Kids & Youth

 
Fishing with Kids
Enjoy a fishing program in Rocky

NPS

Rocky Mountain National Park is a Natural Playground Where Kids and Families Can Explore Together

Planning a trip to Rocky with kids? Rocky Mountain National Park has something for kids of all ages to enjoy!
 
Beaver Meadows Visitor Center in January
Beaver Meadows Visitor Center

NPS

Stop at a Visitor Center

Before heading into the park, stop by one of Rocky's visitor centers. Talk with a ranger, check out the park's film, explore exhibits, and more! Restrooms and water fountains are available.

 
Alluvial Fan and Roaring River - Spring Runoff

Safety & Wellness - Make Sure You Are Prepared

Rocky Mountain National Park is a wild place and your safety is in your hands. When planning for any trip to Rocky, take time to learn about safety and wellness when recreating in the park.

 
 

Take a Hike!

Looking to head out on the trail? Check out the suggested hikes below to find the best fit for your family or group. When planning for winter time hikes, keep in mind that most trails in Rocky are covered with snow. Traction devices and snowshoes may be advised.

"Let's Go for a Stroll" - Stroller Friendly Trails

Trail

Distance Roundtrip Elevation Gain
Lily Lake
Located six miles south of Estes Park on Highway 7, enjoy scenic views. In early summer, Lily Lake is a great pplace for wildflower viewing.
.8 mi/ 1.3 km 10 ft/ 3 m
Sprague Lake
Abner Sprague homesteaded in this area more than a century ago. Sprague also undoubtedly appreciated the breathtaking views of the Continental Divide, which are best seen from this half-mile-long trail at the far end of the lake.
.5 mi/ .8 km 10 ft/ 3 m
Holzwarth Historic Site
Located on the west side of RMNP along U.S. Highway 34/Trail Ridge Road, 8 miles east of Kawuneeche Visitor Center. At the Holzwarth Historic Site take a step back in time and learn about homesteading and different challenges faced by the Holzwarth family.
1 mi/ 1.6 km 70 ft/ 21 m
Coyote Valley Trail
Located on the west side of RMNP about 5 miles east of Kawuneech Visitor Center, enjoy scenic views of the Never Summer Mountains and the Colorado River as it flows in Coyote Valley.
1 mi/ 1.6 km 15 ft/ 4.6 m

"Let'sTake it Easy" - Easy Trails

Trail Roundtrip Distance Elevation Gain
The Pool
Starting from the Fern Lake Trailhead, follow this trail along the Big Thompson River and take a rest at your destination- a bridge overlooking the river.
3.4 mi/ 5.4 km 245 ft/ 75 m
Alberta Falls
These falls can be easily accessed from either the Glacier Gorge trailhead or the Bear Lake trailhead. The short climb is worth it to catch views of this spectacular waterfall!
1.6 mi/ 2.6 km 160 ft/ 49 m
Adams Falls
Begin your short journey at the East Inlet trailhead. After a short walk you'll find yourself overlooking Adams Falls- named after one of Grand Lake's first settlers.
.6 mi/ 1 km 79 ft/ 24 m
Tundra Communities Trail
This is a great hike to explore the tundra- the land above the trees. Access this trail from the Rock Cut Parking area and begin traversing up the trail for 360 views of RMNP!
1 mi/ 1.6 km 200 ft/ 61 m

"Let's Heat Things Up! " - Moderate Trails

Trail

Roundtrip Distance

Elevation Gain

Cub Lake
Begin your hike at the Cub Lake trailhead, hiking through riparian areas to subalpine forest to eventually reach your destination at Cub Lake. In the summer, this is a great spot to find pond lilies blooming.
4.6 mi/ 7.4 km 540 ft/ 165 m
Nymph Lake
This beautiful lake also offers a great opportunity to spot pond lilies in the summer in addition to views of the pointed summit of Hallet Peak which stands at 12,713ft.
1 mi/1.6 km 225ft/ 69 m
Calypso Cascades
This trail which takes off from the Wild Basin trailhead, features a few waterfalls along the North St. Vrain Creek. These waterfalls are usually roaring with snowmelt during early summer.
3.6 mi/ 5.8 km 700 ft/ 213 m

"We're Up for a Challenge!" - Difficult Trails

Trail Roundtrip Distance Elevation Gain
Deer Mountain
This attainable summit hike offers spectacular views of mountain ranges and valleys alike. Parallel parking is found along the road near Deer Ridge Junction.
6 mi/ 9.6 km 1,083 ft/ 330 m
Bierstadt Lake
Starting at Bear Lake, follow the trail to Bierstadt Lake. Enjoy views of the lake and the Continental Divide. In summer, many prefer to begin this hike at Bear Lake for a more gradual climb up in elevation and take the trail down to Bierstadt Lake Trailhead, where you can board a shuttle back to Bear Lake or Park & Ride.
2.8 mi/ 4.6 km 566 ft/ 173 m
Cascade Falls
Enjoy this steady climb as you follow the North Inlet River and make the rewarding journey to the rushing water of Cascade Falls!
7.0 mi/ 11.2 km 300 ft/ 91 m
Ouzel Falls
Take in the sights and sounds of Wild Basin along this hike that captures views of multiple falls along the way- lower and upper Copeland Falls, and Calypso Cascades. Ouzel Falls is named after American dippers or the water ouzel birds- see if you can spot them bobbing and dipping around the rocks and water!
5.4 mi/ 8.6 km 950 ft/ 290 m

Last updated: January 3, 2025

Park footer

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

1000 US Hwy 36
Estes Park, CO 80517

Phone:

970 586-1206
The Information Office is open year-round: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. daily in summer; 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Mondays - Fridays and 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Saturdays - Sundays in winter. Recorded Trail Ridge Road status: (970) 586-1222.

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