Happy National Park Week! To honor this momentous week, I am excited to throw back to our first family trip to Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. We are so fortunate to live in a state that has four National Parks—Rocky Mountain National Park, Great Sand Dunes National Park, Mesa Verde National Park, and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Because we now live in the Denver area, we are able to visit Rocky Mountain National Park on daytrips, but we realize that most visitors are coming in from out of town. Therefore, I want to share a 4-day itinerary we planned and followed when we visited RMNP from Washington state. This itinerary encompasses kid friendly hikes that include forests, lakes, vistas, waterfalls, and alpine tundra.
Before planning your trip, be sure to visit Rocky Mountain National Park’s website for updates regarding the new reservation system that will be in effect from May through October of 2021.
DAY ONE OF THE 4 DAY ITINERARY WITH KIDS IN ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK
GLACIER GORGE TRAIL OFF BEAR LAKE ROAD TO THE LOCH VIA LOCH VALE TRAIL
- Miles: 6 miles
- Elevation gain: 1,040 feet
- Starting Elevation: 9,240 feet
- Elevation at the Loch: 10,200 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Type: Out and back
- Dog friendly: No, because it’s in the National Park boundary
- Bathrooms at trailhead: Yes
- Stroller Friendly: No
- Cost: $25 per car per day for entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park or $35 per week (or $80 for an annual National Park Pass)
- Map: I recommend the Nat Geo Topographical Map and the Rocky Mountain National Park Map.
This hike starts at the Glacier Gorge Trailhead off Bear Lake Rd. We arrived early enough to park at the lot, but most visitors need to take the shuttle. A compelling feature of this hike is that you get to pass the 30-foot high Alberta Falls within the first mile. Surprisingly, I have no documentation of said waterfall. The downside of this waterfall being so close to the start is that we didn’t want to pull the kids out of their hiking backpacks so soon knowing that we had 3+ miles to go to get to The Loch. We were in a groove and as such, have no proof of these beautiful falls. I mean, look at this crew, how could we disturb them? We are basically a gear testing group for Osprey Poco, Osprey Poco Plus, and the Deuter Kid Comfort Pro.
After the falls, there is a trail junction where Glacier Gorge Trail continues to Black Lake (which also looks awesome!). Instead, veer right onto the Loch Vale Trail to head towards The Loch. You will then parallel a stunning gorge while having to pay the price of steep switchbacks, which you can definitely feel with a baby on your back at high elevation. Especially for us (then Washingtonians who came from sea level). It was tough for all of us, with the exception of the dad on the right who somehow managed to do the hike baby-free. Good job, Dad. After a steep climb, you’ll reach the lake just shy of 3 miles. Because we all had babies who wake early, we were fortunate to reach the lake in the morning with a glassy reflection.
After the moms ditched the dads, the kids got to hike at a kid-friendly pace, which for Emerson was a sprint.
GLACIER GORGE TRAIL OFF BEAR LAKE ROAD TO SKY POND
- Miles: 9 miles
- Elevation gain: 1,800 feet
- Starting Elevation: 9,240 feet
- Elevation at Sky Pond: 10,900 feet
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Type: Out and back
- Dog friendly: No, because it’s in the National Park boundary
- Bathrooms at trailhead: Yes
- Stroller Friendly: No
- Cost: $25 per car per day for entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park or $35 per week (or $80 for an annual National Park Pass)
- Map: I recommend the Nat Geo Topographical Map and the Rocky Mountain National Park Map.
If you’d like to continue onto Sky Pond, stay on the Loch Vale Trail past Timberline Falls and the Lake of Glass. Being there in early July afforded us the opportunity to see lush vegetation and plenty of snow on the peaks (and even some still on the ground!).
While this section is only 700 more feet of gain and an additional 4 miles roundtrip, it increases difficulty from “moderate” to “difficult” due to a challenging scramble up the side of a cascade that is the outlet stream of Sky Pond.
You’ll reach the lake at 10,900 feet and given its location in a stunning alpine cirque, the effort to reach it is well worth is (so I hear from Bryce because remember, I turned around at the Loch). 😊 Sky Pond is a popular destination with good reason, but there is generally enough room to spread out and enjoy the tranquil setting.
DAY TWO OF THE 4 DAY ITINERARY WITH KIDS IN ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK
BEAR LAKE TRAILHEAD TO EMERALD LAKE
- Miles: 5 miles
- Elevation gain: 650 feet
- Starting Elevation: 9,475 feet
- Elevation at Emerald Lake: 10,100 feet
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Type: Out and back
- Dog friendly: No, because it’s in the National Park boundary
- Bathrooms at trailhead: Yes
- Stroller Friendly: No
- Cost: $25 per car per day for entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park or $35 per week (or $80 for an annual National Park Pass)
- Map: I recommend the Nat Geo Topographical Map and the Rocky Mountain National Park Map.
