My husband and I are going to RMNP July 23-26 (staying in Estes Park). Does anyone have an idea if there will be any good wildflowers left in that area by that time, and where?
We're also looking for some good dayhikes. We've already done the alpine lake circuit which starts I believe in Glacier Basin (goes by Alberta Falls and 6 or 7 various lakes - Nymph, Emerald, etc.), Fern Lake, Cub Lake, Bierstadt Lake, Ouzel Falls, and west of the divide to Timber Lake and Lone Pine/Lake Verna. We're looking for anything with waterfalls, wildflowers and beautiful vistas. Is the Never Summer Range still socked in with a lot of snow? Any suggestions are appreciated. Thanks.
I think you are both going to be very happy with the dates, assuming the snow keeps melting! Here are some of my thoughts.
1) Chasm Lake - spectacular scenery along the way, good chance for waterfalls and columbine
2) Sky Pond - below the famous Petit Grepon
3) Black Lake, and above to below Chiefshead - one of the most spectacular alpine settings in the Park. A long hike, leave early, and stay a long time :)
4) Flattop - great views of Hallets' and possibility of great columbines on the way up
One trail that I wanted to do but couldn't because Trail Ridge Road was closed at Rainbow Curve, was the Old Ute Trail. It begins off Trail Ridge Road below the Forest Canyon Overlook.
Wild Basin has some great hiking trails that include lakes, waterfalls, and wildflowers. Make sure you bring some insect spray. Also Cow Creek Trailhead runs through meadows on its way to Bridal Veil Falls with columbine etc in the meadows. There are several variety of flowers along Cow Creek.
The Old Ute Trail is spectacular in early July for its Alpine wildflowers, but will be past prime later in the month for anything other than wildlife (Elk, Pica, and Marmots) and the views across Forest Canyon. Get up there now if you want to enjoy it!
I second the suggestion of the Wild Basin trail; it's got a lot to offer over a long distance, reaching up into some of the most remote lakes in the park.
Discussion
4 repliesWe're also looking for some good dayhikes. We've already done the alpine lake circuit which starts I believe in Glacier Basin (goes by Alberta Falls and 6 or 7 various lakes - Nymph, Emerald, etc.), Fern Lake, Cub Lake, Bierstadt Lake, Ouzel Falls, and west of the divide to Timber Lake and Lone Pine/Lake Verna. We're looking for anything with waterfalls, wildflowers and beautiful vistas. Is the Never Summer Range still socked in with a lot of snow? Any suggestions are appreciated. Thanks.
1) Chasm Lake - spectacular scenery along the way, good chance for waterfalls and columbine
2) Sky Pond - below the famous Petit Grepon
3) Black Lake, and above to below Chiefshead - one of the most spectacular alpine settings in the Park. A long hike, leave early, and stay a long time :)
4) Flattop - great views of Hallets' and possibility of great columbines on the way up
You need to stay at least a week :-)
I second the suggestion of the Wild Basin trail; it's got a lot to offer over a long distance, reaching up into some of the most remote lakes in the park.