hike recommendation for east side of RMNP

[Lizjjackson]

Taking advantage of a much needed day offand heading into RMNP. Does anyone have a fav spot? - was thinking hiking into one of the lakes. Thank you

[sad2]

Sandbeach Lake from Wild Basin

or Sky Pond

[tmathews]

Finch Lake from Wild Basin is a nice hike. You also have the option of continuing on up to Pear Lake.

You can also take trails from Wild Basin up to Ouzel Lake, Thunder Lake, and the Lion Lakes depending on how far of a hike you want. Wild Basin is usually less crowded than the park proper up near Estes. If you use the trailhead near Allenspark to access Finch and Pear Lakes, you don't have to pay an entrance fee.

[Tory Wells]

I think the best hike on the east side is Glacier Gorge. It has waterfalls, mountain lakes, and of course the excellent view of the back side of Longs.

[Doctor No]

Love Wild Basin - good hike up to Bluebird Lake (or beyond?).

Glacier Gorge / Black Lake (or beyond?) is also nice.

Ypsilon Lake is also a very pretty hike.

[EricB]

A few of my favorites are:

Chasm Lake
Sky Pond and/or Andrews Tarn
Lake Helene/Lake Odessa

[mountain_man]

+1 on anything in Wild Basin. I haven't done the south side, Finch or Pear Lakes, but Sandbeach and Ouzel lakes were amazing. One of these days I'll get to Bluebird.

If you want a long, but easy hike, do Lawn Lake up to Crystal Lakes. If you have the energy and time you can get Fairchild mountain at the very end.

[Papillon]

One of these days I'll get to Bluebird.

Bluebird is pretty slick. If you find yourself up there, it is worth the extra effort to meander up to Isolation Lake. It is off trail but the terrain is mellow.

I think the RT distances in Wild Basin turn a lot of people off but the miles go quickly on solid trails. It would be a great place to run if that is your thing.

Mount Alice via Lion Lake 1-Lion Lake 2-Snowbank Lake might be my most enjoyable day in The Rockies.

[edhaman]

I also like the Odessa Canyon hike. You start at Bear Lake and follow the signs for Odessa Lake and Fern Lake. You pass Lake Helene, Odessa Lake, Fern Lake, Fern Falls, and The Pool; and end up at the Fern Lake trailhead. You can then walk about .7 mile down the road where you can catch a shuttle bus back to your car. It's about 9 miles; 1,200 feet up, and 1,800 feet down. If you want a little more exercise, do it in the other direction.

[ChrisRoberts]

My favorite lake in RMNP (and I've been to most) is Andrews Tarn. Not too difficult, and you lose most people after the Loch.

If you do go down to Wild Basin, cant go wrong with Bluebird.

[Lizjjackson]

Thank you all for your time and thoughts.. I have a lot to help with myy decision. Hoping for nice weather tomorrow!!

[Doctor No]

Not too difficult, and you lose most people after the Loch.

Heck, you lose most people after Alberta Falls.

I always feel bad that I didn't continue on to Isolation Lake when I did Bluebird Lake - but now I have a reason to go back up and do it again. I've always wanted to do the East-West traverse, too. Some day, some day...