Emerald Lake located in Rocky Mountain National Park is a gorgeous hike from start to finish. There is nothing lacking on this trail, it screams Colorado Rockies in spades. One of the most popular hikes in the Park.
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Starting at the Bear Lake Trailhead this hike will take us first to Nymph Lake (photo above).
… then on to beautiful subalpine Dream Lake (photo above)
And now to Emerald Lake … It’s a fairly easy hike up to Dream Lake, however, it becomes a slightly more moderate hike to Emerald Lake.
ON THE WAY TO EMERALD LAKE
After passing Nymph Lake and hiking to the right of Dream Lakes shoreline we are on our way to Emerald Lake. Views of Flattop Mountian and Hallett Peak drawing us into the Tyndall Gorge. It’s a little steeper now with much more snow. Quite slippery in late May, but doable.
Highly recommended spikes when there is a possibility of snow and ice on the trails. Makes your hike much more enjoyable and safer.
ALMOST THERE!
Not to be taken lightly, It’s a high altitude trail, and dehydration plus fickle weather is always something to consider. CLICK HERE> for a look at practical gear that we love at Crazy About Colorado and have in our backpacks on every hike.
After hiking through a wonderful pine forest we can see the end of the Tyndall Gorge and the jagged edges of 12,324 ft Flattop Mountain straight ahead. Emerald Lake is here in this magnificent setting. I’m pretty sure I was speechless!
We had the thrilling experience of watching 2 backcountry skiers coming down the Tyndall Glacier. Meeting them later on the trail, it was fun to hear how excited they were.
Sweeping views on the entire hike back down left us often stopping and taking it all in. One hike I did not want to end.
UNFORGETTABLE HIKE!
TIP: The trail to Emerald Lake is heavily trafficked, and parking at Bear Lake Trailhead is tricky. Come early or take the shuttle in the summer months. We found parking at Glacier Gorge Basin Trailhead and hiking towards Alberta Falls, which has a trail connecting to Bear Lake Trailhead, was a better option.
For a trail map, >CLICK HERE. For shuttle Info, >CLICK HERE
TIDBITS
3.5 miles out & backRated: easy/moderate
Lake elevation: 10,110 ft
LOCATED: Rocky Mountain National Park
2 MORE UNFORGETTABLE HIKES IN THE PARK!
MORE COLORADO TRAILS
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Note: Many of the links are affiliate links which means I receive a very small commission (at no added cost to you).
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