The crowds are gone and snow has set in up high. Emerald Lake is a classic Rocky Mountain National Park Hike. Only about 3.5 miles round trip with less than 1,000 feet of elevation gain, it’s a trek that most can muster up the energy to complete. With a few steeper section, most of this hike is relatively gentle especially when compared to much of the park’s more relentless terrain.
With dramatic beauty around, literally, every corner, this is a can’t miss. Start from Bear Lake, at the very end of Bear Lake Road, and simply follow the Emerald Lake Trail to its terminus on the shores of Emerald Lake. On the way you’ll pass Nymph Lake (.5 mile from the TH), a charming spot that offers a quaint setting in the pines, and Dream Lake (another .6 miles up the trail) where the big views slap you right in the face. Hope you’re ready to take a few (hundred) pics!
A bit more than a half mile further up the trail, you’ll come over a rise and drop down into the bowl that holds Emerald Lake. At about 10,100 feet, this high alpine lake is popular for a reason. Hiking this time of years can easily give you complete solitude in this amazingly special and unique spot. A trek here in the busy season, June through October, and you’ll most likely be sharing the shores with a few dozen of your closest strangers! Though maybe a mild annoyance, if any of them are boisterous or blasting their music of choice on a bluetooth speaker (please don’t be one of these people… pretty please), it’s still well worth a visit no matter the season.
The massive, prominent mountain on your left is Hallett Peak… climb it. Trust me. The spires on your right are the Flattop Spires, part of Flattop Mountain. It’s a dramatic scene and worth spending some time admiring.
Just return the way you came, soaking in the scenes and it’s a hike you’ll remember forever. I can still remember my first time doing this hike back in 2001. It never gets old.
Emerald Lake
Miles: 3.4(ish)
Beginning Elevation: 9,450 feet
Ending Elevation: 10,108 feet
Total Elevation Gain: +/- 800 feet
Link for more info: All Trails
