Emerald Lake Colorado – A Gem of Rocky Mountain National Park

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: Easy
Distance: 3.5 Miles Round Trip (5.63 km)
Elevation: 10,110 Feet (3,081.5 meters)
Duration: 2-3 Hours
Elevation Gain: 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: 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.

 

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: 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

Today
Patchy blowing snow between noon and 1pm, then blowing snow and snow showers likely. Partly sunny. High near 28, with temperatures falling to around 23 in the afternoon. Southwest wind 29 to 32 mph, with gusts as high as 49 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.

Tonight
Snow showers. Cloudy, with a low around 7. Wind chill values as low as -16. West wind 24 to 30 mph, with gusts as high as 45 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.

Friday
Snow showers. Cloudy, with a high near 16. Wind chill values as low as -19. West wind 36 to 52 mph, with gusts as high as 75 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.

Friday Night
Blowing snow and a chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 10. Wind chill values as low as -16. West wind 40 to 48 mph, with gusts as high as 71 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New snow accumulation of around one inch possible.

Saturday
Blowing snow. Sunny, with a high near 26. West wind 37 to 40 mph, with gusts as high as 54 mph.

Saturday Night
Blowing snow. Mostly clear, with a low around 17.

Sunday
Blowing snow. Mostly sunny, with a high near 29.

 

Additional Pictures