Dream Lake is an alpine lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. It is an extremely popular destination due to the ease of access, incredibly beautiful views, and shared trailhead with other fantastic Colorado hikes.
Elevation: 9,905 Feet (3,019 m)
Distance: 2.2 Miles (3.54 km)
Elevation Gain: 450 feet (137.2 m)
Difficulty: Easy
Duration: 1-2 hours
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.
Trails
There is one main trail to Dream Lake, which is from the Bear Lake Trail. This 1.1 mile journey will take you past 2 lakes, Bear Lake (a couple hundred foot detour at the trailhead) and Nymph Lake, before hikers reach Dream Lake. Each of these lakes feature stunning views of Hallet Peak and Flattop Mountain.
This trail is very well traveled by all types of hikers. Taking a trip around dream lake to the various viewpoints is common due to the ease of access and fantastic views. Many hikers choose to travel an additional half mile or so to Emerald Lake, with even more impressive views.
Hikers begin on a relatively flat trail heading towards Nymph Lake. Once passing Nymph Lake around (.5 miles into the hike) hikers will quickly ascend towards dream lake. The destination is only .6 miles away from Nymph Lake, making the climb relatively quick. The trail features views of Tyndall Gorge and even Longs Peak.
This is also the same location that hikers start at for summiting Flattop Mountain.
Trail Map
Seasons
Dream lake is accessible year round. It is gorgeous in all seasons, and each season provides a unique and beautiful perspective.
Fishing
Fishing is allowed in dream lake and is extremely fantastic. The cutthroat trout are beautiful and plentiful. Barbless hook, catch and release only.
Directions & Parking
This is an extremely popular area, so during peak season, it is recommended taking the Rocky Mountain National Park shuttle system to the trailhead. During the off season, this hike still gets quite busy, and the very large parking lot can fill up. The parking is located at the end of Bear Lake Road.
Information on the shuttle can be found here: https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/shuttle_bus_route.htm
To Bear Lake Trailhead Parking Area (At the end of Bear Lake Road)
Weather Forecast
Estes Park, CO
Tonight
A chance of snow showers before 1am, then snow showers and blowing snow. Mostly cloudy. Low around 16, with temperatures rising to around 25 overnight. Southwest wind 22 to 35 mph, with gusts as high as 55 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.
Monday
Snow showers and blowing snow before 11am, then blowing snow and snow showers likely between 11am and noon, then blowing snow and snow showers likely and a slight chance of thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 23. Wind chill values as low as -9. West wind 43 to 52 mph, with gusts as high as 83 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 4 to 8 inches possible.
Monday Night
Blowing snow and a chance of snow showers and a slight chance of thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy. Low around 17, with temperatures rising to around 20 overnight. Wind chill values as low as -6. West wind 35 to 54 mph, with gusts as high as 75 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.
Tuesday
Snow showers and blowing snow before noon, then snow showers and blowing snow and a slight chance of thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a high near 23. Wind chill values as low as -1. West wind 35 to 40 mph, with gusts as high as 48 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 3 to 5 inches possible.
Tuesday Night
Blowing snow and snow showers likely and a chance of thunderstorms before 8pm, then snow showers likely and areas of blowing snow and a chance of thunderstorms between 8pm and midnight, then patchy blowing snow and a slight chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 10. West wind 28 to 40 mph, with gusts as high as 47 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.
Wednesday
A chance of snow showers before noon, then a chance of snow showers and a slight chance of thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 23. Chance of precipitation is 50%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.
Wednesday Night
A chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 16. Chance of precipitation is 40%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.
Additional Pictures
Views overlooking Dream Lake during summer.
Views Passing Nymph Pond Heading Towards Dream Lake
Dream Lake Views
Max DesMarais is the founder of hikingandfishing.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, 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