This part of the hike is tough as you are hiking over very rugged terrain. With an elevation gain Moretrail racesare being added to the roster, so make sure to check back for latest updates. Enjoy panoramic views of the park, as well as spectacular views from the overlooks of Dream Lake and Emerald Lake. From the Bierstadt Lake Trailhead, the climb begins steeply until you reach the top of Bierstadt Moraine. Hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park & Estes Park, Fortunately, there are hikes for all ages and ability levels. This challenging hike starts at Bear Lake and rapidly gains elevation once you are on the Flattop Mountain Trail. Views of Peacock Pond with the massive, rocky mountains that form the backdrop, waterfalls, and the chance to see wildlife, almost gave us a sense of dj vu, like we were back in Glacier National Park again. From here, at an elevation of 12,899 feet, the entire park stretches out before you. For information on additional hiking in the Estes Park area, including outfitters, guided options and pet-friendly excursions (as pets are only allowed alongroadsides, in parking areas, picnic areas and campgrounds in RMNP)please visit ourHikingsection. First, you will pass lovely Alberta Falls. Youll pass the 30-foot Alberta Falls, Icy Brook and several other waterfalls before eventually reaching The Loch at 10,190 feet. This is a great hike for almost all ages and ability levels. There is a small entrance fee you will have to pay, and dogs are allowed in the park on leash. Beginning at Lumpy Ridge Trailhead, the Gem Lake Trail covers some of Rocky Mountain National Parks most interesting sights, astounding views and compelling history. You can learn more about our editorial policies, 11 Beautiful National Forests in Colorado for Outdoor Recreation, 9 Estes Park Cabins with Hot Tubs for Soakin in the Mountains, 12 Best Airbnb Rentals in Montana for a Unique Mountain Getaway, 10 Relaxing Cabin Rentals in Breckenridge, Colorado, Back Way to Cathedral Rock: How to Hike it + Where to Grub & Catch Some Zs Nearby, 9 Best Airbnbs & Vacation Rentals in Missoula, Montana, 20 Incredible Hikes in Southern California. Elk, waterfowl and even beaver often can bespottedalong this popular trail. The hike through forested country ends with a scenic respite beside this tumbling waterfall on the park's west side. This hike is much different than many other hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. View from the Alpine Ridge Trail | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. The Pool Hiking Trail 9. Those looking for a shorter, easier hike can turn around at this point. Oregons picturesque coastline features a unique, alternating combination of rocky headlands and sandy coves formed by millions of years of wave erosion. Getting an early start and carefully planning your route are important to making it off the peak before the afternoon showers (and lightening) tend to strike. Parking in the lot at the end of Bear Lake Road adds roughly .4 miles to the hiking distance above. The trail ends at the summit of Hallett Peak. Along the way, keep an eye out for wildflowers, elk, pikas and other animals that can live above 11,000 feet. Continue west along the Fall River to reach manylodging propertiesor simply to enjoy a longer stroll.To the east the Riverwalk trail meets up with the Lake Estes Loop. There are others as well. Thanks for all you do! For those with restriction of time, mobility or skills a simple trek around a lake or meadow will suffice quite nicely. Couple that with the 5,000+ feet of elevation change, and its a doozy. For scenic walks or hiking in the national park, please visit ourRocky Mountain National Parksection. Rocky Mountain National Park Glacier Basin Hiking is one of my favorite and all-the-time go-to activities during my trip abroad. You must go down Dunraven-Glade Road and park at the Dunraven Trailhead. What a great place to live! WebTimber Creek Chalets With Hot Tubs by Rocky Mountain Resorts puts you just a 5-minute drive from Rocky Mountain National Park. So, if not Estes Park and hike RMNP, where else? Wild Basin Entrance Park gem (#3 on map) Ouzel Falls at the end of a 2.7 mile hike on the Wild Basin Trail. Youll be glad you did. For the final mile of this hike, you are treated to breathtaking views of Longs Peak, Columbine Falls, Peacock Pond, and finally Chasm Lake. Best traveled between May and October, the Donner Pass Trail is a lightly trafficked out-and-back trail. This is a great hike for newbie hikers who want to summit a mountain in Rocky Mountain National Park. The classic hike for first-timers in Rocky Mountain National Park is a Bear Lake and Emerald Lake combo. Located in Rocky Mountain National Park, this hike is popular amongst