Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park (2026 Guide and Local Tips)
Looking for the best hiking trails in Rocky Mountain National Park without the crowds? This local guide covers easy, moderate, and hard hiking trails near Estes Park, Colorado away from Bear Lake, plus everything you need to know about timed entry permits.
Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park Without Crowds
While many visitors head straight to Bear Lake, some of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park are found just outside the busiest areas. These trails offer incredible views, fewer crowds, and a more peaceful experience in nature.
Quick Picks:
Easy: Lily Lake Loop (flat, amazing mountain views, options to add mileage)
Moderate: Mills Lake (waterfalls, alpine lake, stunning scenery)
Hard: Bluebird Lake (remote, rugged adventure, breathtaking scenery)
Easy Hike in RMNP: Lily Lake Loop (Best for Relaxed Scenic Views)
If you want a peaceful, low-effort hike that’s family friendly with incredible mountain scenery opportunities for wildlife viewing, Lily Lake is one of the best-kept secrets in the park.
Distance: 0.8 miles
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Trailhead: Lily Lake (no shuttle required)
Timed Entry: 9 am – 2 pm
This flat loop circles a quiet alpine lake with stunning views of Longs Peak and Mount Meeker. It’s perfect if you're:
Adjusting to altitude
Short on time
Wanting a calm, scenic experience
There are several side trails if you want to add mileage and difficulty
Perfect for families
Bonus: You’re outside the Bear Lake madness, so your morning can be slower and relaxed.
Best Guided Hiking Tours in Rocky Mountain National Park for Women
At Femme Trek, we offer guided hiking experiences designed specifically for women who want to explore with confidence. If you want to experience the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park without the stress of planning, navigating, or dealing with permits, we’ve got you. Let us handle the logistics so you can just show up and hike.
Moderate Hike in RMNP: Mills Lake (Waterfalls + Alpine Views)
This is one of the most rewarding moderate hikes in RMNP.
Distance: 5.6 miles roundtrip
Elevation Gain: ~750 ft
Trailhead: Glacier Gorge
Timed Entry: 5 am – 6 pm (Bear Lake Corridor required)
You’ll pass:
Alberta Falls Alberta Falls (this area can become crowded, so passing through early is advised)
Breathtaking iconic Rocky Mountain scenery along the trail
Stunning alpine lake surrounded by peaks
Pro Tip: Start early. The earlier you go, the more peaceful it feels and parking is much easier.
Shuttle Tip: Park at the Bear Lake Park & Ride and take the free shuttle.
Hard Hike in RMNP: Bluebird Lake (Remote + Wild Alpine Experience)
This is one of the best hard hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park for experienced hikers seeking solitude. The final stretch is rocky and exposed, but the payoff is a stunning alpine lake in RMNP far from the crowds.
Distance: 12.6 miles roundtrip
Elevation Gain: ~2,500 ft
Trailhead: Wild Basin (no shuttle)
Timed Entry: 9 am – 2 pm
Along the way, you’ll experience:
Calypso Cascades
Ouzel Falls
Rugged, less-traveled terrain
This is a serious hike:
Start early (summer thunderstorms roll in fast)
Be prepared for changing weather (rain, hail, snow, sun, sleet, etc)
Read “Survival of the Prepared: What Every Hiker Should Know Before Things Go Wrong”
Timed Entry Permits for Rocky Mountain National Park (What You NEED to Know)
From late May through mid-October, Rocky Mountain National Park requires timed entry.
Two options:
Bear Lake Corridor + Full Park Access
Park Access (excludes Bear Lake)
Reservations open 1 month in advance at 8 a.m. MDT
Limited permits drop at 7 p.m. the night before
Reserve at Recreation.gov
Don’t Forget: Park Entrance Pass for RMNP
Timed entry is separate from your park entrance pass.
You’ll still need a valid entrance pass:
Buy at park entrances
Or online ahead of time
Final Tips for Summer Hiking in RMNP
Start early (seriously, this matters)
Bring water and electrolytes (altitude hits hard)
Pack layers (weather changes fast)
Respect wildlife and Leave No Trace
Enjoy a Stress-Free, Guided Experience with Femme Trek
If you’d rather skip the planning, permits, and guesswork, we’ve got you.
At Femme Trek, we offer guided hiking experiences designed specifically for women who want to explore Rocky Mountain National Park with confidence.
You’ll get:
Trails matched to your ability
A supportive, welcoming environment
Guidance on safety, pacing, and altitude
A deeper connection to the outdoors