Top "off the beaten trail" Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park

As you've likely noticed in recent years, national parks are getting crowded. And Rocky Mountain National Park is no exception. As a result, most of the more well-known hikes in the park are also getting quite crowded. Not to mention finding a parking spot can be a hassle as well. Fortunately, if you dig a little deeper, there are still many hikes you can take to get away from the crowds, and still enjoy outstanding scenery. With more than 350 miles of trails meandering throughout the park, there are many options for hikers who seek a little solitude. Though not exaustive, here are 10 great hikes to consider:

1) Lion Lake No. 1: For whatever reason, I didn't take the opportunity to take this hike until 2021. Wow! What was I waiting for? The rugged subalpine landscape that surrounds this lake offers some of the most beautiful scenery in the park, while making it by far the most scenic lake in Wild Basin.

2) Baker Pass - Parika Lake Loop: This hike travels into the heart of the Never Summer Mountains, located just west of Rocky Mountain National Park. Although the hike begins along Trail Ridge Road in RMNP, this area sees relatively few visitors. This is a big mistake for those who seek awesome scenery, as the trail visits some absolutely beautiful spots, including Baker Pass and Parika Lake.

3) Pear Lake: This is another beautiful lake hike in Wild Basin. We saw lots of wildlife on this one, including a couple of moose near the trailhead.

4) Thunder Lake: Yet another beautiful lake tucked into the heart of Wild Basin. Though everyone else might be heading towards Ouzel Lake or Bluebird Lake, you might have this lake to yourself.

5) Little Horseshoe Park Loop: I would have to say that this loop (really a "lollipop hike") is a hidden gem. This short hike offers spectacular views of the Mummy Mountains, a plethora of wildflowers, as well as great opportunities for spotting a wide variety of wildlife.

6) Lumpy Ridge Loop: Wow! The views of and from the MacGregor Ranch are simply outstanding. Do this one in the early morning, and you'll likely be rewarded!

7) Lake Verna: The ultimate destination on this hike is 6.9 miles from the trailhead. If the thought of trekking that far seems too daunting you could shorten it by ending it at Lone Pine Lake, or taking a really short hike and stopping at a low bluff that overlooks East Meadow where you'll have a great opportunity of spotting moose and elk. No matter your choice, each destination passes Adams Falls near the trailhead.

8) Upper Beaver Meadows Loop: Expansive views of Longs Peak and the mountains along the Continental Divide await you from the montane grassy meadows along this one-way loop.

9) Poudre River Trail: This hike travels along the upper portions of the Cache La Poudre River, which was designated as a Wild and Scenic River by Congress in 1986.

10) Cascade Falls: One of the most voluminous waterfalls you'll find in Rocky Mountain National Park!



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From Montana to New Mexico, the American Rockies stretch for more than a thousand miles. Within this spectacular mountain range are thousands of miles of hiking trails. With such an overwhelming number of options, how will you find and choose the most scenic and rewarding hikes?

Ultimate Hiking Guide to the Rocky Mountains takes all the guesswork out by focusing on some of the most amazing hikes across this range, and provides you with a handpicked list of options that will allow you to make the most of your trips in the Rockies: