Going up to RMNP here in a couple weeks. I'm going with my wife who isn't much of a hiker, so I'm looking for aday hike under 8mi if anyone has a suggestion. I ususally do my hiking/camping in Boulder, but want to take her up to Estes since shes never been. Ive only been to Estes a few times so I'm not an expert on their trails. I'm thinking either gem lake or loch. Leaning towards Loch.
I walked one of the trails in RMNP about 10 years ago. It was awesome....and quite a climb. It was an overcast day and no precipitation at all at the trailhead, but by the time I got to the top of the trail it was drizzling. When I got back down to the trailhead, nothing. Pretty cool experience.
Such a beautiful area. When we went, must've been 20 years ago, it was middle of the Summer but still plenty of snow. Can't wait to go back.
I suggest the Cub Lake loop. It's a nice trailhead that makes a loop wih fern falls. The trailhead is down in Moraine valley past the campground. On a nice weekend though all major park hikes might get crowded. Also when I was here in June they were doing construction on bear lake road that could require you to park and shuttle - which is fine , just an FYI. There are some great hikes over trail ridge but hats an hour and a half drive each way. There are also good hikes off of wild basin trailhead which is down towards the longs peak trailhead off highway 7, or even further from Estes but closer to boulder there is he Indian peaks wilderness where there are some nice hikes off the trailheads just outside of Ward. But for a solid classic RMNP loop for a beginner the Cub Lake loop will be very nice. Hope that helps.
