jbjayhawk

Hello! My wife and I have decided to use the last remaining days of our vacation to visit Denver, Estes Park & RMNP Sept. 27th-30th. We will actually have 2 full days in the RMNP (Friday & Saturday). We have visited the park before (6 years ago) but didn't really hike. We simply made the drive along the Trail Ridge Road. Can the RMNP experts help with the following:

1) Some suggested hikes to occupy the 2 days? We are both in our young 30s & we've day hiked before but probably nothing more than a couple hrs. at a time. We would probably be interested in hikes that we could make in under 4 hrs. round trip. We have packs so we can bring some food, water etc. We have these are on list of must sees: Bear Lake, Alberta Falls & Dream Lake. Would also like to hike on the west side of the park with hopes of seeing some moose. Any other suggestions or a format someone recommends? We have 2 full days.

FYI, Day 1: We might actually ride some horses out of Estes from 8am-10am or so. This would leave the afternoon to catch a short hike or two. We could also do this on the 2nd day instead of the 1st.

2) I've read a little about storms rolling in later in the day. Is there a suggested time to be off the trails i.e. start at 8am and be done by 2pm?

3) Any good recommendations for the west side of the park around Grand Lake or Grandby or in Estes Park even to grab lunch or grab an afternoon snack like an ice cream?

4) Is there anywhere we can kayak for a couple of hours? We would need a tour as we have only kayaked one time before but we really enjoyed it. Late September might be too cold?

5) Is there a good place to catch sunset over the mountains? What time is sunset late September? Based on what I could find, around 7pm?

6) Any suggestions for can't miss photo spots with the autumn colors? I'm assuming the trees will be starting to change this time of year?

I guess that's it for now. We plan to stay in Estes so would be entering the park from that side. Oh, we didn't plan it this way but the Elk Festival happens to be that weekend. For those that have been, is it worth attending for a couple of hours? I know we've asked quite a few questions but we really appreciate the help. Thanks!

tekwriter

Hi jb, my husband & I are frequent visitors to Estes (married there in 2003) and you'll be there at my favorite time of year! Usually the weather is gorgeous, the foliage is at its peak and hiking is incredible!

Here's a fabulous website that will give you great details on hiking trails in the park: http://www.thespiritoftherockies.net...ikingRMNP.html

You're less likely to encounter thunderstorms in late September, but do bring warm clothing/jackets with you, even on a sunny day because the weather can turn nasty very quickly.

I'd highly recommend the hike to The Loch, which goes by Alberta Falls. You could make the roundtrip in four hours (I'm not the fittest hiker out there, so you guys will beat my time, I'm sure!) You'll be rewarded with an awesome view snowcapped peaks reflected in a lake - at that time of year it's incredible! Bear Lake/Nymph Lake/Dream Lake/Emerald Lake is another trail that you'd enjoy - not too strenuous, but maximum scenery value!

On the west side, the only trail I've done is to Lulu City - I think that's an easy one. The way I've seen moose on the west side of the park is to look for a bunch of cars pulled over on the side of the road near a pond - that's the tipoff! Also, don't forget to go into the park at dusk (or dawn too) to hear the elk bugling... it's a sound you'll never forget. There are areas of the park (ask at the ranger station) where you can watch the elk in their rut (mating season) - if you see some bulls fighting, that's a sight!

No place to kayak that I've ever seen in Estes. It's too late in the season for rafting in Colorado. You might be able to rent a boat at the marina on Lake Estes - not the same, but might be nice on a warm day.

Autumn colors and golden aspen trees will be all around you - just drive up Trail Ridge Road or anywhere in the park. My favorite photo spot is the far end of Sprague Lake, off Bear Lake Road. A very easy, flat one mile loop, but on the right side, on a bench is the most spectacular shot of Hallett's Peak. I'm looking at the framed photo of my husband and me there on my desk, as a matter of fact! Either early in the day when the sun is shining on the peak, or at sunset, would be the best times, I'd say.

I haven't been to the Elk Festival, but I can't imagine it wouldn't worth a visit - just adds to the whole atmosphere. Here's a link to a sunrise/sunset calendar: http://www.sunrisesunset.com/usa/Colorado.asp

Sounds like you've got a great trip planned!

bob_brown

Let me suggest Sky Pond via The Loch.
The trail ascends first to Alberta Falls. From there continue on to the Loch, a picturesque mountain lake in a glacial valley. Walk farther in-valley to the waterfall. Then ascend the Timberline Falls by climbing up the side of it. From there you can continue on to Sky Pond.

The weather can be a factor on this hike because you are upwards of 11,500 feet in elevation. You must be prepared for rain and cooler temperatures. This hike is not your average stroll; it is a hike for real hikers. It has some steep scrambles and sharp dropoffs. Think you are equal to it?

jwb10

I second the recommendation for the hike to Nymph,Dream, Emerald Lakes. It is a pleasant hike with beautiful scenery along the way. Based on the description of the types of hikes you are looking for I think that the hike to Sky Pond via the Loch will be much too strenuous for your liking.

Where will you be prior to Denver? I ask to find out whether you will have acclimated to the altitude. I can't remember the exact altitude in Estes Park, but it is around 7500 feet. Once you get to the parking lot at Bear Lake (to get to trail heads), the altitude is over 9000 ft. It affects everyone differently, so it may not bother you.

You can rent kayaks at the Lake Estes Marina. Here is one link with some info:
http://www.estesvalleyrecreation.com/marina.html

jbjayhawk

Thank you for all the info. We appreciate it! We will be in Kansas City prior to arriving in Denver. Hikes that are more up our alley are hikes that maybe we hike for an hour or two then get back in the car and drive a little ways to the next trail head. Get out and hike for an hour or two etc. The max we could probably handle is 4 hours round trip but this might be too ambitious. From a fitness standpoint, I'd say we're in decent shape. The itin looks something like this:

Thursday morning: Arrive Denver at 9:45. Spend lunch with some of my wife's family and head to Boulder with plans to arrive in Estes by 6pm or so.

Friday: Spend the day in RMNP

Saturday: Spend the day in RMNP

Sunday: head back to Denver from Estes between 8am-8:30 am. Flight back to KC at 12:30

As previously mentioned, weather permitting we will probably take a ride with one of the stables Friday or Saturday morning. 2 hr. ride max.

Any thoughts on how to structure the hikes / days?

Thanks!

roslaire

Ride the horses earlier in the day if you can.

Elk will be around at that time, I think...

Drink a lot of water and bring sunscreen.

If you are from the lowlands, lower than 5280 ft, try to spend one day getting used to the elevation/altitude.

Be safe.