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:Â Easy
Distance:Â 3.5 Miles Round Trip (5.63 km)
Elevation:Â 10,110 Feet (3,081.5 meters)
Duration:Â 2-3 Hours
Elevation Gain:Â 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:Â https://www.recreation.gov/timed-entry/10086910
- Other permit info (You should read this information):Â 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:Â 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
Tonight
A chance of snow showers after 9pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 32. Southwest wind 6 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.
Tuesday
A chance of snow showers before 3pm, then snow showers likely and a slight chance of thunderstorms. Partly sunny. High near 43, with temperatures falling to around 38 in the afternoon. Southwest wind 7 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 17 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.
Tuesday Night
Snow showers and a slight chance of thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy. Low around 28, with temperatures rising to around 33 overnight. Southeast wind 7 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.
Wednesday
Snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 32. East southeast wind 9 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.
Wednesday Night
Snow showers. Cloudy, with a low around 25. North northeast wind 7 to 12 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 4 to 6 inches possible.
Thursday
Snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 30. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.
Thursday Night
A chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 18. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.
Additional Pictures
Max DesMarais is the founder of myoutdoorbasecamp.com. He has a passion for the outdoors and making outdoor education and adventure more accessible. Max is a published author for various outdoor adventure, travel, and marketing websites. He is an experienced hiker, backpacker, fly fisherman, backcountry skier, trail runner, and spends his free time in the outdoors. These adventures allow him to test gear, learn new skills, and experience new places so that he can educate others. Max grew up hiking all around New Hampshire and New England. He became obsessed with the New Hampshire mountains, and the NH 48, where he guided hikes and trail runs in the White Mountains. Since moving out west, Max has continued climbed all of the Colorado 14ers, completed multiple ultra marathons, including the 100 mile Run Rabbit Run, is always testing gear, learning skills, gaining experience, and building his endurance for outdoor sports. You can read more about his experience here: hikingandfishing/about
