Rocky Mountain National Park's Emerald Lake Trail

Emerald Lake Trail

Description:
The Emerald Lake Trail connects Dream Lake to Emerald Lake. The trail begins at the east end of Dream Lake and climbs 232 feet to the east end of Emerald Lake. Elevations range from 9,953 to 10,189 feet.

The trail crosses Tyndall Creek and follows the north-shore of Dream Lake. The hike along the shore is pleasant and easy. As you get past the west end of the lake, the trail begins a steep climb toward Emerald Lake. It travels through spruce forest, paralleling Tyndall Creek. At one point the trail becomes fairly steep and rocky, coming close to the creek. It levels off just above Emerald Lake and then makes a short descent to the lake.

Emerald Lake is a dark green-colored lake situated in a deep cirque below Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain. The shore is very steep and rocky. There are a few flat boulders that you can sit on near the trails end. Although the trail is steep in spots, the experience of Emerald Lake is well worth the effort.

Features:

Length:	.65 miles (1.04 kilometers)
Elevation Range:	9,953' -10,189'
Elevation change:	283 feet
Season:	Jun 1 - Nov 1
Difficulty:	Easy to moderate
Use:	High
USGS maps:	McHenrys Peak
Trailheads:	Bear Lake
Restrictions:	No pets are permitted
Suitable for mountain bikes:	No (not permitted)
Suitable for horses:	No

Vicinity Map

Altitude Profile

Directions:
The Emerald Lake Trail begins from the end of the Dream Lake Trail. Take Highway 36 from the Beaver Meadows Entrance to the Bear Lake Road. Follow Bear Lake Road to its end to the Bear Lake Trailhead. The trailhead has room for about 250 vehicles but fills up early. There are restrooms and trash bins at the trailhead. Take the Dream Lake Trail near the southeast corner of Bear Lake. Hike about one mile to the beginning of the Emerald Lake Trail.

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