If you so choose, Glass Lake will be your reward. The next section of the trail runs along Timberline Falls where you’ll have to rock scramble up 100 feet. Climb the next half mile to reach to base of Timberline Falls. After leaving Loch Vale, you’ll climb again for another 0.8 miles and take the trail junction to the left to continue on to Sky Pond. At the foot of the lake you’ll have spectacular views of Taylor Peak. Next you’ll climb up switchbacks through a beautiful gorge till you reach the subalpine lake Loch Vale at 2.8 miles. Within the next mile you’ll reach two trail junctions, North Longs Peak Trail (turn right) and Mills Junction (continue straight). Your first destination is the 30 foot plunging Alberta Falls, located within the first mile of this hike.
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In November, there may or may not be snow on this hike so check the current conditions before you hit the trail. A large meadow is just beyond the falls, a good place for a picnic lunch, but beware of wildlife as moose and elk are often spotted here.īegin your hike at the Glacier Gorge trailhead in the Bear Lake area. Be careful with the rock scramble up to the top if you choose to do so especially if there is snow and ice. Take the junction to the right to reach the 40 foot Cascade Falls which can be viewed from above or below. An evergreen forest grows ever thicker up to the three mile mark. It takes you through an open meadow of aspens, lodgepole pines, and the occasional marmot. Though this hike is almost seven miles, it has an easy elevation profile. This hike runs along the North Inlet trail, which is part of the larger Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. In the fall, there is plenty of brook trout in the North Inlet Creek, so you can bring along your fishing rod.
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Keep in mind this hike is near Grand Lake, on the west side of the Park so in November there is likely to be snow. This is one of the most scenic hikes in the Kawuneeche Valley. Below are two of our favorite hikes in November-the first is near Grand Lake and the second is near Bear Lake, on the eastern side of the Park: The west side of the Park receives significantly more snow, so if you’re venturing out on a hike in the Grand Lake area, you’ll need to be mindful of conditions. Hiking in November in Rocky Mountain National Park can present winter conditions on trail.
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#OPEN ROADS TO ESTES PARK FULL#
Before you head out read the full list of rules and regulations here.
#OPEN ROADS TO ESTES PARK LICENSE#
Keep in mind that there are possession limits, catch and release regulations in some areas, and you need a Colorado fishing license for anyone 16 years of age and older. Wildland Trekking has options for guided backpacking tours and guided day hikes through Rocky Mountain National Park.įishing: Trout fishing in the lakes and streams of Rocky Mountain National Park is the best in the fall months. Take a Guided Tour: If you’re short on time for planning, let a guided tour show you the sights.
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Backpacking permits are required and can be purchased at the Wilderness Offices located at the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center or the Kawuneeche Visitor Center. The weather in November is ideal for backpacking but it is essential to pack warm layers for the chilly nights in higher elevations. In the next section we highlight some of our favorite late fall hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park.īackpacking: If you’re looking for more than a day hike, Rocky Mountain National Park has plenty of spectacular routes for multi-day backpacking trips. Hiking/Snowshoeing: Depending on the snowpack you may need snowshoes or cross country skis when hitting the trails in November. Depending on your time constraints and fitness level, you’ll likely need a “shuttle”-another car to pick you up if you choose to bike either road only one way. Old Fall River Road is gravel, so you’ll need a mountain bike. Trail Ridge Road gains over 4,000 feet over elevation over its 48 miles. Old Fall River Road may or may not be open so please check the current conditions. Trail Ridge Road closes to vehicular traffic in mid-October, but it is open to bicycles until November 30th. If you don’t have a bike, you can rent one in Estes Park. Bicycling: Experience the wonders of Rocky Mountain National park on two wheels! Biking options in Rocky Mountain National Park vary, so you can choose your own adventure.