Recommendations for day hikes in Estes Park area

[TrailSlug]

Guys,
I'm heading to Denver on Thursday and then on to Estes Park on Saturday. Looking for a couple of day hikes in that area that are must see's if there are any. Thanks in advance.

[Brunay]

very interested as well. we'll be in Estes on Saturday and Sunday.

[GilligansWorld]

Well A bit early but welcome to my home state!! I have included a link to some of the best day hikes inside of Rocky Mountain National Park. I have done this because these are going to be the best places to hike in that area period - in my personal opinion that is. You will have to buy a day pass to get in but it is definitely worth it.

https://www.outdoorproject.com/blog-...best-day-hikes

If you don't mind driving a bit like about 2 hours my other recommendation is a hike near Fort Collins called Grey Rock.
Here is a link to Grey Rock from google maps - you should be able to use the coordinates and find a driving route to the parking area;
Grey Rock.JPG

Wish I could meet you. We are going to be up to an area called Redfeather Lakes on Saturday.

[DrewNC2005]

There are a lot of high alpine lakes in RMNP that are worth a look. I really like Dream and Emerald Lakes. Keep in mind, this weekend will be VERY busy with Labor Day on the horizon. You'll definitely be in the park with a bunch of others which can be frustrating. Outside of the park, and not too far away, you can check out the Brainard Lake recreation area. There are multiple lakes in the area (Blue Lake is amazing), and this area will be much less crowded than RMNP.

[Flash Grundelore]

Cub Lake trail out of Moraine Park campground area is a nice low altitude gain trek [and like mebbe 5 miles round trip]. However, I haven't been there since before the fire a few years ago

[Brewmaker]

How long of hikes are you wanting?

[OutandBack]

There are a lot of high alpine lakes in RMNP that are worth a look. I really like Dream and Emerald Lakes. Keep in mind, this weekend will be VERY busy with Labor Day on the horizon. You'll definitely be in the park with a bunch of others which can be frustrating. Outside of the park, and not too far away, you can check out the Brainard Lake recreation area. There are multiple lakes in the area (Blue Lake is amazing), and this area will be much less crowded than RMNP.

This is great advice. I also suggest to the OP he stay away for CO's #1 tourist trap esp on a holiday weekend. Even Brainard will be packed but a parking spot for hiking should be do-able. If the Branard Parking is full Just down the road is the 4 wheeldrive road to Longs Lake. Good chance for moose spotting there.
Left Hand Res with Moose picts
https://www.flickr.com/photos/outand...57634147276905