Rocky MountainNational Park Travel Guide. These two peaks sit off by themselves to the east, offering outstanding vistas sweeping in all directions. Over 60 people have died attempting to summit Longs Peak. Moose especially love this lakeside spot to search for food. Whether you're an experienced trail runner, an ultra-marathoner, a trail newbie, a trail race director, or somewhere in between, this Conference is for you, providing inspiration & education through expert guest speakers, presentations and an expo. WebTimber Creek Chalets With Hot Tubs by Rocky Mountain Resorts puts you just a 5-minute drive from Rocky Mountain National Park. This part of the hike is tough as you are hiking over very rugged terrain. Our hotel is located within easy reach of the area's top outdoor attractions, so whether you're into mountain climbing, hiking or waterfall trekking, you'll find it here. Of course, guides also ensure that you make it home safely and before dinner time - more added value. Best of all, it's practically in our backyard. It gets even better once you reach the summit of Mt. Bear Lake. Once used by Arapaho and Ute Indians on their way between winter and summer hunting grounds, the Ute Crossing Trailhead is unmarked except for a small, informational kiosk. This is a great hike for newbie hikers who want to summit a mountain in Rocky Mountain National Park. If you plan to hike on Earth Day, trails such as Chasm Lake, Sky Pond and Flattop Mountain are in winter conditions, and there's 5 to 6 feet of snow at Bear Lake, according to a RMNP spokesperson. Add on to your hike with the Sprague Lake loop. Originally, planned to return to Estes Park and hike RMNP after a 5 year hiatus but am now exploring any and all other options. As one of the most difficult and also most rewarding hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, this trail is more suitable for experienced hikers. This hike starts at the Glacier Gorge Trailhead. Our hotel is located within easy reach of the area's top outdoor attractions, so whether you're into mountain climbing, hiking or waterfall trekking, you'll find it here. Where hikers tread, so do runners. Once you reach Fern Lake Trailhead, you can turn around to double your mileage or hop on the shuttle to get back to your car at Bear Lake. This trail is in Roosevelt National Forest, so it is open year-round and is a popular winter trail here if you have micro-spikes or something similar. Parking for this trail can be tricky. They can provide advice about trails which are appropriate to different fitness and experience levels. Theres an old-fashioned outhouse at the top of the trailhead, so be sure to stop in before you head back down. Dont let the short It's about 6 miles out-and-back. IPW includes the Brainard Lake Rec Area mentioned above. View from Deer Mountain | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. The last mile Hello Matt. The hike gains 1,180 feet in elevation with the highest point being 9,786 feet. During this time, you get to enjoy panoramic views of Rocky Mountain National Park. If you have been hiking in Glacier National Park, this hike looks very similar to the Grinnell Glacier hike. Wild Basin Entrance Park gem (#3 on map) Ouzel Falls at the end of a 2.7 mile hike on the Wild Basin Trail. A map and compass is highly recommended on this trail. Your email address will not be published. However, if you only have the time for one hike, and the thought of a tough, 9-mile hike isnt a deal breaker, we recommend Sky Pond. Ida, you really feel like you are walking on top of the world. The trailhead is located south of Estes Park, off of Highway 7. Keep in mind that in April, there's snow at high elevations. While Lumpy Ridge is technically part of Rocky Mountain National Park, the trailhead lies just outside the Parks borders and is free to park and enter. This trailhead is free to park and enter, but it is just a small pull-off on Highway 7 so parking can be limited. Getting an early start and carefully planning your route are important to making it off the peak before the afternoon showers (and lightening) tend to strike. Apr 12, 2023 Bustang Seasonal Services: Estes Park (RMNP) June 2023 Apr 08, 2023 Reservation Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. In the comments below, let us know which trails you hike again and again! It doesnt take long until you get see amazing views of Longs Peak and Keyboard of the Winds. Ida (we loved the panoramic views along most of the trail, not to mention the jaw-dropping views from Mt. You dont even have to hike the entire 4 miles. Once a beautiful spectacle with a wraparound porch and massive fireplace, the cabin was built by Albert Birch, former city editor of the Denver Post, but burned down on December 21, 1907. Here is a list of a few trails outside the park. This is one of our favorite hikes in RMNP and we highly recommend it if you want unforgettable high alpine views. The trailhead is located off of Highway 7 (south of Estes Park) in the Wild Basin area of Rocky Mountain National Park. This is a wonderful hike to add onto your drive along Trail Ridge Road, and from the trailhead, it is just a 15-minute drive to the Alpine Visitor Center. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Earth Trekkers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn advertising fees by advertising & linking to Amazon.com. WebBest Estes Park Hikes offers details on 20 hikes near Estes Park, from short and scenic, to challenging adventures, including the 11,428-foot summit of Twin Sisters Peak. and pine to reach the beautiful views of Estes Park and the majestic peaks of PRO TRAVEL TIP: For the hikes that start on Bear Lake Road (Bear Lake, Alberta Falls, Mills & Black Lake, Sky Pond, Fern Lake, Hallett Peak) consider either arriving very early in the day (by 7 am) or taking the free park shuttle. Wear layers, and bring rain gear. The path is used by runners, These gloriously cascading falls are at the end of a 0.3-mile hike with little to no incline. To get to Sky Pond, you will rock scramble up a waterfall, which can be refreshing when the weather is warm and downright cold in chilly conditions. WebGlacier Basin Campground (8,500 feet) is adjacent to Estes Park in the awe-inspiring Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. Along the way, keep an eye out for wildflowers, elk, pikas and other animals that can live above 11,000 feet. And as always, please practice Leave No Trace Principles while on the trails of this beautiful Colorado mountain town! Skill Level - Easy / Moderate Open - Year round (as long as snow isn't too deep) Time to Complete - Full day Drive Time From Estes Park - 85 min. Since the trail is lightly traveled, it isnt the most obvious in some areas. What could be simpler than strapping on a pair of good boots and heading out to see, hear, feel and experience nature? So, if not Estes Park and hike RMNP, where else? From the Bear Lake Trailhead, follow signs to Alberta Falls. This trail starts at the Wild Basin Trailhead in the Wild Basin area of the national park, south on Highway 7 from Estes Park. Beyond the Emerald Lake overlook you will reach the summit of Flattop Mountain. You must go down Dunraven-Glade Road and park at the Dunraven Trailhead. Distance: 9 miles Difficulty: Strenuous Length of Time: 4 to 6 hours Location: Longs Peak Trailhead, which is located at the end of Longs Peak Road on the east side of RMNP. If youre not aware of Alltrails.com, its a great site to research trails. Gem Lake | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. before reaching the top, hikers will climb 1,000 feet in elevation, making this The views across the park are incredible. Hikers in the past have seen moose wading in the lake, so keep your eyes open! Black Lake and Mills Lake are often labeled as two of the prettiest lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Trail Ridge Road is also still closed for the season. If you are not acclimated to the higher elevation, its normal to get out of breath very easily. It was easy going the rest of the way Landscapes on either side of the Continental Divide feature To avoid getting caught in a thunderstorm, the easiest solution is to begin your hike in the early morning, so you are hiking out by the time these storms have a chance to show up. loop is just under one mile and is relatively flat, making it an easy addition Along the way, youll also get a birds eye view of Emerald Lake! You can either hike to Fern Lakes and Odessa Lake as a point-to-point hike, starting at Bear Lake and ending at Moraine Park (or vice versa). This is the shortest, most popular hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. While we will spend at least one day in RMNP, we want to do some more hiking but hopefully without the crowds in the park. Major construction has begun at the Fall River Entrance with only one lane available to enter. Rocky Mountain National Park has 355 miles of hiking trails. MORE GREAT HIKES IN THE NATIONAL PARKS: From hikes to the tallest peaks to beautiful coast trails, read our Guide to the Best Day Hikes in the US National Parks. Through this post, I have come to know a lot more about these adventurous hiking trails in Rockey Mountain National Park. These moderate day hikes provide big views for a relatively short time on the trail. I absolutely loved it. Bierstadt Lake is the perfect spot to enjoy a picnic or afternoon snack before your hike back. They find ample opportunities in Estes Park thanks to trails in Rocky Mountain National Park and the national forest