view-seekers and wildlife viewers. This trail is not paved (its a gravel trail for most of its length) but it is considered handicap accessible. In Rocky Mountain National Park, hiking is the number-one activity. Be sure to dress in layers. While in Rocky Mountain National Park, please practice the seven principles of Leave No Trace: plan ahead, stay on the trails, pack out what you bring to the hiking trails, properly dispose of waste, leave areas as you found them, minimize campfire impacts, be considerate of other hikers, and do not approach or feed wildlife. The quick access to food and water from higher altitude canyons and mountains makes this an ideal spot for local wildlife to move through. It has since been mostly restored, but the trail can be difficult to find at times, especially in snow. This infamous hotel is said to have inspired Stephen Kings The Shining, and is one of the top places to visit during your stay in Estes Park. Your email address will not be published. Olympus is challenging, but The 10 Best Hiking Trails Near Estes Park, Colorado There is also a Colorado specific site that is great for maps but doesnt have as many trail reports as Alltrails. Our hotel is located within easy reach of the area's top outdoor attractions, so whether you're into mountain climbing, hiking or waterfall trekking, you'll find it here. All great (especially sky pond). With its short distance and manageable elevation gain, it is a great first hike in the park, as you acclimate to the higher elevation (if you havent already spent some time in the Rocky Mountains). Ouzel Falls is a 5-mile hike with less than 1,000 feet of elevation gain. Well have to put it on our to do list when we are back in the area. This makes it a challenging hike for beginners, but the views along the way and at the top are well worth the challenge! Be sure to start early in the morning during summer months to avoid afternoon thunderstorms, pack a lunch or snack and wear layers! Ida, and Tombstone Ridge are the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park for your list. Hiking 8:49 pm. Hike to Emerald Lake Emerald Lake The hike to Emerald Lake is a popular and gorgeous hike 30 minutes Northeast of Estes Park, Crosier Mountain, near the town of Starting at the Finch Lake Trailhead, follow the trail 4.5 miles, up 1,442 feet to the lake. Ida, so you will really feel the altitude. But this is a tough hike. Heres our list of the top hikes in RMNP if youre just looking for in-park options. Park admission into Rocky Mountain National Park will be free this Earth Day, April 22. Plus, this is a lesser known hike, so the trail gets a lower number of hikers than other hikes on this list. You spend very little time below the tree line, so the views are incredible for most of the hike. For currenttrail conditionsand more information on trails and hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park, please visitNPS.gov/ROMO. Estes Park is home to the US Trail Running Conference, an annual celebration of trail running. Longs Peak is no joke, and its one of the top things to do at Estes Park, Colorado, for the most adventurous of spirits. Arrive at the Bear Lake trailhead parking lot early (by 9 a.m.) before it fills up. From flat strolls to steep climbs, RMNP has tons of hiking options for all levels. Northeast of Estes Park, Crosier Mountain, near the town of Glen Haven, offers four trailheads with access to the forest: Garden Gate, Rainbow, North Fork, and Bulwark. Although not in the park, Lily Mountain appears in the official park map. Check out theGuided Excursionssection to read more about guided hikes, fishing expeditions, snowshoeing, climbing, backcountry exploration and more. There is never a boring moment on this trail. It also requires permits for parking. Enjoy colorful This was one of our favorite hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park and we highly recommend it. For very little effort, the views you get are unbelievable. Your best bet is to get familiar with weather patterns and be able to recognize any dangerous looking clouds. Expect some scramble as you approach the summit. Just about four miles round trip, the out-and-back trail is relatively flat, but includes a few steep stretches and a rock scramble at the end so you can still get a good workout. Estes Park not RMNP | List | AllTrails is a distinctive landmark from several locations in town. If you are staying in Estes Park, it is a 20-minute drive to get here. Best hiked in March-September, Lily Mountain Trail is a great way to start or end a day exploring Estes Park. https://www.valhallaresort.com/blog/accessible-hikes-outside-of-rocky-mountain-national-park/ In my opinion, these trails pale in comparison to the scenery you will see on hikes in RMNP and I would not choose them over being in the park. Tip:The Fern Lake area was the location of the Fern Lake Fire in late 2012. Cairns and survey tape can be found in spots by previous hikers to aid in finding the way. From short, easy strolls around lakes, to ridgeline trails with panoramic views, to challenging but epic climbs to the tallest mountain peaks, there truly is something here for everyone. Elevation at summit 11,428' (gain of 2338'). WebThere were some muddy and slippery points along the route near the Hall Ranch trail junction. Elevation Gain: 1,100 ft. At the top, youll get to enjoy panoramic views of the park, including Mount Meeker, Longs Peak, the mountains along the Continental Divide, Estes Cone, and Twin Sisters Peak but not before a steep climb and rock scramble. What could be simpler than strapping on a pair of good boots and heading out to see, hear, feel and experience nature? The trail crosses this creek several times, so come prepared with waterproof hiking shoes or Chacos! They can provide advice about trails which are appropriate to different fitness and experience levels. Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. Live music, festivals andeventsdot theRiverwalkplazas throughout the year. Title. This trail starts at the Wild Basin Trailhead in the Wild Basin area of the national park, south on Highway 7 from Estes Park. The Conference is held in partnership with the American Trail Running Association. Dogs are allowed (on leash) on this trail. 8:49 pm Early May best route to Estes Park 4:14 pm 6-7 nights in Estes park yesterday Last week of May Apr 21, 2023 Hiking in RMNP Apr 20, 2023 Stanley Hotel and park entrance? The Fern lake Trailhead is located centrally in the park, near the west end of Moraine Park, inside Rocky Mountain National Park. Enjoy beautiful flowers, romantic waterfalls and relaxing parks as you travel the downtown Riverwalk. Enjoy the pleasantries, because after these meadows, youll be heading straight up a few steep sections through a forested mountain up to Kruger Rock.The view at the top will absolutely be worth the haul. How to Use This Map: Click the icons on the map to get more information about each point of interest. Located in town, Lake Estes is Let us know in the comment section below. Why you should go: Enjoy a thick forest scene, great vistas, and amazing views at the top of this popular trail. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley), FILE - In this July 14, 2014 file photo, Kyle Jones, left, of Greeley, Colo., carries his son Andrew while walking with his wife Sarah, center, who carries their baby Caleb, trailing their daughter Kaylee, at a scenic overlook off Trail Ridge Road, above tree-line at Rocky Mountain National Park, west of Estes Park, Colo., For a week beginning Saturday, May 21, 2016, near Rocky Mountain National Park, more than 300 rangers will discuss climate change, poaching and other issues. Summit elevation 10,013' (gain of 1083'). You can learn more about our editorial policies here. Distance: 1.7 miles Difficulty: Easy Length of Time: 1 to 1.5 hours Location: Glacier Gorge parking lot on Bear Lake Road. It was easy going the rest of the way The 7 Best Hikes in Estes Park, Colorado - Territory Supply For walking around town, there are several miles of trails that spiderweb out from the Lake Estes Trail, reaching downtown, Stanley Park (including the dog park) and beyond. Embark up a steep grade on the last leg of the adventure until you hit the roaring, 40-foot Ouzel Falls. While there is a slight incline of 968 feet, there are some rather steep spots. Each of these hikes is a day hike, so they can all be completed in one day. Fine views, pleasant hiking and a picnic on top make this trip a hiking favorite. Estes Park is packed with its own epic trails and peaks. wildflowers in the summer and yellowing aspens in the fall. This is an essential hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. Keep your distance and do not feed the wildlife. Length: 5.5 miles. Daniell is a freelance writer based out of Fort Collins, Colorado. Last week of May Apr If you have limited time, I recommend driving Trail Ridge Road and hiking Tombstone on day 1, Sky Pond on day 2, and then Chasm Lake or Hallet Peak or Mt. Instead, it Before you go, get updated trail conditions on the National Park Service website. The trail continues past Ouzel (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley), DPS says it has plenty of mental health professionals after school board directive to add more, Wyoming won't give wolves to Colorado; CPW doesn't know where it will get them, Isolated storms Tuesday; 70s here to stay. As we know, weather in Colorado can fluctuate rapidly, even in the span of a few hours. Are