Bear Lake to Emerald Lake
Rocky Mountain National Park's signature easy hike — a chain of glacial lakes (Nymph, Dream, Emerald) with classic alpine reflections and minimal elevation gain.
Trail Weather
The Bear Lake to Emerald Lake hike is the most popular trail in Rocky Mountain National Park and a perfect introduction to the park's high country. Starting at the busy Bear Lake Trailhead (9,475 ft), the trail visits three glacial lakes in sequence: Nymph Lake (a half-mile in, often covered in yellow pond lilies in summer), Dream Lake (with iconic Hallett Peak reflections), and Emerald Lake (sitting in a cirque below Tyndall Glacier). Round trip is 3.5 miles with 700 feet of gain — manageable for most fit hikers. Bear Lake parking and shuttle reservations are mandatory in summer. Winter access is excellent with snowshoes or microspikes; the lakes freeze and become a snowshoeing classic.