Emerald Lake from Bear Lake
Rocky Mountain National Park's most reachable alpine lake, with a big-wall payoff.
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Length
- 3.4 mi
- Elevation Gain
- 700 ft
- Duration
- 2–3
- Best Season
- Jul–Oct
- Permit
- Not required
- Dogs
- Not allowed
- Features
- Alpine lake, Hallett Peak views
About the trail
Bear Lake sits at 9,475 feet, and the trail to Emerald Lake climbs another 700 through subalpine forest and tundra to a glacial tarn ringed by Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain. The lake is shallow, cold, and startlingly clear; in September the surrounding tundra turns gold. Nymph Lake, a lily-pad-dotted half mile in, makes the hike work for beginners too.
Trailhead map & directions
Turn-by-turn route
- Start at the Bear Lake trailhead on the Alpine Road in RMNP.
- Climb the Nymph Lake Trail through spruce and fir.
- Pass Nymph Lake and continue up the Emerald Lake Trail.
- Cross the timberline bench to the alpine lake.
- Return the same way. Total: 3.4 miles.
Parking
Bear Lake is a timed-entry reservation lot — book through Recreation.gov or park at the Bear Lake Road shuttle stop and ride in.
Tips from the trail
- Dogs are not allowed on RMNP trails, including this one.
- Altitude hits fast at 10,000 feet — take the climb slowly.
- Lightning on the tundra is a real hazard; be off the lake by early afternoon.
- Winter and spring visits require snowshoes or skis.
More in Colorado
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