RMNP has a number of trails that are graded and have minimal elevation gain, making them ideal destinations for visitors using mobility aids.
Walking Trails in Rocky Mountain National Park
It is important to keep in mind that loose gravel, uneven surfaces, rocks, tree roots and steep areas can and do exist on these trails. Additionally, weather impacts such as snow, ice, and mud may also affect the conditions of these trails. If you are unsure of trail conditions, speak with a ranger at one of the visitor centers or look at the trail conditions before heading to the trailhead.
Please note that these are not necessarily within ADA compliance, but rather are locations that may offer suitable recreation opportunities. The below list provides details on the trails that will help visitors determine if it is a location they are comfortable accessing based on their needs, equipment, and any assistance by other members of their party.
Quick Jump to a Trail:
Alluvial Fan
Take a gentle stroll along and across the Alluvial Fan, an area of debris that spreads out of the base of the Roaring River deposited by two major floods. The trail offers access along the Roaring River and provides stunning views of the Mummy Range, Horseshoe Falls, and Endovalley. Here you'll find delightful cascades, a roaring stream, and lots of large boulders for kids to climb on. It's an ideal family destination.
Timed Entry Reservations
From late May to mid-October, a Timed Entry Reservation is required to access this area between 9am and 2 pm.
Directions
Drive two miles west on Trail Ridge Road from the Fall River Entrance Station. Turn onto Endovalley Road and drive .75 miles to the west parking lot for the Alluvial Fan Trail, passing the east parking lot on the way.
Parking
East Parking Lot- 2 accessible spaces
West Parking Lot- 1 accessible space, 1 van-accessible space
Restrooms
2 single-user vault toilets at the west parking area- no toilets at the east parking area
Picnic Area
• Picnic tables on gravel pads. A hardened, crushed stone trail leads to the picnic area.
• 5 picnic tables with extended tops near the accessible parking spaces
• 2 other picnic tables with extended tops near the western end of the parking lot
Trail Information
• Starting Elevation- 8,585 feet (2616.7 m)
• Highest Elevation- 8,651 feet (2636.8 m)
• Total Elevation Gain- 211 feet (64.3 m)
• Total Distance- 0.3 miles from the parking lot to viewing area and back; .8 miles (1.3 km) between the west and east parking areas
• Surface: paved with permeable gravel and a wooden bridge
• Average width: 60 inches
• Minimum width: 54 inches for 25 feet
• Average running slope: 6%
• Maximum running slope: 10% for 12 feet
• Average cross slope: 2%
• Maximum cross slope: 3% for 6 feet
Barriers
• The trail leads to a view of the waterfall and connects the west and east parking lot.
• The trail starting from the east parking lot has a very steep section where the slope exceeds 19%.
• This is not recommended for those with mobility devices.
• From the west trailhead, there is a 12-foot section where the grade is 10%.
Bear Lake
Bear Lake is perhaps the most popular hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. Bear Lake offers accessible parking and accessible vault toilets. A packed gravel trail circles the small mountain lake, with benches located around the lake so visitors can enjoy the beautiful views of the surrounding mountains while also giving you a taste of the lower end of Rocky's subalpine zone. The first portion of the trail is accessible in either direction; farther along, trail grades exceed 8% in places. Please be aware the Bear Lake Loop Trail is not designed for mobility devices. The trail has many barriers including log steps and steep running and cross slopes. On the southwest side of the lake, the trail has log "steps.” If you want to go down these steps, go counterclockwise around the lake by following the trail to the right. If you want to go up these steps, go clockwise around the lake by following the trail to the left.
Timed Entry Reservations
From late May to mid-October, a Timed Entry+ Bear Lake Road Reservation is required to access this area between 5am and 6 pm.
Directions
Located at the end of Bear Lake Road, about 9 miles from where it intersects with US 36 just west of the Beaver Meadows entrance to the national park.
Parking
• 5 accessible spaces
• 2 van-accessible spaces
Restrooms
• 8 single-user vault toilets at the trailhead
• The toilets closest to the trailhead have the least steep slope to enter (<3.5%).
Trail Information
• Starting Elevation- 9,475 feet (2888 m)
• Highest Elevation- 9,522 feet (2902.3 m)
• Total Elevation Gain- 71 feet (21.6 m)
• Total Distance- .6 miles (.9 km)
• Surface: firm packed gravel, wooden bridges
• Average width: 60 inches
• Minimum width: 32 inches
• Average running slope: 5.3%
• Maximum running slope: 23% for 125 feet
• Average cross slope: 3.7%
• Maximum cross slope: 25.7% for 12 feet
Barriers
• 25 log steps
• 3-inch rise from the trail to the wooden bridges
• Large puddles after rain
• Snow and ice on the trail, sometimes through mid-June
Beaver Boardwalk
This 350-foot long boardwalk and asphalt trail leads to an overlook with benches, where visitors can sit beside a gurgling stream. The boardwalk is surrounded by willows and a stream. This is a common place to see wildlife, especially at dawn and dusk.
Timed Entry Reservations
From late May to mid-October, a Timed Entry Reservation is required to access this area between 9am and 2 pm.
Directions
On Trail Ridge Road (US 34) between Deer Ridge Junction and Hidden Valley.
Parking
This is a pull-off with no designated parking spaces, but can accommodate 5-6 vehicles. The pull-off is located on the north side of the highway (on the right, when traveling westbound).
Restrooms
No restrooms available- nearest restrooms are located 1 mile west at Hidden Valley
Trail Information
• Starting Elevation- 9,146 feet (2787.7 m)
• Highest Elevation- 9,146 feet (2787.7 m)
• Total Elevation Gain- 10 feet (3.1 m)
• Total Distance- .1 miles (.2 km)
• Surface- Asphalt and wood boardwalk
• Average Trail Width-
Barriers
4-inch rise from the paved path to the boardwalk. There is a curb cut out for mobility aid access, however it may not be accessible due to lack of designated parking.
Coyote Valley Trail
Coyote Valley trail is a level-grade, packed gravel trail which crosses the Colorado River into the Kawuneeche Valley. This trail lets you experience the meadow lands of Rocky Mountain National Park, a place where life abounds. The trail crosses the Colorado River and headset into the Open Meadow with views of the Never Summer mountains.
Timed Entry Reservations
From late May to mid-October, a Timed Entry Reservation is required to access this area between 9am and 2 pm.
Directions
6 miles north of Kawuneeche Visitor Center on Trail Ridge Road (US 34)
Parking
5 accessible spaces; parking lot is dirt
Restrooms
2 single-user vault toilets
Picnic Area
• A 0.1-mile side trail near the trailhead leads to a picnic area.
• 7 standard picnic tables
Trail Information
• Starting Elevation- 8,834 feet (2692.6 m)
• Highest Elevation- 8,834 feet (2692.6 m)
• Total Elevation Gain- 30 feet (9.1 m)
• Total Distance-1.1 miles (1.8 km)
• Surface: compacted gravel and boardwalk
• Average width: 84 inches
• Minimum width: 48 inches
• Average running slope: 5%
• Maximum running slope: 10% for 10 feet
• Average cross slope: 3%
• Maximum cross slope: 9% for 6 feet
Barriers
• Muddy spots throughout summer
• 3-inch rise from the trail to the bridge
Forest Canyon Overlook
This short path leads to an overlook, that provides access to the tundra environment and has breathtaking views into the wild, untouched Forest Canyon. This is a popular location. There are benches on the path and at the overlook. Please be aware Forest Canyon is not designed for mobility devices. The trail has many barriers including steep running and cross slopes.
Timed Entry Reservations
From late May to mid-October, a Timed Entry Reservation is required to access this area between 9am and 2 pm.
Directions
3 miles west of Rainbow Curve and 2 miles east of Rock Cut on Trail Ridge Road (US 34)
Parking
• 2 accessible spaces
Restrooms
The nearest vault restroom is located 2 miles west at Rock Cut.
Path to Overlook
• Length: 660 feet
• Surface: crumbling, uneven asphalt
• Average width: 60 inches
• Average running slope: 5.7%
• Maximum running slope: 14.5% for a large portion of the trail
• Average cross slope: 2%
• Maximum cross slope: 7.3%
Barriers
• The path is very uneven, especially along the edges.
• The path closest to the parking are has a very steep cross slope. The slope is better toward the
center of the path.
• Benches along the trail may not be on level ground.
• There may be snow on the trail September through June.
Hidden Valley
Take a gentle stroll through a mountain meadow and follow a gurgling stream. This short hike is located where at the site of the former Hidden Valley ski area, and now is the location of the Junior Ranger Headquarters. The meadow is often filled with wildflowers in the summer months, golden aspen leaves in the autumn, and the deep snow makes this area popular for sledding in the winter and spring.
Timed Entry Reservations
From late May to mid-October, a Timed Entry Reservation is required to access this area between 9am and 2 pm.
Directions
On Trail Ridge Road (US 34) between Deer Ridge Junction and Many Parks Curve
Parking
• 4 accessible spaces
• 1 van-accessible space
Restrooms and Drinking Fountain
• Open year-round
• Flush toilets, sinks, and child-size changing tables
• Accessible stall in each restroom
• 2 drinking fountains; one has a bottle filling station
Picnic Area
All picnic tables in the area have extended tops. There are
• 4 picnic tables under a covered pavilion by the parking lot
• 6 picnic tables on gravel pads along the trail
• 4 picnic tables on gravel pads on the path between the pavilion and the trailhead
The paths in the picnic area are at least 36 inches wide, mostly flat and level, and made of compacted
gravel.
Trail Information
• Starting Elevation- 9,412 feet (2868.7 m)
• Highest Elevation- 9,479 feet (2889.2 m)
• Total Elevation Gain- 76 feet (23.2 m)
• Total Distance- .4 miles (.64 km)
• Length: 0.35 miles
• lower loop: 0.2 miles
• upper loop: 0.15 miles
• Surface: packed gravel and wooden bridges
• Average width: 60 inches
• Minimum width: 57 inches
• Average running slope: 6.5%
• Maximum running slope:
• lower loop: 11%
• upper loop: 14% for 18 feet
• Average cross slope: 3%
• Maximum cross slope: 13.5% for 12 feet
Barriers
• The three bridges are 60 inches wide. One has railings while the other two have small bumpers
along the edges of the bridge.
• There are often large puddles after rain.
• In the winter, hikers need to be cautious of sledders and skiers crossing the trail.
• The trail is not plowed and has deeply compacted snow during the winter, which may make it
impassible for those using mobility devices.
Winter Activities
This area is a popular place to sled, ski, and snowboard in the winter. The trail to the snowplay area has
deeply compacted snow, which may make it impassible for those using mobility devices.
Holzwarth Historic Site
The Holzwarth family homesteaded in the early 1900s. A cluster of cabins remains and include a guest ranch and trout farm. Here you can learn about the history of Kawuneeche Valley. There is one cabin by the parking lot which is frequently open to visitors in the summer months. The rest of the site is down a path 0.45 miles from the parking lot. The grounds are open year-round.
Timed Entry Reservations
From late May to mid-October, a Timed Entry Reservation is required to access this area between 9am and 2 pm.
Directions
Drive 7.6 miles north of Grand Lake Entrance Station on Trail Ridge Road (US 34)
Parking
2 accessible spaces
Restrooms
• Parking Area- 2 single-user vault toilets
• Holzwarth Historic Site- 1 single-user vault toilet
Picnic Area
• 7 picnic tables with extended tops next to parking area
• Picnic tables are in the grass and require crossing uneven ground
Trail Information
• Starting Elevation- 8,911 feet (2716.1 m)
• Highest Elevation- 8,931 feet (2722.2 m)
• Total Elevation Gain- 49 feet (14.9 m)
• Total Distance- 1.1 miles (1.8 km)
• Surface: compacted gravel
• Average width: 12.5 feet
• Minimum width: 10 feet
• Average running slope: 2% on the path to the historic site; 8% around the site
• Maximum running slope: 10% on the path to the historic site; 16% around the site
• Average cross slope: 2%
• Maximum cross slope: 6% on the path to the historic site; 11% around the site
Building Information
There are 12 cabins, 4 of which are open to the public. The other cabins can be viewed from the outside. Buildings are open for limited hours during the summer.
All cabins require climbing wooden steps to enter. The cabins also have narrow doorways and hallways
and typically don’t have electricity, making the interiors dim. There are artifacts and exhibits within
these cabins.
• Fleshuts Cabin: Located next to the parking area. This cabin can be viewed from the outside
and is occasionally open to the public.
• Mama Cabin
• Twin I
• Taxidermy Shop
Barriers
• Within the historic site, there are exposed rocks and tree roots in the paths.
• This area is very popular, and parking is limited.
• In winter, snowshoes or cross-country skis are required to reach the site.
Lily Lake
Lily Lake is a delightful place to enjoy a gentle stroll around a mountain lake, and offers exceptional views of Longs Peak. The trail around Lily Lake is primarily packed gravel with a wide boardwalk on the south side of the lake. It is a popular location for waterfowl and other birds.
Timed Entry Reservations
From late May to mid-October, a Timed Entry Reservation is required to access this area between 9am and 2 pm.
Directions
Off US 7 approximately 6 miles south of Estes Park
Parking
There is a small asphalt lot next to Lily Lake.
• 1 accessible space
• 1 van-accessible space
There is a larger, dirt parking lot across Highway 7 from Lily Lake. There are no designated parking spots. There is a crosswalk with flashing signs to cross the highway.
Restrooms
2 single-user vault toilets at the smaller lot
Picnic Area
• 3 picnic tables with extended tops within the first 0.2 miles of the trail
• Paths to the picnic tables are at least 36 inches wide, mostly flat and level, and made of
compacted gravel.
Trail Information
• Starting Elevation- 8,931 feet (2722.2 m)
• Highest Elevation- 8,942 feet (2725.5 m)
• Total Elevation Gain- 17 feet (5.2 m)
• Total Distance- .8 miles (1.3 km)
• Surface: compacted gravel and boardwalks
• Average width: 72 inches
• Minimum width: 24 inches for 12 feet due to vegetation at certain times of year, 42 inches for 18
feet due to terrain
• Average running slope: <5%
• Maximum running slope: 10%
• Average cross slope: 4%
• Maximum cross slope: 6%
Viewing Pier
• Near the parking lot, there is a pier with a low railing.
• The pier is 8 feet wide by 12 feet long.
Barriers
• 3-inch rise from the trail to the bridges, fishing pier, and boardwalk
• Large puddles after rain
• North side of the trail under Lily Ridge is often covered with soft, uneven dirt that has washed off the side of the mountain after heavy rains.
Sprague Lake
Sprague lake is one of those classic places that should be on everyone's list. It is a short and flat hike with wonderful views of the Continental Divide. Sprague Lake is popular for fishing and for picnics, and also allows access to the Sprague Lake Accessible Wilderness Campsite.
Timed Entry Reservations
From late May to mid-October, a Timed Entry+ Bear Lake Road Reservation is required to access this area between 5am and 6 pm.
Directions
On Bear Lake Road, about 6 miles from the Bear Lake Road and US 36 intersection.
Parking
• 3 accessible spaces
• 1 van-accessible space
Restrooms
• Summer: Restrooms with accessible stalls and running water are available in the Comfort Station
• Rest of the year: 2 single-user vault toilets
Picnic Area
• 25 picnic tables with extended tops
• 19 fire rings/grills
• Paths are made of compacted gravel, 36 inches wide, and mostly flat and level
Fishing Pier
• Located 0.25 miles from the trailhead when going clockwise around the lake
• 20 feet long by 7 feet wide
Trail Information
• Starting Elevation- 8,701 feet (2652.1 m)
• Highest Elevation- 8,721 feet (2658.2 m)
• Total Elevation Gain- 34 feet (10.4 m)
• Total Distance- .8 miles (1.3 km)
• Surface: compacted gravel, boardwalks
• Average width: 65 inches
• Minimum width: 40 inches
• Average running slope: <3%
• Maximum running slope: 11%
• Average cross slope: 3%
• Maximum cross slope: 14.6%
Barriers
• 3-inch rise from the trail to the bridges, fishing pier, and boardwalks
• Large puddles after rain
• Snow and ice on the trail, sometimes through mid-June
• 5-foot section with several protruding rocks and tree roots approximately 0.3 miles from the
trailhead when going counterclockwise around the lake.
