Last updated: May 28, 2026
Discover the best easy hikes to try in RMNP that are great for beginners and families! Colorado is home to Rocky Mountain National Park, a haven for breathtaking mountain scenery and great outdoor hiking fun. We love going there as often as we can to experience all of the natural mountain beauty of this area.
Spanning 415 square miles of pristine wilderness, Rocky Mountain National Park boasts an incredible 350 miles of hiking trails just waiting to be explored!
Best of all, many of these trails are relatively easy and perfect for beginners, making it possible to enjoy the stunning natural landscapes without breaking a sweat.
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With so much natural beauty to discover, each visit to the park can be a unique adventure. If you’re new to hiking, the towering mountains might seem a bit intimidating at first, but don’t worry because Rocky Mountain National Park has plenty of easy trails that are accessible, enjoyable, and just right for all skill levels.
Our Travel Makes Me Happy team has put together a list of the best easy hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park to help you plan your perfect outdoor escape. We love exploring the trails and usually try to stay at least a weekend in Lyon’s, Colorado on the way up!
We also have guides for Hikes near Little Rock, Arkansas and Smoky Mountain National Park hikes if you’ll be in those areas too!
- What to know before you go to RMNP:
- Our favorite easy hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park:
- Adams Falls Trail
- Alberta Falls
- Alluvial Fan Trail
- Alpine Ridge Trail
- Bear Lake Loop
- Bierstadt Lake
- Copeland Falls to Calypso Cascades Hike
- Lily Lake Loop
- Sprague Lake
- Hidden Gems Near Rocky Mountain National Park Not to Miss
- Easy One-Day Rocky Mountain National Park Hiking Itinerary
- RMNP Easy Hikes Essential Packing List Items:
- More mountain, hiking, and road trip guides:
- FAQs About Easy Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park:
- Bottom Line on These Easy Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park
- Read on for More Recent Travel Tips and Articles
What to know before you go to RMNP:
For 2026, RMNP timed entry is required from May 22 through October 12 for general park access from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Timed Entry + Bear Lake Road is required from May 22 through October 18 for Bear Lake Road from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. Check the Rocky Mountain National Park website for any updates.
- Parking fills early
- Bring layers even in summer
- Altitude can make short hikes feel harder
- Pets are not allowed on RMNP trails
Our favorite easy hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park:
Watch our video short of our favorite RMNP hikes on YouTube!
Adams Falls Trail
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.
- Distance: 0.9 miles round-trip
- Elevation Gain: Approximately 200 feet
- Trailhead Location: East Inlet Trailhead near Grand Lake
- Highlights: A gentle hike leading to the scenic Adams Falls, with opportunities to extend the hike to meadows and additional lakes.
🏕️You can also see the mountains with a glass top bus tour! It’s a great way to see the Rockies and combine with hikes!
Alberta Falls
Enjoy the beautiful aspen trees and mountain views. 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.
- Distance: 1.6 miles round-trip
- Elevation Gain: Approximately 200 feet
- Trailhead Location: Glacier Gorge Trailhead
- Highlights: A popular trail leading to the impressive 30-foot Alberta Falls, especially vibrant during spring and early summer.
⛰️Don’t forget to pack a great backpack for hiking! We love this inexpensive packable 40L backpack from Amazon!☀️
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! 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 on or near huge boulders at the entrance to this trail!
TIP: There is an awesome bridge to view the Endovalley area or the falls and it makes a great photo spot! Also, the trail has been widened and has a cushioned material making it even easier to hike!
- Distance: 0.5 miles round-trip
- Elevation Gain: 50 feet
- Trailhead Location: Endovalley Road
- Highlights: Features a cascading waterfall over boulders, resulting from a historic flood. The area offers unique geological insights and is a favorite for families.
📌🌄Our Favorite trusted Rocky Mountain National Park Tours to try with GYG:
- Rocky Mountain National Park Safari Truck Tour
- Rocky Mountain Escape Tour
- Half-Day RMNP Mountains to Sky Tour-Photographer’s dream!
Alpine Ridge Trail
While this hike is short, it’s a slight climb. This trail leads to the peak of the path and outstanding mountain peak 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.
- Distance: 0.6 miles round-trip
- Elevation Gain: Approximately 200 feet
- Trailhead Location: Alpine Visitor Center, off Trail Ridge Road
- Highlights: This short but steep trail, offers breathtaking panoramic views of the alpine tundra and surrounding peaks. At over 12,000 feet in elevation, it’s one of the highest trails in the park, providing a unique perspective of this extraordinary landscape.
- Most Photogenic Spot: At the summit, capture sweeping views of the Mountains and Trail Ridge Road snaking through the landscape below. Sunsets here are particularly stunning.
Bear Lake Loop
Flat, easy hiking, well-marked, gorgeous views, and frequent wildlife sightings: it’s no wonder 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.
- Distance: 0.6 miles round-trip
- Elevation Gain: Minimal
- Trailhead Location: Bear Lake Trailhead
- Highlights: This short loop offers picturesque views of Bear Lake with reflections of surrounding peaks. The well-maintained path is suitable for all ages and is wheelchair accessible.
- Most Photogenic Spot: Capture the stunning reflection of Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain on the calm waters of Bear Lake, especially during sunrise.
🏞️This guided hiking tour is great for solo female travelers and friend groups!
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.
- Distance: 3.2 miles round-trip (via Bierstadt Lake Trailhead)
- Elevation Gain: Approximately 675 feet Trailhead Location: Bierstadt Lake Trailhead on Bear Lake Road
- Highlights: The Bierstadt Lake Trail offers a moderate challenge with rewarding views. The trail winds through a serene forest and opens up to Bierstadt Lake, a picturesque alpine lake surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Continental Divide. It’s a great spot for a peaceful picnic or to simply soak in the stunning scenery.
- Most Photogenic Spot: The lakeshore provides the perfect backdrop for capturing reflections of the towering mountain peaks in the calm water, especially during sunrise or sunset.
Copeland Falls to Calypso Cascades Hike
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
Elevation Gain: Minimal - Trailhead Location: Wild Basin Trailhead
- Highlights: A serene forested path leading to the picturesque Copeland Falls, with options to continue to Calypso Cascades for a longer hike.
- Most Photogenic Spot: The lower falls, where water streams through moss-covered rocks, creating a tranquil scene.
Lily Lake Loop
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.
- Distance: 0.8 miles round-trip
- Elevation Gain: Minimal
- Trailhead Location: Lily Lake Trailhead
- Highlights: A flat loop around Lily Lake, offering views of Longs Peak and abundant wildflowers during the summer months. It’s a great birdwatching spot as well
Sprague Lake
Take in impressive mountain and water views along this short hiking 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).
- Distance: 0.5 miles round-trip
- Elevation Gain: Minimal
- Trailhead Location: Sprague Lake Picnic Area
- Highlights: A flat, easy trail encircling Sprague Lake, providing panoramic mountain vistas. Ideal for sunrise or sunset walks, and excellent for birdwatching.
- 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)
Hidden Gems Near Rocky Mountain National Park Not to Miss
One of the best parts about planning easy hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park is that the adventure doesn’t have to stop when you leave the trail. Estes Park has some fun, scenic, and quirky stops that are perfect before or after a park day, especially if you want coffee, mountain views, or something memorable that doesn’t require another long hike.
Coffee on the Rocks
Coffee on the Rocks is one of our favorite little stops near the park entrance because it combines coffee, scenery, snacks, and mountain-town charm in one easy place. It’s a great spot to grab coffee before heading into Rocky Mountain National Park, but we also love that they have breakfast and lunch sandwiches, snacks, and provisions you can bring along for an easy day hike.
The setting is what makes it feel extra special. Coffee on the Rocks sits by a scenic duck pond with the Big Thompson River nearby, and you can relax outside, enjoy the mountain views, feed the ducks with duck feed from the shop, and just take in the natural scenery before or after your park adventure.
Why we love it: It’s casual, scenic, and easy to work into a hiking day. Stop here before Bear Lake Road or after an easier lake loop when you want coffee, a snack, and a peaceful place to sit.
Mustang Mountain Coaster
If you want a little thrill after your easy hiking day, Mustang Mountain Coaster is such a fun Estes Park add-on. We loved doing this because it gives you that mountain adventure feeling without needing to hike another trail. You ride through the mountain scenery on an alpine-style coaster, and the best part is that you can control your own speed, so it can be as exciting or as tame as you want it to be.
The coaster is located in Estes Park and is open year-round, with riders traveling along about 2,000 linear feet of track.
Why we love it: It’s a great “we did something fun besides hiking” activity, especially if you’re visiting with family, friends, or anyone who wants a break from walking.
Estes Park Aerial Tram
The Estes Park Aerial Tram is another must-do if you have a clear day. It takes you up Prospect Mountain for beautiful views over Estes Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, Longs Peak, and the Continental Divide. The tram reaches a summit elevation of 8,708 feet and the ride to the top takes about five minutes. At the top there are also cute chipmunks that you can feed. It’s a great family-friendly option too!
This is one of those experiences where the weather really matters, so if the sky is clear, it’s worth working into your itinerary. You get the mountain-view payoff without having to do a steep hike, which makes it a great pairing with an easy RMNP hiking trip.
For 2026, the tram is scheduled to operate from May 9 through November 1, weather permitting.
Why we love it: The views are amazing on a clear day, and it’s a fun way to see Estes Park and the mountains from above.
Lake Estes Trail
If you still want a scenic walk but don’t want to deal with park entry, parking, or trailhead crowds, Lake Estes Trail is a great low-key option in town. The trail is about four miles and works as a central trail hub through the Estes Valley area.
You can rent bikes from the nearby adventure store, rent boats on the lake, or just hang out.
Why we love it: It’s easy, scenic, and convenient when you want mountain views without going back into the park.
