Emerald Lake Trail in Rocky Mountain National Park: The Ultimate Hiking Guide for 2026

Three alpine lakes, jaw-dropping views of Hallett Peak, and you can knock it out in under three hours. The Emerald Lake Trail in Rocky Mountain National Park is 3.6 miles round trip with about 700 feet of elevation gain, starting at 9,450 feet and topping out at 10,110 feet. It's one of the most popular hikes in the park for good reason, and if you haven't done it yet, this guide's got everything you need to plan your trip.

What You'll Learn

• Trail Stats and Overview
• How Hard Is the Emerald Lake Trail?
• Three Lakes, One Trail: Nymph, Dream, and Emerald
• How to Get to Bear Lake Trailhead
• Do You Need a Reservation for RMNP in 2026?
• Best Time of Year to Hike Emerald Lake Trail
• What to Bring on the Emerald Lake Hike
• Tips for Beating the Crowds
• Frequently Asked Questions

Trail Stats and Overview

Here's what you're working with:

• Distance: 3.6 miles round trip (out and back)
• Elevation gain: ~700 feet
• Starting elevation: 9,450 feet (Bear Lake Trailhead)
• Highest point: 10,110 feet (Emerald Lake)
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Time: 1.5 to 3 hours depending on your pace and how long you linger at each lake
• Trail surface: Dirt and rock, not paved
• Dog-friendly: No. Dogs aren't allowed on trails in RMNP.

The trail starts at the Bear Lake Trailhead, which is one of the busiest parking areas in all of Rocky Mountain National Park. You'll pass through Nymph Lake at 0.5 miles, Dream Lake at 1.1 miles, and finally reach Emerald Lake at 1.8 miles. Each lake gets more impressive as you go.

How Hard Is the Emerald Lake Trail?

Let's be real: this isn't a cakewalk, but it's not going to wreck you either. The trail is rated moderate, and the biggest challenge for most people is the altitude. You're starting at nearly 9,500 feet, so if you just flew in from sea level yesterday, you'll feel it in your lungs.

The path is well-maintained but it's not smooth pavement. Expect rocks, roots, and stone steps, especially on the stretch between Dream Lake and Emerald Lake. That last half-mile climbs through Tyndall Gorge and gets steeper with some rocky scrambling.

If you're not sure your crew can do the full thing, Nymph Lake and Dream Lake are both fantastic turnaround points.

For anyone looking to build up to bigger Colorado hikes, this trail is perfect training. Check out our beginner's guide to hiking in Colorado for more tips on getting started.

Three Lakes, One Trail: Nymph, Dream, and Emerald

What makes this hike special is that you're not just walking to one destination. You hit three completely different alpine lakes, each with its own personality.

Nymph Lake (0.5 miles)

The first stop comes quick. It's a short, relatively easy climb through subalpine forest to reach Nymph Lake. In summer, you'll see lily pads floating on the surface, and Hallett Peak towers in the background. It's a gorgeous spot, but don't stop here too long because it only gets better.

Dream Lake (1.1 miles)

This is where a lot of people say "okay, this is worth it." Dream Lake sits in a glacial cirque with Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain rising dramatically behind it. The water is crystal clear, and on calm mornings you get a mirror-like reflection that'll stop you in your tracks. It's arguably the most photographed lake in the entire park.

Emerald Lake (1.8 miles)

The final push from Dream Lake takes you through Tyndall Gorge, climbing stone steps through dense pine forest with Tyndall Creek gurgling beside you. When you pop out at Emerald Lake, the jagged spires of Flattop Mountain are right in your face. The lake is tucked into a dramatic bowl surrounded by towering rock walls. It's smaller than Dream Lake but feels more intimate and wild.

Bring a snack, find a rock to sit on, and just soak it in. You earned it.

How to Get to Bear Lake Trailhead

From Estes Park, take US-36 into Rocky Mountain National Park through the Beaver Meadows Entrance. Follow Bear Lake Road for about 9 miles until you reach the Bear Lake parking lot at the end of the road.

Parking reality check: The Bear Lake lot fills up ridiculously early during summer. We're talking by 5:30 or 6:00 AM on weekends from June through September. If the lot's full, you'll need to park at the Park & Ride lot and take the free shuttle bus, which runs every 10 to 15 minutes.

Pro tip: the shuttle isn't a bad option at all. It drops you right at Bear Lake, and you don't have to stress about finding a spot.

If you're coming from Denver, plan on about a 90-minute drive to Estes Park, plus the time to get through the park entrance and up to Bear Lake. Budget at least two hours total from Denver.

Do You Need a Reservation for RMNP in 2026?

Yes, during peak season you'll likely need a timed entry reservation. Rocky Mountain National Park has used a timed entry permit system since 2020, and it's stuck around because of how popular the park is.

For Bear Lake Road specifically, reservations are typically required from 5:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily during summer months. These reservations are separate from your park entrance fee.

