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:

New Book Shines Light on the “Dark Side of the Rainbow” Theory

Is it real, a cosmic coincidence, an ingenious marketing ploy, or just another conspiracy theory?

What are the chances that one of the most beloved movies of all time is artistically linked to one of the greatest rock albums ever recorded? For the uninitiated, the “Dark Side of the Rainbow” theory asserts that Pink Floyd purposely synchronized The Dark Side of the Moon to The Wizard of Oz. For those who have seen it, the mashup produces dozens of striking coincidences between the film and the album, where actions on the screen seemingly correspond to the lyrics, chords and musical moods of the Dark Side tracks.

In addition to a complete viewing guide for the synchronicities, the book explores an explanation for their existence.

I'm super excited to announce the release of my brand new book: The Dark Side of the Rainbow.

Now available in both paperback and eBook: amazon.com/dp/B0DXVND79V

Flathead Avalanche Center backcountry avalanche WARNING

The Flathead Avalanche Center in Hungry Horse has issued a BACKCOUNTRY AVALANCHE WARNING for the following areas: NWS Missoula MT - MTZ001 (MTZ001)...MTZ002 (MTZ002)

* WHAT...Dangerous avalanche conditions exist in the wake of rain, heavy snowfall, and gale force winds.

* WHERE...All elevations of the Whitefish, Apgar, Swan, and Flathead mountain ranges, and portions of Glacier National Park (the McDonald Valley and peaks near Marias Pass).

* WHEN...In effect from Mon 06:00 MST to Tue 06:00 MST.

* IMPACTS...Triggered wet snow avalanches are likely below about 6000 feet. Above that elevation, large to very large natural and triggered avalanches are likely; these could involve 1 to 2 feet of new and drifted snow or break deeper in the snowpack, on buried weak layers. Avalanches may run long distances, into lower-angled terrain, valley floors, and snowmobile trails. Small slopes like roadcuts and snow-covered roofs may be hazardous.

* PRECAUTIONARY / PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...Widespread and complex avalanche hazards. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended.

Consult http://www.flatheadavalanche.org/ or http://www.avalanche.org for more detailed information. Similar avalanche danger may exist at locations outside the coverage area of this or any avalanche center.



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Check out our online trail guides:

• Glacier National Park: HikinginGlacier.com

• Grand Teton National Park: TetonHikingTrails.com

• Rocky Mountain National Park: RockyMountainHikingTrails.com

Montana, BNSF Railway partner on plan to enhance grizzly bear conservation efforts

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, in partnership with BNSF Railway and Montana’s Outdoor Legacy Foundation, is proud to announce the completion of a plan to enhance grizzly bear conservation and conflict reduction efforts in northwest and north-central Montana.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) recently approved BNSF’s proposed Habitat Conservation Plan submitted as part of the company’s application for an Incidental Take Permit. This landmark plan, developed in collaboration with FWP and others, outlines measures BNSF will take to reduce potential impacts to the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem (NCDE) grizzly bear population from human-related mortalities. BNSF will provide $2.9 million to support personnel, equipment and education to reduce human-bear conflicts and grizzly bear mortalities in the ecosystem.

Key components of the plan include:

* Conflict Response and Reduction: BNSF will provide funding for additional seasonal grizzly bear technicians employed by FWP. These technicians will work throughout the NCDE on public outreach, conflict response and attractant reduction programs. The funding will provide for additional equipment such as electric fences and bear resistant containers to reduce human-bear conflicts.

* Monitoring Equipment: BNSF will fund additional equipment, such as radio collars and remote cameras, to aid in monitoring bears and reducing conflicts.

* Waste Management: BNSF will fund efforts to improve waste disposal areas and otherwise reduce attractants on public and private property.

* Livestock Conflict Reduction: BNSF will fund measures to reduce livestock depredation and human-bear conflicts.

* Community Engagement and Education: BNSF will provide funding for conflict mitigation efforts in the NCDE through education and outreach efforts, including events and information on living and recreating safely in bear country, reducing attractants, and how to use bear spray.

Since 1991, BNSF has collaborated with tribal, federal, state and local government agencies, conservation groups and industry to address and mitigate concerns about grizzly bear mortality incidental to railroad operations. These efforts include agreements to implement programs and measures to minimize bear and train conflicts, primarily by identifying and removing attractants from the right-of-way and installing deterrents when needed in high-risk areas. As part of this, BNSF has implemented a rapid-response program for grain spills, historically a primary attractant for bears to railways, and expanded bear education for railway employees.

