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: