The Best Backpacking in Estes Park

Beginning in Rocky Mountain National Park near the Deer Ridge Junction (where US 34 & US 36 meet), park your car in one of the 20 spots on either side of the road. Start at the trailhead booth and head north, keeping to the right-side trail at the first intersection about a tenth of a mile fr...

Storm Pass and Longs Peak Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Estes Park, Colorado.

Rocky Mountain National Park showcases 355 miles of hiking trails, 6 campgrounds, and hundreds of backcountry camp sites. The cost to enter the park is $20.00 per vehicle, I recommend buying the annual National Parks Pass for $80.00. Cub Lake is an excellent trail for viewing wildlife. There ar...

Odessa Lake seems to be one of the true hidden gems of Rocky Mountain National Park. Don't get me wrong, you will likely see some folks there, but it is a far cry from the other crowded Bear Lake trailhead lakes. There are two ways to reach Odessa; one, from the Bear Lake Trailhead, and the oth...

The Keyhole and Longs Peak via Longs Peak Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Allenspark, Colorado.

North Fork Big Thompson River Trail Via Dunraven Trailhead is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a river located near Glen Haven, Colorado.

Lost Lake via North Fork Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Glen Haven, Colorado.

This adventure began at the Longs Peak trailhead in southeastern Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado. I followed the Longs Peak trail for 6 miles to the Boulderfield backcountry camping area. This is a fairly steep on-trail climb of 3,360 feet. After setting up camp at 12,760 feet, my partner...

Boulder Field is a high alpine backcountry site on Longs Peak, and is a popular camp for backpackers attempting to summit Longs Peak via the Keyhole route. At an impressive elevation of 12,760 feet, Boulder Field is a vast wasteland of rocks that sits 500 feet below the famous Keyhole feature, an...

Start at the Glacier Gorge trailhead on Bear Lake Road. Parking is limited so it is advised to get there very early. It's a longer hike so plan on taking a full day to complete or stay overnight to enjoy more of the scenery. Within the first mile on the Glacier Gorge Trail you will pass by Alber...

North Long's Peak Trail to Boulder Brook is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Estes Park, Colorado.

Begin at the popular Glacier Gorge trailhead along Bear Lake Road in Rocky Mountain National Park. Arrive VERY early for parking as the lot typically fills by 7:30 am. For the best photography options - choose to either backpack into the Glacier Gorge campsite (reservations must be made early in ...

Andrews Tarn and Andrews Glacier Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Estes Park, Colorado.

From the Bear Lake Trailhead, the path to Nymph Lake is a moderate paved trail. At the lake there are several places to sit and take in the scenery. This is also where you'll find the most people. From here, continue up the trail towards Dream Lake. On the way, the trail forks. The left will take...

Lake Nanita and Nokoni via Bear Lake Trailhead is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Estes Park, Colorado.

Rocky Mountain Lake Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Estes Park, Colorado.