Colorado · Hiking · Near Estes Park

Moraine Park

Moraine ParkPhoto: mark byzewski — Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
1.3 mi
round trip
788 ft
climb
9,415 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Jun, Sep
best months

Is Moraine Park open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Rocky Mountain National Park. It doesn't name Moraine Park, so check the source for the area it covers.

As of · Source: NPS · Rocky Mountain National Park. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Get awe-inspiring views of the Rocky Mountains! Moraine Park is located and accessed off of Bear Lake Road. Here, you can find trailheads for both Cub Lake and Fern Lake. A relic of geologic history, Moraine Park was carved by ancient glaciers that flowed through the region. At the beginning of the park’s history, it was used as a golf course and resort. Following the removal of these artificial structures, Moraine Park has returned to its natural state as a meadow. During the elk rut, from September to October, Moraine Park offers excellent views of the elk mating ritual. It is also a beautiful place to view wildlife and the sunset. Help keep wildlife wild. Never approach or feed wildlife. Animals that learn people are a source of food can become aggressive or stop hunting or foraging on their own. Keep your distance - it's the law! You could be hurt or issued a fine.

Around this trail

Add any of these when you start a trip
  • Sleep close

    Rocky Mountain National Park Moraine Park Campground

    Campground

    The next 6 weekends are full on Recreation.gov
  • Eat after

    Aspen Dining

    Restaurant

    On your way back · 2 mi

Places © OpenStreetMap contributors · Photos: Matt Golon, CC BY-SA 3.0 (commons)

More in Estes Park

Local outfitters

Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.

  • Nearby · Moraine Park Museum Trails · Stories of the Moon & Stars at Moraine Park Discovery Center · Beaver Meadows / Moraine Park Complex Trail
  • Best time to go · Jun, Sep

    Best time to visit Moraine Park

    Best months: June and September. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      31° / 11°

      9 wet

    2. Feb

      33° / 10°

      9 wet

    3. Mar

      40° / 15°

      10 wet

    4. Apr

      45° / 20°

      10 wet

    5. May

      55° / 28°

      10 wet

    6. Jun

      68° / 36°

      10 wet

    7. Jul

      74° / 43°

      13 wet

    8. Aug

      72° / 41°

      14 wet

    9. Sep

      65° / 34°

      10 wet

    10. Oct

      51° / 25°

      8 wet

    11. Nov

      39° / 18°

      9 wet

    12. Dec

      31° / 11°

      9 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Hourglass Rsvr, CO, 15.7 mi away at 9,520 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

Keep exploring — more trails worth the drive

Moraine Park Museum TrailsPhoto: christinejwarner, CC BY 2.0 (via Flickr)

Moraine Park Museum Trails

Next door

0.38-mile loop trail in Moraine Park with 51 ft gain.

HIKE

Stories of the Moon & Stars at Moraine Park Discovery Center

Next door

Stories of the Moon & Stars The moon and stars have inspired humans and their stories for thousands of years. Join us on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park at the Moraine Park Discover Center Parking Area for an evening under the stars. This program begins at 8:30…

Beaver Meadows / Moraine Park Complex TrailPhoto: christinejwarner, CC BY 2.0 (via Flickr)

Beaver Meadows / Moraine Park Complex Trail

~2 min drive

30.14-mile out-and-back trail in Colorado with 2,383 ft elevation gain.

Upper Beaver Meadows TrailPhoto: lamblukas, CC BY 2.0 (via Flickr)

Upper Beaver Meadows Trail

~3 min drive

3.68-mile out-and-back hike in Colorado with 809 ft gain/loss.

Deer Mountain TrailPhoto: NPS, Public domain (via Wikimedia Commons)

Deer Mountain Trail

~5 min drive

7.72-mile point-to-point trail in Colorado with 1,800 ft gain and 9,500 ft max elevation.

Moraine Tuxedo Cutoff TrailPhoto: Christian Collins, CC BY-SA 2.0 (via Flickr)

Moraine Tuxedo Cutoff Trail

~2 min drive

1.46-mile out-and-back hike in Colorado with 446 ft elevation gain and loss.

HIKE

RMNP Timed Entry + Bear Lake Road

Next door

Timed Entry + Bear Lake Road Reservations provide reservation holders access to RMNP's popular Bear Lake Road Corridor, located on the east side of the park near Beaver Meadows Entrance. These reservations will also provide access to all other areas of Rocky Mountain…

Beaver Mountain TrailPhoto: Anne Dirkse, CC BY-SA 4.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)

Beaver Mountain Trail

~4 min drive

2.82-mile trail in Colorado with 600 ft gain, SAC T2 difficulty.

Tuxedo Park YMCA Camp TrailPhoto: Christian Collins, CC BY-SA 2.0 (via Flickr)

Tuxedo Park YMCA Camp Trail

~2 min drive

1.12-mile out-and-back hike in Colorado with 182 ft elevation gain.

Beaver Meadows EntrancePhoto: DrGBB, CC BY 2.0 (via Flickr)

Beaver Meadows Entrance

~1 min drive

Welcome to Rocky Mountain National Park! Enter Rocky Mountain National Park via the Beaver Meadows Entrance. This entrance is the closest entrance to Estes Park.