Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park: For the Moderate Hiker

If you are like us and love exploring our country’s best national parks, but aren’t interested in easy boardwalk trails or large commitment full day hikes then this guide is for you. We think the sweet spot for a intermediate hike with moderate challenges and spectacular views is between 3-6 miles over the course of a few hours or half day. Luckily, Rocky Mountain National Park has quite a few hikes that meet our criteria and often offer payoffs in the form of crystal clear alpine lakes.

While these hikes are moderate, be forewarned they may feel a bit more difficult than your average intermediate hike as the altitude is no joke. I found myself getting out of breath much more easily, but the views made it all worth it in the end. Below are some of our favorite hikes we recommend for the casual hiker.

Emerald Lake Trail

3.2 Miles ~ 715 Elevation Gain ~ Bear Lake Trailhead

The Emerald Lake Trail is one of Rocky Mountain National Park’s most popular trails and for good reason. This trail is 3.2 miles out and back with 715 elevation gain and takes you past three (yes three!) spectacular alpine lakes. This trail starts at the Bear Lake trailhead, this trailhead and trail gets very busy so make sure to get here early. The parking right at the trailhead is limited, but there is a larger parking lot at the Park and Ride a ways down the road, which we never had an issue with finding a spot and taking the shuttle. Once at the trailhead, make your way 0.6 miles in and you will find yourself at Nymph Lake. This lake feels plucked right out of a fairy tale with its dark water and plentiful lily pads. About 1.2 miles along you will come to Dream Lake. Dream Lake was actually our favorite lake of the three with crystal clear waters nestled among trees and a snowy mountain as its backdrop. Lastly, you will come to Emerald Lake about 1.7 miles in. Depending what time of year you come, you may encounter some snow covered trail prior to Emerald Lake. We were here in mid-June and there was still snow we had to clamber over to get to the last lake. There isn’t as much viewing area around the lake as the other two, so if it’s busy you may have some difficult getting a good view. But, when you do you will see a gorgeous green lake with more snow covered mountains. Once you have had your fill, you will turn around and head back for the 2nd half of the hike which is just the return journey.

Lake Haiyaha

4 Miles ~ 850 Elevation Gain ~ Bear Lake Trailhead

This hike shares parts of the Emerald Lake Trail, so you can either choose between the two or add the latter part of this trail onto the Emerald Lake Trail. The first part of this hike takes you past Nymph Lake and Dream Lake, but once at Dream Lake you will divert off towards Lake Haiyaha with a total of 4 miles and 850 elevation gain. This path tends to be a bit less busy than the trail to Emerald Lake, so could be a good option if you are finding the trail overly crowded. It can be a bit more difficult with a steeper climb and some boulder scrambling. At 2.1 miles in, you will come to Lake Haiyaha. This beautiful lake is surrounded by rocky mountainsides and large boulders in the lake. This lake is known for changing to some stunning bright blue colors after rockslides. This is also an out and back trail, so here you will turn back around and head for the trailhead.

The Loch via Glacier Gorge Trail

5.8 Miles ~ 1,062 Ft Elevation Gain ~ Glacier Gorge Trailhead

The Loch trail provides a lot of variety in features you will encounter along the trail. Be prepared for waterfalls, streams, rushing rivers, mountains, and of course an alpine lake. The first part of this hike is usually pretty crowded with many people heading to the first viewpoint of Alberta Falls about 0.8 miles into the hike. However, we found the trail really thinned out past this point. Keep going and you will truly feel like you are amidst the Rocky Mountains with overlooks of East Glacier Knobs and the surrounding mountains. Here we saw a moose running along in the distance, which was a surreal experience. Along this trail, you also have plenty of options to veer off to add to your adventure. There is a connecting trail to Lake Haiyaha or a detour to Glacier Falls and Mills Lake. But, keep following the main trail and you will eventually find yourself at The Loch 3 miles along. This crystal clear lake was reminiscent of Dream Lake, but on a larger scale. There were plenty of places to stop off and sit by the lake to enjoy a snack to fuel the rest of your hike. If you are feeling adventurous and have a whole day to dedicate to hiking then we recommend taking this trail and extending it all the way to Sky Pond. It is definitely more strenuous with a total of 9 miles and some rock scrambling near the end. But, if you are like us turn around at The Loch and head on back.

Gem Lake Trail

3.4 Miles ~ 994 Ft Elevation Gain ~ Lumpy Ridge Trailhead

Didn’t get a timed entry reservation for Bear Lake, but have a regular timed entry pass? No problem. Head over to Gem Lake Trail whose trailhead is located just outside the main entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. While the trailhead is outside the park, the hike is within the RMNP bounds so you will still need a timed entry reservation if entering between 9 am- 2 pm. It is also a great trail to tackle if you are visiting in the off season. Since it is at a lower elevation, you are much less likely to encounter snow on the trails when you are in a shoulder season and it’s easier to traverse in the winter. About 0.3 miles in you have a great view of the surrounding mountains. Once you get closer to Gem Lake, expect some steeper climbs through some rocky paths and stairs. You will be treated at the end with spectacular views of the mountains and Gem Lake.

Bierstadt Lake Trail

3.1 Miles ~ 623 Ft Elevation Gain ~ Bierstadt Lake Trailhead

Another trail located within the Bear Lake section of RMNP, you will need the Bear Lake timed entry pass during peak season. However, this trail is often less crowded than some of the other Bear Lake trails, so this is a good option if you are looking for a quieter option. The parking can still get full easily, but there is additional parking at Storm Pass. Once you begin the hike, be prepared as the most difficult part of this hike is the very beginning of the trail with switchbacks and little shade. It gets easier as you get closer to the lake and it will all be worth it in the end. Once past the switchbacks, there is a loop around Bierstadt Lake with rewarding views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.

Timed Entry

Most of the moderate hikes we love in Rocky Mountain National Park require the Timed Entry + Bear Lake reservation during peak season, so keep that in mind as you are planning your trip. Be sure to check out our RMNP Timed Entry Complete Guide for all the details.

If you aren’t able to secure a reservation definitely check out the Gem Lake Trail. You can enter this trail even without the regular timed entry pass if you get there before 9 am when the timed entries start or after 2 pm.

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