Rocky Mountain Lake Trail
Rocky Mountain Lake Trail

Rocky Mountain Lake Trail

Rocky Mountain National Park
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Rocky Mountain Lake Trail

Rocky Mountain Lake Trail

Distance: 11.8mi
Elevation: 2,569ft
Time: 5.5-7.5h

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Are you seeking a lake hike? If so, then the Rocky Mountain Lake Hike is a great option. Hike to not one, not two, not three, but ten alpine lakes! This lengthy adventure has got to be one of the most scenic excursions in the Rocky Mountain National Park.

Rocky Mountain Lake Trail Map

Getting there

The Rocky Mountain Lake Hike departs from Bear Lake off Bear Lake Road.

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About

Backcountry Campground

No

When to do

May-August

Pets allowed

No

Family friendly

No

Route Signage

Average

Crowd Levels

High

Route Type

Lollipop


Rocky Mountain Lake Trail
Elevation Graph


Rocky Mountain Lake Trail Description

The Rocky Mountain Lake Trail is undeniably panoramic. Traverse the alpine terrain past several lakes in the mountain cirque. This incredibly scenic excursion demands stamina and preparation! Check the weather forecast as you will be hiking at a high elevation where afternoon storms are common. Wear layers and consider microspikes in the autumn and winter months to help navigate the likely icy and snowy terrain. Pack plenty of water and provisions to stay fueled along this adventure. Note the Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) requires visitors to purchase a pass.

Begin your adventure from the Nymph Lake Trailhead near Bear Lake and hike up to Nymph Lake. From here, track west up to Dream Lake. Revel in the lake’s beautiful scenery and hike the shoreline to Emerald Lake. Enjoy the mountainous vista and retrace your steps back to Dream Lake. At the intersection, stay right and you will be diverted onto the Haiyaha Lake Trail up to the lake. From the lake, track the rightmost Haiyaha Cutoff Trail. At the next junction, turn right and ascend the path to Loch Lake, Lake of Glass, and Sky Pond.

When you meet the trail’s end at Sky Pond, retrace your steps back to the junction and take a sharp right up the Glacier Gorge Trail to Mills Lake and Jewel Lake. Turn around Jewel Lake and retrace your steps along the Glacier Gorge Trail past Alberta Falls. At the Chaos Creek intersection, stay straight on the Connector Trail back to the Nymph Lake Trailhead.

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