15 Best Easy Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park

Are you looking for the best easy hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park? You’ve come to the right place! Rocky Mountain is one of the most breathtaking national parks in the United States and has over 350 miles of hiking trails to explore.

We’ve been to Rocky Mountain National Park more times than we can count, it’s one of our favorite parks in the United States. We love to hike, but sometimes we don’t want to do a challenging hike to see incredible views.

Thankfully there are a ton of options for easy, beginner-friendly hikes in Rocky Mountain and we’re here to tell you all about them!

So without further ado, here are our favorite family-friendly, easy hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park.

15 Best Easy Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park

1. Dream Lake

• Distance – 2 Miles
• Difficulty – Easy
• Elevation Gain – 426 Feet
• Trailhead – Bear Lake Trailhead

Dream Lake is certainly one of our favorite easy hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. It’s conveniently located, it’s short but not too short, has plenty to see, and is great for all experience levels and ages!

The trail starts at the Bear Lake Trailhead which makes it great if you have a few people in your group who would rather do something a bit more challenging. The Bear Lake area is also the starting point for the Flattop Mountain Trail as well as the Black Lake Trail which are both quite a bit more difficult.

The Dream Lake Trail is 2 miles and takes you past Nymph Lake along the way. It’s an out-and-back trail and you can easily stop by Bear Lake before you leave! It’s normally best to hike to Dream Lake from April until about November.

Do be prepared though, because this hike is so pretty and accessible, it’s one of the most popular short hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, expect crowds!

2. Aspenglen Deer Mountain Loop

• Distance – 2.8 Miles
• Difficulty – Easy
• Elevation Gain – 429 Feet
• Trailhead – Aspenglen Campground

Most of the easiest hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park are also generally speaking quite crowded. This can make things a little tough if you’re looking to enjoy the peace of nature.

If you’re looking for a break from the crowds then Aspenglen Deer Mountain Loop is for you! The trailhead is at the Aspenglen Campground and is far less trafficked than most of the other short hikes in the park.

It’s 2.8 miles in a loop and rated as Easy so it’s great for all skill levels. You get some wonderful views of Deer Mountain and later on also the Mummy Range. Since it’s a loop you’ll also get different views the entire time and even finish with a nice walk along the Fall River.

June until early October is the best time of year for an Aspenglen Deer Mountain Loop hike.

3. Alpine Ridge Trail

• Distance – 0.7 Miles
• Difficulty – Easy
• Elevation Gain – 147 Feet
• Trailhead – Alpine Visitors Center

Alpine Ridge is one of the best family hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park.

The trail is just under a mile long which is short enough for little ones with short attention spans. It also goes through several areas that are often full of wildflowers so there will be plenty to look at and learn about along the way.

The trailhead also starts at the Alpine Visitor Center so after your hike you can talk to the Rangers and learn more about the park. It’s best to hike the Alpine Ridge Trail between June and October.

4. Coyote Valley

• Distance – 1.1 Miles
• Difficulty – Easy
• Elevation Gain – 29 feet
• Trailhead – Coyote Valley Trailhead

Coyote Valley is a great hike for kids and is located on a less popular side of the park. Many of the most famous trailheads in Rocky Mountain National Park are on the Estes Park (East) side of the park.

Coyote Valley however starts on the Grand Lake (West) side of the park right off of Trail Ridge Road.

It’s a nice quiet hike along the Colorado River that’s only just over a mile long making it great for the little ones. It’s also a great place to look for moose! Either early in the morning or later in the evening is usually the best time to try and spot one.

The trail is out and back and rated as wheelchair accessible so you should have no issues with strollers for the super young hikers! April until about October is usually the best time of year for hiking Coyote Valley.

5. Alberta Falls

• Distance – 1.2 Miles
• Difficulty – Moderate
• Elevation Gain – 928 Feet
• Trailhead – Bear Lake Trailhead

Alberta Falls is without a doubt one of the best easy day hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park.

It’s a 1.2-mile trail that’s best hiked between June and October. This trail can be pretty crowded at times. Many people stop at the falls but you can keep going to Mills Lake if you want a more challenging hike and fewer crowds.

Remember to dress in layers while hiking this trail, as soon as you pass the falls and treeline, the temperature can change quite a bit!

