Rocky Mountain National Park has 355 miles of hiking trails. These range from Easy Hikes to Strenuous hikes. No matter the difficulty you choose, the views of the mountains and lakes are incredible. The easy hikes are perfect for a short day hike to get acclimated, or just someone who wants to get out in nature. Here are 5 easy hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park.
1. Bear Lake
Bear Lake is the shortest of the easy hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park.
It is categorized as a hike, but it’s really just a walk for all nature lovers. This trail is less than 1 mile in length and it is gravel. The elevation is relatively flat all the way around the loop. Bear Lake is a perfect spot for a sunset after a day of exploring Estes Park.
If you are wanting to visit Bear Lake during the day, aim to get there early. Getting there early helps avoid the crowd and get a parking spot.
Bear Lake Information
Distance: 0.7 miles (Loop)
Elevation Gain: 50 ft
Estimated Time: 15 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Location: Bear Lake Trailhead
2. Alberta Falls
Alberta Falls is the easiest waterfall hike in Rocky Mountain National Park.
This out & back trail follows the Glacier Creek all the way to the waterfall. The best thing about the hike to Alberta Falls is you are able to branch off the trail and visit lakes or keep going to mountain peaks! You can access this trail from two different trailheads- Glacier Gorge Trailhead or Bear Lake Trailhead. Which trailhead you start at will be contingent on how early you get there and which has parking available.
Glacier Gorge Trailhead is the ideal place to begin.
Alberta Falls Information
Distance: 1.6 miles (Out & Back)
Elevation Gain: 232 ft
Estimated Time: 45 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Location: Glacier Gorge Trailhead
3. Sprague Lake
Sprague Lake is another easy lake hike in Rocky Mountain National Park.
This hike is similar to Bear Lake in terms of difficulty. All around the lake are benches that allow you to sit and enjoy the view. You will catch glimpses of the snow-capped peaks, the Continental Divide, and you may even see some fisherman at the lake!
If you are interested in camping, there is also a back-country campsite nearby.
Sprague Lake Information
Distance: 0.8 Miles (Loop)
Elevation Gain: 36 ft
Estimated Time: 20 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Location: Sprague Lake Trailhead
4. Nymph Lake
Nymph Lake is the easiest “true lake hike” in Rocky Mountain National Park.
This lake is on a very populated trail. This trail is used by many to go all the way up to some of the highest peaks in the park. But hiking to Nymph Lake will only take you about 45 minutes on the trail. When you get to the lake, you will have a beautiful back drop of those peaks.
You could bring lunch, or a snack, and find a rock for a peaceful, light, meal.
Nymph Lake Information
Distance: 1.2 Miles (Out & Back)
Elevation Gain: 262 ft
Estimated Time: 45 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Location: Bear Lake Trailhead
5. Dream Lake
Dream Lake is a perfect beginner hike in easy season.
Getting to Dream Lake involves using the same trail as you would to get to Nymph Lake, but you keep going. That’s 2 lakes in 1 hike! This trail is highly trafficked, so you can expect lots of people. Dream Lake is one of our favorite hikes to grab an easy snack and relax at.
We visited this lake in September and it was beautiful!
Dream Lake Information
Distance: 2.0 Miles (Out & Back)
Elevation Gain: 426 ft
Estimated Time: 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy
Location: Bear Lake Trailhead
Summary
These are 5 of the most beautiful, but easy hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park.
If you are a beginner, or someone trying to acclimate on your first few days at high elevation, these are for you. Always remember to check for Park closures and updates on the dedicated Rocky Mountain National Park website.
Happy exploring and don’t forget to bring water!