Summer guests....Start your hike early to avoid the crowds and to ensure parking (or take the Hiker Shuttle).
Make sure to be off the mountain by 2PM latest to avoid the afternoon thunderstorms.
Take plenty of water and snacks!!
Regarding favorite hikes...it is kind of hard to say without knowing how hard everyone is willing to work...but here are some of our favorites; various levels of fitness required and in no particular order:
- EMERALD LAKE - from the Bear Lake trailhead...Nymph and Dream lakes are along the way so everyone can decide how far they want to go
- LAKE HAIYAHA - this trailhead can be reached at Dream Lake, we did this for the first time last year and loved it...it is 2.5 miles out and back from Dream
- ALBERTA FALLS - from the Glacier Gorge trailhead...not hard to the Falls and on the way to Mills Lake and the Loch
- MILLS LAKE - this is a favorite lake that you can go to after Alberta Falls, this hike is moderate...from there you can hike on to Black Lake which is hard hike but well worth it!!
- SPRAGUE LAKE - easiest, only 1 mile around the lake...you can picnic there too...beautiful views, some of the best in the Park, our opinion!
- THE POOL - from the Fern Lake trailhead, not hard but not easy
- CUB LAKE - a nice hike through the moraine where you may see elk and then up to the lake....you can can continue on to do the loop to the Pool (we have seen moose numerous times on this hike!!)
- DEER MOUNTAIN - this is an easy summit as far as summits go but still high moderate... with 360 degree views along the way
- FLATTOP MOUNTAIN - this is a strenuous summit hike but worth the effort! If you have the energy proceed on to Hallett's Peak. For those with fear of heights...no worries on this hike (spoken from one who has them!)
- MORAINE PARK - this is a very easy hike from AspenHaus homes located in Aspen Brook...directions are at the cabins. From Moraine Park the hiking opportunities are numerous!!
Here is a good link where you can find all of these hikes and more! http://www.protrails.com/area/8/rocky-mountain-national-park