Estes Park and nearby Rocky Mountain National Park offer some of the best hiking trails in the state. If you’ve never taken to Colorado’s trail system, it is sometimes best to start out small to help get you familiar with the terrain. Use our guide below and discover the best summer hikes near Estes Park for beginners and start your adventure today!
Lake Estes
Stay in town and enjoy a leisurely walk around Lake Estes. The destination offers a gentle path that circles the perimeter of the lake where visitors can walk through a bird sanctuary, take in views of the golf course (where you can often see elk), and hear the roaring sound of the Big Thompson River. The entire length of the trail is 3.73 miles.
The following summer hikes near Estes Park for beginners are all located inside Rocky Mountain National Park.
Nymph Lake
An easy 1.1-mile out-and-back hike, Nymph Lake is the perfect day hike to not only see a pristine subalpine lake but also wildflowers and wildlife as well. The hike begins at the Bear Lake trailhead. Prepare to arrive early, as this part of the park gets crowded quickly! Once you have reached Nymph Lake, hikers are able to continue past the lake to see expansive views of Hallett Peak, plus an abundance of wildflowers along the way.
Sprague Lake
For stunning beautiful lake scenes and panoramic views of the Continental Divide, hike the trail around Sprague Lake. The trail around the lake is just under one mile, with very little elevation gain, making this one of the best summer hikes near Estes Park for beginners.
Cub Lake
Made popular by its stunning mountain views, colorful wildflowers, and thick forest of trees, Cub Lake is easily one of the more popular lake hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. This moderate hike is just under five miles, at 4.8 miles round-trip. Starting at Moraine Park, the trail brings you across the Big Thompson River to the edge of the park. 2.3 miles in, hikers will reach Cub Lake surrounded by a thick pine forest, marshy shoreline, and in the summer, a smattering of lily pads that occupy the lake.
Dream Lake
The hike to Dream Lake is, well, a dream! This short 2.2-mile hike offers a minimal elevation gain of 402 feet with plenty of beautiful lake views and wildflowers. The hike begins at the Bear Lake trailhead, where hikers will split off right to Dream Lake. A walk around Bear Lake is a great way to add on a bit to the hike if you are feeling up for it!
Copeland Falls
One of the best summer hikes near Estes Park for beginners is Copeland Falls. Copeland Falls is accessible via the Wild Basin Trailhead and is a favorite for family outings or an easy day hike. A 0.3-mile walk will take you to Lower Copeland Falls then and then another 0.1 mile to Upper Copeland Falls.
Stay at Alpine Trail Ridge Inn
After a long day of exploring these trails near Estes Park, rest and relax with a stay at Alpine Trail Ridge Inn. Our proximity to Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park makes for a great choice for exploring the area. Take advantage of our seasonal outdoor swimming pool, perfect for relaxation after a long day of hiking or mountain climbing. Please call us for the most up-to-date information about the seasonal outdoor swimming pool. Combining comfort, affordability, and modern rustic details, our accommodations are the perfect way to complete your Estes Park vacation. Book your stay with us today!
