Hikes in the Rockies

Hikes in the Rockies

Hiking is our identity for us here at the channel and the entirety of the communities surrounding Rocky Mountain National Park and our National Forests. Some hike long, some short, and some do what they can as long as they can. Whatever your speed, we love these mountains and the creatures that share the precious environment. Hiking is described here in ultra-scenic short videos meant to entice, encourage and educate. See it all through the magic lenses of cinematographer Sean Doherty.

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Hikes in the Rockies
  • Mount Ida

    Sean, Michelle, John and Claire experience first hand that the alpine tundra is indeed the "Land of Extremes" as they tackle a challenging hike to the summit of Mount Ida.

    Hiking on the alpine tundra feels like you’re walking on top of the world, and one of the best ways to experience that is hi...

  • Ute Trail

    A 6.5 mile hike from the Ute Crossing Trailhead to Beaver Meadows Trailhead
    Difficulty: Strenuous

    Nick Mollé hikes the ancient Ute Trail, and is left with a different perspective on this strenuous descent through the alpine tundra, forest and meadow landscapes.

  • Sky Pond

    Roundtrip Length: 10 mi Difficulty: Strenuous

    The Sky Pond hike is beautifully deceptive. More than a pond, the destination is not deceptive, but the final portion of the journey is. After an artfully carved “stairway to heaven”, a unique slippery climb up a waterfall brings us to a magnifi...

  • Ouzel Falls

    It is true, we love our adventures above tree line in the dramatic landscapes of our National Park, but if one hike characterizes the sub-alpine spectacular offerings of Rocky, this is it. The six-mile round trip trek to Ouzel Falls never fails to amaze us. 

    Roundtrip Length: approximately 6 mil...

  • Lulu City

    Michelle and Sean hike to the abandoned ghost town of Lulu City on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park. They're not going to find any silver or gold on this hike, but they may find something much more rewarding.

  • Medicine Bow Peak

    Stunning views, gorgeous wildflowers and a shocking discovery.

    At 12,018 feet, it is the highest peak in the Snowy Range, and features some of the most underrated and stunning scenery in Wyoming. While other trails in Colorado are swarming with people, this hidden gem offers much needed solitu...

  • Shadow Mountain Lookout

    Hike with us to the only surviving fire lookout structure in Rocky Mountain National Park.
    Roundtrip Length - 9.6 miles
    Highest Elevation - 9,923 Feet
    Elevation Gain - 1,635 feet

    Fire suppression in national parks and forests has a long and evolving history, transitioning from early practices o...

  • Twin Sisters

    Roundtrip Length: 8 mi Difficulty: Strenuous

    Twin Sisters has the distinctive position among our hikes of being a great lookout to see the cities in the valley to the east and enjoy an exceptional view of the high peaks to the west.

  • Bridal Veil Falls

    Roundtrip Length: 6 mi Difficulty: Moderate

    Sean joins Michelle and her mother Joan on an early morning hike to Bridal Veil Falls. Along the way Michelle shares her knowledge about all the different wildflowers you'll see, including one that is deadly to humans.

    Whether you're drawn by the hi...

  • Gem Lake

    Roundtrip Length: 4 mi Difficulty: Moderate

    We are so lucky to have Gem Lake so close to town. I often joke that this short steep jaunt up to this lake has a difficulty level that is relative because if you just came from sea-level, it is relatively difficult. It is also relative because thi...

  • Alberta Falls

    Roundtrip Length: 1 mi Difficulty: Easy

    Alberta Falls, named after pioneer settler, Alberta Sprague is a great introduction to hiking in Rocky. This short journey is rewarded by a scenic waterfall where families share smiles and stories while relaxing to the sound of Glacier Creek.

  • Andrews Tarn

    Roundtrip Length: 10 mi Difficulty: Strenuous

    Andrews Tarn and the magnificent Andrews Glacier are found at the end of one of the more difficult and equally breathtaking hikes in Rocky. After leaving the Glacier Gorge trailhead and the short hike to Alberta Falls far behind, you will eventu...

  • Bierstadt Lake

    Roundtrip Length: 3 mi Difficulty: Moderate

    Named after the famous artist who captured these exceptional views on canvas, Bierstadt Lake is a short ascent over Bierstadt Moraine. The roadside trailhead sends us up through the evergreens and into groves of aspens that are striking in the fall...

  • Bierstadt Lake Sunrise Hike

    Take a moment and relax to the peaceful sights and sounds of Bierstadt Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park

  • Hike to Big Meadows

    Big Meadows is a fun, scenic hike that is teaming with new life as a result of the 2020 wildfires. The hike begins at the Green Mountain Trailhead about 2.5 miles north of the Grand Lake entrance to Rocky.

    With only 740 feet of elevation gain, this moderate trek passes through a burn scar from ...

  • Black & Blue Lakes

    Roundtrip Length: 9.4 mi Difficulty: Strenuous

    The Glacier Gorge trailhead is one of the most popular places in the Park. One way to shed the crowds is to find your way to Black Lake and on to Blue Lake.
    After the short jaunt to popular Alberta Falls, your visits with fellow hikers will
    c...

  • Black Lake

    Roundtrip Length: 9.4 mi Difficulty: Strenuous

    Black Lake is for the adventurous who choose to go beyond the classic popular hike to Mills Lake. As if the charm of Mills isn’t enough the pleasant continuation through seasonal wildflowers never ceases to blow my mind when it opens up at the...

  • Chasm Falls

    Roundtrip Length: 2.5 mi Difficulty: Moderate

    Early one morning we drove up Old Fall River Road to do some filming. Here are a few shots of Chasm Falls and the Alpine Tundra. It was a beautiful morning.

  • Chasm Lake

    Roundtrip Length: 8.4 mi Difficulty: Strenuous

    The charm of Chasm Lake is not only the spectacular setting but the
    notoriety of the trail that it shares. Leaving the Longs Peak trailhead
    and immediately climbing through the trees, we twist and turn past a
    couple of historic mining sites ...

  • Crosier Mountain Trail

    Roundtrip Length: 7.7 mi Difficulty: Moderate

    Hike the Crosier Mountain Trail with us!

  • Deer Mountain Trail

    Roundtrip Length: 6 mi Difficulty: Moderate

    Take a moment to enjoy this breathtaking hike on Deer Mountain Trail in Rocky Mountain National Park. The views were spectacular during both summer and winter!

    Easily accessible and a very short drive from the entrance stations, Deer Mountain is an ...

  • Fall Colors in Rocky

    One of the most beautiful times to visit Rocky is during the Fall Colors in September and October. Here's a short film showcasing the breathtaking scenery you will witness.

  • Fern Lake & Odessa Lake

    Roundtrip Length: 8.8 mi Difficulty: Moderate

    Join us on a virtual hike to Fern Lake and Odessa Lake with narration by Nick Molle.

  • Finch Lake

    Roundtrip Length: 8 mi Difficulty: Moderate

    The tranquility and wonderful views made Finch Lake a fantastic gem of a hike and one that we will certainly return to again.

    The hike begins at Finch Lake Trailhead in the Wild Basin area of Rocky Mountain National Park, located near the small co...