Emerald Lake Colorado – A Gem of Rocky Mountain National Park

Emerald lake is a perfect short hike for those of all levels. The views are outstanding, and the entire out and back trail is only 3.6 miles with 650 feet of elevation gain. This hike is listed as one of the best easy/intermediate hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park.

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Hike Stats | Trail Map | Trail Options | Winter | Parking & Directions

Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 3.5 Miles Round Trip (5.63 km)
Elevation: 10,110 Feet (3,081.5 meters)
Duration: 2-3 Hours
Elevation Gain: 650 Feet (198 meters)

Need To Know Information

• During a large portion of the year, Rocky Mountain National Park requires permits. Permits can be purchased here along with all other relevant info: https://www.recreation.gov/timed-entry/10086910
• Other permit info (You should read this information): https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/timed-entry-permit-system.htm
• Dogs are not allowed in Rocky Mountain National Park
• Parking fills up, so the shuttle system in the park can be used when it does.
• A national parks pass is required to enter the park when the gates are being operated.

Trail Map

Trails

There is one trail to Emerald lake which is located at the end of Bear Lake road. This 1.8 mile journey will take you past 3 lakes, Bear Lake (a couple hundred foot detour at the trailhead), Nymph Lake, and Dream Lake before hikers reach Emerald Lake. Each of these lakes feature stunning views of Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain.

This trail is very well traveled by all types of hikers. You will often see skiers in winter or climbers in summer heading up the boulder fields.

This is also the same location that hikers start at for summiting Flattop Mountain.

Hiking in Winter

This is one of the best winter hikes in Rocky Mountain National park due to the ease of access and highly trafficked trail. If you are new to winter hiking, this is a great starting point. Microspikes in winter times are often recommended, and snowshoes can be very helpful during heavy snowfall times. This trail is very well traveled, so the snow does pack down quite nicely, but frequently, snowshoes are helpful. We recommend always bringing along snowshoes and microspikes to put on as needed during the hike.

Fishing Along The Trails

Dream lake is a very common catch and release fishing destination. There are incredibly beautiful greenback cutthroat in this system. No fishing is allowed at Bear Lake.

Directions & Parking

During peak season, hikers should use the park shuttle. Information on the shuttle can be found here: https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/shuttle_bus_route.htm

To Bear Lake Parking Area (At the end of Bear Lake Road)

Current Weather Conditions

Estes Park, CO

This Afternoon
Snow showers likely and a slight chance of thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy. High near 42, with temperatures falling to around 40 in the afternoon. West southwest wind around 18 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible.

Tonight
A chance of snow showers before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 30. Southwest wind 15 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible.

Saturday
Snow showers likely between noon and 3pm, then snow showers likely and a slight chance of thunderstorms. Partly sunny. High near 40, with temperatures falling to around 35 in the afternoon. West southwest wind 18 to 24 mph, with gusts as high as 37 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

Saturday Night
A chance of snow showers before midnight. Partly cloudy, with a low around 26. West southwest wind 24 to 28 mph, with gusts as high as 40 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

Sunday
A chance of snow showers after noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 38. West southwest wind 23 to 30 mph, with gusts as high as 40 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Sunday Night
A slight chance of snow showers before midnight. Mostly clear, with a low around 25. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Monday
A chance of snow showers after noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 35. New snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible.

Additional Pictures