Navigating the Best Hiking Trails in the Rocky Mountains
See mist-shrouded glaciers, swim in gas-blue lakes, ascend mighty snow-capped peaks, and penetrate dense forests: It all awaits you on Rocky Mountain trails. Here are 10 of the most rewarding hikes in this epic region.
North America’s vast Rocky Mountains stretch some 3,000 miles from tundra-like British Columbia and Alberta in the north (Canada) to the desert heat of New Mexico in the south (USA). The range offers some of the most spectacular views in North America, and some of its most challenging hikes.
Indeed, Rocky Mountain trails are no afternoon ramble: More than 250,000 acres of the Rockies are considered ‘wilderness’ - meaning they are as inhospitable as they are beautiful.
If you’re visiting in winter, you’ll need spikes and quite possibly poles, together with sturdy footwear, warm clothing and emergency items (including a first aid kit).
Note that on many trails in the Canadian Rockies you may encounter grizzly bears. With this in mind, it is essential you familiarise yourself with the safety guidelines, which explain what to do if you encounter a bear. Grizzlies and other bears also live in the USA, particularly Yellowstone - although their numbers are lower than in Canada.
Nymph, Dream, Emerald, and Haiyaha Lakes via Nymph Lake Trail (Rocky Mountain NP, USA)
This ankle-intensive 8km (5 mile) round trip hike begins near Estes Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado. Moderately challenging, it takes around 2.5 hours to complete, and both spike and poles are highly recommended - especially in colder months when packed snow blankets the trail.
Lakes often freeze over during winter, too. But the area is not only famed for hiking; on the way you’ll likely bump into people engaged in fishing and snowshoeing - among the best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park aside from hiking.
You can enjoy this trail year-round, although it will of course be more challenging in winter.
The Plain of the Six Glaciers (Banff National Park, Canada)
Enjoy splendid views of Lake Louise on this popular 13.5km (8.5 mile) trail in Banff National Park. The route also includes a tea house where you can enjoy refreshments.
The climax of the hike - aside from spotting mountain goats on the way - is finding yourself in a natural amphitheatre, with fabulous views of vast glaciers.
The route takes around 4.5 hours to complete and has an elevation of 1,500 feet.
Grand Prismatic Hot Spring Overlook Trail (Yellowstone, USA)
While many hiking trails are in the Rocky Mountain National Park, there are lots of other hikes in the US Rockies. A case in point is Yellowstone National Park, which offers a wealth of hiking routes, many of which feature views over the park’s many geysers and hotsprings.
This quick 2.4km there-and-back trail, for instance, is fairly easy and takes well under an hour to finish. Note that the final section is rather steep and you’re likely to encounter crowds unless you begin early.
Visit from April to October for the best conditions.
Upper Geyser Basin & Old Faithful Observation Point Loop (Yellowstone, USA)
If the above trail sounds too easy, try this 7.9km looping trail in the West of Yellowstone National Park.
This route takes a round 1h 46m to complete and is popular among bird watchers as well as hikers. Among the many bird species that call the park their home are black-billed magpies, mountain bluebirds, western tanagers and dusky grouse.
For the best conditions, visit between May and October.
Gem Lake, Lumpy Ridge (Rocky Mountain National Park, USA)
Back to Rocky Mountain, Colorado’s National Park, and Gem Lake truly is a hidden gem.
This idyllic body of water is completely fed by melting snow and rainfall - there are no incoming streams or rivers.
Aside from the gnarled old trees that you’ll find steeping in the lake water, other visual wonders include the surrounding dome-like granite formations that comprise the Lumpy Ridge area. And watch out for the surprisingly friendly chipmunks that live along the route!
The Loch (Rocky Mountain National Park, USA)
This 6.2 mile (10km) route Rocky Mountain Colorado offers you superb views of the Continental Divide.
Pass the mighty Alberta Falls and the riotous Chaos Creek, then rise up through a glacial valley, before arriving at the picturesque body of water called The Loch, which is encircled by granite mountains.
Lake O’Hara Alpine Circuit (Yoho National Park, Canada)
Back in Canada once more, and this magical 6.5 mile circuit offers fabulous views of Lake O’Hara - just as fabulous, in fact, as anything in Banff or Jasper National Parks.
Hikers report intense feelings of peace and tranquillity on this hike, which can only be accessed via a pre-booked shuttle bus. With such limited access, it feels as if you have the entire route to yourself.
Considered ‘hard’ by the park authorities, this route takes around 5 hours to complete and has an elevation of some 2,800ft.
Lake Annette (Jasper National Park, Canada)
This is one of the easier hikes on this list. Indeed, it’s more of a stroll than a hike.
Edging the pretty Lake Anette, this 2.7km (1.7 miles) round trip hike takes around 45 minutes and has virtually no elevation gain. It’s also easily accessible for wheelchair users and for those with prams.
Visitors can enjoy kayaking and swimming here.
Path of the Glacier (Jasper National Park, Canada)
This 1.6 km (1 hour) round trip hike arguably offers the most bang for your buck; the minimal effort required pays off huge dividends with truly epic glacial views.
After a 15 minute walk up a moderate incline, you’ll arrive at a splendid overlook of Cavell Pond with its other-worldly icebergs. Above this you’ll see the incredible Angel Glacier.
Note that calving ice can create tidal waves that mean taking Instagram shots by the lakeside is none-too-safe!
Cascade Amphitheatre (Banff National Park, Canada)
This moderately hard, 13.2 km (8 mile) return trip takes 4-6 hours and offers incredible views of the Cascade Amphitheatre.
You begin the route in the Mt. Norquay ski area, before crossing Forty Mile Creek and zigzagging through thick forest to the Cascade Amphitheatre, which is dramatically enclosed by limestone cliffs.
This hike can easily take up the entire day, inclusive of tackling the summit of Cascade Mountain!
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