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Snowshoeing to Emerald Lake was completely different from hiking the trail during summer. Instead of hiking around Nymph Lake, Dream Lake, and Emerald Lake, I was able to go straight across them (check the ice to make sure it's thick enough to support your weight). Rocky Mountain National Park's trails get a lot of use even in winter, which makes it easier to find your way. When the snow covers the trail signs follow the hard packed trail(also bring a map of the area). Emerald Lake is a great place to have a snack and take in the views of Hallett Peak.
Nymph Lake is 0.5 miles from the Bear Lake Trailhead and gains 225 feet in elevation
Dream Lake is 0.6 miles from Nymph Lake and gains an additional 200 feet in elevation
Emerald Lake is 0.7 miles from Dream Lake and gains an additional 180 feet in elevation
In addition to snowshoeing this trail is also a great place for cross country skiing! If you are looking to add more miles to your trip, take the trail to Lake Haiyaha which is to the left of Dream Lake if you are facing Hallett Peak. Remember to bring $20 or your National Parks Pass for entry in to the park.
If you have worked up an appetite after exploring Rocky Mountain National Park and you want to grab a beer and a slice of pizza, check out Village Pizza in Estes Park. They have a pizza there called the Fur Trader which has wild boar, antelope, elk, and buffalo! Pretty tasty!
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Snowshoe to Emerald Lake
This is an absolutely beautiful winter hike that I recommend doing if you’re in the park. I actually managed this hike with only snow boots in early March, but for earlier in the winter season you’re definitely going to need those snow shoes.
Snowshoe to Emerald Lake
Attempted this in early winter with just snowboots.. made it nowhere fast. Bring those snowshoes!
Snowshoe to Emerald Lake
This is one of those snowshoe trips I always come back to. It was my first snowshoe when I moved out to Colorado, and it's the one I take all of my winter visitors on. There's just something so magical about this side of the park to me, and I will never get tired of walking up to Emerald Lake.
Snowshoe to Emerald Lake
You're not going to want to forget your camera for this beautiful hike. You'll also want to layer up and bring a backpack big enough to fit the layers as you start to sweat during the hike up the mountain. But once you get up to Emerald Lake, the wind can be pretty brutal and you'll want to bundle back up. Also bring plenty of water and snacks, and get there early to avoid the crowds.
Snowshoe to Emerald Lake
This is a prime winter hike for sunrise photography in RMNP. If Dream Lake is clear of snow it's worth a stop for the interesting ice formations.
Snowshoe to Emerald Lake
Just did this hike today and loved it! Snowshoes were definitely helpful but not necessary as the majority of the trail was fairly packed down already. All three lakes are completely frozen through and the track currently goes over both Nymph and Dream Lakes on the way to Emerald Lake. The parking lot was completely full by noon so I'd recommend getting an early start to avoid the crowds and have a more serene experience! Extremely beautiful views and can be done by anyone with a reasonable level of fitness. Would highly recommend doing this hike while theres still some snow, it really adds to the views!
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
Lake Helene and Two Rivers Lake
Begin the hike by following the Bear Lake trail and after ~.45 miles take the trail to the right towards Odessa Lake and Flattop Mountain. Continue along the trail as it climbs above Bear Lake to the split with the Flattop Mountain trail at approximately 1 mile. The trail continues toward Odessa Lake and will climb through forests and meadows along the way. Travel moderates to the Sourdough Cam...
Bear Lake is a popular tourist destination in Rocky Mountain NP, but when the sun is low in the sky or the stars are out you'll find the big crowd are gone. The lake is beautiful at sunrise and sunset but especially photogenic in the fall or at winter's end. While it doesn't have the darkest night skies it can still serve as an excellent location to watch meteors or photograph star trails abov...
Nymph Lake via Bear Lake Trailhead
While not as popular as Dream Lake, Nymph Lake is just as beautiful. The hike to Nymph Lake is an easy hike just over 1 mile. You start from the Bear Lake Trail head and can go further on to Dream Lake and Emerald Lake if you want to. Both Dream and Emerald Lakes are also stunning and very photogenic as well. Nymph Lake is a great spot to capture the reflection of the still water and beautiful ...
Ptarmigan Lake via Bear Lake Trailhead
The hike to Ptarmigan Lake has plenty of elevation gain for mountain lovers and views for miles from the Continental Divide. If you want to reach this spot for sunrise you'll need a very early start in the morning, but that also means you won't have to use the shuttle system to Bear Lake. The last half mile of the hike is off-trail so make sure to watch your step and practice Leave No Trace Pri...
Climb Notchtop Mountain in Rocky Mountain National Park
Park at Bear Lake, and follow the signs north of the lake to Odessa Lake. However, do NOT go all the way to Odessa Lake; after about 3 miles, when Notchtop is in full view, the trail begins to descend to Odessa Lake. Find an unmarked spur trail to the left which leads to shallow Lake Helene, then scramble through slabs and krummholtz west of the lake to treeline and some small tarns. The cliff ...
Dragon's Tail Couloir Climb
Start your day at the Bear Lake parking lot, and head out on the short 2-mile approach that winds uphill past Nymph and Dream Lake. After arriving at Emerald Lake, skirt around the shore on the left side to reach the bottom of the couloir, clearly visibile on the far side of the lake.The 1500 ft climb starts gradually and increases in steepness as the couloir narrows towards the top, reaching s...