For a good, healthy workout that also inspires, hiking in beautiful Rocky Mountain National Park is a perfect choice. With 350 miles in the park, there is a trail for every level, with 60 trails less than seven miles long. Even the shortest trail offers the possibility of expansive views, quaking aspens and fragrant evergreens, brilliant mountain bluebirds, abundant wildlife and fresh mountain air. Mid-June through September are the best times to hike to avoid rushing creeks and rivers as well as snow on the trails. Rocky Mountain National Park is located in north central Colorado.
History
Native Americans have inhabited the park area as far back as 12,000 years ago and many of the footpaths that later became trails date to that time. Early explorers discovered trails with piles of rocks. These piles were the result of Arapaho trail walkers who would add a rock each time they passed as a blessing. The University of Colorado has identified about 400 prehistoric and 600 historic archeological sites in the park.
Wildlife
Rocky Mountain National Park has approximately 3,000 elk. In addition, you also may catch a glimpse of mule deer, bighorn sheep, pika, marmots, weasels, an occasional moose and 60 other species of animals. More than 280 recorded bird species are there, including Clark's nutcrackers, golden eagles, prairie falcons, mountain bluebirds, Steller's Jays and the feisty magpie, who will happily raid your daypack for snacks if you are not careful.
Safety
Stop by a visitors center to check trail conditions and the weather forecast before hiking. Temperatures in Rocky Mountain National Park can drop quickly and hypothermia is a concern. Wear good hiking boots and carry water, sunscreen, a hat, rain jacket and a cell phone in your daypack. Lightning is another threat. Hike early and be off the trail before early afternoon, if possible, especially if you are hiking above the tree line at 9,000 feet.
Considerations
Take it easy the first day and drink more water than usual, even if you're in great shape, to avoid common side effects of altitude--headaches, insomnia, shortness of breath and rapid heartbeat. Altitude sickness most commonly occurs when you go from sea level to altitudes of 8,000 feet or higher. Because your body is not getting the oxygen it needs, you may begin to feel nauseated, weak, dizzy, have a headache or experience more serious symptoms. If these symptoms persist, move to a lower altitude until they disappear.
Trails
Alberta Falls, 1.2 miles, 45 minutes. Reach from Glacier Junction or Bear Lake on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park. Great for views of beautiful aspen groves.
Lily Lake, a half-mile, 25 minutes. Reach from Highway 7, approximately seven miles south of Estes Park. Handicapped-accessible. Perfect for gorgeous mountain views, wildflowers, waterfowl, and greenback trout in the lake.
Bear Lake Nature Trail, a half-mile, 25 minutes. Spectacular vistas of mountains and a lake highlight this easy, handicapped-accessible trail. Enter park at Beaver Meadows entrance station, turn south on Bear Lake Road, follow until road ends at parking lot.
Tundra Nature Trail/Toll Memorial, 1 mile, 45 minutes, on Trail Ridge Road. Handicapped-accessible trail offers a taste of life on the tundra and great views of rock formations and surrounding mountains.
Cub Lake, 4.6 miles. One of the most scenic and rewarding of the park's easier trails, with only a 540-feet gain in elevation. Reach from Moraine Park campground. Great for wildflowers, wildlife and ponderosa pine.
References
- "Bear Lake Nature Trail Guide"; Leanne Benton; 2004
- "12 Short HIkes: Rocky Mountain National Park"; Tracy Salcedo; 1995
- "Rocky Mountain National Park Walks & Easy Hikes"; Patrick Soran; 2002
- "The Best of Rocky Mountain National Park Hiking Trails"; Don and Roberta Lowe; 1991
- National Park Service: Hiking
