Hiking Rocky Mountain National Park: Colorado: United States of America

We feel very lucky to live with Rocky Mountain National Park practically in our backyard. My family tries to get up to the park 2-3 times a year but with the safer at home orders, the park has just now opened. We ventured out over the weekend to safely hike with some close friends.

Although we’ve been visiting the park for 5 years, this was the first time with our son, who is 10 months old. It’s quite a different experience with a baby than with our daughter (age 6). Today I thought I’d share some tips for hiking up in RMNP with kids.

Places to See:

Alberta Falls

One of the easiest hikes it Bear Lake Loop: at just under a mile, it’s a well walked, packed trail, so littles can easily toddle (or run) along with you. We always see chipmunks, ducks, fish, and the occasional leech in the water. With a bathroom and parking lot close by, this hike is perfect for tiny wanderers. The lot does fill up quickly, but there is a shuttle running from the main park and ride area to the Bear Lake lot during the day.

Alberta Falls Trail: is just about 2 miles long with a 200 foot elevation gain. This is best taken slow and steady, with a stop at the top to see the falls. You’ll find a lot of evidence of mule deer, elk, chipmunks, and birds. There are beautiful wildflowers along the sides of the trails, and plenty of wild raspberry bushes to spot.

Trail Ridge Road: If you’ve never been to RMNP, driving trail ridge road is a must. It is the highest paved highway in the US connecting Estes Park on the east to Grand Lake on the west. This road will take you to a little over 12,000 feet into the Alpine Tundra. With plenty of pull offs (and a bathroom at the top) you’ll have to opportunity to see elk, marmots, pika, and sometimes moose once you get to the west side. Pay attention to road conditions, in June and September it is possible the road is closed due to snowy conditions.

Holzwarth Historic Site: located on the west side of the park, the Holzwarth Historic Site is a 1.3 mile round trip hike with shallow water access and a beautiful meadow at the base of the rocky mountains. You can explore the Holzwarth homestead and talk to park rangers about life in the area during the early 1900’s.


What to Pack:
Snacks, snacks, lunch, and more snacks: hungry kiddos are not the best adventure buddies. We’ve learned this from experience.
Water and extra water: The elevation makes it easy to dehydrate, having extra water on hikes is always a good idea. There are water fountains located in the park to refill, but we carry some extra bottles in our car as well as a camelback hiking backpack.
Sunscreen: Standing between 9,000 and 12,000 feet the sun in more intense than closer to sea level.
Hat
Light layer: the weather can be finicky at altitude, so it’s a good idea to have an extra layer, especially if you’re going to to top of trail ridge road
Full tank of gas: if you’re driving through the park it’s always best to enter with a full take a gas. Despite the drive being 48 miles, it can take upwards of 2-3 hours to make it through.
Back pack or soft structure carrier for little hikers and their little legs.
A change of clothes: someone will get wet and dirty, there’s so much water to play in. Clean, dry clothes make the drive home better.

Be sure you don’t miss:

The Junior Ranger Program! For little wanderers, you can collect a junior ranger packet at the visitors center entering the east or west side of the park. Complete the packet and turn it back in to earn the Rocky Mountain National Park junior ranger badge. RMNP is one of two US National Parks that uses a real park ranger hat to swear in Jr. Rangers. It’s such an exciting and fun experience (and it’s free!)

If you can:
Rocky Mountain National Park is a no lights park. On a clear night you can drive to the top of trail ridge road with your day pass access and see the stars.

Plan for:
about a 2 hour drive from Denver, and 4-8 hours in the park. If you’re driving through from Estes Park to Grand Lake, there is the likelihood of spending 8-12 hours in and out of the car.

RMNP is absolutely worth the time and energy to explore one of Colorado’s most beautiful places.