Emerald Lake
4.9 mi
Distance
2 hrs 42 min
Time
terrain
892 ft
Elev Gain
Overview
This is a easy one way trail in Rocky Mountain National Park.
This trail goes by Nymph Lake, Dream Lake, Bear Lake, and Glacier Gorge Trailhead.
This is an alternate route for Dream Lake via Bear Lake Trail.
Sights to See
Rate this Hike
★★★★★
Well worth the effort. But be aware that under current - late May / early June 2023 conditions the hike is not “easy” - especially for novice hikers - given that segments of the trail are still covered in snow and slush. Definitely rent spikes and poles. When we ascended the trail, a SAR team was extracting a very distressed boy who slipped, fell, and broke his ankle. Lots of folks slipping, sliding, and falling on their fannies.
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Public Tracks
Bear Lake Trailhead to Emerald Lake
A toddler hike at around half a mile per hour. We saw a herd of elk as we drove to the trailhead, and we saw a marmot when we reached Emerald Lake. Also zillions of chipmunks and many varieties of birds.
Bear Lake Loop & Nymph Lake, Dream Lake, and Emerald Lake
CMC's Snowshoe Routes
Bear Lake Loop 1 mile
Nymph Lake 1 mile
Dream Lake 2.2 miles
Emerald Lake 3.6 miles