lands. LEARN MORE: How to Hike the Twin Sister Peak Trail. Note: Many hikes start at or near Bear Lake: Emerald Lake, Lake Haiyaha, Sky Pond, Black Lake, Fern Lake, Flattop Mountain, and Hallett Peak. Reach the top of the Cathedral Rock Trail and you'll be surrounded by massive rock walls, spy expansive views of Courthouse Butte and Mingus Mountain and walk along the edge of a cliff if you are feeling adventurous. Check out theGuided Excursionssection to read more about guided hikes, fishing expeditions, snowshoeing, climbing, backcountry exploration and more. to your hike. Not only have wildfires damaged homesteads in this area, but the trail was also taken out in 2013 by flooding and was reopened in 2017. The entire hike is less than a mile in length, making it great for all ages and ability levels. From there, it continues to climb at a steady incline and youll be rewarded with spectacular views of the mountains along the Continental Divide. Why you should go: Hike up to one of the most accessible alpine lakes in the Estes Park area! heads up a gully that leads to the summit. From flat strolls to steep climbs, RMNP has tons of hiking options for all levels. Allowing you to find yourself some complete mountain solitude on this trail. While we will spend at least one day in RMNP, we want to do some more hiking but hopefully without the crowds in the park. How can I get to Estes Park without a car? It is also recommended to bring a map and compass on this trail as backup. There is never a boring moment on this trail. Birds abound along this 0.5-mile path that features many benches for resting or just taking in the amazing views of the Continental Divide. No matter what you plan to do while in Missoula, these Airbnbs can complete the puzzle for a perfect escape. Bear Lake | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. This challenging hike starts at Bear Lake and rapidly gains elevation once you are on the Flattop Mountain Trail. Olympus is challenging, but But this trail will make you sweat! Accessible Hikes Outside of Rocky Mountain National Park. The peak sits at 12,889 feet, so youll definitely want to bring layers as conditions will be much windier and colder at the top. Thanks for sharing!!! It has since been mostly restored, but the trail can be difficult to find at times, especially in snow. Old Man Mountain is a Enjoy! Four-legged friends are allowed only along roadsides, in parking areas, picnic areas and campgrounds (full details)insideRocky Mountain National Park, but there are many places to hike in Estes Park that are pet-friendly. If you are looking for a short, easy hike with spectacular views of Rocky Mountain National Park, put this hike at the top of your list. Honorable mention No. Perfect for groups with people at different skill levels. Moose are also very abundant in this area and are known to become aggressive when they feel threatened. Its a flat, beautiful easy First, you will pass lovely Alberta Falls. Are there any scenic hikes around Estes that do not require entry into the park? Park admission into Rocky Mountain National Park will be free this Earth Day, April 22. This is a great hike for newbie hikers who want to summit a mountain in Rocky Mountain National Park. Distance: 3.4 miles Difficulty: Moderate Length of Time: 2 to 3 hours Location: Lumpy Ridge Trailhead. Discover old mine shafts and hike a 1/4 mile to the top of the continental divide. You can ask about current trail conditions at a Visitor Center prior to entering the park. Whether you are walking around a peaceful lake trail or climbing a 14er, this park has something for you! This premium paved trail takes you on a grand exploration of the lake and a 365-degree visual tour of the Estes Valley landscape. Entry into Hermit Park will cost $6, but the views at the top are worth it! Of course, you dont have to hike all of the way to Emerald Lake. This gain brings you high into the Rockies and provides vast 360-degree views of Rocky Mountain National Park, Big Thompson Canyon, the Cache La Poudre Canyon, and the meadows below. Information on hiking around Estes Park, including outfitters and guided hikes, can be found in theHikingsection. Sky Pond is awesome, Chasm Lake is also great but its a little more challenging, and Emerald and Dream Lakes are also favorites of many park visitors. Depending on conditions, technical equipment is typically recommended for safe climbing. Along the trail, there are viewpoints over Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. Trailhead Location. There are three ways to hike to Fern Lake. We know there are so many jaw-dropping Estes Park hikes, that we couldnt list them all. Those looking for a shorter, easier hike can turn around at this point. In Rocky Mountain National Park, hiking is the number-one activity. Even when you are in town you can enjoy a leisurely nature walk around Lake Estes. But even the most fit, acclimated hikers can feel winded and out-of-breath on this short hike. 2023 The Group, Inc. All rights reserved, The 10 Best Off-Road Trails in Northern Colorado, The 9 Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park to See Fall Colors, The Best Outdoor and Indoor Places to Go Rock Climbing in Northern Colorado. popular lakes inside the park, Sprague Lake via the Adams Tunnel East Portal While there is a slight incline of 968 feet, there are some rather steep spots. If you plan to visit the park during the summer months, you will also need to reserve your timed permit in advance. From the viewpoint, you are standing at 12,005 feet. For information on additional hiking in the Estes Park area, including outfitters, guided options and pet-friendly excursions (as pets are only allowed alongroadsides, in parking areas, picnic areas and campgrounds in RMNP)please visit ourHikingsection. The Fern lake Trailhead is located centrally in the park, near the west end of Moraine Park, inside Rocky Mountain National Park. Your email address will not be published. From short, easy strolls around lakes, to ridgeline trails with panoramic views, to challenging but epic climbs to the tallest mountain peaks, there truly is something here for everyone. Mount Olympus. We have compiles a short list of hikes at a variety of skill levels, so you can find the perfect trail adventure for you. Because youll be traveling through alpine tundra, be sure to bring layers! Recreate responsibly. Kruger Rock Trail is an out-and-back trail that is very popular among locals. If you are visiting Rocky Mountain National Park, I encourage you to explore outside the park as well! Mount Meeker to Lumpy Ridge and the Mummy Range. Northeast of Estes Park, Crosier Mountain, near the town of Glen Haven, offers four trailheads with access to the forest: Garden Gate, Rainbow, North Fork, and Bulwark. More in the need of a classic cocktail? Cheers, Julie. Expect lots of wind and cold temperatures, even during the summer months. In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. The Glacier Gorge Trailhead is one of the most popular in the park, so if youre arriving after 8 a.m. you may want to consider parking elsewhere and using the free park shuttle to access the trailhead. https://www.valhallaresort.com/blog/accessible-hikes-outside-of-rocky-mountain-national-park/, https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/lake-isabelle, http://www.protrails.com/area/5/indian-peaks-wilderness-area-james-peak-wilderness-area, Get answers to your questions about Estes Park. Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park 1. If you have more than a few days in RMNP and need some warm-up hikes, good options are Emerald Lake, Deer Mountain, and Twin Sisters. Northeast of Estes Park, Crosier Mountain, near the town of With over 300 miles of trails in the national park and more in the national forest and Hermit Parkthere is truly a trek for every skill level and interest. The outdoor pool is a great spot for a Hiking is one of my favorite and all-the-time go-to activities during my trip abroad. For much of the hike you are walking along the Continental Divide. Enjoy beautiful flowers, romantic waterfalls and relaxing parks as you travel the downtown Riverwalk. Why you should go: What better way to find some solitude than in a place called Hermit Park? EP in June for family reunion-many questions! From lush valleys to craggy peaks with elevations reaching over 14,000 feet, visitors are provided opportunities for countless breathtaking experiences and adventures. For the ultimate hiking experience in Rocky Mountain National Park, Before you go, get updated trail conditions on the, If this is part of a bigger road trip through the USA, visit our, for more inspiration and travel planning tips. If you are hiking through a canyon or in a pass that blocks your surrounding view, it is very easy to get caught in a very serious situation. Lake Hiayaha, the final lake if you keep going on the Emerald Lake trail in Rocky Mountain National Park. Best traveled between May and October, the Donner Pass Trail is a lightly trafficked out-and-back trail. Find details in thewinter hikingsection. Why you should go: Go back in time as you hike up through pristine alpine country to the remains of 8 homesteads that date back to 1889. A 20 percent chance of showers after 3pm. The steep elevation gain is what deters most people, but dont be discouraged! While it is a popular trail, youll likely find spaces available early-mid morning. If this is your first day at RMNP, and one of your first days in Colorado, be prepared to take a few breaks. Option:Slightly