Colorado Hiking: Rocky Mountain National Park
- Explore the best sections and hiking trails of Rocky Mountain National Park
- Photograph bugling elk and bull moose wandering the 200,000 acres of protected wilderness
- Drive Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved road in the United States
- Hike along the Continental Divide, marveling at 12,000-foot peaks, lakes and alpine tundra
- Stay at the historic Stanley Hotel and the idyllic mountain cabins of Estes Park and Grand Lake
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive Estes ParkWelcome to Estes Park, the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park and start to your hiking adventure. Upon arrival, stop off at the “Estes Park” stone marker, a tourist hot spot and photo op to commemorate your entrance into Colorado’s most beloved and preserved wilderness areas. Stretch your legs with a lovely loop around Estes Lake, for panoramas of inspiring natural beauty and spectacular mountain vistas. Keep eyes peeled for bugling elk roaming the shoreline before heading into town for dinner at one of the many taverns lining Elkhorn Avenue, and retiring for the evening.
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Settled at the end of a winding, tree-lined country road, the Inn is located on 26 private and secluded acres in Estes Park, Colorado. Enjoy a night’s stay on this beautiful property boasting hiking trails, private access to the National Forest, hidden patios, riverside meadows, calming ponds, and a quarter mile of private riverbank.
This mountain lodge has everything you desire in Estes Park lodging, including newly remodeled rooms and suites, swimming pools, hot tubs, fireplaces and unwavering quality care and services. Located close to downtown and in proximity to Rocky Mountain National Park, enjoy a night’s stay at the Silver Moon Inn for an unforgettable Colorado Rocky Mountain Vacation.
Today’s hike takes you beyond the heavily traveled Bear Lake trail network and into the outlying backcountry of the Glacier Gorge area; exploring numerous alpine lakes, rushing waterfalls, and lush forests.
Drive to the Fern Lake Trailhead to park your car, and board the free shuttle for a quick transfer down to Bear Lake Trailhead and the start of your hike. Starting at higher elevation, enjoy varied terrain, trending slightly downhill, to Lake Helene, Odessa Lake and Fern Falls. View wildlife grazing the fertile meadows and the mirror-like reflections of Notchtop Mountain and Little Matterhorn in peaceful waters of Fern Lake. Continue onward to the trailhead for a drive back to town and your overnight mountain lodge.Â
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Settled at the end of a winding, tree-lined country road, the Inn is located on 26 private and secluded acres in Estes Park, Colorado. Enjoy a night’s stay on this beautiful property boasting hiking trails, private access to the National Forest, hidden patios, riverside meadows, calming ponds, and a quarter mile of private riverbank.
This mountain lodge has everything you desire in Estes Park lodging, including newly remodeled rooms and suites, swimming pools, hot tubs, fireplaces and unwavering quality care and services. Located close to downtown and in proximity to Rocky Mountain National Park, enjoy a night’s stay at the Silver Moon Inn for an unforgettable Colorado Rocky Mountain Vacation.
This morning, drive to the Fall River Entrance Station for a different perspective of the Rocky Mountains. Hike up to the top of Deer Mountain for stunning 360-degree views of the park, including the 14,000 foot Longs Peak. Enjoy several switchbacks through ponderosa pine facing Black Canyon and the Trail Ridge mountain range. Â
Finish driving the eastern circuit out of the park, returning to the iconic Stanley Hotel. Built in 1907 and situated in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, this once remote lodge served as the inspiration for Steven King’s best-selling novel, “The Shining.” Enjoy exploring this hotel’s mysterious ambiance and learning about its remarkable influence on the town, National Park and surrounding community with an interpretive family, history or ghost tour (not included).
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Settled at the end of a winding, tree-lined country road, the Inn is located on 26 private and secluded acres in Estes Park, Colorado. Enjoy a night’s stay on this beautiful property boasting hiking trails, private access to the National Forest, hidden patios, riverside meadows, calming ponds, and a quarter mile of private riverbank.
