Best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park

A popular scenic route in the Rocky Mountain National Park, Emerald Lake Trail traverses changing terrain past two lakes and several waterfalls. Starting at the end of Bear Lake Road, this moderate 5 km (3.1 mi) hiking trail offers rewarding views of rocky mountain peaks and diverse geological features, including Hallett Peak and Glacier Gorge. Keep an eye open for local wildlife during the one-hour hike around the lake, and you might spot families of elks or mule deer. If you want to avoid crowds, start early in the morning.

Sprague Lake is a scenic lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, located on the south side of Glacier Creek, about two miles south of the Hollowell turnoff. The half-mile walk around the lake is wheelchair accessible and features boardwalks and bridges with views of Flattop Mountain and Hallet Peak. The lake is popular for Brook trout fishing.
The area is named after Abner Sprague, who started a homestead there in 1874. Later, he opened a lodge for dude ranching, hunting, and fishing. To improve the fishing, he dammed the far end of the lake. The area became part of Rocky Mountain National Park in 1915 and continued to serve guests as the Sprague Hotel. In 1919, guests paid $6.00 per room with a private bath, and $1.00 for regular meals. The hotel, which no longer exists, stood near the present-day parking lot.

The second-largest natural freshwater lake in Colorado, Bear Lake has been nicknamed Caribbean of the Rockies because of the piercing turquoise color of its water. Limestone deposits reflecting in the water are the cause of the distinctive blue color of this 250,000-year-old lake. This lake and its surrounding area offer recreational activities year-round, from fly-fishing and Jet-Skiing in the water, to skiing on the snowy nearby slopes in the colder months. You can also spot plenty of wildlife and birds here, and the area is known for its raspberries.

Enjoy sweeping views of the lush Colorado wilderness from the comfort of your own car along Trail Ridge Road. The road stretches 77 km (48 mi) east to west through the scenic Rocky Mountain National Forest, with 17.7 km (11 mi) of the road's length traveling above the tree line. Take advantage of the area’s many walking trails and viewpoints before winding your way up the paved road to an elevation of almost 3,505 m (11,500 ft), where the evergreen tree line ends and you can enjoy panoramic views of snowcapped mountains and rugged peaks. Remember to drive cautiously on the roadway, as there are many steep drops and intense wind conditions.

Bierstadt Lake is located in Larimer County, Colorado and within the Rocky Mountain National Park. Near McHenrys Peak and Longs Peak, there are "spectacular views" of the Continental Divide at the lake. The Bierstadt Lake Trailhead is located about 6.5 miles (10.5 km) from the turn-off at U.S. Route 36 into the Rocky Mountain National Park. During the summer, shuttle buses provide transportation to the trailhead.
The lake sits atop a lateral moraine on the side and end of Bartholf Glacier and drains into Mill Creek. It is named for Albert Bierstadt, a noted landscape artist, whose 1870s paintings of Longs Peak and Bierstadt Lake are among the Denver Art Museum's collection.

Dream Lake is a high alpine lake located in Rocky Mountain National Park in northern Colorado, located east of the continental divide.

The lake is at the base of Hallett Peak and access is via the Bear Lake trail head. It is known for its views caused by surrounding steep cliffs, and is a destination for casual hiking.

The Chapel on the Rock (officially, Saint Catherine of Siena Chapel) is a functioning Catholic chapel and tourist landmark in Allenspark, Colorado, USA. The chapel is located on the grounds of the Saint Malo Retreat, Conference, and Spiritual Center of the Catholic Archdiocese of Denver. The chapel is open to the public.