The habitat conservation plan formalizes these ongoing efforts by BNSF to promote grizzly bear conservation by supporting wildlife agencies’ management and monitoring programs.

Montana’s Outdoor Legacy Foundation (MOLF) will oversee the mitigation funds, directing resources to high-priority conservation projects.

The NCDE is home to one of the largest grizzly bear populations in the contiguous U.S., with an estimated 1,100 bears in the region. The area spans Glacier National Park, the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex, and surrounding tribal, public and private lands in northwest and north-central Montana. The habitat conservation plan aligns with broader efforts to maintain habitat connectivity and ensure the species’ continued recovery under the Endangered Species Act.



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Check out our online trail guides:

• Glacier National Park: HikinginGlacier.com

• Grand Teton National Park: TetonHikingTrails.com

• Rocky Mountain National Park: RockyMountainHikingTrails.com

Seven Outstanding Hikes in Colorado

With endless amounts of stunning mountain scenery, the State of Colorado arguably ranks as the top hiking destination in the country. Although I’m quite partial to the hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park, there are many other places around the state that are on par with the national park. Here are seven hikes that I think you’ll find to be quite amazing, and may want to consider for your hiking bucket list:

Sneffels Highline
The Sneffels Highline is among the best hikes I've ever done. This spectacular loop offers several miles of exceptional views as it travels above treeline through the Uncompahgre National Forest and Mount Sneffels Wilderness Area. I highly recommend this hike during the fall when the aspens explode in brilliant shades of yellows. Since there's no parking at the trailhead, located at the top of Aspen Street in downtown Telluride, be sure to catch the Galloping Goose shuttle from several places around town.

Ice Lakes
Located just outside of Silverton in the San Juan National Forest, Ice Lakes likely has the most intense cobalt blue color I’ve ever seen in nature. Combine this extraordinarily beautiful alpine lake with outstanding mountain scenery and several thousand wildflowers, and you have one of the best hikes found just about anywhere.

Blue Lakes
The Blue Lakes Trail travels to an extremely scenic glacial basin within the Mt. Sneffels Wilderness area. Although not a national park, the San Juan Mountains near Ouray could easily qualify as one, and would probably rank as one of the crown jewels within the entire national park system. You could also make a strong argument that the hike to Blue Lakes would rank high on a list of the best hikes among all of our national parks.

Black Face Mountain
Although Black Face Mountain may look fairly nondescript from the top of Lizard Head Pass just outside of Telluride, you shouldn't be deceived - the views from the summit are quite amazing. After a relatively easy climb hikers will enjoy stunning panoramic views of several 13 and 14,000-foot peaks, as well as the iconic Lizard Head. Strong hikers can continue along the trail to create an epic loop that visits Bilk Basin Overlook.

Gilpin Lake Loop
The Gilpin Lake / Gold Creek Lake Loop (now referred to as the Zirkel Circle) in the Mount Zirkel Wilderness area near Steamboat Springs is an extremely popular hike. The trail visits waterfalls, broad glacially-carved meadows, and two scenic lakes. From the top of Gilpin Ridge you’ll enjoy absolutely stunning views of Gilpin Lake, a deep blue, alpine lake that lies below the gaze of 12,180-foot Mt. Zirkel and Big Agnes Mountain.

Mt. Elbert
Why not just go to the top of Colorado? Not only is 14,440-foot Mt. Elbert the highest point in Colorado, it’s also the highest point between Mt. Whitney in California, Fairweather Mountain in Canada, La Malinche Mountain in Mexico, and Mont Blanc in France. From the “roof of Colorado” hikers will enjoy outstanding panoramic views. Moreover, as “fourteeners” go, the hike to the summit is relatively easy.

Quandary Peak
At 14,265 feet Quandary Peak ranks as the 13th highest mountain in Colorado, and is one of the more accessible fourteeners in the state. The trailhead is located only 8 miles south of Breckenridge, and doesn't require a 4-wheel drive vehicle to reach it. Moreover, the 6.75-mile roundtrip route has very little exposure to steep drop-offs, thus making this a great first mountain for novice peak baggers.

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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:

New bill aims to boost U.S. aerial firefighting resources for wildfires

The "Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act of 2025" has been introduced to Congress to strengthen the U.S. aerial wildfire suppression fleet. This bipartisan effort seeks to address the increasing threat of catastrophic wildfires by enhancing resources for aerial firefighting.

