Summary:
A climb to three mountain-framed lakes, ending at the rugged saddle beneath distinctive Hallett Peak.

From the top of the car park cross the bridge, turn left as directed by the sign, and bear right a few yards later at the fork. The wide, well-formed path climbs very gently through sweet-smelling pine forest, with occasional glimpses of mountains through the trees.

It is just 0.5 mile/0.8 km to the first lake, Nymph, surrounded by pine trees. The trail passes to the right of the lake to the north shore, from where there is a gorgeous view over the water – or ice if you are here early in the year – to the mountains, including Longs Peak (see main picture).

For the next 0.6 mile/1 km you continue climbing through open forest. There is a pleasant view of distant hills to the right, just before the trail turns sharp left, drops down briefly, then climbs again through open forest dotted with large rocks. Soon you are out in the open again, with superb mountain views to your left, particularly stunning in spring with the thick blanket of snow on the peaks.

As you enter a wide clearing with Hallett Peak directly ahead, you arrive at a trail junction. Continue ahead for Dream Lake, now no more than 5 minutes away. After climbing 430 ft/131 m from the trailhead, your reward is to sit on the rock at the lake’s edge, with Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain forming an imposing backdrop. And just below the saddle of these mountains, 0.7 mile/1.1 km away, is your final destination: Emerald Lake.

The increasingly rocky trail passes to the right of Dream Lake along its north shore and, as it climbs, runs close to Tyndall Creek. Head through an area of forest and huge boulders, before a final short climb takes you to the edge of Emerald Lake, dominated by Hallett and Flattop. It is a stark, yet impressive, scene.

An alternative return
Descend to the trail junction at Dream Lake. Instead of retracing your steps on the path ahead to return to the trailhead, turn right for a longer route into the high country. It is 1 mile/1.6 km and a climb of 320 ft/98 m to Lake Haiyaha. From there, you can continue on a loop that accesses trails to Loch Vale and Mills Lake, before descending to Bear Lake via Alberta Falls and Glacier Gorge.

Off-season hiking
Because of the popularity of the Bear Lake area, you should make a very early start if hiking in summer. Before or after the closure of Trail Ridge Rd it is much quieter. We climbed up to Dream Lake in mid-May and, although still snow-covered, the trail was passable to hikers (poles and gaiters are useful). The reward was complete solitude. At this time of year the track remains completely obscured in most places, and there are no blazes, but you can usually rely on the footprints of others to show the way. A topographic map and compass should be carried, and be sure to check conditions with the visitor center before setting out.

Directions: From Denver, take US 36 (off I-25 north) through Boulder to the town of Estes Park, just outside the Park’s east entrance. Continue on the 36 into the Park to the Bear Lake Rd junction, 1 mile beyond Beaver Meadows visitor center. (Note – Trail Ridge Rd, which runs across the Park connecting the west and east entrances, is only open from the end of May to mid-October, weather permitting).

Trailhead: Bear Lake parking area, at the end of 9-mile Bear Lake Rd. Due to the popularity of this area, a shuttle bus runs in summer from a parking area 5 miles along Bear Lake Rd.

Length: 3.6 miles / 5.8 km

Trail Type: Out and back

Elevation Change: 605 ft / 184 m

Duration: 2 hours

Trail Condition: Well maintained and easy to follow.

Features: Sub-alpine and alpine lakes, mountain views, forest.

Climate: Heavy snow in winter – the trail is snow-free only in summer and fall. Be prepared for changeable conditions at any time of year.

Accommodation: The nearest campgrounds for tents and RVs are Moraine Park and Glacier Basin, both off Bear Lake Rd. Estes Park has plenty of accommodation, including motels and campgrounds with hook-ups.

Trail Notes: Obtain topographic maps and trail information at Beaver Meadows visitor center. Be aware of altitude – it is over 10,000 ft at Emerald Lake. If snowshoeing in winter, check routes and conditions with the visitor center and do not go beyond Dream Lake due to the risk of avalanche.