6. Chasm Falls Trail

• Distance – 1.2 Miles
• Difficulty – Moderate
• Elevation Gain – 928 Feet
• Trailhead – Bear Lake Trailhead

The Chasm Falls Trail, with its moderate difficulty, is best suited for hikers who have some experience. This trail winds through dense, enchanting forests and opens up to the magnificent Chasm Falls.

The path can be steep in places, but it’s generally manageable for families with older kids or teens. Along the way, hikers can enjoy beautiful wildflowers in the summer and autumn colors in the fall.

The final reward, Chasm Falls, is a breathtaking waterfall that cascades dramatically over rocks. The trail is not overly long, making it a great choice for a half-day adventure. While it may be a bit challenging for complete beginners, it is still one of the best easy hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park.

7. Lily Lake Loop

• Distance – 0.8 Miles
• Difficulty – Easy
• Elevation Gain – Minimal
• Trailhead – Lily Lake Trailhead

Lily Lake Loop is an ideal trail for beginners, families, and anyone looking for a peaceful nature walk. This easy, almost flat loop encircles the serene Lily Lake, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.

The trail is well-maintained and accessible, making it perfect for strollers and wheelchairs. You’ll find a lot of photographers on this trail, especially during sunrise or sunset when the colors are at their best.

Lily Lake Loop is a fantastic option for an easy Rocky Mountain hike, with plenty of benches to sit and soak in the natural beauty.

8. Bear Lake Loop

• Distance – 0.6 Miles
• Difficulty – Easy
• Elevation Gain – Minimal
• Trailhead – Bear Lake Trailhead

Bear Lake Loop is an easy trail in Rocky Mountain National Park and is perfect for families with young children, beginners, or anyone looking for a short, scenic hike.

This popular trail circles the iconic Bear Lake, offering stunning views of the lake with Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain towering in the background. The trail is mostly flat and well-paved, making it accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.

You’ll find interpretive signs along the path that provide interesting information about the local ecology.

This hike is particularly beautiful in the early morning or late afternoon when the light casts a magical glow on the lake and mountains. It’s a must-do for first-time visitors to Rocky Mountain National Park, but because of this be prepared for crowds.

9. Copeland Falls

• Distance – 0.3 Miles to the lower falls; 0.85 miles to the upper falls
• Difficulty – Easy
• Elevation Gain – Minimal
• Trailhead – Wild Basin Trailhead

Copeland Falls is one of the best easy hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park and is suitable for all ages and perfect for beginners or families.

The trail to the lower falls is short and gentle, leading through a lush forest to the charming Copeland Falls.

For those seeking a slightly longer hike, the path extends to the upper falls, adding a bit of distance but still remaining easy in difficulty.

This trail is a great option for those looking for a quick nature escape, offering the beauty of a mountain stream and waterfalls without a strenuous hike. It’s also a great choice for photographers looking to capture the beauty of the falls and the surrounding forest.

10. Sprague Lake Loop

• Distance – 0.5 Miles
• Difficulty – Easy
• Elevation Gain – Minimal
• Trailhead – Sprague Lake Trailhead

Sprague Lake Loop is a gentle, easy Rocky Mountain National Park trail that’s great for beginners, families, and anyone looking for a scenic, relaxing hike.

This half-mile loop encircles the picturesque Sprague Lake, offering stunning views of the Continental Divide. The trail is mostly flat and well-maintained, making it accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.

Along the way, hikers are treated to spectacular reflections of the mountains in the lake, especially during the calm mornings and evenings.

The area is also a popular spot for fishing and bird watching, with abundant opportunities to see wildlife in their natural habitat. Several picnic areas near the lake provide the perfect spot for a family lunch. This loop is especially beautiful in the fall when the aspen trees turn golden yellow.

11. Adam Falls

• Distance – 0.6 Miles
• Difficulty – Easy
• Elevation Gain – Minimal
• Trailhead – East Inlet Trailhead

Adams Falls is a short and easy hike, ideal for families, beginners, and those looking for a quick yet rewarding nature experience.

Located near Grand Lake, the trail to Adams Falls starts from the East Inlet Trailhead and quickly leads to the beautiful Adams Falls. The path is well-marked and travels through a lush, forested area, offering a cool and shaded walk.

The falls themselves are a scenic delight, with water cascading over rocks into a small gorge. This hike is also great for wildlife spotting, as the area is known for its moose and deer.

