Colorado is home to the pristine Rocky Mountain National Park. These 415 square miles of National Park and mountainous land provide endless possibilities to explore! Among this land is also 300 miles of hiking trails! Many of the best hikes are also easy for beginners!
With so many opportunities, also comes the flexibility for each exploration of the park to be unique. If you‘re new to hiking, a mountain range may make you feel reluctant in starting, but Rocky Mountain National Park offers many trails suitable for all levels of hikers!
Where does one begin this new exploration? Our Travel Makes Me Happy team has gathered our top suggestions for the best easy hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park for you to try on your next trip to Colorado!
We also have a guide for hikes near Little Rock, Arkansas and Smoky Mountain National Park hikes if you’ll be in those areas too!
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Table of contents
Don’t forget to pack a backpack for essentials when hiking! We love this inexpensive packable 40L backpack from Amazon because it is a perfect size to fit everything for our hikes and folds down so it doesn’t take up too much space in our suitcase or hooked to the handle of our carry-on!
Our favorite easy hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park:
Adams Falls
This is a relatively flat trail that follows along the East Inlet of Grand Lake leading to Adams Falls, a 55-foot waterfall. The hike to the falls is relatively short, but there’s an option to continue along the trail which brings you to views of the river, Lone Pine Lake, Lake Verna and Spirit Lake.
Length of Trail: 0.9 miles
Sightseeing Highlights on the Trail:
*Adams Falls
*Lush Pine Forest
Location of Trail: East Inlet Trailhead [Grand Lake, CO]
Tip: You can combine a visit here with a visit to Breckenridge, Colorado too and bring the whole family! Getaway to Breckenridge, CO this winter with these flexible cancellation vacation rentals from Vrbo!
Alberta Falls
Enjoy the beautiful aspen trees and mountain views, especially in the fall when the leaves are in change. The trail leads you to a 30-foot waterfall, Alberta Falls, that plunges down into a gorge. Be mindful that this is a muti-purpose trail, meaning you are likely to cross paths with hikers, runners, horseback riders, and even snowshoes.
Length of Trail: 1.6 miles Sightseeing Highlights on the Trail:
– Alberta Falls
– Option to Continue Hike to: Mills Lake and Loch Vale [moderate hike]
Location of Trail: Glacier Gorge Trailhead [Estes Park, CO]
Navigating to From Parking Area: Turn Left at the Fork in the Trail [0.2 miles (6 minutes) from Trailhead/Parking]
A video short of our favorite RMNP hikes!
Alluvial Fan Trail
This unassuming stop is breathtaking once you round the trail to take in the full site of the water rushing over the huge boulder field! There is an awesome bridge to view the Endovalley area or the falls and it makes a great photo spot! If you decide to climb the boulders to the top of the falls make sure you have good treaded shoes because we slipped quite a few times. The surrounding area is also a great lunch spot at this trail!
Length of Trail: .05 miles
Sightseeing Highlights on the Trail:
– Horseshoe Falls, Cascading water over the boulder field
– Can also see Mummy Range and Endovalley
Location of Trail: Old Fall River Road not far from the Beaver Meadows Estes Park entrance to the park. This makes a great first stop.
Alpine Ridge
While this hike is short, it’s a climb! This trail covers 225 manmade stairs that lead to the peak of the path and outstanding viewing point, that’s so worth the elevation gain! Due to the elevation gain, it is highly suggested to travel with a jacket, as the peak can be rather windy and cold, even in the summer months.
Length of Trail: 0.7 miles
Sightseeing Highlights on the Trail:
-Panoramic Views of Wildflower Fields and Mountain Peaks Location of Trail: Alpine Visitor Center [Grand Lake, CO]
Bear Lake
Flat, well-marked, gorgeous views, and frequent wildlife sightings: there is no questioning why this trail is so popular, especially with beginning hikers. This short loop hugs the shores of stunning Bear Lake, while also providing views of Glacier Gorge, Longs Peak, Half Mountain and Hallet Peak.
Bierstadt Lake
Bierstadt Lake Trail offers some elevation gain within the first mile, making it a good choice for beginner hikers seeking a short-distance challenge. After the initial incline the loop around the lake offers a nice easy walk, with potential picnic and reflection spots. Throughout the trail soak up the views of Bierstadt Lake and, upon reaching the opposite side of the lake, incredible mountain views as well.
Length of Trail: 3.2 miles
Sightseeing Highlights on the Trail:
– Bierstadt Lake
-Snow-capped Mountains
Location of Trail: RMNP Park & Ride [Estes Park, CO]
Copeland Falls to Calypso Cascades
Pass several small streams on your well-shaded journey to multiple, breath-taking, waterfall views. Starting with Lower Copeland Falls, then navigating a short side trail to view Upper Copeland Falls, and other waterways along the North St. Vrain Creek before arriving at the Calypso Cascades. The Cascades create a refreshing backdrop to the beautiful forest and mountain views.
Length of Trail: 3.6 miles
Sightseeing Highlights on the Trail:
–Waterfalls (Lower Copeland Falls, Upper Copeland Falls, Calypso Cascades and unnamed waters) -Mountains
Location of Trail: Wild Basin Trailhead [Allenspark, CO]
Navigating to From Parking Area: Trail to Copeland Falls Begins Directly at Parking for Wild Basin Trailhead. Once at Falls, continue on trail, keeping south (left) at the fork in the trail (approximately 1.2 miles out to continue to Calypso Cascades.
Lily Lake
Take in the fresh pine air, calm lake vibes and mountain views along Lily Lake Trail. The entire trail is flat, spacious, and also paved in sections, making it a great choice if wheelchair or stroller accessibility is essential for your hiking group. This loop offers many opportunities and locations to stop for a snack and relaxation throughout too.
Length of Trail: 0.8 miles
Sightseeing Highlights on the Trail:
–Variety of Fish within the Lake – Catch and Release Fishing -Birdwatching
-Mountain Views (Longs Peak, Estes Cone and Mount Meeker)
Location of Trail: Lily Lake Trailhead [Estes Park, CO]
Sprague Lake
Take in impressive mountain and water views along this short trail before pausing at the picnic area to relax. Due to the vast variety of mountain sightseeing, as well as aspen grove hillsides and the surrounding lake, that can be done along this route it truly gives beginner hikers a great taste of all that Rocky Mountain National Park is known for. Sprague Lake Loop is open year-round and fully accessible (wheelchairs and strollers).
Length of Trail: 0.9 miles
Sightseeing Highlights on the Trail:
–Wildlife Sightings (Moose)
-Mountain Views (Half Mountain, Thatchtop Mountain, Otis Peak, Flattop Mountain, Taylor Peak, Notchtop Mountain, and Hallett Peak)
Location of Trail: Sprague Lake Trailhead [Estes Park, CO]
Bottom Line on These Easy Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park
We love hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park and try to go at least once a year (or more)! Have you explored any of these hiking trails? Which will be at the top of your bucket list? Drop us a line and let us know your favorites!
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