Emerald Lake
Three lakes in under two miles, ending beneath the towering face of Hallett Peak.
About Emerald Lake
Emerald Lake is the grand finale of Rocky Mountain National Park's most popular short hike. From Bear Lake Trailhead, the trail passes lily-pad-covered Nymph Lake in about half a mile, reaches Dream Lake around 1.1 miles, and ends at Emerald Lake at 10,110 feet, about 1.75 miles in.
The round trip is about 3.5 miles with roughly 650 feet of gain, making it accessible for most fit visitors. The payoff is huge: Hallett Peak (12,713 ft) rises straight out of the lake's back wall, with Flattop Mountain's spires to the right and a meltwater cascade from Tyndall Glacier pouring down between them.
Because it is so accessible, it is also very busy; plan an early start or a shoulder-season visit for any sense of solitude.
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.
History
The three lakes are strung along Tyndall Gorge, a glacially carved valley below the Continental Divide, with Tyndall Creek linking them. Tyndall Glacier, still clinging to the cirque between Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain, feeds the waterfall above Emerald Lake. The area has been part of Rocky Mountain National Park since its creation in 1915, and the Bear Lake corridor became the park's busiest trail hub, which is why it now has its own Timed Entry+ reservation in peak season.
Photographing Emerald Lake
Best light: Sunrise is the classic: Hallett Peak's face catches warm first light above Emerald and Dream Lakes while the water is calm. Late June through August adds wildflowers between Nymph and Dream Lake, and winter brings frozen lakes and snow-plastered peaks with far fewer people.
Shots to look for
- Hallett Peak glowing at sunrise reflected in Dream Lake, with the limber pines along its shore as foreground
- Emerald Lake with Hallett and Flattop framing the Tyndall Glacier cascade (16-24mm)
- Nymph Lake lily pads in the foreground with Longs Peak behind on the climb above it
- Hallett Peak reflected in Bear Lake at the trailhead before you start
Photo tips
- Be at the trailhead well before sunrise; arriving before permit hours also avoids the Timed Entry+ requirement
- Bring microspikes from fall through early summer; the trail ices up
- Dream Lake is often windy; shoot reflections in the first minutes of light
- Drones are prohibited in national parks
- A polarizer can cut glare to reveal the lake's green color
Know before you go
- Bear Lake Road requires a Timed Entry+ reservation during posted hours in the main season; check NPS for current dates
- Park entrance fee required (America the Beautiful pass accepted)
- Bear Lake parking fills early; the free park shuttle is an option later in the day
- No dogs on park trails
Prints from Emerald Lake
Every photo is available as a print on metal, canvas, wood or fine art paper.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the hike to Emerald Lake?
About 3.5 miles round trip from Bear Lake with roughly 650 feet of gain. Most people take 2-3 hours.
Do I need a reservation to hike to Emerald Lake?
In peak season, Bear Lake Road requires a Timed Entry+ permit during posted daytime hours. Check the NPS website for the current year's dates.
Is Emerald Lake worth it in winter?
Yes, with traction devices. The lakes freeze and the peaks hold snow, and crowds are much lighter.
Featured in: Easy Colorado Hikes With Big Views · Winter Photography Spots in Colorado · Best Alpine Lake Hikes in Colorado
Combine it with
Dream Lake · Lake Haiyaha · Bear Lake · Lake Helene
More Colorado spots
Garden of the Gods · Green Mountain Reservoir · Old Dillon Reservoir Trail
Sources & further reading: rockymountainhikingtrails.com · home.nps.gov. Conditions, fees and rules change; check with the managing agency before you go.