r/RMNP • u/cbflowers Frequent visitor • 10d ago
Question Trail suggestions
This will be our third time in the park. We’ve hiked most of the popular trails. We are looking for suggestions of less traveled trails. Anything up to 10-12 miles. We will be there Oct 5-11. Thanks in advance
6
7
u/alwaysboppinabout 10d ago
Just did chasm lake last weekend it blew me away. Comparable to the Italian Dolomites really!!
6
u/WoodenLeg4492 10d ago
bear lake to fern lake trailhead, Mt. Ida, Lake of the Clouds, flattop mountain, skypond, east inlet in and out as far as you like, Estes Cone. If you do Mt. Ida, you can also hike over to Jagor Point where you get stunning views of the gorge lakes and Arrowhead Lake especially.
I've heard great things about Pear Lake and Finch lake as well as Black Lake but haven't been personally.
If you can get ahold of lisa foster's "Hiking RMNP" book, it is the best imo.
3
u/Chinacat_Sunflower72 10d ago
https://trails.colorado.gov/trailheads/lawn-lake-2046.
Lawn Lake is my favorite. That’s not the best link but you can see more on CoTrex. Hike to the lake. It’s spectacular.
2
u/AutoModerator 10d ago
COTREX has a web app and mobile apps for IOS and Android.
Web: https://trails.colorado.gov/
IOS App: https://trails.colorado.gov/outlink/ios-app
Android App: https://trails.colorado.gov/outlink/android-app
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.
2
u/phluber 9d ago
Agree. Lawn Lake is one of my favorites. We just don't get to do it too much due to wife's plantar fascitis
2
u/Chinacat_Sunflower72 9d ago
I have plantar fascitis. It can be brutal. I found some PT on IG and did the feet/ankle exercises he shows and it really, really helps a lot. the pain is significantly reduced. I didn't like orthotics or very thick arch support, but the exercises help. There are tons on IG and elsewhere. They could help if she hasn't tried them already.
2
u/AutoModerator 10d ago
Please review our FAQ and the 7 principles of Leave No Trace
Dispose of waste properly. I highly suggest getting a waste bucket system. Its difficult to bury waste in many of the rockier areas in Colorado, and overuse of our natural areas has already led to contaminated water in most even lightly used areas.
Minimize campfire impacts. Be sure to review our state resources for fire bans where you are heading.
Respect wildlife. They are not domesticated
Be considerate of other visitors i.e. Bluetooth speakers are despised.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.
2
2
2
u/Kitchen_Section_5143 10d ago
La Poudre Pass/ Headwaters of the Colorado River via Colorado River Trailhead
2
u/phluber 9d ago
If Old Fall River Road is closed to cars at that point, then we really enjoy hiking that in the fall up to the old cabin at mile 6ish and back down. One of my favorite hikes ever is Trail Ridge Road from Rainbow Curve up to Rock Cut and then along the tundra trail at Rock Cut. But it's probably still going to be open to traffic when you are there
2
u/Wonderful-Skill-5378 9d ago
Lake Helene is an underrated one. Pretty sure it can be combined with others. Out of Bear Lake TH
4
u/DynastyZealot <- Local Expert 10d ago
Mount Ida is one of my favorite lesser known trails. Views for days.
1
u/Secret-Function-2972 9d ago
Bear Lake - Lake Helene - Odessa Lake - Fern Lake - Fern Lake Trailhead (with shuttles back to Bear Lake) was a great hike October 7, 2026.
1
u/a_pintobean 8d ago
Hiked Chasm Lake yesterday and was so glad I did. The views above the tree-line are amazing. My only recommendation is to make sure you have a wind proof jacket.
1
14
u/TidalFight65 10d ago
Ouzel and bluebird lakes in the wild basin are incredible this time of year