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Emerald Lake Trail

Intermediate
 4.7 (25)
  1. Areas
  2. CO
  3. …Front Range
  4. …Rocky Mountain National Park
  5. Bear Lake
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“A short trail connecting two majestic mountain lakes. ”

Brian Smith
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Map Key

0.7

Miles

1.1

KM

Point to Point

10,113' 3,083 m

High

9,843' 3,000 m

Low

272' 83 m

Up

35' 11 m

Down

9%

Avg Grade (5°)

26%

Max Grade (15°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Lake · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Description

From the Dream Lake Trail, this trail climbs quickly to Dream Lake. Enjoy the views of Dream Lake and the surrounding rock formations before hiking further up the trail. The grade is mild before it steepens on its way to Emerald Lake. Eventually, you'll top out and descend to the lake.

Contacts

Land Manager: National Park Service - Rocky Mountain National Park

Shared By:

Brian Smith with improvements by Barbara Lotsoff
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.7 from 25 votes

#6

in Bear Lake

#156

Overall
  4.7 from 25 votes
5 Star
68%
4 Star
32%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#6

in Bear Lake

#39

in Colorado

#156

Overall
14 Views Last Month
1,703 Since Jan 30, 2015
Intermediate
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83%
3%
10%
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Photos

Representing the REI NP Centennial backpack at Dream Lake, looking towards Flattop Mountain (right) and Hallett Peak (left).
May 20, 2016 near Estes Park, CO
The view to Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain from Dream Lake.
Dec 8, 2015 near Estes Park, CO
Dancing up a dream.
Apr 23, 2017 near Estes Park, CO
Dream Lake
Jan 8, 2015 near Estes Park, CO
Dream Lake
Aug 25, 2015 near Estes Park, CO
Hallet Peak, 2 am, with moon and Jupiter
Mar 23, 2021 near Estes Park, CO

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

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All Clear 10 days ago See History
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Check-Ins

Jul 31, 2022
Mackenzie Munie
Walked around and across the boulders to the side of the lake
Jul 30, 2022
Mike Munie
Did this in conjunction with Best of Baer Lake
Jul 29, 2022
Justin Hunter
Past hike done with Kaleb
Jul 23, 2022
Josh Cantu
Jul 4, 2022
Nick DeLapp
May 9, 2022
Diana Maasdam
Great view but breathtaking 0.7mi — 4h 00m
Oct 4, 2021
Austin Eschweiler
Aug 4, 2021
Brittany Michael
Gorgeous but very busy trail 4.1mi — 4h 13m

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