This mountain lodge has everything you desire in Estes Park lodging, including newly remodeled rooms and suites, swimming pools, hot tubs, fireplaces and unwavering quality care and services. Located close to downtown and in proximity to Rocky Mountain National Park, enjoy a night’s stay at the Silver Moon Inn for an unforgettable Colorado Rocky Mountain Vacation.
Completed in 1933, Trail Ridge Road spans Rocky Mountain National Park from east to west, connecting Estes Park to Grand Lake. Acclaimed as “The Highway in the Sky,” enjoy winding past 12,000-foot peaks and high-alpine tundra of the Continental Divide. Stop off at Fall River Pass for a quick must-do hike along the Alpine Ridge Trail, a half-mile hike up rock stairs to an impressive scenic overlook.
Continue through the western side of the park to the Colorado River Trailhead. For a shorter hike, follow the dirt trail along the river to Shipler Cabin. For a longer trek, continue onward to Lulu City, where the remains of a 100-block mining town founded in 1879 (yet deserted in 1886), still stand. Tonight, finish the day roaming the quaint village of Grand Lake, whose name derives from the lake shores on which it is situated.
Hike:Â Alpine Ridge Trail: 0.6 mi. (+124ft.), out-and-back
Hike:Â Shiper Cabins: 4 mi (+426ft.), out-and-back
Hike: Lulu City: 7 mi. (+826ft.), out-and-back
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This rustic, woody resort dating from the 1930s is a quiet reprieve and welcomed escape from the bustle of everyday life. Walking distance from the town and wood-planked sidewalks, funky Western restaurants, and friendly faces, enjoy the simple pleasures from your private cabin nestled in the woods and shoreline of Grand Lake.
Welcome to Grand Lake Lodge, your ultimate Colorado getaway. Whether you're relaxing at the pool or enjoying a meal on the mountainside deck, you will find yourself surrounded by lake and mountain views that exude the rejuvenating beauty found only in the heart of Colorado. Enjoy a night’s stay at this registered National Historic Lodge, for rustic relaxation and natural splendor that knows no bounds.
Enjoy a classic Colorado getaway at Lemmon Lodge. Located upon five wooded acres and near the shore of Grand Lake, this lodge offers a private sand beach, access to the North Inlet stream and beautifully equipped cabins. Enjoy a night’s stay for the perfect quiet getaway and authentic mountain experience.
With an early morning start, traverse back up Trail Ridge Road to Milner Pass for an exhilarating hike along the Continental Divide! Enjoy a slow but steady hike up to the exposed alpine tundra and expansive mountain beauty of Mount Ida, sitting at 12,889 feet. Continue above tree line, clambering over boulders and scree, towards the summit. Soak in the breathtaking views from the top, including the Never Summer Mountains to the west, Mummy Range toward the northeast, and the Azure and Inkwell Lakes below. Return the way you came, keeping eyes peeled for alpine sunflowers, marmots, picas, ptarmigans, raptors, elk and mule deer.
After dinner in town, head to the rocky shores of Grand Lake, the largest natural body of water in Colorado. Enjoy the sunset before returning to your lodge for a peaceful slumber in the serenity of the mountains.
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This rustic, woody resort dating from the 1930s is a quiet reprieve and welcomed escape from the bustle of everyday life. Walking distance from the town and wood-planked sidewalks, funky Western restaurants, and friendly faces, enjoy the simple pleasures from your private cabin nestled in the woods and shoreline of Grand Lake.
Welcome to Grand Lake Lodge, your ultimate Colorado getaway. Whether you're relaxing at the pool or enjoying a meal on the mountainside deck, you will find yourself surrounded by lake and mountain views that exude the rejuvenating beauty found only in the heart of Colorado. Enjoy a night’s stay at this registered National Historic Lodge, for rustic relaxation and natural splendor that knows no bounds.
Enjoy a classic Colorado getaway at Lemmon Lodge. Located upon five wooded acres and near the shore of Grand Lake, this lodge offers a private sand beach, access to the North Inlet stream and beautifully equipped cabins. Enjoy a night’s stay for the perfect quiet getaway and authentic mountain experience.
