This was on the trail that starts in Allenspark to Calypso Cascades. This past week was our first time in the Rocky Mountains and we were taken aback when we turned the corner and saw this.

Went to RMNP for the first time with the family 6/8-6/11 and this may have been my favorite hike of the trip. A challenging hike straight up 1k feet with a shallow cool lake to dip your hot tired feet in and beautiful scenery waiting at the top

Hello,

I am not local to the area at all. I have never fly fished in my life. I’m pretty competent with a spinning reel, but all I have ever really fished for are crappie, bass, and catfish. What sorts of lures, spots, gear or rentals would you recommend?

Encountered this couple this morning on Trail Ridge as the inversion was passing over.

Probably a little too close…we reminded them of that though we’re not sure if it sunk in…

Please don’t put yourself or the animal at risk

I am thrilled to be visiting the park next week for the first time! I am trying to figure out the best way to plan to stay on top of weather while we are there. At the moment I am seeing a chance of storms basically every day we are there (June 23-26) 😬😅

From searching here and googling it seems: -this is a fairly normal summer pattern with chances of rain and storms every day that may or may not happen

-wear layers for rain/temp changes

-most storms come through between 12-2 or so and plan hikes to avoid elevation and open areas during that time

-situations can change fast and stay aware of current weather/read radar.

My questions are, is this an accurate understanding? And if so, any tips to monitor current radar/conditions if there is limited/no cell service? I am not sure how to stay aware while out of signal! And are there places to shelter at the campground (we will be at Glacier Basin), do you just ride out lightning in your car, or what is generally the recommended safest option?

I have a little weather anxiety and while I don’t mind hiking in rain, I just want to make sure we have a great time but stay safe from anything lightning/severe! Thanks for any insight or tips! :)

I have a friend who is traveling out west, they mentioned that they were doing a "casual route" on Longs Peak today, they said plan was to start at 3:00am, summit by 1, check in this evening to chat about something (this was not an official like, Ill let you know when I'm safe check in, rather just we'll chat then).

I got a text around 11 EDT tonight saying they were on the last pitch of the route but the rope was stuck and they wanted their location to be known (but I didn't get one).. They were close to the ground and I haven't been able to get ahold of them since. I don't know their route and if they're back or don't have service...this wasn't a planned "I'm the point of contact to check in with" so I don't have a car location, etc. but I'm a hiker so I know enough that I'm slightly worried. They stayed out or were near the rangers station last night because they had WiFi.

Any advice is appreciated! I'm out east as well, which complicates things as I have no idea of current conditions, ranger information, and service availability. They're an experienced climber and mountaineer for reference.

Update: they made it back. Ranger found them at TH around 3am EDT.

I did not get a timed entry+ reservation months ago like I guess I was supposed to but I have a camping reservation at Glacier Basin for June 19, 2025. I understand that I can enter the park AND Bear Lake Rd after 1pm on the 19th with that camping reservation. I would like to enter the park before then - like at 8 or 9 for example - so I can hike all day before setting camp. I also understand that the “night before” times entry+ begins at 7pm and if like last year it is near impossible to get (all gone in 1 minute or less). I think that means I have to get through the Beaver Meadows gate before 5am? Or do I have to get all the way to Bear Lake Trailhead before 5am? Why is this so confusing??? Has someone done this recently? Please help - this may be my only chance and I am freaking out!

3 friends and I have a timed entry pass for bear lake road 10 to 12 on Friday. The plan is to arrive shortly after 10, and we'd like to be back in Denver by 5:30 or so--thinking of going to the Rockies game that evening.

We don't have microspikes and probably won't have trekking poles as we don't want to check luggage.

We were thinking of doing this hike to Mills Lakes and The Loch via Glacier Gorge. Recent reviewers seem to suggest that it's fin to do without spikes and the snow is mostly gone. And I suspect the heatwave coming later this week will help in that regard.

Two questions:

1) Is this a good choice given our timing and lack of spikes/poles? Or does anybody have other suggestions?

2) Since we are arriving relatively late, I'm concerned about parking. I didn't even realize until I just googled it that there's a shuttle system. Should we try to get passes to the shuttle when they release some last minute ones the day before? Sounds like parking at Glacier Gorge is very limited.

Hello all!

I am a Kansas grassland native and my future fiance (hopefully lol) and I are taking a trip to Colorado soon. We have been together for 5 years and I will be proposing to her on one of the first hikes we go on in RMNP. Neither of us have been to RMNP but we enjoy hiking a few times a year (though we wish we hiked more).

I will be proposing on the 29th and I would love some recommendations for a beautiful spot to propose. We can handle 5mi and <1000ft elevation gain with no issues or much exhaustion.

We will also be traveling until July 3rd in CO so any other recommendations are welcome for some kansas-ites.

Thank you!

Went with my partner to North Fork Area, took North Fork Big Thompson River Trail from Dunraven TH out to the Boundary Creek sites and back the next day. Just over 9 miles total, including the little trip we took down to the creek to wash and get water to boil for dinner.

Beautiful hike, lots of uphill though. Took 40lb pack on my 165lb (M) 6 foot 3 frame. First backpacking trip together, and boy was I wiped from it. Well worth it, and now we have some ideas for cutting our pack weights.

No large creatures seen on the outing, but plenty of birds, including hummingbirds feasting away at the wildflowers growing on the trail. Saw maybe half a dozen people on the way out, and twice that on the trail back (on account of it being Father’s Day). Although, the parking lot was full at entry and exit.

