🥾 Trail Info
If you're visiting Rocky Mountain National Park for the first time — or if you simply want a spectacular hike that doesn't punish your legs — the Bear Lake Loop Trail is the one to do. Ringed by towering peaks, dotted with wildflowers in summer, and wearing a crown of ice in winter, this trail delivers classic RMNP scenery without a brutal climb.
What to Expect on the Trail
The Bear Lake Loop itself is a flat, paved 0.6-mile loop around Bear Lake. Most people extend it by connecting to Nymph Lake, Dream Lake, and Emerald Lake — turning it into a 4.7-mile out-and-back that gains roughly 605 feet of elevation. The full Emerald Lake hike is what we recommend, and it's what this guide covers.
The trail starts at the Bear Lake Trailhead (elevation 9,475 ft) and climbs steadily through spruce-fir forest. Nymph Lake appears at mile 0.5 — a peaceful lily-pad-covered pond reflecting the surrounding peaks. Push another 0.6 miles and you hit Dream Lake, arguably the most photographed lake in all of Colorado. Hallett Peak reflects perfectly in the still water on calm mornings.
Emerald Lake sits at the end of the line at 10,110 feet, nestled in a rocky cirque beneath Flattop Mountain and Hallett Peak. It's worth every step.
Practical Tips
- Start early. The Bear Lake Road shuttle fills up fast. Aim to arrive before 8 AM or take the free park shuttle from the Estes Park Visitor Center.
- Timed entry permits are required May–October. Book at recreation.gov well in advance — they sell out.
- Altitude matters. At 9,500+ feet, take it slow if you're coming from sea level. Drink extra water and watch for headaches.
- Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer. Be off exposed terrain by 1 PM.
- Winter hiking is spectacular but requires microspikes or crampons — the trail gets icy.
What to Bring
For a day hike like this, you'll want a solid daypack with 2–3 liters of water, sunscreen (UV is intense at altitude), layers (it can be 30°F colder at the trailhead than in town), and snacks. Trekking poles help on the steeper sections near Emerald Lake, especially on the way back down.
A few gear picks we recommend:
- Osprey Talon 22 Daypack — our go-to day hiking pack
- Microspikes — essential if hiking October through May
- Trekking poles — optional but great on the descent
Getting There
Bear Lake Trailhead is at the end of Bear Lake Road inside Rocky Mountain National Park, approximately 9 miles from the Estes Park entrance. Use the free park shuttle from the Park & Ride on Bear Lake Road — driving yourself means competing for 150 parking spots that fill before 9 AM on summer weekends.
Rocky Mountain National Park entrance fee: $35 per vehicle (or free with America the Beautiful Pass).
The Verdict
Bear Lake to Emerald Lake is one of the best hikes in Colorado, full stop. The scenery per mile of effort ratio is unmatched. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned Colorado hiker looking for a reliable favorite, this trail delivers every time.