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Colorado Peeps: Favorite Hikes in RMNP?
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chicagoans
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Colorado Peeps: Favorite Hikes in RMNP?
We're looking forward to a trip to Estes Park, staying at the YMCA of the Rockies starting this Saturday. (It's been 4 years since our last visit -- too long!) Only one day is planned (rafting on the Poudre) and the rest will be a combination of hiking, horseback riding, and general chillin' with the kiddos.
One favorite hike last time was in Wild Basin, past some waterfalls. Our kids are (naturally) bigger now, so I think we can do some longer hikes too.
If you have any favorite hikes near Estes Park / Rocky Mountain National Park, please let me know! Thanks!
One favorite hike last time was in Wild Basin, past some waterfalls. Our kids are (naturally) bigger now, so I think we can do some longer hikes too.
If you have any favorite hikes near Estes Park / Rocky Mountain National Park, please let me know! Thanks!
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toes in the sand
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chicagoans
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Good questions. I'd say we're more for scenery (streams, lakes, etc.) and views than height. (Yeah, I know views and height probably go together!) It helps keep the kids' interest if there is a cool payoff/destination.Terry wrote:Few questions...what do you prefer in a hike? Streams, lakes, or height? What is a typical distance for a day hike for your family?
I'm not sure about a typical distance; Probably 3-4 miles one way might be the max for the kids if there's alot of elevation change. The hikes we did most recently in Kauai were only about 1.5 - 2.5 miles or so (one way) with some elevation change, but tricky because mud made them really slippery so that might not be a valid comparison. I recall the Wild Basin trail being pretty easy, and we did it 4 years ago when kids were 6 and 8. Ram Head was fun for them 2 years ago. I don't know if that helps or not! I wish we got out more so I knew for sure what we could do! (If it were up to me I'd go all day... the pre-teen daughter tends to be less enthusiastic at times.)
I've used both these sites in the past for planning RMNP hikes entering through the EP entrance:
http://www.protrails.com/area.php?areaID=8
This site even specifies the type of hike you want (i.e. Winter hike, waterfall hike, lake hike, etc.)
http://www.rocky.mountain.national-park ... ke.htm#win
The Pool hike is very good, and can be made into a shorter loop if you get a couple miles in to the Pool and everyone is not game for going all the way to the lake.
http://www.protrails.com/area.php?areaID=8
This site even specifies the type of hike you want (i.e. Winter hike, waterfall hike, lake hike, etc.)
http://www.rocky.mountain.national-park ... ke.htm#win
The Pool hike is very good, and can be made into a shorter loop if you get a couple miles in to the Pool and everyone is not game for going all the way to the lake.
This is a topic I am familiar with. Our family has vacationed in EP my whole life, my grandparents bought a cabin near the fairgrounds about 50 years ago. I was just there for 2 weeks in June.
Hikes:
Consider buying the hiking guide by the Dannens. There are descriptions, but also reference info about distance and altitude gain. I wore out my first one and it was held together with rubber bands, so I got a new one.
From Wild Basin you probably went to Calypso Cascades and maybe Ouzel Falls. CC is 2, Ouzel is 3ish, pleasant hike. Ouzel Lake is farther on, but crosses a burned out area that can get hot.
Most bang for the buck is Bear Lake to Emerald Lake, just under 2 miles, goes by Nymph Lake and Dream Lake on the way. Need to park early in the day or take the shuttle bus in.
Less traveled options from Bear are to go to Bierstadt, then down the moraine to the Bierstadt trailhead - MUCH easier than going UP the moraine! If you go, be sure to go to the side of Bierstadt AWAY from the trail to the moraine, you get a view of Longs reflecting on the water. Use the shuttle to deal with your car.
From Bear, can also go to the top of Odessa Gorge, which is near Two Rivers Lake and Lake Helene. While possible to hike down the gorge and go to Odessa Lake, Fern Lake, Fern Falls, etc., it is long. You see both lakes from the top, great vista. I've also done Flattop, which is 4 something miles but might be a bit steep. You can go 1/3 of the way up Flat top to the Dream Lake overlook, which is nice. Not usually thought of as a destination.
One of our favorites is Mills Lake, departs from Glacier Gorge (off Bear Lake Road). Park here earlier than Bear (before 8 mid summer). Can also leave Bear and take the spur to connect, only slightly longer but you have some uphill at the end when you return. If the kids are tired send them to Glacier Gorge parking, you get the car at Bear and pick them up.
Over half way to Mills is a fork, and there is a route to The Loch in Loch Vale. It is a little tougher/longer than Mills but also a good one. Mills or The Loch are about 3 miles. Beyond The Loch another mile or so, maybe a little more, is Timberline Falls. You climb this on the way to Sky Pond and Lake of Glass. Might be ambitious depending on the kids.
Cub Lake leaves from its own trailhead off a dirt road in Moraine Park. I recall it being pretty easy, but don't remember the numbers.
Want to bag a mountain? Deer and Lily Mt are about the 2 easiest, Deer is about 3 miles, Lily shorter but steeper. You can also drive up Fall River Road and start at the Chapin Pass trailhead to gain access to CCY (Chapin, Chiquita, Ypsilon). Have only done this once, did Chiquita because it's the easiest 13K mt. around (and I wanted at least one from each K, 8, 9... 14). Chapin is only 12.5K. IIRC, it is only 2-2 1/2 miles to Chapin. The end up Chiquita was steep and tough. Chapin will be easier but maybe still tough at that altitude. If you want a challenge, the views are good.
There are some less used trailheads like Gem Lake and McGraw Ranch (go to Bridal Veil Falls). Twin Sisters Mt is a bit longer, I think. Also in the longer (4-5 & up) category is the Lawn Lake Trailhead which leads to Lawn and Ypsilon Lakes.