Dogs Allowed in Rocky Mountain National Park in The path is used by runners, Distance: 9.5 miles Difficulty: Strenuous Length of Time: 4 to 6 hours Location: Glacier Gorge Trailhead on Bear Lake Road. If you have more than a few days in RMNP and need some warm-up hikes. Heres the thing: this hike starts just under 12,000 feet of elevation. Happy hiking! Favoring gravel or dirt paths over paved roads, trail runners seek solace and scenery in places where cars don't go. You can enjoy this venture on foot by parking at theEstes Park Visitor Center, or rent a bike at the Estes Park Marina to bike the route. It starts at 10,800 feet and tops out at 12,899 on Mt. Example video title will go here for this video. The entire hike is less than a mile in length, making it great for all ages and ability levels. One of the more challenging moderate' day hikes, it covers a 3.8-mile section of trail with a 1,275-foot rise. For most of this hike you are entirely within a pine forest, so the views are rather lackluster for much of the hike. Hike up through thick forest, listen to trickling waterfalls, then walk through high alpine meadows until you find yourself at the famous Walker and Griffith homesteads. Don't be ashamed to take breaks. Even when you are in town you can enjoy a leisurely nature walk around Lake Estes. Hike to Falcon Falls 10. summit. As you ascend higher, the trees disappear, as you enter the subalpine region. There is a trailhead named Miller Creek/Fork Trailhead that is where this trail begins; but currently, you cant park at this trailhead unless you have a resident pass. Some homesteads were burnt down in wildfires over the years, but most remain. Essential Hiking Gear: What Should You Bring on a Day Hike? LEARN MORE: How to Hike the Twin Sister Peak Trail. This is a wonderful hike to add onto your drive along Trail Ridge Road, and from the trailhead, it is just a 15-minute drive to the Alpine Visitor Center. SCENIC DRIVES IN COLORADO: Pikes Peak, the Million Dollar Highway, and the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway is just a short list of the scenic drives you can do in Colorado. After guiding several trips through the Western Slope Desert, Daniell fell in love with climbing desert towers and overnight canoe trips down the Colorado River. From what we noticed, most of the people on this trail were either locals (this is a popular trail running route) or those who had already checked off a bunch of hikes in RMNP. Rocky Mountain National Park is best seen from a hiking trail. Located in Hermit Park, an open space just outside Estes Park, the Kruger Rock Trail is one of the best hikes in the area for families and dogs. Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park 1. the oldest and largest sacred Native American sites in Colorado, and its peak best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. This hike has a little bit of everythingwaterfalls, alpine lakes, high mountain views, and fun river and stream crossings. Distance: 3.4 miles Elevation gain: 205 feet Type: Out and back Loch Vale Trail Beginning at the Glacier Gorge Trailhead, this moderate trail brings you through aspen groves to The Loch, a subalpine lake at just over 10,000 feet. This hike is much different than many other hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Option:Continue along the Finch Lake Trail an additional two miles to reach Pear Lake, once a man-made reservoir, where you can explore the bathtub rings' of the shoreline. I have been in RMCP for four days now, and did skypond, emerald lake and Hiayaha, Ute to tombstone, and deer mountain. Nymph and Dream Lakes are beautiful, so you will have a wonderful hike if you choose to turn around at Dream Lake. I absolutely loved it. Olympus gives hikers a At roughly three miles into the hike, you will reach Mills Lake. Alberta Falls Trail 2. This trailhead is located just north of Estes Park. This trail is in Roosevelt National Forest, so it is open year-round and is a popular winter trail here if you have micro-spikes or something similar. Alberta Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls to visit in Rocky Mountain National Park. Continental Divide, including Hallett Peak, Taylor Peak, and Flattop Mountain Black Bears are prominent in this area and are known to even take a stroll through town. Up and back, this trail involves 3.4 miles in all and boasts some of the most spectacular views of the Estes Valley along the way. If you want to leave the crowds behind, Twin Sisters, Mt. This is our favorite short, easy hike in the park. Hiking safety and popular trails outside RMNP - Estes They range from flat lakeside strolls to steep mountain peak climbs. After traversing the wildflower and wildlife-filled landscape, youll reach Timberline