more advanced hikers can continue on to Calypso Cascades along the Thunder Lake Trail for about another 1.1 miles. If this sounds like a hike you would like to do, it will take some planning and patience. Ida. Arguably the easiest hike in Rocky Mountain National Park (next to Sprague Lake), youll be granted extraordinary views of Bear Lake and the nearby peaks just minutes from the parking lot. When we did this, we saw lots of elk, some of them males with enormous antlers. Youll pass the 30-foot Alberta Falls, Icy Brook and several other waterfalls before eventually reaching The Loch at 10,190 feet. Ida, and Tombstone Ridge are the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park for your list. This makes it a challenging hike for beginners, but the views along the way and at the top are well worth the challenge! Recorded Trail Ridge Road status: (970) 586-1222. more information on current conditions An excellent interpretive nature trail circles this popular subalpine lake at the end of Bear Lake Road. So, I am confident I would agree with your information on the hikes I havent done! West northwest wind 6 to 8 mph becoming east southeast in the afternoon. Access one of the most Example video title will go here for this video. Sky Pond Trail 8. While it is always important to check the weather before you leave for a hike, unfortunately weather forecasts dont mean a whole lot in Colorado. soaring eagles. Your best bet is to get familiar with weather patterns and be able to recognize any dangerous looking clouds. Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park: On a Map. Trail Type: Out-and-back. Be sure to start early in the morning during summer months to avoid afternoon thunderstorms, pack a lunch or snack and wear layers! Lake Haiyaha Trail How to Get to Estes Park Wrapping It Up Julie Last updated: April 25, 2023 United States 9 Comments. For much of the hike you are walking along the Continental Divide. Panoramic views and access to many other great peaks lure hikers up this mountain in the middle of the park. Wildlife is abundant on this trail, especially the unique birds and raptors that call this section of the Rocky Mountains home. But easily passable with hiking poles. Mostly sunny, with a high near 63. summit. On the hike to Mt. Follow the trail back north and downhill to the west to find the cabin Birch built in 1908 to replace the original. Our website uses cookies. What a great place to live! WebYou can get to the Fall River Entrance by driving 5-10 minutes on US 34 west from Estes Park. towering over Sprague Lake. With its short distance and manageable elevation gain, it is a great first hike in the park, as you acclimate to the higher elevation (if you havent already spent some time in the Rocky Mountains). Starting Memorial Day weekend, you can park at the Park & Ride Transit Hub and take the shuttle bus along the Bear Lake Road corridor. Copeland Falls:Enjoy an easy hike with a great payoff! Atkins, often with his father and son, usually spends a few weeks each summer at the park, which has been a family tradition for decades. The ambiance and wildlife are just as spectacular if you aren't huffing and puffing up a steep mountainside, after all. Length: 2.5 miles Elevation gain: 1,438 feet Route: Out and back Difficulty: Whatever your plans, be sure to take a ride on the Estes Park Aerial Tramway up to the summit of Prospect Mountain for stunning views over the valley. Distance: 4 miles Difficulty: Easy to moderate Length of Time: 1.5 to 3 hours Location: Ute Trailhead on Trail Ridge Road, 7 miles east of the Alpine Visitor Center, Tombstone Ridge | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. https://www.valhallaresort.com/blog/accessible-hikes-outside-of-rocky-mountain-national-park/ In my opinion, these trails pale in comparison to the scenery you will see on hikes in RMNP and I would not choose them over being in the park. WebLocated south of Estes Park in Rocky Mountain National Park, this trail is easy to access directly along Highway 7. Each of these hikes is a day hike, so they can all be completed in one day. Hike with a friend. Early May best route to Estes Park 4:14 pm. This is a very pretty hike, but there are several other lake hikes that we would recommend first, before putting this hike on your list. We will be in Estes Park in mid July. Technical gear like snowshoes, micro-spikes or crampons might be needed, depending on conditions. Once you reach Chasm Lake, your workout is rewarded with a jaw-dropping view of Longs Peak. 9NEWS+ has multiple live daily shows including 9NEWS Mornings, Next with Kyle Clark and 9NEWS+ Daily, an original streaming program. Begin your journey at Bear Lake and head toward Odessa Lake and Flattop Mountain. There is a trailhead named Miller Creek/Fork