Check out this KAT's Hiking Guide to Rocky Mountain NP trip by katherinebeard on Steller!

KAT's Hiking Guide to Rocky Mountain NPThe towering peaks of Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) are sure to make your jaw drop. I visited back during the summer of 2021, completing a series of popular hikes here with alpine lakes, jagged peaks, and all sorts of trails for beginning and pro hikers! Note that reservations are required!!Authorskatherinebeard
DestinationsRocky Mountain National ParkItinerary

EASY

Bear Lake
Stroll on this 0.7-mile loop trail with minimal elevation change that takes about 30 minutes to complete when you're stopping to take photos! My favorite time to be there is at sunrise because the mountains glow pink and there are fewer crowds.
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Alberta Falls
Hike this out and back trail that is 1.6 miles round trip with about 160 ft (49 m) of elevation gain to a cascading waterfall. Listen as the water rushes by.
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Lily Lake
Take a walk on this 0.8 miles round trip path by Lily Lake admiring the jutting rock formations and surrounding mountains. There is minimal elevation gain too.
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Sprague Lake
Just a 0.8-mile loop with 34 feet of elevation change, this trail boasts amazing views of the surrounding Rockies. In the summer the lake reflects the peaks on a clear day or is frozen over in the winter looking like a real-life snow globe. There is no wrong time to enjoy the views here!
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MODERATE

Lake Haiyaha
Just 4.4 miles in total and 750 ft of elevation gain on the way up, this trail will bring you to the shores of the famous Lake Haiyaha. In the sunshine the shores sparkle bright, milky turqouise!
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Nymph Lake
The first lake on the Three Lakes Trail in RMNP. This spot is magical at sunrise, especially with the floating lily pads.
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Dream Lake
The second lake on the Three Lakes Trail. This is a beautiful spot in both summer and the winter (as the lake freezes over completely, but still be careful!!)
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Emerald Lake
The third and final lake on the Three Lakes Trail is Emerald! Admire its sparkling, clear, blue-green waters on a sunny day with the dramatic peaks in its reflection. The entire trail has aboout 744 ft. of elevation gain and is 3.4 miles long.
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Alpine Ridge Trail
A short and steep trail that takes you to the Continental Divide, so cool! Of course there are also amazing views of the surrounding mountains too. The trail is 0.6 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 162 ft.
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Ouzel Falls
This trail is 5.4 miles roundtrip and includes 950 ft. of elevation gain to reach the misting, cascading falls.
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Gem Lake Trail
A short 3.4 miles roundtrip with 830 ft. of elevation gain lies this alpine lake in the Lumpy Ridge area. The cliffs around the lake look so unique in comparison to the surrounding mountains.
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DIFFICULT

Sky Pond
An out-and-back trail 8.6 miles long and with 1,774 ft. of elevation gain leads you to this sparkling alpine lake. Bring a picnic to enjoy along the shores!
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Twin Sisters Peaks
7.4 miles with 2,493 ft. of elevation gain, this hike has amazing views of the Continental Divide and Longs Peak.
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Mount Ida
Spot turquoise lakes from above as well as surrounding mountain peaks once you reach the summit of this 9.6 mile trail.
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Flattop Mountain Trail
Hike up 8.5 miles (round trip) with 2,874 ft. elevation gain for views of Hallet Peak and the Tyndall Glacier at the summit.
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Hallett Peak
At 9.7 miles with 3,270 ft. of elevation gain, this peak is easily accesible from Flattop Mountain trail (so I'd recommend combining the two!).
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Longs Peak
EXPERIENCED CLIMBERS ONLY: At 14,259 feet, Longs Peak towers above the other summits in RMNP! It is the only Colorado 14er inside the NP. The Keyhole Route is not a hike!!! It is a climb that crosses sheer vertical rock faces with falling rocks, requiring scrambling, where an unroped fall would likely be fatal. The trail is 13.3-miles out-and-back with 4,934 ft. of elevation gain.
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