Panorama from the Nymph, Dream and Emerald Lakes hike in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Panorama from the Nymph, Dream and Emerald Lakes hike in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Nymph, Dream and Emerald Lakes hike

Rocky Mountain National Park
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Dream Lake on the Nymph, Dream and Emerald Lakes Hike has stunning viewsRiver on the Nymph, Dream and Emerald Lakes Hike in Rocky Mountains National Park, ColoradoTrail of the Nymph, Dream and Emerald Lakes Hike in Rocky Mountains National Park, ColoradoHallett's Peak from the Nymph, Dream and Emerald Lakes Hike in Rocky Mountains National Park, ColoradoDream Lake on the Nymph, Dream and Emerald Lakes Hike in Rocky Mountains National Park, ColoradoBoardwalk of the Nymph, Dream and Emerald Lakes Hike in Rocky Mountains National Park, ColoradoEmerald Lake from the Nymph, Dream and Emerald Lakes Hike in Rocky Mountains National Park, ColoradoLake Haiyaha on the Nymph, Dream and Emerald Lakes Hike in Rocky Mountains National Park, ColoradoLongs Peak from the Nymph, Dream and Emerald Lakes Hike in Rocky Mountains National Park, ColoradoLake Haiyaha the Nymph, Dream and Emerald Lakes Hike in Rocky Mountains National Park, ColoradoBeautiful view on the Nymph, Dream and Emerald Lakes Hike in Rocky Mountains National Park, ColoradoBear Lake on the Nymph, Dream and Emerald Lakes Hike in Rocky Mountains National Park, ColoradoBeautiful scenery on the Nymph, Dream and Emerald Lakes Hike in Rocky Mountains National Park, ColoradoTrail on the Nymph, Dream and Emerald Lakes Hike in Rocky Mountains National Park, Colorado

Nymph, Dream and Emerald Lakes hike

Distance: 6.1mi
Elevation: 722ft
Time: 2.5-3.5h

Difficulty Rating:

User Ratings:
9.8 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
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What a great way to spend the day. Hike to Nymph, Dream, and Emerald Lakes and enjoy a special day in Rocky Mountain National Park. This hike takes you to five different lakes, all with unique views and special qualities that give each of them their own sense of beauty.

Nymph, Dream and Emerald Lakes Hike Map

Getting there

From Estes Park, take highway 36 west and enter RMNP at the Beaver Meadows Entrance Station. Just after the pay station, turn left on Bear Lake Road. Follow the road for about 10.0mi until it ends at the Bear Lake Trailhead. This is a heavily used area. Save yourself some time and just park at the shuttle lot (5.0mi before the trail head) and take the bus to the trailhead.

I’ve done this 49 people have done this
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About

When to do

April to October

Backcountry Campsites

No

Toilets

At trailhead

Family friendly

Yes

Route Signage

Average

Crowd Levels

Extreme

Route Type

Double Out and Back With a Loop


Nymph, Dream and Emerald Lakes
Elevation Graph


Route Description for Nymph, Dream and Emerald Lakes

This hike is a local favorite and a highly recommended hike for anybody visiting Rocky Mountain National Park. There are incredible views from all sections of the hike and you get to experience five of the many lakes in RMNP. Each of these five lakes have unique properties that make them each just as beautiful as the next.

From the trailhead, hang a left, following the signs to Nymph Lake. The trail splits right away and you’ll stay right. Every intersection is well marked and labeled. The first 0.3mi is semi-paved and sees heavy crowds.

The first lake you’ll reach on this hike is Nymph Lake, which is only about a 0.5mi. Nymph Lake, the smallest of the lakes on this hike, is usually filled with lilies in the water. You’ll see the top of Hallett Peak just beyond the hills. The trail hugs to the right of the lake before climbing up in elevation again.

After hiking for about a 1.0mi, the trail will split. Make note of this junction, because this is where you’ll turn to see Lake Haiyaha when you come back. Right now, take the right trail, following signs for Dream and Emerald Lakes. Dream Lake is right around the corner after you cross a narrow footbridge.

You’ll hike right alongside Dream Lake, a long and skinny lake, on the way to Emerald Lake. Around 1.4mi, the trail gets a little steeper and you’ll wind around the rocks. Take a look to the left for a short waterfall and a large rock to rest on. You’ll reach Emerald Lake in a few hundred yards. Hallett Peak looms over the lake and is sometimes seen reflected in the waters.

Retrace your steps back to the intersection before Dream Lake. Now make a right turn, up the hill to head over to Lake Haiyaha. This part of the hike is less crowded and little bit steeper. Don’t stop hiking, the views are incredible. You’ll follow the trail for 1.2mi, crossing over a bridge and staying straight on the main trail at the intersection.

When you reach the lake, you’ll have to scramble over large rocks for just a little bit to get the best views of the emerald blue water. You’re now on the other side of Hallett peak, seen to the right of the lake.

To get back to the trailhead, retrace your steps from Lake Haiyaha to the main intersection and make a right, back to Nymph Lake and following the trail you came in on. To add one more lake on your hike, take a left when you exit at the trailhead, turning away from the parking lot towards Bear Lake. Choose a direction and follow the wide, flat trail around the perimeter of Bear Lake.

Want to find more amazing hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park? Check out Chasm Lake hike, Lake Haiyaha hike or the Sky Pond and Lake of Glass hike.

Insider Hints

  • Pick up a $2 nature guide at the Bear Lake trailhead for an informative guide to point out the numbered bear paws around the lake.

  • Parking can be crazy as this trail is so popular. It is HIGHLY recommended to take the shuttle.

  • If you have a stroller or young kids, consider only doing the Bear Lake hike. This is still a fun day outdoors in the beauty of Colorado’s RMNP.

Comments

Adamcox 4 years ago

Great place to visit! I recommend it!

10.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
3h 25m Time Taken
Jellybean 4 years ago

You see some truly remarkable views on this path. It is an easy hike with amazingly beautiful scenery. Really enjoyed this hike.

9.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
3h 30m Time Taken
Stewart Graham 4 years ago

Stunning views - the lakes are so clear that you can see all the way to the bottom. There are still some patches of snow on the trail, but it’s very packed down and manageable with no extra gear. A must-do hike from Bear Lake!

9.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
footfall 4 years ago

Great trail - easy hike with great views along the way. Picturesque view of the lakes.

9.0 Overall Rating
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Physical Difficulty
Jane Lewitt 4 years ago

My go to hike whenever I'm looking for some lakes, views and forestry. Trail is in good condition.

10.0 Overall Rating
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TwoBoots 4 years ago

Our family loved this hike. This is a beautiful place to visit.

9.0 Overall Rating
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MissGiggles 4 years ago

Stunning views - the lakes are so clear that you can see all the way to the bottom. This was a great trail! Short hike with lots of great views.

10.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
3h 30m Time Taken
Reagan Jaz 4 years ago

This place is impressive. It seems like a place from fairytales.

10.0 Overall Rating
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Tom Pack. 4 years ago

This hike took us about 4 hours from start to finish. we really enjoyed this hike and lots of great views

10.0 Overall Rating
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Florence P. 5 years ago

The hike is not difficult, you can take your kids anytime. Everything is breathtaking.

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39 Comments Show all

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