Colorado | Hike To Emerald Lake
- May 22
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 9
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Located in the heart of Rocky Mountain National Park, the trail to Emerald Lake was relatively short by Colorado standards. Starting from the Bear Lake Trailhead, the path climbed steadily through pine forests, past massive granite boulders, and alongside streams fed by snow melt from the surrounding peaks.
If you're looking to experience the beauty of Rocky Mountain National Park without committing to an all-day trek, Emerald Lake offers one of the most rewarding hikes in Colorado.
Trail Highlights & Distances
One of our favorite parts about this hike was that we ended up passing through a series of alpine lakes and mountain viewpoints. On this 3.6 mile hike we visited a total of 4 alpine lakes:
Bear Lake (0.0 miles)
Nymph Lake (0.6 miles)
Dream Lake (1.1 miles)
Emerald Lake (1.8 miles)
The beauty of this trail is that we customized it to our energy level. Families often stop at Nymph or Dream Lake, while those looking for a more complete alpine experience continue to Emerald Lake.
For current trail conditions, recent hiker reviews, elevation profiles, and downloadable maps, visit AllTrails before your hike:
Reservations Are Required During Peak Season
Rocky Mountain National Park often requires a timed entry reservation during the busiest months of the year (mid-May to mid-October). These reservations are separate from the park entrance fee and can sell out quickly, especially for morning entry times. Timed entry reservations allow park visitors to enter the park within a designated 2-hour window. Once you enter the park, you can stay as long as you'd like.
Make sure to purchase the Timed Entry + Bear Lake Road pass to access the trailhead for Emerald Lake.
Parking
The Bear Lake parking lot filled up quickly. If it does fill up, there are a few alternatives.
The Glacier Gorge parking lot is a nearby option. The two trailheads are only about 0.6 miles apart, making for a short 10-15 minute walk. This parking lot can save a significant amount of time compared to waiting for a parking spot or shuttle during peak season.
Another reliable option was the park shuttle. Rocky Mountain National Park operates a shuttle system that services the Bear Lake Corridor. Many visitors park at the Park & Ride lot and take the shuttle directly to Bear Lake, avoiding the stress of searching for a parking space.
Best Time To Visit Emerald Lake
Early morning was by far the best time to experience Dream Lake. The crowds were smaller, wildlife was more active, and the calm water created stunning reflections of Hallett Peak and the surrounding mountains.
During summer and fall weekends, the parking lot can fill before sunrise. If you're planning to drive directly to the trailhead, arriving before 6:00 AM is often your best bet.
Bonus: Coffee On The Rocks
Nestled in the heart of Estes Park, Coffee on the Rocks offered the perfect blend of nature and flavor. We spent hours here hanging by the river with our delicious coffees. The wildlife was plentiful and the baked goods were incredible. If you have time for a coffee break then I would strongly recommend Coffee On The Rocks.
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