Mills Lake, Rocky Mountain park

There are more than 350 miles of hiking trails in Rocky Mountain park, but one of the prettiest is to Mills Lake, framed by pine trees and snowcapped peaks.

It’s a 2- to 3-hour hike from Estes Park, Colorado, on a well-marked trail. You'll make several river crossings over wooden bridges. Stop partway for the roar and spray of Alberta Falls.

$20 entry fee per vehicle; Mills Lake is 2.8 miles from the trailhead at Glacier Gorge parking lot; nps.gov/rom

More: Estes Park, Colorado day trip