Mother’s Day Hikes –
3 Easy Hikes for All Ages!
Bring mom up to Estes Park to enjoy some time together in nature! If you’re coming up to Estes Park for the day or for the weekend, it’s important to remember that it takes a while to get used to the elevation. The town of Estes Park sits at 7,522 ft above sea level, so it’s very important to drink lots of water to stay hydrated.
None of that should deter you from getting out to enjoy the mountain scenery! Here are our favorite easy hikes that the whole family will enjoy:
Sprague Lake
This hike is 0.8 miles and is relatively flat and gentle. It is a great place to hike if you’re getting used to the altitude! Sprague lake is at elevation 8,690 ft.
You’ll take in iconic views across the lake of the Continental Divide peaks just above Bear Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. Be sure to stop at the pier on the far end of the lake to enjoy the peaceful reflections on the water.
Since Sprague Lake is in RMNP, you’ll need a timed entry + Bear Lake permit. For more information on how to get a permit, read more here.
Dream Lake
You will enjoy views from the trail of Glacier Gorge and Glacier Basin. When you reach the lake you’ll see stunning Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain.
You will need a timed entry + Bear Lake permit to enter the National Park for this hike as well.
Lily Lake
This lovely hike is easy to get to right off of Hwy 7, and doesn’t require going through an official park entrance so you won’t need to pay an entrance fee, but in order to park in their parking lot you’ll need a timed entry permit.
The hike is a 0.9 mile loop at 8,880 ft elevation and it is very flat. The path is crushed gravel so you can push a stroller around the lake.
You’ll find stunning views of Longs Peak, Twin Sisters peaks, the Estes Cone, and Mount Meeker. Watch for birds – and sometimes moose – in the marshy areas.