The Rocky Mountains National Park, located in northern Colorado is a park preserve and it has pristine forests of the Rockies. One notably satisfying 3.5-mile hike is that which will take you to see four of the area’s remarkable lakes at once, along with a variety of other trails available for exploring throughout its many winding and twisted pedestrian paths.
This also happens to be the only hike we had time for during our visit, but it was absolutely representative of some awesome stuff you might see just within 10-15 miles from the park entrance. It offers a comprehensive overview of the park’s scenic treasures even though there are many other trails in the park that are equally breathtaking and worth exploring. Well get to them in a bit, starting with the 4 spectacular lakes that can all be visited on 1 hike at Rocky Mountain National Park.
Hiking Details for the Bear Lake to Emerald Lake Trail
Distance: 3.2 miles
Trail Type: Out and Back
Elevation Gain: 698 feet
Permit Required: America the Beautiful National Parks Pass (or $25 entrance fee)
Restrooms: Available at Trailhead
Dogs: Not Allowed
Getting to Bear Lake Trailhead
Bear Lake Trailhead (limited parking) If it is peak season, which runs from June — August please plan ahead and either be at the trailhead before 8 AM or use the shuttles that takes off for free to Alberta Falls parking lot Boondocking The Park & Ride in Rocky Mountain National Park. Or, in your National Park Annual Pass or entrance fee includes you can take the shuttle service, reaching the trailhead 4.4 miles away and requiring approximately 11 minutes travel time.
It is one of the most beautiful trails in Rocky Mountain National Park and a favorite with nature lovers.
1. Bear Lake: The Starting Point of an Enchanting Journey
This amazing hike leads to 4 different lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park, the first one being Bear Lake. As Bear Lake is right next to the carpark, you can see it as soon as you start walking.
There is also a somewhat longer loop trail around the lake, which adds 0.7 miles to the hike for those who want to get in more steps for their adventure. This trail is fairly easy as it only gains 49 feet throughout the whole path. But you are allowed to skip this loop if all that green looks similar and continue on your advance towards Nymph Lake, the next lake of interest along Bear Lake.
2. Nymph Lake: A Serene Stop on Your Hike
A half mile into the journey from Bear Lake, you’ll find Nymph Lake — a calmer location that’s home to delicate lily pads pretty much year-round.
The trail winds immediately to your right around a stand of evergreen before you. Slowly thereafter the path opens up and you will enter into an area where the elevation beings to increase. About half a mile past Nymph Lake, the trail splits and hikers can choose to visit either Lake Haiyaha or Emerald lake. The Emerald Lake trail — go right on the sign Pretty soon past this junction is the gorgeous Dream Lake.
3. Dream Lake: A Crystal-Clear Gem on the Trail
It is really named Dream Lake because of the near transparency of its water and you can see through even to fallen logs or rocks resting on the bottom. In the distance, Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain loom behind — providing a stunning backdrop to this peaceful site.
Follow the trail along the right side of Dream Lake to continue on your way. The route heads to the lake’s opposite shore, where it steepens for a brief rugged section of rock steps that signals your final meaningful ascent on this hike. The ascent will then take you to your final destination, Emerald Lake which is a climactic and dramatically beautiful end to this scenic trail.
4. Emerald Lake: A Captivating Finale
In my most beautiful hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, Emerald Lake is definitely the first. The only downside of visiting all four truly different lakes in one hike, is that any trail leading to this location must be absolutely worth it.
And, be rewarded with the sheer face of Flattop Mountain to your right and Hallett Peak towering just ahead as you arrive. As we have shown in one case the Water sparkles with a blue-green that positively glints as above. It’s a great stop to take another break and enjoy the sweet view (and eat) before heading back down.
Final Thoughts
As we had to leave Rocky Mountain NP relatively early, we are happy that we could see the nicest four lakes thanks of one hike. It is absolutely critical when you visit that leave no trace, and respect these pristine environments so they will be left for future generations. Also, keep in mind that the park is home to black bears so spend some time familiarizing yourself with bear safety before embarking on your next adventure!
All three of these lakes provide amazing views, with steep mountain peaks bordering the horizon. We hope you all get out there when in Rocky Mountain National Park and do this hike for yourselves. If you have any suggestions for other epic trails to check out while in the park be sure to share them with us, we are wanting to make a return trip here soon again!
