Acei wrote:
We actually don't mind which park we end up sleeping - RMNP or near-by National Forests as long as the condition is not harsh and it is not too far away from the main area of the RMNP where the trailheads are located as we will be hiking on every single non-rainy days.
If hiking is your main goal, I'd suggest staying on the east side of the park, which is, of course, the most popular. Many trails of short to moderate length on that side. And if the park gets too crowded for you on weekends (parking can be a problem - get to the Bear Lake parking lot early), head a little south and hike into some lakes in the Indian Peaks Wilderness. Brainard Lake trailhead is a good, but popular starting point. Even the walk-up NFS CG's on the east fill for the weekend by noon on Thursday. The earlier in the week you can get there, the better the selection. If you're in decent shape and want an all day adventure, climb Longs Peak. Get an early start (many are on the trail by 5:00 a.m.) and don't go if there's any chance of rain. But the views are amazing. The trailhead is south of Estes Park.
If you do stay on the west side, be ready for long approach trails before you get to the high alpine environment. There are far fewer alpine lakes on the west side, so your destinations aren't so predefined. Round trip to the high country lakes are typically 12 to 15 miles on the west side vs. 6-8 miles on the east side (depending on your destination). The trails above Monarch Lake and Meadow Creek Reservoir do lead to some great high country.