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Nymph, Dream, and Emerald Lake

Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Rocky Mountain National Park is famous for spectacular mountain views, charismatic wildlife, and beautiful alpine lakes—hikers can easily access many of park’s lakes, including Nymph, Dream, and Emerald Lakes, a gorgeous trio located within the Tyndall Gorge area of the park.

The hike begins from the Bear Lake Trailhead, located at the end of Bear Lake Road—ample parking is provided but the lot normally fills up early during peak seasons, you might consider utilizing the park’s free shuttle during the busy summer and autumn months.

Nymph Lake, an all-season destination, offers incredible views for minimal effort—after hiking a mere 0.5 mile trail, gaining just 230 feet from the Bear Lake Trailhead, you reach the small lily-pad dotted waters of Nymph Lake, its pristine waters mirroring the jagged spires of Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain.

After taking in the sights and sounds of Nymph Lake, continue hiking towards Dream Lake—follow the dirt path along the lake’s north shore, as you hike, watch for the opening in the distant forest for excellent views of the Rockies. It’s another 0.6 mile to Dream Lake, climbing gently through a boulder strewn aspen and pine forest—the trail gains another 207 feet, with amazing views of the iconic Keyboard of the Winds in Glacier Gorge and massive Longs Peak.

Just before reaching Dream Lake you will come to a trail junction—a left turn leads you to Lake Haiyaha, continue to the right, over the footbridge that spans the lake’s outlet, to reach the pristine shores of Dream Lake.

Dream Lake, resting deep in the Rocky Mountains at an elevation of 9,912 feet, provides a jaw-dropping vista complete with towering views of Hallett Peak reflected in the lake’s surface—the lake’s 0.35 mile long shoreline is a haven for picnickers and fisherman alike.

One more lake awaits—Emerald Lake, the last in the trio, is just another 0.7 miles away. Follow Dream Lake’s north shore, exploring further into Tyndall Gorge, as you climb towards Emerald Lake—a series of stone steps takes the hiker past the cascading waters of Tyndall Creek, climbing steadily to a lofty elevation of 10,110 feet.

Emerald Lake, 1.8 miles from, and 635 feet above the trailhead, is an ancient tarn that glistens a deep dark green within a deep basin carved by the Tyndall Glacier—once again, Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain dominate the skyline but the shoreline here is much more harsh than the two previous lakes. The rocky shoreline is perfect for a picnic—find a spot amid the talus that surrounds the lake and enjoy a well-deserved snack break, taking in the views of this postcard perfect landscape before retracing your steps back to the Bear Lake Trailhead.

 
 
 
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