4 Unique Lakes in 1 Hike at Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park is located in Northern Colorado in one of the prettiest areas of the Rocky Mountain Range. One of the coolest hikes in the park is a 3.5 mile hike that views 4 beautiful lakes all in one.

We only had time for one hike while we visited Rocky Mountain National Park, and I’d say this one adequately showed the beauty of the park. But I know there are so many stunning hikes in the park that are so worth visiting. So let’s dive into the details for these 4 unique lakes in 1 hike at Rocky Mountain National Park.

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Hiking Stats For Bear Lake to Emerald Lake

Distance: 3.2 miles

Type: Out and Back

Elevation: 698 ft

Permit: America The Beautiful National Parks Pass (or $25 entrance fee)

Bathroom: At Trailhead

Dogs: No

Getting To The Bear Lake Trailhead:

This Hike starts at Bear Lake Trailhead. Parking is limited. During peak season (June-August), you will either need to plan ahead and get to the trailhead before 8am, or consider catching the shuttle from the Rocky Mountain National Park Park & Ride. The shuttle is free once you enter the park with the National Park Annual Pass or entrance fee. It’s 4.4 miles from the bear lake trailhead which is about an 11 minute ride.

Bear Lake

Bear Lake is the first lake in this hike that visits 4 unique lakes in 1 hike at Rocky Mountain National Park. You can basically see the lake from the parking lot.

There is a hike around the lake if you want to get a little extra exercise. This will add on .7 miles but is rather flat with only climbing 49ft. You can also skip the extra loop and head on to Nymph Lake.

Nymph Lake

About .5 miles from Bear Lake you will run into Nymph Lake, photographed above. This is a beautiful lake covered with lily pads.

You will continue along a path that wraps to the right of the lake and walk through a beautiful tall pine forest. The area will open and you will hit some of the elevation gain here. About a ½ mile after Nymph Lake you will hit a cross section in the trail leading either toward Lake Haiyaha or Emerald Lake. You will want to continue right toward Emerald Lake. Shortly after that sign, you will hit Dream Lake.

Dream Lake

Dream Lake has clear water and you will see all the fallen logs and lots of rocks on the bottom. In the distance, you will see Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain.

Then carry on to the right side of Dream Lake to get to the final lake. Once you reach the opposite edge of Dream Lake you will encounter some steep stair-like rocks. This will be the final elevation gain of the trail. Shortly after you will run into Emerald Lake.

Emerald Lake

Emerald Lake is the most beautiful of all the lake hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park in my opinion. Which makes this 4 unique lakes in 1 hike at Rocky Mountain National Park all worth it.

You will see Hallett Peak right in front of you and Flattop Mountain to the right with the jagged rocks. As you can see photographed the water is a blue-green color! This is the perfect spot to take in the gorgeous view and have a snack before the descent.

Takeaway | 4 unique lakes in 1 hike at Rocky Mountain National Park

While we obviously wish we had time to explore Rocky Mountain National Park, we feel pretty lucky to have been able to explore these 4 unique lakes in 1 hike at Rocky Mountain National Park.

When you visit, be sure to practice Leave No Trace so that these natural wonders are preserved for generations to come. And RMNP has black bear activity, so be sure to learn proper bear safety for hiking in bear country.

These are 4 breathtaking lakes with stunning mountain peaks in the distance. We hope if you visit Rocky Mountain National Park, you get to explore this hike and take in all the magical wonders. Let us know another hike we must do while we are there, we can’t wait to explore this park further!