How to get one:

• Reservations open on recreation.gov in batches
• Some are released months in advance, others drop the day before at 5:00 PM MT
• They go fast, so set a reminder and be ready to grab one the second they drop

Check the NPS website for RMNP for the exact 2026 dates and reservation windows. The system changes slightly each year.

Best Time of Year to Hike Emerald Lake Trail

You can technically hike this trail year-round, but each season brings a totally different experience.

Summer (June through September) is prime time. The trail is snow-free, wildflowers are blooming, and the lakes are at their most vibrant. The downside? Crowds are intense. If you go in July or August, start before sunrise or you'll be hiking in a conga line.

Fall (October through early November) is my personal favorite. The aspens along Bear Lake Road turn gold, the crowds thin out dramatically, and the air has that crisp bite to it. You might hit some early snow, so bring microspikes just in case.

Winter and Spring (November through May) turns this into a snowshoe adventure. The lakes freeze over, the surrounding peaks are draped in white, and it feels like you've got the place to yourself. You'll want proper snowshoes and trekking poles. The trail can be icy and packed down, so traction devices are a must.

No matter when you go, start early. Afternoon thunderstorms roll in fast during summer, and you don't want to be caught above treeline when lightning starts popping off.

What to Bring on the Emerald Lake Hike

This isn't a backcountry expedition, but you still need to be prepared. Colorado weather can flip on you in minutes, especially at 10,000 feet.

The essentials:

• Water: At least 1.5 liters per person. The altitude dehydrates you faster than you'd think. A water bottle with a filter is handy for refilling at streams.
• Layers: Even in July, mornings at 9,500 feet can be chilly. Bring a lightweight fleece and a rain shell.
• Sunscreen and sunglasses: The UV is no joke at altitude. You'll burn way faster than you expect.
• Snacks: Trail mix, bars, fruit. Something to munch on at Emerald Lake.
• Good footwear: Trail runners work fine in summer, but hiking boots give you more ankle support on the rocky sections.
• A small daypack: Something in the 20-liter range to carry it all. Check out our best daypacks for Colorado trails for recommendations.

Nice to have:

• Trekking poles (especially helpful on the rocky descent)
• A camera or phone with a good camera. You'll want it.
• Binoculars for spotting wildlife

Tips for Beating the Crowds

Let's not sugarcoat it: Emerald Lake Trail gets absolutely slammed in summer. We're talking bumper-to-bumper foot traffic on July weekends. Here's how to have a better experience:

1. Start absurdly early. Be at Bear Lake by 5:30 AM in summer. You'll have the trail mostly to yourself until 8 or 9 AM, and the light on the lakes at sunrise is unreal.

2. Go on a weekday. Monday through Thursday is always less crowded than weekends. If you can swing a Tuesday hike, do it.

3. Hike in the shoulder season. Late September through mid-October gives you gorgeous fall colors and way fewer people. Early June can work too, though you might encounter snow patches.

4. Use the shuttle. Don't waste 30 minutes circling the parking lot. Park at the Park & Ride and let the bus do the work.

5. Go in winter. Seriously. The snowshoe version of this trail is magical and you'll see a fraction of the summer crowds.

If you're looking for other great hikes in the area that don't draw quite as many people, check out our guide to the best spring hikes in Colorado or the best hikes with epic scenery.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to hike the Emerald Lake Trail?

Most hikers finish the 3.6-mile round trip in 1.5 to 3 hours. If you're stopping to take photos at each lake (and you should), budget closer to 2.5 to 3 hours. The altitude can slow you down if you're not acclimated, so don't feel rushed.

Can you swim in Emerald Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park?

You can, but you probably won't want to. The water stays extremely cold year-round, typically in the 40s to low 50s°F even in August. There's no rule against swimming, but hypothermia is a real risk. Most people just enjoy the views from shore.

Is the Emerald Lake Trail good for beginners?

It's a solid choice for beginners who are in reasonable shape. The trail is well-marked and not overly long. The main thing to watch out for is the altitude. If you're visiting from a lower elevation, take it slow, drink plenty of water, and don't push through headaches or dizziness. Nymph Lake and Dream Lake make great turnaround points if the full hike feels like too much.

Do you need a permit to hike to Emerald Lake?

You don't need a hiking permit specifically, but you do need a park entrance pass ($30 per vehicle for a 7-day pass) and potentially a timed entry reservation during peak season. Check recreation.gov for the latest reservation requirements before your trip.

What's the best time of day to hike to Emerald Lake?

Early morning wins every time. Arrive at Bear Lake before 6:00 AM in summer for the best parking, the fewest crowds, and stunning sunrise light on the mountains. By mid-morning, the trail gets packed and the parking lot fills up. Plus, starting early means you're off the trail before afternoon thunderstorms roll in.

Make It Happen

The Emerald Lake Trail packs three incredible alpine lakes, world-class mountain scenery, and a solid workout into a half-day adventure. It's the kind of hike that reminds you why Colorado is special. Grab your gear, snag that timed entry reservation, and get out there.

Looking for more trail ideas? Browse our full list of the best Colorado hiking trails to plan your next adventure.