You should definitely go over trail ridge road to the west side of the park. There are several hikes on the west side that would be worthwhile. You might want to post on the RMNP portion of this forum.
Chasm Lake at the base of Longs Peak is one of my favorite full day hikes.
The Keyhole route up Longs Peak is a world-class hike, and should be at the top of your must-do-at-least-once list. But mid summer thunderstorms make the hike tricky at that time of year. Of course, Chasm Lake is a great sidetrip, if the weather cancels the peak ascent.
Jake: One of my favorite places on the planet. The Glacier Gorge system is always high on my list of places to visit. Depending on your hiking ability I agree about going to Chasm Lake but be sure to leave very early in the morning not so much for the thunderstorms you may encounter in the afternoon but becasue the face of Long's Peak faces east and is only lit up in the morning. Once it goes into shadow the photograpic possibilities decrease. The Nymph/Dream/Emerald Lakes trail from Bear Lake is a relatively easy hike with some outstanding early morning possibilities. A great one-way hike is the Bear Lake-Odessa Lake-Fern Lake-Moraine Park trail. We drive to Bear Lake and get started at sunrise, do the hike and then take the shuttle bus back to retrieve the car. You could also leave your car at Moraine Park and take the shuttle to Bear Lake but you can't get as early a start. Rock Cut on Trail Ridge is a prime spot for sunsets. I won't be going to RMNP until December this year so I envy your trip. Hope you have a great time and good light. >=))>
My husband and I were just there a week and a half ago and had a great time. I second the Glacier Gorge trail recommendation...if you can I recommend hiking all the way to Black Lake and beyond, up above treeline. So gorgeous! Get an early start to avoid the crowds. I was also impressed with Trail Ridge Road, such beautiful views and such a novelty to be so high in elevation. I briefly saw (no time to photograph) a mother moose and her calf trotting down the pasture at the Bowen-Baker trailhead/picnic area on the west side--a most special experience to someone who doesn't get to see moose much. Have a great trip and good luck!
Posted by Jake Dingel on July 18, 2006 at 10:30 AM
Discussion
7 repliesThanks
Bruce
The Keyhole route up Longs Peak is a world-class hike, and should be at the top of your must-do-at-least-once list. But mid summer thunderstorms make the hike tricky at that time of year. Of course, Chasm Lake is a great sidetrip, if the weather cancels the peak ascent.