Emerald Lake, Rocky Mountain National Park

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Related Hikes

• Emerald Lake — A 3.2-mile out-and-back near Estes Park, popular enough that you'll share the trail with other hikers and snowshoers depending on season. It runs year-round but is best June through October — dogs aren't allowed, which keeps the wildlife along the shoreline a little more relaxed and occasionally photographable from a respectful distance.
• Emerald Lake (Crested Butte) — A short, easy hike to emerald-colored water, ringed by pine and wildflower-covered hillsides. It's close enough to town for a half-day trip, and a good spot to bring a paddleboard or just hang a hammock and stay a while — the water's color is most saturated under direct midday sun, which is the rare case where you don't want to wait for golden hour.