Pass which is where most hikers end their Ute Trail trek. Black Lake looks similar to Chasm Lake, as both of these alpine lakes are surrounded by jagged mountain peaks. Have saved for later when we can go again. Since the trail is lightly traveled, it isnt the most obvious in some areas. The hike begins at the Moraine Park area at the Fern Lake Trailhead. If you have more than a few days in RMNP and need some warm-up hikes, good options are Emerald Lake, Deer Mountain, and Twin Sisters. The homesteads are well marked with information plaques, and you will see markers to other homesteads down shorter trails. More popular among rock climbers than hikers, this trail is a lightly traveled local secret. The hike gains 1,180 feet in elevation with the highest point being 9,786 feet. Mount Meeker to Lumpy Ridge and the Mummy Range. Copeland Falls:Enjoy an easy hike with a great payoff! Estes Valley and Twin Sisters at the summit of Lily Mountain. Honorable mention No. Tucked into the mountains above Denver, Breckenridge is a wonderful place to visit while exploring Colorado. Reach the top of the Cathedral Rock Trail and you'll be surrounded by massive rock walls, spy expansive views of Courthouse Butte and Mingus Mountain and walk along the edge of a cliff if you are feeling adventurous. It gets even better once you reach the summit of Mt. Granite Falls Trail 6. Near RMNP However, if you want to hike a lower-traffic trail that is just a short drive from Estes Park, this is a nice one to consider. Here are the best waterfalls near RMNP and Estes Park, CO, in no particular order: Alberta Falls Alberta Falls in Estes Park, CO. Photo: Bert Cash Alberta Falls is Suggested Hikes - Rocky Mountain National Park (U.S. ESTES PARK: In our Guide to Estes Park, learn about where to stay, where to eat, and what to do. But easily passable with hiking poles. Landscapes on either side of the Continental Divide feature Scenic Loch Vale is enjoyed en route to these delicately beautiful falls on the park's east side. So, we all could be making a lot of trips out to Colorado over the next few years, depending on Tylers decision. This is a nice hike but honestly not one of our favorites. Once you reach Chasm Lake, your workout is rewarded with a jaw-dropping view of Longs Peak. Keep your eye out for signs and cairns that will mark the trail in places and keep trekking the view is worth it! Hikes Near Estes Park in Rocky Mountain Ill send this to my buddies for review before our trip! Starting out, the trail could be busy because many families will be making the short trip to Copeland Falls. ESTES PARK, Colo. Did you know that Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) encompasses 415 square miles (265,807 acres)? Whatever your plans, be sure to take a ride on the Estes Park Aerial Tramway up to the summit of Prospect Mountain for stunning views over the valley. 9NEWS+ has multiple live daily shows including 9NEWS Mornings, Next with Kyle Clark and 9NEWS+ Daily, an original streaming program. Best of all, it's practically in our backyard. WebGlacier Basin Campground (8,500 feet) is adjacent to Estes Park in the awe-inspiring Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. Its a flat, beautiful easy walk in the parkliterally. This is our favorite short, easy hike in the park. Gem Lake is a short but strenuous hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. View from Deer Mountain | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. WebThe national forest allows hiking with your leashed dog and can be accessed in a number of areas around Estes Park. This is one of our favorite hikes in RMNP and we highly recommend it if you want unforgettable high alpine views. If you want a short, easy hike, we recommend Tombstone Ridge (this makes a great add-on to your scenic drive along Trail Ridge Road) or Nymph, Dream, and Emerald Lakes. Unlike other parts of Rocky Mountain National Park that are consistently busy and packed with people, the Lumpy Ridge area does not immediately connect with any trails that are popular among National Park hikers. This Rocky Mountain National Park hike climbs steadily the whole way with a steeper trail over the last quarter mile. Visit our. Recreate responsibly. WebTimber Creek Chalets With Hot Tubs by Rocky Mountain Resorts puts you just a 5-minute drive from Rocky Mountain National Park. You can also replay recent newscasts and find videos on demand of our top stories, local politics, investigations and Colorado specific features. Then, pick the day with the clearest weather forecast, get a very early start (many hikers begin at 3 or 4 am), and keep your fingers crossed that afternoon thunderstorms dont come rumbling through the park. Chasm Lake | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Note: