There’s a reason John Denver talked about the “Colorado Rocky Mountain high.” Actually, probably more like 415 reasons, since the park is 415 square miles, or 265,807 acres, in size. Depending on the season you visit, Rocky Mountain National Park can be a snowy winter wonderland or a sunshiney, summery fairy tail. But one thing’s for sure: many of its most popular hikes and viewpoints, like Emerald Lake and Sky Pond, are often packed with visitors—especially during peak travel season.
Fortunately, a park that large has more than enough hidden gems to keep the truly devoted adventurers happy, not to mention offering crowd-free hiking experiences it’s hard to find inside America’s most popular outdoor destinations. Below, we’ve highlighted a few of the less-crowded trails inside RMNP—and you already know that, by our lights, RV camping is the very best way to explore and appreciate them. How else can you get that close to the trailhead while still getting to sleep on a comfy mattress with AC?
Best Crowd-Free Trail Suggestions by AllTrails
If you’re big into outdoor adventure, chances are you’re already using AllTrails. When it comes to finding the best hiking trails and navigating them with preparation and ease, AllTrails is second to none.
While the free Base membership is more than enough to power a stellar adventure, upgrading to AllTrails Plus allows you to download maps for offline use and prepare with 3D trail previews, among other features, while the brand-new AllTrails Peak membership is perfect for serious explorers who want to create custom routes, get real-time trail condition updates, and more.
(Psst: For a limited time only, RVshare readers have access to an exclusive 30% off discount for AllTrails Plus! Don’t miss it!)
Skip Emerald Lake Trail; Try Cascade Falls Instead
The turquoise waters of the alpine lake that is this trail’s namesake are just one of the draws to Emerald Lake Trail, which actually winds its way along three lakes, not counting Bear Lake at its trailhead. And at a round-trip distance of just over three miles and about 700 feet of elevation gain, Emerald Lake Trail is a moderate trail, making it more accessible than many of the best vistas that only come at the end of longer, more challenging treks.
For all those reasons, though, one thing is almost guaranteed: You’re going to have company on Emerald Lake Trail. Which is why we recommend checking out Cascade Falls instead. While you won’t get three full lakes on this trail, you will, as its name implies, get to enjoy some beautiful falls—not to mention wildflowers, wildlife, and easy access very close to Grand Lodge, if you happen to be staying there or nearby. At seven miles round trip and just over 600 feet in elevation change, Cascade Falls is about the same difficulty level as Emerald Lake Trail (albeit a little bit longer), which makes it a good option for those who are able to hike for slightly longer distances but still aren’t looking for the most difficult trek in the park. You can even backpack this trail if you’re hoping to stay out and enjoy the surroundings even longer.
Here’s what some real, live AllTrails reviewers had to say about their experience of Cascade Falls:
- The falls are amazing. Saw mule deer, chipmunks, a marmot, wildflowers, birds & butterflies.
- Great hike! Start early as there is little to no shade due to the burned trees, and you will have more of a chance to see wild life. The view of the falls and the shade there was amazing!
- Very pretty even through the burn area. We saw a bull moose in the upper meadow before Big Pool. We camped at Big Pool Site #1 which was a great spot for night photography. Super easy trail for backpacking most of the way to Big Pool.
Before You Go Considerations
Hiking is always an adventurous undertaking, and preparation is key. Here’s what to know before you head out to Cascade Falls:
- The best times to visit are May through October. Once winter hits, you may find yourself slipping in ice or post-holing in snow—that is, if you can get your car to the trailhead at all.
- Be bear aware. Rocky Mountain National Park is home to black bears—and although they tend not to be as dangerous as their grizzly bear cousins, they’re still bears. Be sure you learn the rules of how to handle an encounter before you head out.
- Be ready for anything, weather-wise. Even in the summertime, weather can shift quickly—so bring extra layers and a waterproof jacket in case you get caught in a sudden storm.
Skip Sky Pond via Glacier Gorge Trail; Try Boulder Brook Trail Instead
Boasting some of the very best views in the entire park, Sky Pond is truly a sight to behold—though the trek it takes to get there can be treacherous. Clocking in at almost nine miles in round-trip length, not to mention almost 1,800 feet of elevation gain, Sky Pond is a hike for only the strongest adventurers, and even they might find themselves winded by the end.
If sweeping mountain and meadow views, burbling streams, and tall trees sound like an experience you’re after—especially with few other visitors on the trail beside you—we recommend Boulder Brook Trail, one of the most beautiful (but least crowded) trails in the entire national park. It’s still definitely a climb at almost 1,500 feet of elevation gain, though it’s also shorter, scoring it in the “moderate” category rather than “difficult” on AllTrails.
On Boulder Brook, you’ll cross a raucous stream on a wooden bridge, enjoy the snow-capped peaks from afar, and spy some beautiful alpine waters—not to mention your opportunity, again, to see wildlife and wildflowers.
Again, here are a few real-world reviews from actual AllTrails users who’ve been there themselves:
- Beautiful waterfalls along the way. If you want quiet and no other hikers do this hike.
- Great hike along Glacier Creek and Boulder Brook trail. Not busy. We only did a small portion, but it was beautiful!
- This is a beautiful hike, along the river for much of the way. Very few people, in the trees the entire hike.
Before You Go Considerations
Boulder Brook Trail has safety considerations of its own to keep in mind, including:
- It can get snowy and icy. Visitors who come to Boulder Brook in the late fall, winter, or spring may find themselves post-holing up to their knees in snow, or slipping on ice. Be sure to know the forecast and trail conditions before you go, and if you do opt to hike in colder climes, bring the right equipment. (Micro-spikes can go a long way!)
- It’s steep. Although the trail is shorter than Sky Pond via Glacier Gorge, it sees almost as much elevation gain. Translation: It can be a lot steeper in some sections, so be sure you’re only tackling this one if you’re in pretty good shape (or ready to feel the burn!).
Post-Hike Resources for Rocky Mt. National Park
While you could hike Rocky Mountain National Park for a lifetime and not see it all, there are also plenty of other things to enjoy while you’re in the area.
- For starters, there are many excellent RV campgrounds around Rocky Mountain National Park, whether you’re looking for a rugged experience or something more luxe. Either way, though, be sure to book early, because spots fill up!
- For those looking for even more outdoor adventure, there are also other protected wilderness areas nearby, including Arapaho National Forest and Roosevelt National Forest.
- There are also all sorts of urban adventures to get into in Denver itself, including every kind of edible delight you can imagine at Denver Central Market and Red Rocks Amphitheater, which is beautiful enough to be worth exploring even if you’re not seeing a show. Estes Park, too, is well worth exploring. Insider tip: For the best fresh beer and tasty food in town, head to The Hive at Estes Park Brewery.
RV camping is the very best way to experience the Colorado Rocky Mountain high for yourself—in a peer-to-peer rental rig that’s been loved and lived-in, you can enjoy all the comforts of home close enough to the trailhead to skip the pre-sunrise wakeup call. And with an AllTrails Plus membership, you’ll be ready to roll, no matter where your hiking feet take you. (Don’t forget, our readers get 30% off the annual subscription!)
