Nymph, Dream + Emerald Lakes Hike

While Rocky Mountain National Park is privy to one of the most beautiful and varied color pallets in Colorado in the fall, it's a patchwork of breathtaking geology year-round, and Nymph, Dream and Emerald Lakes allow privileged views of both. Nestled in the Tyndall Gorge, its namesake glacier is one of five active glaciers in the park, and it has carved magnificent 360-degree views from each of the three lakes.

This hike, the most popular in the entire national park, sets off on a well maintained, gently graded trail from Bear Lake Trailhead to first access Nymph Lake. A short .5-mile trek earns the south shore of the lake, with a short walk to the north shore granting majestic views of 12,713-foot Hallet Peak and the iconic Long's Peak at 14,259 feet. From the north shore the trail continues on a bit more moderately for just over a half mile before veering to the right near Lake Haiyaha and crossing the bridge over Dream Lake's outlet.

Just over a quarter mile of exposed shoreline on Dream Lake provides excellent fishing for native greenback cutthroat trout. Note that only lures and flies are allowed, and simple ant patterns tend to work well.

For the intrepid hikers, the final 1.8 miles that remain to Emerald Lake are steep, beautiful, and climb alongside the outlet waters. True to its name, Emerald Lake is jewel-like in tone and affords a majestic view of the Tyndall Glacier, perched in the saddle between Hallet Peak and 12,324-foot Flattop Mountain.

Note: During the height of tourist season, you'll likely need to utilizing the free park shuttle to the trailhead, as the parking lot typically fills by 7:30 a.m. It is extremely important not to feed, approach, or disturb wildlife within the park. In particular, ground squirrels and chipmunks are common around Dream and Emerald Lake and despite their curiosity and the actions of other tourists, they should be left to enjoy their natural diet and feeding behavior.