Considering a trip up this way in the fall. Sept/Oct time period. Want to do a few nights camping and some easy/moderate hiking. Nothing back woods as we are relative newbs. Any recommendations on what campsite /trails to do?
OR
Other things to do in town if we decide just hike rocky mtn during the days and just get drunk in town and stay at a hotel ?

My biggest recommendation would be hit the grand lake side of the park. Hike the east inlet trail. It's amazing and far less crowded.

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Just got back from Estes/RMNP this week. Bear/Emerald Lake trails were really good. Well marked for newbies but enough elevation change and views to make you feel accomplished. It is VERY popular though so if you get the after 830 you will have to take the shuttle.

Robert C. Christian said:

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Just got back from Estes/RMNP this week. Bear/Emerald Lake trails were really good. Well marked for newbies but enough elevation change and views to make you feel accomplished. It is VERY popular though so if you get the after 830 you will have to take the shuttle.

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September and October are easier. Especially during the week.

OP what length and elevation gain are you looking for? I've done a bunch of hikes in RMNP- and will be hiking in the park tomorrow by 6 am as a matter of fact.

Do you want peaks, waterfalls, lakes?

Signel said:

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The Old Mill, The Apple Barn, and The Comedy Barn... I went every year until we sold the family cabin, and the rest was boring to me. Dollywood was fun for the kids. Cherokee for gambling.

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I'm confused. Aren't you talking about the wrong mountain range?

You are correct. I read Estes Park as Cades Cove in my mind last night (after a few drinks.) I have a brother in Colorado so I go to both quite a bit.

Wanted to shamelessly post some of the shots from the trip we took. First few are from the Bear/Emerald Lake hike and the waterfall is from Alberta Falls. Both are pretty easy hikes (or at least the 18 month old thought so).

https://instagr.am/p/BkeKvsxFgeM

October could very well have snow on many of the main trails just FYI

I recently did this hike at RMNP. It was a little crowded, but beautiful. The Bear Lake parking lot typically fills up by 7:15am. Then you have to park in the shuttle lot. We arrived at 8:30m and had to wait 45 minutes to take the shuttle to the trailhead. So, I suggest getting an early start if possible.

https://dayhikesneardenver.com/four-lakes-and-waterfall-loop-rocky-mountain-national-park/

As has already been mentioned.....and since you already acknowledged being semi newbs....be aware if camping that you are likely to be in freezing/subfreezing overnight temps in October. Possibly even Sept with a cold snap.

If you are prepared for it, it can be GREAT camping weather ! But just wanted to make sure you were aware of the temps possible at altitude.

Enjoy !

Just as a follow up - this from the National Park site - avg low temps for both Sept and Oct are below freezing.

Avg Temps Grand Lake

TailG8TR said:

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Just as a follow up - this from the National Park site - avg low temps for both Sept and Oct are below freezing.

Avg Temps Grand Lake

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A real sleeping bag if camping. Not some crap from Walmart.

Booked camp site at AspenGlen

Yes we will be prepared, Have a Marmot 20deg bag, and plenty of wool /layering.

Researching trails now. Should be a great time.

I've lived in Estes Park half-time for the last few years and am very familiar with the east side of RMNP.

You'll want to figure out about East Side (Estes Park) vs West Side (Grand Lake), which are connected via Trail Ridge Road. Both will still be busy that time of year, between festivals, the elk rut, and the aspen. There's a chance, especially late into October, that Trail Ridge Road could close and that will affect your ability to get to and from Grand Lake.

There is a really nice campsite near Mills Lake and also some great campsites in Wild Basin. If you have trouble with some of those, there are some good ones on the North side (Cow Creek area). As alluring as Longs Peak can be, I wouldn't recommend camping at the Boulder Fields as it gets really windy.

You can find some great trails, including all the stats, at http://www.rockymountainhikingtrails.com. A few of my favorite trails are Mills Lake and beyond, Chasm Lake, Flattop Mountain and beyond, Gem Lake, Twin Sisters, Lion Lakes, and Thunder Lake.

I'd recommend using the Gaia GPS app where you can download offline maps and possibly a satellite tracker like an inReach as most of the park is out of cell coverage. As mentioned, be prepared for snow at higher elevations. You may need microspikes for traction. You can always pick up any last-minute gear at the Estes Park Mountain Shop or an REI.