This tour takes you to the Historic Stanley Hotel as well as Lake Estes!
Easy One-Day Rocky Mountain National Park Hiking Itinerary
If you only have one day in Rocky Mountain National Park and want to keep the hiking easy, this is the kind of day we’d plan:
Start early with Bear Lake Loop before the crowds build. If you have the energy, add Alberta Falls from the Glacier Gorge area for a waterfall hike that still feels manageable. After that, take a slower scenic stop at Sprague Lake for mountain reflections and a peaceful picnic break.
If Trail Ridge Road is open and weather conditions are good, drive up toward the Alpine Visitor Center and walk the short Alpine Ridge Trail for incredible high-elevation views. Just remember that this trail is short but can feel tougher because of the altitude and wind.
After your park day, head back toward Estes Park for coffee, snacks, or a relaxed stop at Coffee on the Rocks, or add a fun ride on the Mustang Mountain Coaster if you still have energy.
RMNP Easy Hikes Essential Packing List Items:
Whether you’re trying out one of our easy hikes around Lily lake or hiking up to a scenic waterfall, being prepared ensures your hike is enjoyable and safe. Here’s what’s on our packing list for easy hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park:
- Waterproof Hiking Boots – We love Merrell moab unisex mid waterproof hiking boot (Amazon) because they are comfortable all day for hiking in the park.
- Portable Phone Charger – The Portable Fast Charger is budget-friendly and small!
- Waterproof wind jacket – We love the budget-friendly Hooded Softshell Jacket Waterproof Lightweight Windbreaker for men or women.
- Waterproof Binoculars – The Occer 12×25 Compact Binoculars (Amazon) are waterproof and easy to pack with easy focus too!
- Hydration Backpack – The Hydration Backpack, 18 L Lightweight 2L/3L Water Bladder because it has hydration plus has space for hiking essentials.
- Packable Hat – Our favorite is this Unisex Ultra-Adventure Hat [Amazon] because it is easily packable and has neck protection.
- Hiking First Aid Kit – The RHINO RESCUE Small First Aid Kit
- High Protein Snacks – We recommend BUILT Puff Protein Bars High Protein Bars (Brownie Batter is our favorite!) on Amazon.
More mountain, hiking, and road trip guides:
- Little Rock, Arkansas – Best hiking trails & trip guide
- Colorado beer – 16 top craft breweries
- Scenic mountains road trip towns – guide to the best budget-friendly towns
- Best U.S. road trips to try this year
- Smoky Mountains road trip best things to see and do guide
- Chattanooga waterfalls, cocktails, hiking, city – ultimate weekend guide
- Best breweries and taprooms in our Chattanooga beer guide
FAQs About Easy Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park:
The best time for hiking in the park is late spring through early fall (May to October). During this period, lower trails are mostly snow-free, wildflowers are blooming, and the weather is mild. Summer offers the best access to high-elevation trails, while fall showcases stunning aspen foliage. Always check weather and trail conditions before heading out, as sudden Colorado weather changes are common.
Yes! Several trails in Rocky Mountain National Park are wheelchair-accessible or stroller-friendly, including Bear Lake Loop, Sprague Lake Loop, and Lily Lake Loop. These trails are flat, well-maintained, and perfect for enjoying scenic views without strenuous effort.
No, unfortunately, pets are not allowed on any trails in Rocky Mountain National Park, including the easy ones. This helps protect wildlife and preserve the natural environment. Pets are permitted in designated areas like campgrounds, picnic spots, and along roads, but must be leashed at all times.
Arrive as early as possible, preferably by 8:00 AM, especially during the peak summer months. Popular trailheads like Bear Lake and Glacier Gorge fill up quickly. If you can’t arrive early, consider using the park’s free shuttle service, which operates along Bear Lake Road and provides access to several trailheads.
Yes, during peak times a timed entry reservation may be required and can be reserved on the RMNP Website here. During the 2026 timed-entry season, you can enter most areas of Rocky Mountain National Park before 9 a.m. or after 2 p.m. without a timed-entry reservation, but Bear Lake Road has stricter hours and requires Timed Entry + Bear Lake Road from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the reservation season.
Sprague Lake, Bear Lake Loop, and Lily Lake Loop are some of the easiest hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park because they are short, scenic, and mostly flat. They’re great choices for beginners, families, and anyone who wants beautiful mountain views without a strenuous climb.
Sprague Lake and Bear Lake are two of the best easy hikes for classic Rocky Mountain views. For a short trail with big alpine scenery, Alpine Ridge Trail is also incredible, but the high elevation can make it feel more challenging than the mileage suggests. We love them all!
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)! So many of the trails are an easy hike and we love just being out in nature enjoying the beautiful scenery.
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!
Author’s Note: We are avid hikers (easy trails) and love the great outdoors! Our family ties bring us to Colorado and Estes Park frequently so we have explored this area extensively. Hopefully, our experiences can help you plan your own epic easy hiking adventure in RCMNP! K.J.
