Hiking Rocky Mountain: Bear + Nymph + Dream + Emerald + Haiyaha Lakes Trail Guide
One trail, 5 alpine lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park. This trail guide features everything you need to know before you go, including, what to bring, about the trail, & much more.
Bear, Nymph, Dream, Emerald, and Haiyaha lakes gather most of Rocky Mountains first time visitors looking for the quiniessential views of rising mountain peaks over calm clear water. One of the most popular aspects of these lakes is that they can be spilt up into 5 different trails making it accessible for all hiking levels.
As one of the the most popular hikes in Rocky Mountain, you will need a reservation for Bear Lake Corridor and possibly even take the park’s shuttle service due to limited parking at the trailhead. The trailhead itself starts at 9,500 feet, so those visiting from lower elevations may have some difficulty on this trail. Remember bring plenty of water, snacks, sun protectant, and take your time.
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BEAR LAKE.
TRAIL VARIATIONS
Bear Lake | 0.7 miles | 49 feet elevation gain | Easy
Bear + Nymph | 1.7 miles | 300 feet elevation gain | Easy
Bear + Nymph + Dream | 2.0 miles | 459 feet elevation gain | Moderate
Bear + Nymph + Dream + Emerald | 3.8 miles | 738 feet elevation gain | Moderate
Bear + Nymph + Dream + Emerald + Haiyaha | 5.7 miles | 1,135 feet elevation gain | Moderate
See our Complete Guide to Rocky Mountain National Park for details on the parks reservation system, entrance fees, shuttle bus, & more.
GETTING TO BEAR LAKE CORRIDOR
BEAVER MEADOWS EAST ENTRANCE
From the east entrance at Beaver Meadows its 11 miles or a 25 minute drive to the Bear Lake trailhead. Once you enter the park, head west on Park Entrance Rd. Make a left at Bear Lake Road and continue straight for 9.5 miles. Bear Lake Trailhead parking will be straight ahead.
FALL RIVER EAST ENTRANCE
From the east entrance at Fall River, it’s 16.6 miles or a 30 minute drive to the Bear Lake trailhead. Once you enter the park, head west on Fall River Road for 4.3 miles. Make a left on to US 36/ Park Entrance Rd and continue for 3 miles. Make a right on to Bear Lake Road and continue for 9.5 miles. Bear Lake Trailhead parking will be straight ahead.
KAWUNEECHE WEST ENTRANCE
From the west entrance at Kawuneeche, it’s 50 miles or 1.5 hour drive to the Bear Lake Trailhead. Once you enter the park, take Trail Ridge Road north for 40 miles. Make a right on to Bear Lake Road and continue for 9.5 miles. Bear Lake Trailhead parking will be straight ahead.
TIP | If parking is full, head 3 miles down the road to the Rocky Mountain National Park Park & Ride located along Bear Lake Road and take the shuttle to the trailhead. Park & Ride is across from the Glacier Basin Campground.
WHAT TO BRING
Plenty of Water
Be sure to pack extra water and stay hydrated while exploring. We love adding LMNT’s electrolyte packets to our insulated water bottles to stay hydrated for the whole day.
Hiking Shoes
While there are many easy paths to explore in Rocky Mountain there are a few trails that are rocky and steep. To have the most comfortable experience on the trails we recommend wearing a proper hiking shoe or boot to provide good traction and support.
Sun Protectant
Weather can be unpredictable in the park so it’s best to bring your favorite sunscreen and wear sun protectant clothing when exploring.
Hiking Sticks
These have been a LIFE SAVER. Hiking sticks are so helpful in giving you extra support as you climb up steep trails as well as coming down steep trails. They provide extra stability and we no longer hike without them.
First Aid Kit
It’s never a bad idea to carry a small first aid kit while exploring in Rocky Mountain. Cell service doesn’t really exist in the park so it’s good to be prepared in case of an emergency.
Crampons
In case there’s snow on the trails, it’s a good idea to carry a pair of crampons so you don’t slip on ice or snow.
Jacket
Temperatures at higher elevations can be 10 to 15 degrees cooler so its not a bad idea to carry a warm jacket with you.
Lunch / