The Rocky Mountains stretch over 3,000 miles across western North America, spanning British Columbia and Alberta in Canada through Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, and into New Mexico in the United States. This imposing mountain range is known for its rugged peaks, alpine lakes, coniferous forests, and of course, incredible hiking trails that allow you to take in the spectacular scenery. In this article, we talk about: Exploring the Best Hiking Trails in the Rockies in 2024.
From easy nature walks to multi-day backpacking treks, the Rockies have something for hikers of all abilities. Depending on which part of the Rockies you’re exploring, you can hike through wildflower-filled meadows, walk over mountain passes, view wildlife, summit peaks, traverse glaciers, and so much more. Even if you only have time for a short day hike, you’ll be rewarded with gorgeous vistas and fresh mountain air.
Here is a look at some of the premier hiking destinations and trails found across the Rocky Mountains:
Banff National Park, Alberta
Situated in Alberta’s striking Canadian Rockies, Banff National Park is home to turquoise lakes, impressive glaciers, and towering peaks. Within the park you’ll find over 1,000 miles of hiking trails that range from easy to difficult.
Some top trails and hiking areas in Banff National Park include:
- Lake Louise and Moraine Lake – Two of Banff’s most famous lakes, these turquoise waters in the Valley of the Ten Peaks make for classic and must-do easy hiking.
- Plain of Six Glaciers Trail – This moderately difficult trail takes you past lakes, waterfalls, and up towards views of six glaciers nestled below Mount Victoria and Mount Lefroy.
- Sunshine Meadows and Village – Accessible by gondola, this alpine area has gentle trails through subalpine meadows filled with colorful wildflowers during summer.
- Lake O’Hara – Considered one of Canada’s top hiking destinations, Lake O’Hara features a network of trails past waterfalls, lakes, viewpoints, and more. Access is limited so plan ahead.
Glacier National Park, Montana
Known as the “Crown of the Continent,” Montana’s Glacier National Park has over 700 miles of trails that provide access to rugged peaks, crystal clear lakes, and remnants of glaciers. The park has trails for all levels across diverse landscapes.
Top hiking trails and zones in Glacier National Park include:
- Grinnell Glacier Trail – Ascend through forests and meadows for a view of the magnificent Grinnell Glacier. Parts involve climbing over rocks along the steep trail.
- Highline Trail – Traverse high above the Going-to-the-Sun Road along the famed Garden Wall section for gorgeous views.
- Avalanche Lake – An easy 2.3 mile loop around the mesmerizing turquoise waters of Avalanche Lake below Bearhat Mountain.
- Two Medicine Area – Enjoy less crowds and scenery similar to the west side of Glacier National Park. Trails range from easy nature walks to multi-day backcountry treks.
Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
From mountain tundra to lush forests, Rocky Mountain National Park’s 355 miles of trails deliver stunning alpine scenery straight from Colorado’s Front Range. Enjoy classic day hikes to high mountain vistas and lakes or take on an epic thru-hike on the park’s Continental Divide Trail.
Must-do trails and hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park include:
- Bear Lake Trail – Easy hike around this popular high mountain lake surrounded by pine forests and peaks like Longs Peak and Hallett Peak.
- Emerald Lake Trail – Hike 1.8 miles past nymph, dream and emerald lakes tucked below Hallet Peak and Flattop Mountain for iconic Colorado views.
- Sky Pond – Moderate hike with steep sections takes you past waterfalls and rock-stepping along the way up to the alpine tarn known as Sky Pond.
- Continental Divide National Scenic Trail – Traverse over 800 miles of Rocky Mountain high country from Canada to Mexico along this epic trail that cuts through Rocky Mountain National Park.
Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Dominated by the abrupt rise of the Teton Range, Grand Teton National Park presents outstanding hiking opportunities from its sagebrush flats to alpine lakes. Hike through wildflower meadows and forests into the high mountains for exceptional views of the jagged Cathedral Group peaks.
Not to be missed hiking trails and areas in Grand Teton National Park consist of:
- Jenny Lake Loop – Easy and popular 6.5 mile loop around Jenny Lake that treats hikers to exceptional views of the Teton craggy peaks reflecting off the blue waters.
- Taggart and Bradley Lakes – Moderate hike through forest and meadows linked to Avalanche Canyon for vistas of the Tetons and the pretty lakes backed by rock cliffs.
- Cascade Canyon Trail – Follow this trail along a cascading canyon creek towards views of Grand Teton and Mount Owen, with the Jaw dropping 200 foot Moose Falls at the end.
- Paintbrush Divide – A strenuous hike with huge payoffs, the Paintbrush Divide Trail gains over 2,500 feet for sweeping panoramas of Leigh and String Lakes and the north Tetons.
The Rocky Mountains are a hiking paradise filled with rugged beauty and endless trails to explore. Whether you’re a beginner looking for an easy nature walk or a seasoned pro seeking an epic backcountry adventure, the Rockies have some of the best hiking trails in North America. With towering peaks, crystalline lakes, thundering waterfalls and diverse landscapes around every turn, it’s easy to see why so many hikers return year after year. Use this guide to help discover the top trails and premier hiking destinations the Rocky Mountains have to offer. I sincerely hope you find this “Exploring the Best Hiking Trails in the Rockies in 2024” article helpful.