The bill was introduced by U.S. Senators Tim Sheehy and Martin Heinrich (D- NM) who say the initiative emphasizes the importance of combatting the threat of catastrophic wildfires as a year-round mission. It seeks to ensure the aerial wildfire suppression fleet has the necessary resources to protect communities.

The Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act of 2025 amends the Wildfire Suppression Aircraft Transfer Act of 1996. It reauthorizes the sale of aircraft and parts by the Department of Defense for wildfire suppression. This will facilitate the acquisition of military excess aircraft, sold at fair market value, for the aerial wildfire suppression fleet.

The bill reauthorizes the Secretary of Defense to sell excess Department of Defense aircraft and aircraft parts to entities that contract with the government for wildfire suppression. The aircraft and parts must be used solely for this purpose. The initial authority expired in 2005, was reauthorized from 2012 to 2017, and has now lapsed again.

The United Aerial Firefighters Association has endorsed the bill, recognizing its potential to enhance the nation's ability to combat wildfires effectively.

For more information, please click here.



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Check out our online trail guides:

• Glacier National Park: HikinginGlacier.com

• Grand Teton National Park: TetonHikingTrails.com

• Rocky Mountain National Park: RockyMountainHikingTrails.com

Glacier National Park’s Fire Management Plan Environmental Assessment available for public input

Glacier National Park is seeking public comment on an environmental assessment (EA) for the park’s proposed Fire Management Plan (FMP). The EA is available for public review and comment until March 12 online at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/FMP2024.

The proposed plan outlines how park staff manage wildfire, prescribed fire, and non-fire fuel treatments; protect the public and park communities; and protect park values, including natural and cultural resources and infrastructure. Specific strategies and tactics would be selected depending on the location and defined incident protection and resource objectives. The park would use prescribed fire and non-fire fuels treatments to accomplish objectives such as reducing fuel accumulation and maintaining desired conditions. The proposed plan would replace the park’s current plan, last updated in 2003.

Glacier National Park initiated public scoping for the FMP EA in February of 2024. The EA evaluates impacts to air quality, vegetation and soils, wildlife, federally listed species, cultural resources, recommended wilderness, and natural soundscapes.

Submit your comments:

Online: https://parkplanning.nps.gov/FMP2024, or

By mail to Superintendent, Glacier National Park, Attn: FMP 2024 EA, P.O. Box 128, West Glacier, Montana, 59936.



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Check out our online trail guides:

• Glacier National Park: HikinginGlacier.com

• Grand Teton National Park: TetonHikingTrails.com

• Rocky Mountain National Park: RockyMountainHikingTrails.com

Top "off the beaten trail" Hikes in Glacier National Park

As you've likely noticed in recent years, national parks are getting crowded. And Glacier 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 masses, and still enjoy outstanding scenery. With more than 740 miles of trails meandering through the park, there are many options for hikers who seek a little solitude. Though not an exaustive list, here are 10 great hikes to consider:

1) Gable Pass: After ascending Lee Ridge, hikers will enjoy expansive panoramic views that include Chief Mountain, Gable Mountain, as well as the highest point in Glacier National Park, 10,466-foot Mt. Cleveland. You'll also have the chance to see the odd gravel stripes along this stretch. In my opinion, these are arguably some of the best views in park.

2) Belly River Ranger Station: This hike visits the historic Belly River Ranger Station in the northeast sector of the park - just north of Many Glacier. The district contains several historic buildings, including the original ranger cabin constructed in 1912, making it one of the oldest continually manned ranger stations in Glacier National Park. The station also has the distinction of being the only ranger station in the park to be accessible by trail only. Did I mention the great views?

3) Triple Divide Pass: If you're looking for a little bit of solitude in Glacier National Park, Triple Divide Pass just may be the ticket. The trailhead is located in Cut Bank, roughly half-way between Two Medicine and St. Mary. The pass lies just below Triple Divide Peak, the only hydrological apex in North America - or is it? After soaking in the panoramic views at the pass we saw a white wolf trotting through a meadow in the valley below as we proceeding down the mountain.

4) Two Medicine Pass: During our trek to the pass we saw a ton of wildlife, including an owl, an extremely large bull moose just below Rockwell Falls, and then, as we neared the pass, we came upon a large herd of Bighorn sheep. Numbering at least three dozen, it was by far the largest herd of Bighorns we've ever seen in one place. Once atop the pass we enjoyed outstanding panoramic views on both sides of the narrow ridge.

