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Emerald Lake

 4.7 (154)
  1. Areas
  2. CO
  3. …Front Range
  4. …Rocky Mountain National Park
  5. Bear Lake
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Length

3.3 Miles 5.4 Kilometers

85%

Runnable

Elevation

661' 201 m

Ascent

-651' -198 m

Descent

7%

Avg Grade (4°)

19%

Max Grade (11°)

10,104' 3,080 m

High

9,476' 2,888 m

Low

Conditions

Minor Issues 1 day ago
Snowy, Some Mud History
Getting forecast...

“An easy to moderate out and back that culminates at views of Emerald Lake. ”

— Brian Smith
GPX File — Driving Directions

Overview [Suggest Changes]

This is a short, fairly easy out-and-back that features Dream and Emerald Lakes.
Features: Birding — Fall Colors — Lake — River/Creek — Swimming — Views — Wildflowers — Wildlife [Add/Remove]
Dogs: No Dogs

Description [Suggest Changes]

From the Bear Lake trailhead, follow the signs for Dream Lake onto this well-traveled, asphalt-sealed trail. Running is very easygoing along the Dream Lake Trail as it contours at very mellow grades up the slope.

Just over 1.5 miles from the TH, you'll reach Nymph Lake, a picturesque mountain lake that makes for a good place to take in the surrounding peaks. Continuing up the trail, you'll eventually cross Tyndall Creek and come to a junction with Lake Haiyaha Trail. Run past this intersection to reach Dream Lake.

Dream Lake is a spectacular, narrow lake that sits in a drainage on the rugged eastern slope of Flattop Mountain. The lake makes for a good resting point on this run. Once you've gotten your fill at Dream Lake, continue running along the trail for another mile until you reach Emerald Lake. This lake is a beautiful sight to see as it sits nestled into the rugged western face of Flattop Mountain.

From Emerald Lake, turn around and run back the way you came to the Bear Lake TH.

Flora & Fauna [Suggest Changes]

This run follows Tyndall Creek up towards its headwaters. Look for riparian vegetation typical of this environment including various willows, mountain alder, and water birch with dark-colored bark. In a few places, blue spruce may grow near streams and sometimes hybridize with Engelmann spruce.

Contacts

Land Manager: National Park Service - Rocky Mountain National Park

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Your Check-Ins

Check-Ins

Dec 30, 2017
Cassi Zimmer
Sep 29, 2017
Raúl Gross
Hiked
Aug 12, 2017
Junior Henry
Jun 11, 2017
Anthony Carroll
Sep 29, 2016
Raúl Gross
Hike up, run down.
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.7 from 154 votes

#2

in Bear Lake

#7

Overall
  4.7 from 154 votes
5 Star
73%
4 Star
23%
3 Star
3%
2 Star
1%
1 Star
0%
Rankings

#2

in Bear Lake

#3

in Colorado

#7

Overall
1,758 Views Last Month
16,000 Since Jan 8, 2015
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
7%
64%
21%
6%
1%
0%
Add a Photo

Photos

The view to Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain from Dream Lake.
The view to Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain f…
 11
Long's Peak and aspens
Long's Peak and aspens
 3
Dream Lake
Dream Lake
 8
Dream Lake
Dream Lake
 5
Emerald Lake, Rocky Mountain NP CO
Emerald Lake, Rocky Mountain NP CO
 3
Dream Lake Trail
Dream Lake Trail
 3

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