Depending on your travel arrangements, rent a kayak, canoe or SUP for paddle around Grand Lake before continuing onward.
Other Information
Is it for me?This tour is graded moderate, with daily hikes averaging around 6-9 miles. This tour is perfect for those who want to explore the expanse of Rocky Mountain National Park by foot and with the flexibility of their own car. Hikers should expect longer treks along dirt trails and varied terrain, at higher altitudes and exposed heights. Trails are well-signed, maintained and traveled frequently. Travel includes drives around town and up the narrow Trail Ridge Road from Estes Park to Grand Lake. Enjoy staying at charming mountain towns, lodges and cabins each night.
Classic Routes | If you’re the active, outdoorsy type, who’s interested in taking on the great routes of the world or looking for a challenge, then our Classic Routes are for you. We’re talking the West Highland Way, Tour Du Mont Blanc and the Passau to Vienna Danube Cycle Path, to name but a few!
Drive and Hike | Exploration of picturesque and remarkable destinations by car combined with walks that highlight the best of a country or region.
Solo Travellers
As a guide, we would suggest that the minimum age of traveler this tour would be suitable for is: 5 Years
This tour is graded moderate, with four days of hiking and a maximum distance of 9 miles. Daily hikes average around 6-9 miles (4-7 hours) along well-signed and well-traveled trails, regularly monitored and maintained by National Park rangers and staff. The distances and ascents/descents are approximations of the recommended routes.
Due to being a National Park on 265,769 acres of preserved federal land, the trails are available to hikers only.
As weather patterns in the mountains are often unpredictable and can change suddenly, hikers should be prepared for hiking in the rain, mud and on the rare occasion, snow, should there be an early or late snow season that year.
Daily afternoon thunderstorms are a common occurrence in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. As a rule of thumb, it is best to get an early start for each hike to avoid exposure to thunderstorms and lightning strikes.
We specifically hand-picked your accommodations in comfortable mountain lodges and cabins to ensure that you enjoy every minute of your stay while exploring Rocky Mountain National Park.
All accommodations are conveniently located only a short walking distance to each town’s main plaza and restaurants. Additionally, each offers individual character and welcoming hospitality.
Single Rooms & Solo Travelers
This trip is based on two people sharing a room. If you’d like separate rooms, a single supplement is required.If you would like to request a twin room (same room with two separate beds), please notify us during booking so we can request this option
This trip is also available to solo hikers (a solo supplement is required).
Meals
While staying in Estes Park and Grand Lake, you can choose to eat breakfast at nearby restaurants and bakeries (not included). In Grand Lake, most private cabins have a small kitchenette to cook and store food, should you choose to make breakfast in the morning instead.
Lunches and dinners are not included in this trip. For lunches, you can find markets, cafĂ©s or restaurants located within each town for dining out or to purchase a packed lunch to take with you on hikes. For dinner, you can dine at local restaurants all within a short walking distance from your night’s stay. Â
Navigating is easy using the Macs Adventure Navigation App. Your daily hikes will be mapped in the app with GPX tracks, route notes and turn-by-turn directions. All of these resources are available to download for offline use, which is recommended as cell service can at times be spotty within the National Park.
You will be provided with trip specific contact information in addition to 24/7 telephone support from Macs Adventure should you require assistance.
- 5 Nights at hand-selected mountain lodges and cabins
- 3 Breakfasts
- Detailed pre-departure information pack
- Turn-by-turn route notes and driving directions
- Macs Adventure Navigation App for mobile phone
- 24/7 telephone support
- Rocky Mountain National Parks Pass and Timed Entrance Permit
- Rental Car
- Lunches, dinners, drinks and snacks
- Additional nights before, during or after the trip
- Personal equipment
- Travel Insurance
- Gratuities and tips
- Flights
- Extra Nights in Estes Park and Grand Lake
- Room Upgrades (only where applicable)
The best time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park is July and August for clear skies, warmer weather, drier trails and frequent wildlife viewings. June is also a great month to visit (winter season depending), as wildflowers are in full bloom or fall foliage is at its peak. This trip is available to start on any day of the week from June to September, during the peak summer and fall season. As these locations are year-round tourist destinations, we suggest youbook as soon as your plans are finalized to ensure availability for specific dates.;
Note, due to a heavy snow winter in Colorado, some of the higher elevations hikes for this trip may be impacted by snow into late June, and possible as late as early July. Please call your Macs representative with any questions about the current snow-pack conditions and trip availability.ÂBy Air
Denver International Airport, has flights from international and national destinations.