Trailhead that is where this trail begins; but currently, you cant park at this trailhead unless you have a resident pass. Instead, it open space, the hike to Kruger Rock is spectacular and one of our favorite Recently Updated We live in Colorado Springs now and have visited the other 3 Colorado national parks very recently, but its time to get back to uncover more of Rocky Mountain NP! Run along river paths or head towards mountain summits. This list starts with the easiest trails and progresses to the longer, more challenging hikes. WebSuggested Hikes - Rocky Mountain National Park (U.S. National Park Service) Rocky Mountain National Park Colorado NPS.gov Park Home Plan Your Visit Things To Do There are three ways to hike to Fern Lake. It follows a wooden trail in the southernmost part of RMNP. There is a small entrance fee you will have to pay, and dogs are allowed in the park on leash. Sisters, and downtown Estes Park. 8:49 pm. Watch more from 9NEWS on the free 9NEWS+ app for Roku and Fire TV. Arrive at the Bear Lake trailhead parking lot early (by 9 a.m.) before it fills up. beautiful views, take a walk around Lake Estes. historical rock peak located just outside of Estes Park. And when in doubt, head out! WebBus to Estes Park from Denver and Boulder (Elkstang to Estes), then take the RMNP shuttle to Bear Lake corridor. There are others as well. People climbing on the west side of Alluvial Fan. If this sounds like a hike you would like to do, it will take some planning and patience. Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. Located south of Estes Park in Rocky Mountain National Park, this trail is easy to access directly along Highway 7. For those with restriction of time, mobility or skills a simple trek around a lake or meadow will suffice quite nicely. Here are the best waterfalls near RMNP and Estes Park, CO, in no particular order: Alberta Falls Alberta Falls in Estes Park, CO. Photo: Bert Cash Alberta Falls is Some of these trails will add another mile or so onto your hike, but this hike is more of an adventure anyway so why not? ESTES PARK, Colo. Did you know that Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) encompasses 415 square miles (265,807 acres)? Ida on day 3. Located in Roosevelt National Forest, this is a popular and relatively short trail used for backpacking. There is no defined trail, so the scramble This hike features sweeping fields of wildflowers in the spring. A park favorite, this hike to a mountain pond travels through woods that blaze with color in the fall. If you prefer to keep your hikes short and sweet, read our guide to the Best Short Hikes in the National Parks. The national forest allows hiking with your leashed dog and can be accessed in a number of areas around Estes Park. What better way to take in all the spirit of Estes Park than to stroll through the enchanted village, taking in the high-peak views and deep breaths of pine-infused air? Best hiked in March-September, Lily Mountain Trail is a great way to start or end a day exploring Estes Park. This is an essential hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. Tip:The Fern Lake area was the location of the Fern Lake Fire in late 2012. For currenttrail conditionsand more information on trails and hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park, please visitNPS.gov/ROMO. This is a great hike for almost all ages and ability levels. Bus to Eldorado Canyon State Park from Boulder or Superior (Eldo Shuttle). The quick access to food and water from higher altitude canyons and mountains makes this an ideal spot for local wildlife to move through. The Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge is a wonderful, short, easy hike to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. Related Read:11 Beautiful National Forests in Colorado for Outdoor Recreation. Gem Lake is a short but strenuous hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. Summit elevation 10,013' (gain of 1083'). Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. Advanced Reservations if needed July trip, Bustang Seasonal Services: Estes Park (RMNP) June 2023. Located just minutes from RMNP and downtown Estes Park, Valhalla Resort makes the perfect jumping-off point for all your hiking adventures, inside and outside the park. Tip:Look for a unique rock formation along the way, known as Paul Bunyan's Boot; it looks like a boot with a hole in the sole.Option:If you want to make a day of it, the Lumpy Ridge loop continues past Gem Lake, looping around the Cow Creek and the Black Canyon Trails. Not only do you get to visit a pretty lake but you also get sweeping views of Estes Park with Longs Peak in the distance. Spend several days in the park, hiking the other trails, to acclimate yourself to the higher elevation.