The advantage of this hike is that it provides a high level of beauty with a low level of effort. After the big hike of day one, I welcomed this slightly mellower route as it allowed the kids to “lead the way.” Which again for Emerson means a solid trot to sprint pace.
Be sure to arrive early as the Bear Lake trailhead is among the most heavily used in the park. Otherwise, you will need to use the national park shuttle from the Park & Ride. On the way to Emerald Lake we passed lily pad-covered Nymph Lake and stopped for a short break at Dream Lake.
I’m sure you are curious if we ever got that 4th of July cousin picture. We sure did! Not one child is looking at the camera, but we called this a success.
At around 1.75 miles and 10,100 ft, you’ll reach Emerald Lake. The view of Hallett Peak with the shimmering blue water before it is a quintessential Rocky Mountain National Park experience.
DAY THREE OF THE 4 DAY ITINERARY WITH KIDS IN ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK
UTE TRAIL TOWARD POUDRE LAKE FROM THE ALPINE VISITOR CENTER
- Miles: 3 miles
- Elevation gain: ~150 feet
- Starting Elevation: 11,795 feet
- Elevation at the alpine pond destination: Around ~11,900
- Difficulty: Easy
- Type: Out and back
- Dog friendly: No, because it’s in the National Park boundary
- Bathrooms at trailhead: Yes, Visitor Center
- Stroller Friendly: Possibly, depending on your stroller
- Cost: $25 per car per day for entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park or $35 per week (or $80 for an annual National Park Pass)
- Map: I recommend the Nat Geo Topographical Map and the Rocky Mountain National Park Map.
As you can tell, the hikes keep getting easier which is the way we like to plan our multi-day National Park trips. This is a wise hike for day 3 or 4 when you have had the chance to acclimate to the higher elevation. This hike is a great find because it’s a subtle trailhead across the road from the distracting Visitor Center, so it’s not heavily trafficked. Before we started the hike, Bryce took a little trip down memory lane from his college summer working as a cashier in the Visitor Center of Rocky Mountain National Park.
To start the hike, cross the street from the Visitor Center and you’ll already feel on top of the world and away from the crows. Another advantage of this hike is that it’s all above tree line. You get to drive to almost 12,000 feet and walk among tundra meadows without needing to exert the effort to get there. The primary view is west to the Never Summer Range, which is appropriately named because the peaks were still covered in snow in July. You don’t get to see this range from Estes Park, so it’s worth making the drive up to this area for this unique view.
This hike is one where you can turn around at many points. We hiked about a mile and a half one way, with our destination to a small pond with no name. This pond is likely only a dry depression later in the season, and such is not marked on the map. However, in early July it was just enough water to make for a nice stop and spot to skip rocks. Any hike with a body of water to skip rocks is a hit with the kids (and the dads).
This area is exposed to the elements since it’s above the trees, so it’s best to plan for wind and weather. We were silly out of state visitors who didn’t understand Colorado’s changing weather at the time, so you will see our kids are wearing socks as gloves! This is why we always recommend bringing extra socks in your hiking daypack!
DAY FOUR OF THE 4 DAY ITINERARY WITH KIDS IN ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK
UTE TRAIL TO TOMBSTONE RIDGE
- Miles: 4 miles
- Elevation gain: 320 feet
- Starting Elevation: 11,400 feet
- Elevation at turnaround point at Timberline Pass: 11,485 feet
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Type: Out and back
- Dog friendly: No, because it’s in the National Park boundary
- Bathrooms at trailhead: No
- Stroller Friendly: No
- Cost: $25 per car per day for entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park or $35 per week (or $80 for an annual National Park Pass)
- Map: I recommend the Nat Geo Topographical Map and the Rocky Mountain National Park Map.
Be sure to check the Rocky Mountain National Park website for trail updates as this trail has been closed in 2021 due to fires.
While we recommend getting an early start for all hikes, this one is especially important because there is minimal parking at the trail head. This hike is easy and breathtaking! Similar to Day 3, you feel like you are on top of the world! It’s an easy hike due to the little elevation gain, but I rate it as moderate due to the rocky trail. There are tons of photo opportunities on this hike, which was perfect since we had shopped at the Visitor Center the day before for our Colorado tourist gear.
This is a unique hike because you are amidst the alpine tundra for the full 4 miles. You get to look down into the rugged forest canyon and across to Long’s Peak and a handful of 13ers (13,000 foot peaks).
