The epicenter of alpine hiking. Welcome to Estes Park, where Rocky Mountain National Park - the 4th busiest National Park in the United States - resides. This is a hiking intensive itinerary with activities interspersed. Take what you want, leave what you don't, but mostly ENJOY the beauty of Estes Park.
Base, both nights: Kinnikinnik Motor Lodge (alternates: Fall River Village, The Stanley Hotel)
Day 1 — Arrive and explore
Description: Arrive and settle in. Grab a coffee or lunch and enjoy a stroll around the lake. Ride the tramway to orient yourself, and if you have the energy enjoy a moderate hike to one of Colorado's most famous alpine lakes.
11:30 AM — Bird & Jim, arrival lunch
1:00 PM — Lake Estes walk to acclimate to altitude and hopefully see the infamous elk herd that hangs out by the shore
2:30 PM — Take a tram ride and enjoy the expansive views of Estes Park
5:00 PM — Hike to Gem Lake for sunset, a little lake with beautiful views of the Rocky Mountains and Estes Park. Don't forget to look back and admire the view as you make your way up the natural stair master. National park pass or day pass required.
7:30 PM — Dinner in town
Day 2 — Rocky Mountain National Park
Description: The main event. Arrive to the trailhead by 5 am to beat the timed-entry window. It's early, but Dream Lake is worth it. Continue your hike to Lake Haiyaha as the bonus, and end the day with a short peak sunset hike.
Pack breakfast along to eat at the lake
4:45 AM — Enter Rocky Mountain National Park, beat the timed entry by arriving to bear lake parking lot by 5 am. Bring a headlamp to light the way as you hike toward Dream Lake in the dark (it's worth it for sunrise at the lake, promise).
6-7:00 AM — Arrive at Dream Lake, catch sunrise.
8:00 AM — Continue to Emerald Lake.
9:00 AM — On to Lake Haiyaha, a turquoise bonus lake
1:00 PM - Rest at y our hotel. Or explore downtown and grab lunch.
4:00 PM — Option 1: Hike Lily Mountain for sunset. A hidden local gem, make sure to download the alltrails map before going
Option 2: Sign up for a Green Jeep Tour through the park. Ride in an open top jeep and take in the stunning scenery
7:30 PM — Grab dinner in town
Day 3 — Granite domes, then out
Description: A final morning hike to the granite of Gem Lake, breakfast-for-the-road, and home relaxed.
7:30 AM — Cinnamon's Bakery Estes Park — rolls to go (open 7:30 to 10)
8:30 AM — Gem Lake Trail — short climb to granite domes on Lumpy Ridge
12:30 PM — depart