If you've never been to the area, aside from hiking, I suggest a visit to the Alluvial fan on the way back to Fall River Road. It resulted from a dam failing at Lawn Lake. There is a local history museum at the corner of highway 36 and 4th St near the fairgrounds that has pictures and tells the story, along with the Big Thompson flood. Could stop in for an hour or so and see most of it.
Other non hiking things to consider, The Stanley Hotel, which is celebrating its 100th year. Stephen King wrote the Shining during a visit here, and the PBS version used it as a backdrop for shots.
Driving up Fall River Road to visit the Alpine visitor center and come back down Trail Ridge Rd. If you like beer, look up the Estes Park Brewery for a pizza, sandwich, and beer. You're at the Y, so probably not much need for restaurants, but on 7 east of town near 4th St. is the Mountaineer, good breakfast and lunch, get your money's worth. We had dinner at Mary's Lake Lodge in the tavern, got twice as much food as we could eat, it was good and they had a band playing. For night time entertainment we like Tiny Town mini golf on 36, you'll see it on your way to the Y. Cheapest one in town, it's seen some wear, but Mr. Mitchell was replacing a couple of the carpets earlier this summer. Also an easy free game hole in one so you'll come back.
Probably way too much info here, I just was on a roll typing, ideas came faster than I could get them out.
Have a good trip!
Hikes:
Consider buying the hiking guide by the Dannens. There are descriptions, but also reference info about distance and altitude gain. I wore out my first one and it was held together with rubber bands, so I got a new one.
From Wild Basin you probably went to Calypso Cascades and maybe Ouzel Falls. CC is 2, Ouzel is 3ish, pleasant hike. Ouzel Lake is farther on, but crosses a burned out area that can get hot.
Most bang for the buck is Bear Lake to Emerald Lake, just under 2 miles, goes by Nymph Lake and Dream Lake on the way. Need to park early in the day or take the shuttle bus in.
Less traveled options from Bear are to go to Bierstadt, then down the moraine to the Bierstadt trailhead - MUCH easier than going UP the moraine! If you go, be sure to go to the side of Bierstadt AWAY from the trail to the moraine, you get a view of Longs reflecting on the water. Use the shuttle to deal with your car.
From Bear, can also go to the top of Odessa Gorge, which is near Two Rivers Lake and Lake Helene. While possible to hike down the gorge and go to Odessa Lake, Fern Lake, Fern Falls, etc., it is long. You see both lakes from the top, great vista. I've also done Flattop, which is 4 something miles but might be a bit steep. You can go 1/3 of the way up Flat top to the Dream Lake overlook, which is nice. Not usually thought of as a destination.
One of our favorites is Mills Lake, departs from Glacier Gorge (off Bear Lake Road). Park here earlier than Bear (before 8 mid summer). Can also leave Bear and take the spur to connect, only slightly longer but you have some uphill at the end when you return. If the kids are tired send them to Glacier Gorge parking, you get the car at Bear and pick them up.
Over half way to Mills is a fork, and there is a route to The Loch in Loch Vale. It is a little tougher/longer than Mills but also a good one. Mills or The Loch are about 3 miles. Beyond The Loch another mile or so, maybe a little more, is Timberline Falls. You climb this on the way to Sky Pond and Lake of Glass. Might be ambitious depending on the kids.
Cub Lake leaves from its own trailhead off a dirt road in Moraine Park. I recall it being pretty easy, but don't remember the numbers.
Want to bag a mountain? Deer and Lily Mt are about the 2 easiest, Deer is about 3 miles, Lily shorter but steeper. You can also drive up Fall River Road and start at the Chapin Pass trailhead to gain access to CCY (Chapin, Chiquita, Ypsilon). Have only done this once, did Chiquita because it's the easiest 13K mt. around (and I wanted at least one from each K, 8, 9... 14). Chapin is only 12.5K. IIRC, it is only 2-2 1/2 miles to Chapin. The end up Chiquita was steep and tough. Chapin will be easier but maybe still tough at that altitude. If you want a challenge, the views are good.
There are some less used trailheads like Gem Lake and McGraw Ranch (go to Bridal Veil Falls). Twin Sisters Mt is a bit longer, I think. Also in the longer (4-5 & up) category is the Lawn Lake Trailhead which leads to Lawn and Ypsilon Lakes.
If you've never been to the area, aside from hiking, I suggest a visit to the Alluvial fan on the way back to Fall River Road. It resulted from a dam failing at Lawn Lake. There is a local history museum at the corner of highway 36 and 4th St near the fairgrounds that has pictures and tells the story, along with the Big Thompson flood. Could stop in for an hour or so and see most of it.
Other non hiking things to consider, The Stanley Hotel, which is celebrating its 100th year. Stephen King wrote the Shining during a visit here, and the PBS version used it as a backdrop for shots.
Driving up Fall River Road to visit the Alpine visitor center and come back down Trail Ridge Rd. If you like beer, look up the Estes Park Brewery for a pizza, sandwich, and beer. You're at the Y, so probably not much need for restaurants, but on 7 east of town near 4th St. is the Mountaineer, good breakfast and lunch, get your money's worth. We had dinner at Mary's Lake Lodge in the tavern, got twice as much food as we could eat, it was good and they had a band playing. For night time entertainment we like Tiny Town mini golf on 36, you'll see it on your way to the Y. Cheapest one in town, it's seen some wear, but Mr. Mitchell was replacing a couple of the carpets earlier this summer. Also an easy free game hole in one so you'll come back.
Probably way too much info here, I just was on a roll typing, ideas came faster than I could get them out.
Have a good trip!
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chicagoans
- Posts: 1586
- Joined: Thu Jan 18, 2007 2:51 pm
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