5) Firebrand Pass: This hike begins from the Lubec Trailhead in the southeast corner of the park. It visits a pass that was named for the devastating forest fires that hit this region in 1910, the year Glacier became a national park. From the pass hikers will enjoy commanding views of 7347-foot Skeleton Mountain and the Ole Creek drainage area.

6) Medicine Grizzly Lake: This hike is also located in the fairly remote Cut Bank valley. The hike visits a fairly large lake that rests in a basin below the Continental Divide, and is surrounded by towering mountains. Look closely and you'll notice several waterfalls cascading hundreds of feet down the walls of those peaks.

7) Gunsight Lake: In addition to visiting an extremely beautiful alpine lake, you'll also pass Mirror Pond along the way, which just might be one of the most sublime spots in the entire park!

8) Apgar Lookout: From the historic fire tower hikers will enjoy grand views of the entire length of Lake McDonald, as well as the high peaks in the heart of Glacier. The Apgar Lookout Trail is also one of the first trails with great views to be free of snow, making this an excellent choice for an early season hike.

9) Mt. Brown Lookout: The historic Mount Brown Lookout was constructed in 1929. From it, hikers will enjoy commanding views of Mount Vaught, McPartland Mountain and Heavens Peak towards the north, Sperry Glacier towards the east, as well as Lake McDonald in the valley far below. The trail leading to the tower climbs more than 4200 feet in just 5 miles, making it one of the toughest hikes in the park.

10) Beaver Pond Loop: As the name would imply, the hike visits a couple of small beaver ponds, as well as the Historic 1913 Ranger Station. A very short side trip from the loop leads to the shore of St. Mary Lake, which offers exceptional views from this vantage point. This trail is also one of first trails in the park to be free of snow in the spring. A preponderance of aspens makes this a great fall hike as well.



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Glacier National Park preserves more than a million acres of some of the most spectacular scenery on Earth. With more than 740 miles of trails meandering throughout this vast park, how will you find and choose the most scenic and rewarding hikes?

Exploring Glacier National Park takes all the guesswork out by focusing on the most amazing hikes, and provides you with handpicked recommendations that will allow you to make the most of your trip to Glacier:

Timed Entry Vehicle Reservations open February 13

Glacier National Park reminds visitors that 120-day advance timed entry vehicle reservations become available on Recreation.gov starting February 13, 2025, at 8 am Mountain Time. 

This is a correction from a previous announcement that stated reservations would be released on February 12. The correct date, February 13, is exactly 120 days prior to June 13, the first day timed entry vehicle reservations are required.

A timed entry vehicle reservation is required from June 13 to September 28, 2025, for the West Side of Going-to-the-Sun Road and the North Fork. Reservations can only be purchased on Recreation.gov.

The entry time blocks for Going-to-the-Sun Road and the North Fork will be in two-hour increments; 7 am to 9 am, 9 am to 11 am, 11 am to 1 pm, and 1 pm to 3 pm.

Visitors can enter reservation areas at any time during the time block they have reserved and can remain in the park for as long as they like on the day of their reservation. Visitors who miss their reserved time block can enter after 3 pm.

Timed entry vehicle reservations will be available online through two booking windows. Starting Feb 13, at 8 am Mountain Time, a portion of reservations will open daily on a rolling basis 120 days, approximately four months, in advance. The 120-day advance booking window is ideal for people who need to plan their park visit in advance to coordinate with other plans or services in the area. A second booking window, for next-day entry, will be available starting June 12, 2025, at 7 pm. Next-day booking is a good option for people who are already in the local area or are more spontaneous with their plans.

Each of the specified areas of the park requires a separate reservation, which can be made at Recreation.gov or the Recreation.gov mobile app. Visitors must create an account before booking and are encouraged to do so prior to the day reservations open. The cost associated with booking a reservation is a $2 Recreation.gov processing fee.

For more information, please click here.



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Glacier National Park preserves more than a million acres of some of the most spectacular scenery on Earth. With more than 740 miles of trails meandering throughout this vast park, how will you find and choose the most scenic and rewarding hikes?

Exploring Glacier National Park takes all the guesswork out by focusing on the most amazing hikes, and provides you with handpicked recommendations that will allow you to make the most of your trip to Glacier: