Rocky Mountain

Snowshoeing

Wildlife Viewing Tips

Learn About Winter Driving in Rocky Mountain National Park

Junior Ranger Headquarters at Hidden Valley is closed for the 2023 season. Hidden Valley is on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park along Trail Ridge Road, approximately 8 miles from the Fall River and Beaver Meadows entrances to the park.

A major construction project is underway on a new and improved entrance station at the Fall River Entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. The Fall River Entrance is one of two major entrance stations on the east side of the park and is located on U.S. Highway 34, just inside the park boundary.

Sprague Lake Loop meanders around Sprague Lake. There are plenty of benches and lookouts over the lake to stop, reflect, and enjoy the view.

Old Fall River Road was the first auto route created to the park’s high country in Rocky Mountain National Park. In an 11 mile stretch, visitors will cruise from meadows, to montane, to fairy-land like subalpine forests, and finally ending in the unique alpine tundra.

The Shadow Mountain Outlook was built in the 1930’s to identify and observe forest fires. Today, this rustic building is the only remaining fire lookout in Rocky Mountain National Park.

This hike ends at a crystal clear alpine lake named after a founder of the national park, Enos Mills.

Lily Lake Loop is a level path with fabulous views and activities for visitors of all abilities! Follow the trail around the lake and surrounding wetlands

From Bear Lake, hike to Lake Haiyaha and see incredible views of the Glacier Basin area.

Gem Lake is a hidden gem tucked away in the vast field of granite domes that comprise the Lumpy Ridge area. Without an inlet or outlet stream, Gem Lake is a shallow pond filled in strictly by trapped snowmelt and rainfall.

From the Bear Lake Trailhead, Dream Lake is a steady climb through aspen groves and ponderosa pine.

A park favorite, this hike to a mountain pond travels through woods that blaze with color in the fall.

Copeland falls is the most easily accessible waterfall in the Wild Basin area. From the Wild Basin trailhead, visitors will stroll along the St. Vrain river as it winds through the spectacular Wild Basin towards Upper and Lower Copeland Falls.

A beautiful stream and pleasant scenery accompany hikers on this popular west side walk.

Go Sledding at Hidden Valley in RMNP

During the months of September and October, elk herds are gathering in lower elevation areas for fall mating season. This time is also known as the elk rut! Bull elk can be very aggressive as they protect the cows and young in their herd.

The hike to Ypsilon Lake features unique terrain in Rocky Mountain National Park.

This trail runs along the Big Thompson River, you will find plenty of shade as well as blooming wildflowers throughout spring and summer.

A well sought-after destination, The Loch is one of three spectacular lakes comprising the scenic Loch Vale.

The hike from Bear Lake Trailhead to Odessa Lake offers hikers a gateway to the diverse scenery of Rocky Mountain National Park.

On this trail, hikers will pass along the lush, marshy Big Meadow, and through forests of lodgepole pine, quaking aspen, subalpine fir, and Engelmann spruce on their way to the falls.

This trail passes along the lush, marshy Big Meadow, and through forests of lodgepole pine, quaking aspen, subalpine fir, and Engelmann spruce.

Hike to the top of the Continental Divide! Take in incredible views of surrounding peaks and stand on the nation's dividing line.

Beginning in the alpine tundra with chances to see pikas and marmots.

Estes Cone is a difficult hike to the top of a distinct and recognizable cone-shaped mountain in the south-eastern portion of the park.

Chasm Lake offers spectacular views of granite walls and water just below the famous Long’s Peak, the highest peak in the park.

The hike to Twin Sisters Peak is both challenging and rewarding. This hike features a forested trail, the traverse of a landslide, and steep switchbacks leading to a breathtaking view.

Enjoy the cascading falls of Chasm Falls.

At the summit, you are rewarded with views of Longs Peak, Moraine Park, Upper Beavers Meadows, and Estes Park!

Enjoy the sights and sounds of the North Inlet stream water tumbling down 100 feet of pure granite.

Hike along the eastern shore of Shadow Mountain Lake. In summer, this trail provides an opportunity to find wildlife and cool breezes coming off the water. In the Autumn, visitors can enjoy beautiful, fall colors.

Visitors that are able to make the climb can enjoy beautiful vistas of the Never Summer Mountains, high peaks in the park, and may see the plains of Wyoming on a clear day.

Feel like you're on top of the world! Take a hike on the Tundra Communities Trail and experience sweeping mountain views and the beauty of the alpine tundra ecosystem.

The Coyote Valley trail is a wide, wheelchair and stroller accessible trail. It is perfect for anyone looking for amazing views of the Kawuneeche Valley or to see the mighty Colorado River.

From the Fern Lake Trailhead, the hike to Fern Lake is around 9 miles round-trip with 1,453 feet of elevation gain. Given the length and terrain, this hike is best suited for moderately experienced hikers.

Bear Lake is surrounded by ponderosa pine and provides refreshing views of Hallett Peak and the Continental Divide.

Glacier Creek thunders down this spectacular waterfall that ranks as one of the park's more popular hiking destinations.

From the Bear Lake Trailhead, Emerald Lake is a steady climb through aspen groves and ponderosa pine.

This lake is a hidden gem in the Bear Lake Corridor of the park! This lake sits atop a forested moraine, a ridge composed of material left behind thousands of years ago by receding glaciers.

Stroll along the wide, flat, stroller-friendly path across the scenic Kawuneeche Valley.

Rocky Mountain National Park has many wonderful picnic areas to choose from on both the east and west sides of the park. 

Fishing

Listen to the gentle flow of the North Saint Vrain Creek along the trail to Ouzel Falls.