Trail Description

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A well maintained trail and modest climb leads to an attractive trio of subalpine lakes in the upper Tyndall Gorge. Those with families or limited time will find the short hike to Nymph Lake, Dream Lake and Emerald Lake an ideal and fulfilling choice.

Follow signs from the Bear Lake Trailhead in the direction of Nymph, Dream and Emerald lakes. A steady climb levels off on the south shore of Nymph Lake (.5 miles : 9,705’). Nymph Lake is small but scenic, notable for surface-covering pond lilies and excellent views of Hallet Peak (12,713’) and Longs Peak (14,259’) from its north shore.

The trail rises over Nymph’s north shore to an opening in the forest (.8 miles) with unimpeded views of Longs Peak and Glacier Gorge. It eases upon reaching the junction for Lake Haiyaha and bears right over a bridge spanning the outlet stream of Dream Lake (1.1 miles : 9.912’). Dream Lake’s .35 mile (end-to-end) shoreline is easily circumnavigated and accessible for fishing.

The trail briefly steepens while climbing alongside Dream’s tumbling inlet to Emerald Lake (1.8 miles : 10,090’). Emerald Lake fills a deep bowl carved by Tyndall Glacier from the eastern flanks of Hallet Peak and Flattop Mountain (12,324’). Tyndall Glacier, which sits in a saddle between these mountains, is one of five active glaciers in Rocky Mountain National Park and Emerald Lake’s primary benefactor. The lake’s steep and rocky shoreline makes exploration difficult, though a clear path where many have ventured circles north.

Worth Noting

• Those with extra time should consider a side trip to Lake Haiyaha (10,220'), which is only .95 miles and +308' (one-way) from Dream Lake. See Related Trail link above for more information.



• This is a very popular year-round hike; arrive early to secure parking and stay ahead of the crowds.



• Support re-vegetation efforts at Nymph and Dream lakes and stay on designated trails through protected areas.



• This is a good 1st hike for those acclimating to higher elevations.

Directions to Trailhead

The trail to Nymph, Dream and Emerald Lakes is accessed from the Bear Lake Trailhead in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Directions: Bear Lake is located at the end of Bear Lake Road in Rocky Mountain National Park. From Estes Park, take the Beaver Meadows Entrance Station entrance into the park. There is a fee to enter the park through this entrance.

Shortly after passing through the Beaver Meadows fee station, turn left onto Bear Lake Road. Take Bear Lake Road until it dead-ends into the Bear Lake Trailhead area. If parking is unavailable at Bear Lake, it is possible to park at the Glacier Basin area and take a shuttle to Bear Lake.

Contact Information

Visitor Information:
970.586.1206

Backcountry Passes:
970.586.1242

Campground Reservations:
800.365.2267