National Parks Traveler

Editor's note: This is sponsor-supported content from Traveler's Essential Park Guide, Summer 2016.

Finally. The long days of summer are upon us in Estes Park, the base camp for Rocky Mountain National Park. There’s plenty of daylight to really put some miles under your boots, take a hike with your kids and listen to nature, or even take a multi-day backpack trip to the high lakes and solitude. There’s a hike for every skill level, and every length of stay, from the lazy amble to epic mountaineer routes.

For a simple mountain walk with a view, try out one of these trails; they’re all perfect for groups with kids, or with different skill levels. The Sprague Lake Trail is a disabled accessible loop around this pristine lake. The trail to Copeland Falls is a third-of-a-mile of flat walking with spectacular falls as a reward. And the Lily Lake Trail goes around this lovely lake, in less than a mile, with about a nominal elevation gain.

For a bit more of a jaunt, a bigger challenge, and great views, try the Gem Lake Trail in the Estes Valley. The Lumpy Ridge Trailhead, off Your Guide to Summer Treks in Rocky Finally. The long days of summer are upon us in Estes Park, the base camp for Rocky Mountain National Park. There’s plenty of daylight to really put some miles under your boots, take a hike with your kids and listen to nature, or even take a multi-day backpack trip to the high lakes and solitude. There’s a hike for every skill level, and every length of stay, from the lazy amble to epic mountaineer routes. Devil’s Gulch Road is quick and easy to get to. There are a few steep areas in the 3.2-mile round-trip, with about 1,000 feet of elevation gain. Or head out on the Finch Lake trail, which is relatively less known, and great for bird watching. It’s about five miles each way and almost 1,500 feet up to the lake, and the lake’s meadows are great bird habitat. Then there’s the Fern Lake Trail, four miles to the lake, 1,375 feet up, and the wildflowers are stupendous.

There are also some really tough hikes, and you need to be fully prepared for them. Longs Peak (at 14,259 feet) is the highest and probably the most iconic mountain in the park, and draws lots of hikers and climbers (sometimes over 10,000 in a season). The Keyhole Route is an extraordinary climbing experience for those who are well prepared. In general, the most snow-free and icefree time of year to climb Longs Peak is mid-July through mid-September. During that time of year the 15-mile round trip might take around 10 hours. If you’re willing, but inexperienced, consider going with a mountain guide.

If you’d rather not join the adventureseekers on Longs Peak, then step it down a notch with the Tarn and Andrews Glacier Trail. This trek will take you above 11,000 feet, in 5.3 miles, in a 2,150-foot climb, and the alpine terrain is just gorgeous.

It’s all possible in these amazing mountains, but this portends to be a busy summer, so while it doesn’t take long to lose the crowds once you leave the road, you do want to plan ahead.

Head to the high country of Rocky Mountain National Park and meet the locals/NPS

Here are some tips to make your hike a good one:

• Get to the trailhead early. You’re more likely to find a place to park, and be on the trail while everyone else is sipping his or her second cup of coffee.

• Even easier, ride the hiker shuttles. They access many of the loop and destination hikes along the Bear Lake Road. Plus, you can enjoy the view without the distraction of driving.

• Talk to a ranger. They’ll be glad to direct you to lesser-known trails. It’s a big mountain range, and there are plenty of options.

• For equipment, you just need a decent pair of hiking shoes or boots, a pack with treats, water, and a decent extra layer or two (the weather up here can change in a flash, and a boom). Include sunscreen, a map, and emergency gear (matches, headlamp, first aid kit, whistle, and pocket knife) for the longer, more rigorous hikes.

• Make reservations for lodging and campsites early. This is a popular vacation spot—so things can fill up—especially in mid-summer, on weekends and for holidays.

• If you’re unsure where to go, take a guided hike. Guides can take you birding, mountaineering, or find the best spots to photograph wildlife. It’ll save time, and you’ll go home knowing things you hadn’t.

• Order the Official Estes Park Visitor Guide ahead of your trip to plan ahead or stop by the Estes Park Visitor Center when you arrive for expert advice and to grab a guide. • There are even tours by vehicle, where you leave the driving to someone else and get to take in of the sights.

• Be patient and respectful with other people, wildlife and plant life. Do your wildlife watching from a distance with binoculars, don’t feed the animals, and remember to pull over to take that epic photo. • Use the Leave No Trace ethics, which means leave only footprints, take only photographs.

• Consider visiting the park on weekdays in early or late summer, and into the fall. It’s much quieter then.

• Take lots of water, or sports drinks, on the longer hikes to stay hydrated in the high altitudes and arid climate of the Rockies.

These are just a few of the dozens of hiking trails within the park, so plan carefully and choose a hike that matches your abilities; you’ll have way more fun that way.