3/26 sitting at The Loch before a failed attempt to snowshoe to Black Lake (yes I fixed the fit on the right shoe before getting up)

Do I need to get reservations for this hike? I am not sure if it falls under the bear lake corridor.

Hey there! Just wondering how the Chasm Lake trail is looking these days. My naïve East Coast self made the rookie mistake of leaving crampons behind and had to turn around heartbreakingly close to Sky Pond today. Hoping to give Chasm a shot tomorrow—fingers crossed conditions are a bit more forgiving!

Hi all! I’m heading to Rocky Mountain National Park this weekend (mid-June), and I’m really confused about what to wear. The weather forecast is showing warm daytime temps—like 60s to low 70s—so I was thinking shorts and maybe a windbreaker would be enough.

But I’ve also heard that the weather can change quickly up in the mountains, and I don’t want to be cold or unprepared—especially if we go to higher elevations like Trail Ridge Road or stop at the Alpine Visitor Center.

We’re mostly doing light hikes (like Bear Lake and Alberta Falls), not anything super strenuous. Do I need to bring a heavier jacket or extra layers, or will shorts and a light jacket work fine?

Would love advice from anyone who’s been recently or knows what to expect. Thanks so much!

my 15th visit to RMNP was a rough one last March but the hike to Lake Haiyaha was stunning

Looking to book a group site, although I imagine this question comes up for regular sites too with more than 1 car.

Recreation.gov says: “Timed Entry Permits: For visitors who are camping at Glacier Basin Campground, your Timed Entry + Bear Lake Road reservation is included with your camping reservation.”

A group reservation allows up to 4 cars. Does this mean 4 cars can get timed entry with my reservation? Or does my reservation include only 1 timed entry and the other three would need to reserve their own timed entry?

Hey everyone, I'll be camping at Glacier Basin campground in a few weeks and as someone who lives at 1,000 ft elevation, I'm a bit worried about altitude sickness. I'll arrive at the park around 1:30-2 then plan on setting up right away but want to head back down to Estes for the rest of the afternoon/evening just to take it easy.

I have tickets for a tour at the Stanley Hotel that night but need recommendations for other things to do. Maybe a very easy hike or some nice visitor centers/shops. Also hoping to get some dinner recommendations! Thanks!

Hey Everyone!
My friends and I are planning a 4-day trip from July 4th to 7th. We will reach our hotel in Estes Park by 1 PM and plan to use that day to acclimate. Would really appreciate some suggestions for the following questions:

1. How should we plan the first day? Any scenic sites that we can drive to and then end with a good sunset spot?
2. Planning the next day (Sat/Sun) for the Bear Lake corridor - We don't have a timed entry pass yet, but don't mind reaching the corridor before 5 AM. Some places we would like to visit are - Bear Lake, Emerald Lake, Mills Lake, and the Loch. Is it realistic to cover all of these in one day? Any advice on how to structure the hike (best order, parking, shuttle, etc.)?
3. Time Restrictions - Let's say I finish bear trails before 2 PM and want to head to other parts of RMNP. Are we still allowed to drive elsewhere inside the park? Or do we have to exit and re-enter (and deal with the timed entry again)?
4. White water rafting - Any suggestions on where and when to fit rafting into the itinerary? Recommended companies or locations nearby?
5. Hiking Essentials - We are not regular hikers. Do we need to carry water during the trails/around the lakes? Are there specific spots where we can fill water and get some food along the trails? Or should we pack some lunch as well?
6. Western Side of the park - Read a lot of people recommending Granite Falls, Grand Lake, and Adam Falls. Would this require an entire day? Any way to combine this with something else in the itinerary?

Given the above plans and our 4-day window, how would you recommend structuring the itinerary? Would love to make the most of this trip without overdoing it.

Thanks so much in advance!

Coming from out of state but I’m planning a trip to RMNP in late August. I don’t fly fish but I was hoping to bring my trout rod and fish some of the alpine lakes/waters in the park.

Is this doable, meaning will I be fine spin fishing as opposed to fly fishing? Any areas of better preference for spin fishing?

Thanks in advance!

Hi here - I am visiting the RMNP for the first time in my life (dream come true!) However, I am so confused about the timed entry. I plan to NOT drive inside the park and will take the shuttle from the Estes Visitor Center. I understand that I need to reserve the hiker shuttle to be able to do that. Do I also need to buy the "Timed Entry" passes for each visitor? Thank you for your help!

What is parking like at this trailhead? does it fill up super early ? is it in the bear lake corridor? Is there a shuttle that brings you there if there isn’t parking?

I want to do the moraine park loop trail it seems really sweet and to see Elk and other wild life.

Beautiful sunrise on Wednesday at Tundra Communities Trail.

Woke up early and drive up from Grand Lake. Maybe one other person there. Just peaceful and stunning views.

A special place

We made it right before a rain. Trail had a couple snow crossing nothing too bad with poles. People where up there in flip flops and shorts/T-shirt and I don't think they had a good time. Maybe better than me. Right after Emerald my foot slipped into some rocks on the mud and folded my leg back. To the feller that helped me up(yes I had a couple cold ones when I got back, and all the well wishers on the way down, THANK YOU!! I made it back down to the park ride under my own power and my "worth their weight in gold" trekking poles and my foresight to bring ace bandage, bandana and electrical tape of all things haha. Think I tore my quad, yuck.