I recommend turning around 2 miles at Timberline Pass before it heads into the trees. There is no need to descend any further as the real beauty of this hike are the views from the ridge. This is a great hike for kids to lead the way as you can see them ahead of you for a long distance and there are no steep drop offs. If you had to choose one kid-friendly hike in all of Rocky Mountain National Park, this is one I would highly recommend! The views are unmatched while the exertion is low.
HOW ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK STACKS UP
Pros
- Variety of scenery—forests, lakes, vistas, waterfalls, and alpine tundra
- Opportunities to see lots of wildlife including elk, bighorn sheep and moose. We saw elk on this trip and Bryce has seen a large moose in Rocky Mountain National Park!
- It is one of the highest U.S. National Parks with a road system that can take you nearly to the top! It’s surreal to drive up to 12,000 feet.
- There are recreation activities in all of the seasons—from hiking in the summer to backcountry skiing in the winter.
Cons
- Weather can be unpredictable so it makes it harder to plan—especially afternoon activities.
- Hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park can feel more strenuous than in other parks due to the elevation. If visiting from lower elevation, I’d recommend some training prior to your visit—see my Training Plan for Hiking Season –Build Strength for Carrying Kids on Your Back.
ACCESSING ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK
- The closest airport is Denver International Airport
- There are 2 entrances to the park—The East entrance is in the town of Estes Park (about 1.5 hours from Denver) and the West entrance in the town of Grand Lake (about 2.5 hours from Denver). The hikes we visited on this trip are accessed easiest from the Estes Park side. Also keep in mind that Highway 40 to Grand Lake and Highway 34 may be closed in the winter.
TIPS FOR HIKING ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK WITH KIDS
ALTERNATE ITINERARY
If you only have 3 days for your Rocky Mountain National Park itinerary, day 3 (Ute Trail towards Poudre Lake) and day 4 (Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge) hikes in our itinerary could be combined as they are both near the Visitor Center. If you only have one day, I would recommend choosing either of those two hikes (or both).
START EARLY & PACK WARM CLOTHES
Colorado weather is unpredictable and usually deteriorates in the afternoon. For the hikes we did on day 3 and day 4, you are above tree line and hence more susceptible to thunderstorm danger and high winds later in the afternoon. Be prepared for changing conditions and be sure to carry safety essentials—see our list of what to pack before you head out. Don’t forget warm clothing and gear (even in the summer!). Lightning is a serious and deadly threat so return to the trailhead if you hear thunder and check weather forecasts prior to hiking.
CHECK ROADS
With roads reaching 12,000 feet, be sure to check road conditions and closures in advance.
ACCLIMATE TO ELEVATION
Acclimate to the elevation prior to strenuous physical activity. All of these hikes start above 9,000 feet, which can induce altitude related sickness if you are visiting from low elevation. Take your time on hikes, drink lots of water, eat and rest as needed!
MAKE A RESERVATION
Due to the growing popularity of Rocky Mountain National Park, a permit system is in place for the park so be sure to make a reservation in advance for your planned time of entry.
BE PREPARED FOR SUNSHINE
Since many hikes are above tree line, there is minimal shade so be prepared with hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, and again plenty of water.
BE AWARE OF AVALANCHE DANGER
Avalanche danger is often high in the park. Be sure to talk to a park ranger about conditions during your visit and you can do research ahead of time from Colorado Avalanche Information Center.
WATER SAFETY
Colorado gets a lot of snow and also a lot of sun! This combination can mean rapid snow melt so be extra cautious when crossing streams, or hiking near water. The water is also very cold as it’s water melting right from the mountain peaks.
LEAVE NO TRACE
PLEASE practice Leave No Trace principles and respect the wilderness! In addition to LNT, teach your kids these first 5 things about hiking before you hit the trail!
Let me know what you think of this itinerary in the comments below! Have you done any of these hikes or have others to add to our list?
If you are looking for more hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, see Bryce’s review of Hutcheson Lakes and what he deems the Best Wildflower hike in RMNP. You can find other National Park hikes and itineraries from us here.
Happy National Park Week and happy hiking!
What a great resource for spending time in the Rockies, as a family!
Thank you for reading! I hope it helps families make an informed choice when visiting!
You and your kids are champs! I would love to hike at Rocky Mountain National Park.
Thank you! I hope you can make it out to visit!! It should definitely make your CO itinerary!
Amazing pictures. Looks like your family had a lot of fun!
It was such a great trip!
Very well planned and explained as a guide for others with children! Great job!
Thank you! I hope it can help other families make an informed decision about which hikes are best for them during their visit!
Your family is beast! I can’t even imagine attempting to hike like you do with littles in tow.
haha, thank you!! We do often say “beast mode” when hiking. 🙂 They are troupers but it’s just all they know!
