain National Park

by Kim Lipker

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	29385 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	272 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

This guidebook includes:

• Detailed descriptions of over 50 day hikes and overnight backpacking trips
• Maps and elevation profiles for each hike
• Information on trail difficulty, distance, elevation gain, and estimated hiking time
• Tips on where to find wildflowers, wildlife, and other points of interest along the trails
• A comprehensive guide to the park's backcountry camping regulations

Day Hikes

Rocky Mountain National Park offers a wide variety of day hikes, ranging from easy strolls to challenging climbs. Some of the most popular day hikes include:

• Emerald Lake Trail: This 3.5-mile loop trail leads to beautiful Emerald Lake, nestled in a cirque below Hallett Peak. The trail is relatively easy, with only 400 feet of elevation gain, and it offers stunning views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.
• Bear Lake Loop Trail: This 0.9-mile loop trail circles Bear Lake, one of the most popular lakes in the park. The trail is paved and wheelchair-accessible, making it a great option for families with young children or those looking for an easy walk.
• Nymph Lake Trail: This 2.2-mile loop trail leads to Nymph Lake, a beautiful alpine lake surrounded by wildflowers. The trail is moderately difficult, with 600 feet of elevation gain, but it's well worth the effort for the stunning scenery.
• Lake of Glass Trail: This 3-mile loop trail leads to Lake of Glass, a small but beautiful alpine lake located in the Glacier Gorge area of the park. The trail is moderately difficult, with 800 feet of elevation gain, but it offers breathtaking views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.
• Chasm Lake Trail: This 1.5-mile loop trail leads to Chasm Lake, a deep and narrow lake located in the Loch Vale area of the park. The trail is difficult, with 1,100 feet of elevation gain, but it's one of the most popular hikes in the park for its stunning views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.

Overnight Backpacking Trips

Rocky Mountain National Park also offers a variety of overnight backpacking trips, ranging from short weekend trips to longer treks. Some of the most popular backpacking trips include:

• The Narrows: This 2-day, 1-night backpacking trip follows the North Inlet Trail through the stunningly beautiful Narrows. The trail is moderately difficult, with 1,500 feet of elevation gain, but it's well worth the effort for the incredible scenery.
• The Loch: This 3-day, 2-night backpacking trip follows the Loch Vale Trail to Loch Lake, a beautiful alpine lake located in the Glacier Gorge area of the park. The trail is difficult, with 2,000 feet of elevation gain, but it offers breathtaking views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.
• The Continental Divide: This 4-day, 3-night backpacking trip follows the Continental Divide Trail through the heart of Rocky Mountain National Park. The trail is challenging, with 3,000 feet of elevation gain, but it offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hike along the spine of the Rocky Mountains.

Plan Your Trip

When planning your hiking or backpacking trip to Rocky Mountain National Park, be sure to consider the following:

• Trail Difficulty: Choose a trail that is appropriate for your fitness level and experience.
• Distance and Elevation Gain: Be sure to consider the distance and elevation gain of your hike before you start. Make sure you have enough time to complete the hike and that you are prepared for the elevation gain.
• Weather Conditions: The weather in Rocky Mountain National Park can change quickly, so be sure to check the forecast before you start your hike. Be prepared for rain, snow, and cold temperatures.
• Wildlife: Be aware of the wildlife in Rocky Mountain National Park and take precautions to avoid encounters with bears, moose, and other animals.
• Backcountry Camping Regulations: If you are planning to backpack overnight, be sure to familiarize yourself with the park's backcountry camping regulations.

Rocky Mountain National Park is a hiker's paradise, with something to offer everyone from day hikers to experienced backpackers. With its stunning alpine scenery, abundant wildlife, and variety of trails, the park is the perfect place to experience the beauty of the Rocky Mountains.

Day & Overnight Hikes: Rocky Mountain National Park

by Kim Lipker

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	29385 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	272 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE