This section contains questions I'm asked on a regular basis. Before you email me with your question, please see if it's already been answered here. I get a lot of email and I'd much rather be out on the trail than answering the same questions again and again. And remember, these are just my opinions based on my personal experience. Your mileage may vary.
All hikes in RMNP are harder simply because of the elevation. When you couple this with the high starting elevation (for example, Bear Lake at 9,475 ft) on many of the most popular hikes, you could have some serious problems with people who aren't well-conditioned (physically or altitude-adjusted).
If you or someone in your party has cardiac or pulmonary limitations, hiking and walking in Estes and RMNP won't be fun, and would be ill-advised. Be sure to read the Mike's Hikes Disclaimer.
Before doing any hiking or walking, always spend at least one night "at altitude." That means Denver (5,280 ft) at least, and preferably Estes Park (7,522 ft).
After you've acclimated to the altitude and packed the essentials for a hike, some especially easy/scenic ones include (be warned that these easy trails will often be crowded):
Alberta Falls
Bear Lake Loop (a must)
Cub Lake
The Pool
Bear Lake to Nymph/Dream/Emerald (probably one of the most scenic)
Sprague LakeDon't overdo with kids -- remember, if they get tired, you might have to carry them back! Take your time, stop often to enjoy the views and let those in your party catch their breath. Whatever you do, don't turn what should be a relaxing vacation hike into some kind of forced march! Keep an eye on the little ones to make sure they don't wander off the trail -- there are definitely places they can get hurt.
If you're really limited on time, consider driving Trail Ridge Road and stopping to walk out to all the scenic overlooks and nature trails.
Easy |
 Moderate |
 Difficult |
| Alberta Falls | Deer Mountain | Flattop Mountain & Hallett Peak (do 'em both) |
| Bear Lake Loop (a must) | Lily Mountain | Lawn Lake |
| Cub Lake | Estes Cone | Longs Peak |
| The Pool | Black Lake | Bear Lake to Grand Lake |
| Bear Lake to Nymph/Dream/Emerald (probably one of the most scenic) | Lake Helene & Odessa Lake (via Bear Lake) | Mt. Lady Washington |
| Sprague Lake | Chasm Lake | |
| Mills Lake | Twin Sisters | |
| The Loch | ||
| Gem Lake |
Dogs (and pets) aren't allowed on RMNP trails (although horses are in some areas), nor are mountain bikes. Don't let that stop you from coming to the Estes area, though. There are many trails in the National Forest areas outside RMNP that you can bring your dog or mountain bike on.
I know for a fact that dogs are allowed on the Lily Mountain Trail (just outside RMNP). They're also allowed on the Crosier Mountain Trail (as are mountain bikes). I'm pretty sure that in Roosevelt National Forest you can take dogs as long as they're on a six foot leash.
For more information on area National Forest hiking, see the Forest Service's Roosevelt National Forest site.
For maps and other information on mountain biking in this area, call Colorado Bicycling (in Estes Park) at 970.586.4241.
If I knew that, I'd be rich and I'd never have to carry equipment I didn't need! The weather in the town of Estes Park and the Estes Valley tends to be milder and without the temperature and weather extremes seen at the higher elevations in Rocky Mountain National Park. This area typically has about 300+ days of sunshine a year. Current weather conditions in Estes Park, courtesy of Daylight Software. In the higher elevations of RMNP, summer generally brings sunny mornings, with possible afternoon thunderstorms and cool nights. In winter, mountain weather ranges from cool conditions to blizzard conditions with extreme temperature variations. Weather conditions can change very quickly in mountainous areas and snow is possible year round. Always wear/bring appropriate dress for each season; comfortable clothing, dress in layers, rain gear, and sunscreen. And don't forget about Wind Chill! |
Average Estes Park Weather This table shows the average highs/lows (Fahrenheit/Celsius), and precipitation (inches) for Estes Park (7,522 ft). Keep in mind that in this area, temperatures generally go down about 2-3 degrees per 1000 foot gain in elevation.
Original Source: Colorado Climate Center. |
I'm not much of a camper myself, but here are some resources for you.
There's some good info on camping at Mike Dallin's RMNP site.
Alan Silverstein also has a very detailed list of backcountry campsites in RMNP.
The Shining Mountains Group is an area nonprofit citizen-organized hiking/social group affiliated with the Colorado Mountain Club (CMC). They have a large member base from all over Colorado and the U.S. and have a very active year-round hiking and snowshoeing calendar in Rocky Mountain National Park and nearby area. The Shining Mountains Group also sponsors many different volunteer projects in Rocky Mountain National Park. For more information on Shining Mountain Group activities, please call or write:
Madeline Framson
970.586.6623
1155 S. Saint Vrain, #C8
Estes Park, Colorado 80517
You can also contact the Ft. Collins Chapter of the CMC.
The Poudre Canyon Group of the Sierra Club also has an outings section.
The YMCA of the Rockies (the largest "Y" in the world) also has organized group hiking (small fee).
There are also several licensed commercial guide services in the area:
Adventures Afoot 970.586.3194 Colorado Mountain School 970.586.5758 Estes Mountain Guides 970.577.0712 Wilderness Tours 970.586.1626
Sorry, no. Mike's Hikes is a hobby, and I don't have the resources to research answers to questions or requests for information I don't already have here on the site and then phone you or send snailmail. I have no printed information to send anyone. If you need something sent to you, contact the appropriate business or organization directly.
Look carefully around the site -- you may find the information you're looking for, or a link to a place that does have it. I try to answer all email I receive.
It's easy, just ask. Note that currently I don't link to commercial websites (except certain local businesses and sites). I will entertain proposals for paid advertising (banners/links) on Mike's Hikes.
Lots of places! Estes Park On-Line is the very best place to start. They have an open/public Mailing List dedicated to sharing information and discussions about Estes Park On-Line, Estes Park Colorado, and the Rocky Mountain National Park.
Also try the "unofficial" Rocky Mountain National Park site (which has an excellent FAQ).
Useful Links and Phone numbers:
| Estes Park Chamber of Commerce | 970.586.4431 or 800.443.7837 |
| Estes Park Convention and Visitors Bureau | 800.44.ESTES |
| RMNP Recorded Information | 970.586.1333 |
| RMNP Visitor Information | 970.586.1206 |
| RMNP Headquarters | 970.586.1399 |
| RMNP Backcountry Office (backcountry camping and permits) | 970.586.1242 |
| RMNP Office TDD | 970.586.1319 (TDD) |
| RMNP West Side Information | 970.627.3471 |
| Roosevelt National Forest | 970.586.3440 |
| Rocky Mountain Nature Association | 970.586.1258 |
| Estes Park Town Government | 970.586.5331 |
| Estes Park Post Office (80517) | 970.586.8177 |
| Grand Lake Chamber of Commerce | 800.531.1019 |
| Colorado Road Conditions | 303.639.1111 |
Estes Park has a number of fine outdoor-related stores which sell name-brand hiking/camping equipment and supplies.
| Colorado Wilderness Sports | 970.586.6548 |
| Estes Angler | 970.586.2110 |
| Outdoor World | 970.586.2114 or 800.679.3600 |
| Rocky Mountain Connection | 970.586.3361 or 800.679.3600 |
| The Warming House | 970.586.2995 |
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Michael K. Molloy, All Rights Reserved.
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