The trail offers several spots to relax and enjoy the peaceful sounds of nature. Its short distance and minimal elevation gain make it a perfect choice for a family looking for a Rocky Mountain National Park hike that’s easy.

12. Tundra Communities Trail

• Distance – 1.0 Mile
• Difficulty – Moderate
• Elevation Gain – Minimal
• Trailhead – Rock Cut Parking Area

The Tundra Communities Trail, starting from the Rock Cut parking area, is a unique hike that offers an opportunity to experience the alpine tundra ecosystem of Rocky Mountain National Park.

While only a mile long, the trail’s high altitude and exposure to the elements make it moderately challenging. It’s best suited for those in good physical condition or with some hiking experience.

The trail provides breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Along the way, hikers can witness a variety of alpine flora and fauna, unique to this high-elevation environment. Interpretive signs offer insights into the delicate tundra ecosystem.

This trail is not recommended for very young children or those unaccustomed to higher altitudes. However, for those prepared for the conditions, it’s an unforgettable hike that showcases the stark beauty of the park’s highest regions.

Getting Around in Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park can get very busy and crowded and often the parking lots at trailheads are full. Thankfully the park has a great shuttle system that you can and should take advantage of!

There are two lines for the shuttle service. The Bear Lake route and the Moraine Park Route. Both of the shuttle routes run from 7:00 am until 7:30 pm.

It’s also important to keep in mind that during the busy season, Rocky Mountain National Park now requires a timed entry permit. You can learn more information about getting a permit here.

The Bear Lake Route

The Bear Lake shuttle runs from the Park and Ride parking lot up Bear Lake Road to the Bear Lake Trailhead and departs every 10 – 15 minutes.

Along the way, it makes stops at the Bierstadt Lake Trailhead as well as the Glacier Gorge Trailhead. The Bear Lake shuttle route is perfect if you’ve decided to hike to Sky Pond, Dream Lake, or Mills Lake.

The Moraine Park Route

The Moraine Park Route runs from Sprague Lake to Fern Lake but also stops at the Park and Ride and departs every 30 minutes.

It also makes stops at Sprague Lake/Glacier Creek Staples, Hollowell Park, Tuxedo Park, the Moraine Park Campground, and the Cub Lake Trailhead.

What to Pack

You should always make sure that you’re prepared for a day out hiking in the wild. Not just for long hikes, but short hikes as well!

Here’s a list of the hiking essentials we always bring with us every time we go hiking.

• Snow Cleats – It’s possible to run into snow any time of year on Rocky Mountain! The snow is often completely packed down from other hikers so it can be very difficult and icy to walk on. Shoe cleats are an absolute lifesaver!

• Water hydration bladder – You’ll need water for any hike that you go on, even if it’s a short one. Having a water bladder is so much easier than carrying a water bottle the whole time!

• Hat – Don’t let the glare of the sun ruin those amazing views. A great hat can not only help you to see better but it’ll also protect your face from getting a sunburn.

• Sunscreen – Don’t forget about the rest of your skin as well. It doesn’t need to be hot out to get a sunburn and when you’re hiking above the treeline it can happen faster than you would think!

• Snacks – There’s nothing worse than getting halfway into your hike and realizing you didn’t eat enough for breakfast. Bring some trail mix or a protein bar at a minimum to keep your energy up.

• Whistle – If the worst happens and you find yourself lost on your hike having a rescue whistle is a must. They’re very inexpensive and easy to bring along.

• Camera Backpack Holder – This isn’t an essential by any means but SUPER convenient to have. If you have a nice camera you’ll want to bring it along! But it can be annoying to carry it the whole time. This clip lets you attach it to your backpack so it’s ready when you need it and out of the way the rest of the time.

Wrap-Up: The Best Easy Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park offers a diverse range of trails, each providing unique experiences and stunning natural beauty.

From the serene Bear Lake area, ideal for groups with varied hiking preferences, to the tranquil Lily Lake Loop, perfect for a peaceful nature walk, there’s something for everyone.

Overall, Rocky Mountain National Park offers some incredible easy trails that anyone can enjoy on their visit!

We hope this article about the best easy hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park helps you choose which hike to do. We would love to connect with you! You can learn more about us here or read more of our recent blog posts here. Also, follow us on Instagram (@UnearthTheVoyage) and Facebook to see what we are up to next!