Awesome! What an amazing place to visit! There is so much to do here… it’s an ideal destination for a family and friends outing. Thank you for sharing!
Agreed! Even in these 4 days, we’ve just scratched the surface for the hiking and excursions within the park! Thank you for reading.
Gorgeous country! Looks like such a great time!
It was a blast and it is a spectacular area!
Great info! We love Emerald Lake but haven’t been in years. I think I’ll plan some hikes to revisit and add on the other trails you’ve mentioned here too. You can never go wrong with hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park!
I agree! They are all so beautiful! I hope you are able to make a return trip!
Wow, I’m sure this took some planning! looks like fun!
It did! Lots of research (luckily since the hubs worked there one summer he had done most of the hikes in the park years prior!). That definitely helped. 🙂
Absolutely beautiful! Thanks for all of the specific info too! I love hiking as well.
You are so welcome! Thank you for reading! Maybe you will get to one of these hikes one day. 😉
What a comprehensive itinerary for those hiking with littles! I can only imagine it must be challenging if not planned out correctly.
You are absolutely right! The planning helps with the littles for sure!
Wow, you guys are awesome! I can’t believe you climbed up those steep mountains with the babies on your back!!! 💪
You also got some pretty incredible photos.
Thank you so much! It was definitely a workout coming from Washington sea level! But totally worth it for the views.
Dang you’re awesome. It’s hard enough for me and the kids to get out for a day hike. In our own city! Let alone 4 DAYS of hiking that many miles. Wow. So so so awesome!
Awww, thank you! It’s just as hard for us to get out on day hikes too! 🙂 But worth it!
Awesome itinerary! Even for those of us who don’t have kids 😉
So true! These hikes are great with or without kids!
Oh boy! Even reading this makes my legs tired 😂. It’s so much of walking. And it’s just so hard I think to take kids with you but you are doing great job!
Haha, yes, it was a lot of work but definitely worth it!
What a great way to spend time with the kids and teach them the value of nature.! The National Parks Passes are sure worth the money.
I agree! We would love to see them all one day!
I’m bookmarking this one! We don’t live all that far from there so it’d be a great weekend trip!
Awesome! Be sure to let me know which one you try on your next visit!
I have been once but I really want to go back. It has been way too long!
I hope you get the chance to return, there is so much to see! Plus, this park can be such a unique experience depending on the time of year!
Great article and useful info! I’ve been to the park a few times but never hiked there. You are brave for doing all that with little ones! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you! 🙂 Perhaps you will give one of these hikes a try on your next trip!
What an informative article. I love that you documented length, elevation, cost, bathrooms, pet-friendly, etc.! Very helpful!
Glad you found that helpful, Alicia! I hope it helps to narrow down what you are looking for in a hike. 🙂
Ohhhh your pics are incredible! I would LOVE to hike a couple of those trails with the kids! We would definitely need to prep for the elevation though!
Yeah, that elevation is serious! We did this trip when we lived at sea level and I could definitely feel my lungs pumping! Luckily none of us get altitude sickness and we drink A LOT of water leading up to the hike!
Great post. I love Emerald Lake. This is a park that feels more strenuous and difficult for so many reasons. You mentioned altitude but I will just reinforce the tip that you must drink a ton of water. Start with at least 150% of what you would normally drink. This helps prevent altitude sickness and will make your hikes much more enjoyable. Thanks for all the itineraries. Your kids are totally hardcore and I admire them (and you)!
Thank you so much for mentioning that important point, Stephanie! Altitude sickness can really ruin a trip!
Looks like your whole family had a fantastic time! Hiking can be difficult for the younger ones but you pictures are amazing!
Luckily, it’s all they know for family “vacations.” 🙂 They are troupers!
So much fun! We are looking to do an end-of-summer road trip to Colorado with the kids before (hopefully) a bit more normal school year starts. This looks like something all of us would enjoy.
Awesome! I hope RMNP makes the itinerary and if it does, be sure to let me know which hikes you try!
Ok I’m realizing I need to dig WAY deeper into RMNP. We’ve done a few hikes, but by the time we finish we didn’t venture much further to find other ones. I’ll have to show this post to my husband so we have new things to try this year. And YES, the weather is SO unpredictable. We’ve found ourselves in the middle of a thunderstorm that no one saw coming. It’s very scary as it echos through the mountians!
Yes, definitely scary when weather shifts so quickly! We’ve had to turn around on many hikes in CO. Luckily we got to do all of the ones we set out to do on this particular trip. Very lucky!! Be sure to let me know which hike you try and what you think!
I can’t believe there was still snow on the peaks. I’m glad you got your 4th of July picture. All of your pictures are beautiful.
Yes, it definitely takes awhile to melt around here! Thank you so much, Tammy!