Upon arrival at the airport, follow signs pointing you in the direction of the rental car agency to pick-up your rental car. Budget, Enterprise and Hertz are some of the many rental car agencies available to rent from Denver International Airport. Driving to Estes Park takes about two hours from the airport.
Getting Around
For additional transportation services outside the provided itinerary, such as a taxi to a specific restaurant or location, the host at your evening’s accommodation can help assist you in making the necessary arrangements.
Depending on your travel arrangements, you may want to drive back to Denver or continue onward to Winter Park and other nearby summer/ski resort destinations. While rental cars can be returned at Denver International Airport, we suggest arranging your preferred drop-off location during pick-up.
If desired, you can easily add-on a rental car to this itinerary. Please notify us at the time of booking and we would be happy to assist you (additional costs apply).
National Park Entrance Fees
While hiking within Rocky Mountain National Park, a parking pass will have to be purchased upon arrival at one of the three park entrance stations: Beaver Meadows Entrance Station, Fall River Entrance Station or the Grand Lake Entrance Station. We recommend purchasing a week pass for this trip (7-day park pass, $35 via cash or credit card, not included). Or you can purchase an annual park pass at $80 (which includes entrance at any US National Park for a full year). For more information or to purchase a National Park pass online prior to trip departure click this link and visit the national park pass section found within the pre-departure information pack.
Rocky Mountain Timed Entrance Permit (New 2021)
Rocky Mountain National Park is the fourth most visited National Park in the USA. To ease traffic inside the park, they have introduced a timed entry permit system new for 2021. Tickets go on sale at 8:00 AM MST on the 1st of the month, for the following month. For example, tickets for the month of July will be released on June 1st at 8:00 AM MST. Tickets will sell out almost immediately, sometimes within just a few minutes, so we strongly advise purchasing tickets at that time. If you aren’t able to secure tickets at that time, a small number of additional tickets will be available to purchase at 5:00 PM MST the day before your desired day of entry. For example, some tickets for July 24th can be purchased at 5:00 PM MST on July 23rd.
There are two permits available. The Bear Lake Corridor ticket is the permit you will need on Day 2; on Day 3, 4, and 5, you will need the Park Access (excludes Bear Lake Rd) permit. On Day 2, you do not need a permit if you enter before 5 am. On Day 3, 4, and 5, you do not need a permit as long as you enter before 9 am.
If you can’t secure a permit when they go on sale for your preferred time, we suggest simply entering the park early! An early start is also fantastic for wildlife viewing so we always recommend an early start in Rocky Mountain National Park. Below are the website links to view more information and secure the tickets.
To purchase tickets: https://www.recreation.gov/timed-entry/10086910
For more information: https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/timed-entry-permit-system.htm
Our pre-departure information pack has detailed advice and a packing list on what to bring. This includes warm and cold hiking gear, hiking boots, rain gear and lots of other specifics.
Please be prepared by packing all the necessary items for a comfortable trip. If you have any questions about what to take, we'd be happy to share our own top tips and advice.Â
Travel insurance helps protect your travel investment, your belongings and most importantly you, from unforeseen circumstances that may arise before or during your trip. For more information, please visit our travel insurance page by clicking this link.
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At Macs, we don’t do tour buses, groups, or guides. Instead, we give you the freedom and confidence to have your own self-guided hiking or biking adventure
It's active travel, led by you.
You choose your departure date and who you travel with, we do the rest.
We sort accommodation and luggage transfers and provide your route in an easy-to-use app.
We give you everything you need to travel independently but we're here 24/7 if you need us.
Getting from A to B under your own steam is intensely rewarding. With Macs, you'll see the world, and yourself, differently.