All distances are round-trip. Option:For a bit more of a challenge take the Lily Ridge Loop that splits off the Lily Lake trail on the north edge, offering the same 0.8-mile distance, but with a 180-foot rise. If you are looking for a short, easy hike with spectacular views of Rocky Mountain National Park, put this hike at the top of your list. distance fool you, the climb to the top of Mt. The lake and trail are surrounded by beautiful forests of aspen and pine. When we did this, we saw lots of elk, some of them males with enormous antlers. Bottom line: dont make a moose feel threatened! Get all of the details on how to do this hike in our post about Fern Lake. Begin your journey at Bear Lake and head toward Odessa Lake and Flattop Mountain. Rocky Mountain National Park with Kids Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park Happy hiking! The Bulwark Ridge and Indian Trails will take you to Miller Fork Trail which will then take you to Donner Pass. Check out the Stanley Hotel. 15+ Best Hikes In Rocky Mountain National Park - Hiking Kruger Rock Trail is an out-and-back trail that is very popular among locals. So, I am confident I would agree with your information on the hikes I havent done! Whether you live in Estes Park year-round or you just came for a breath of fresh mountain air, theres a good chance youll find yourself on a trail at some point during your stay. If you must hike solo, make sure you tell someone where you are going and what time you'll return. If you don't want to bother with getting timed entry reservations to park there, check out some of these other hikes. You will get occasional glimpses of Longs Peak early on during the hike, but for the most part, you will have to wait until you reach the summit for the best views. The trailhead is located south of Estes Park, off of Highway 7. The trailhead is located off of Highway 7 (south of Estes Park) in the Wild Basin area of Rocky Mountain National Park. These burgers are the instant fix to any long, hard day on the trail. You can also hike to Fern Lake out-and-back from either Bear Lake or Moraine Park. If this is your first day at RMNP, and one of your first days in Colorado, be prepared to take a few breaks. What better way to take in all the spirit of Estes Park than to stroll through the enchanted village, taking in the high-peak views and deep breaths of pine-infused air? Ida. The Information Office is open year-round: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. daily in summer; 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Mondays - Fridays and 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Saturdays - Sundays in winter. If you have plans to hike one of these trails, adding on Bear Lake is quick, easy, and wont take up much of your time. Estes Park: the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park is a small mountain town packed with history and charm. Recorded Trail Ridge Road status: (970) 586-1222. more information on current conditions An excellent interpretive nature trail circles this popular subalpine lake at the end of Bear Lake Road. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Honestly, this is not the most exciting hike on the list. Easily access some of these trails from your cabin and begin your mountain experience with us! This hike features sweeping fields of wildflowers in the spring. Keep your distance, use the zoom on your camera if you want a picture, then move along. Located south of Estes Park in Rocky Mountain National Park, this trail is easy to access directly along Highway 7. This hike starts at the Glacier Gorge Trailhead. Entry into Hermit Park will cost $6, but the views at the top are worth it! Some of these trails will add another mile or so onto your hike, but this hike is more of an adventure anyway so why not? Alberta Falls | Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Arguably the easiest hike in Rocky Mountain National Park (next to Sprague Lake), youll be granted extraordinary views of Bear Lake and the nearby peaks just minutes from the parking lot. Clocking in at just over 13 million acres of public land, Colorados 11 National Forests offer the chance to explore some of the best corners of the Centennial State. Why you should go: Experience the charm of Estes Park and take a stroll around its namesake. The last mile Run along river paths or head towards mountain summits. There are plenty of amazing options inside the national park - more than 300 miles of trails, in fact. Not only do you get to visit a pretty lake but you also get sweeping views of Estes Park with Longs Peak in the distance. Watching the falls' namesake - the ouzel, or dipper - plunge into the rushing stream water entertains hikers at this popular spot.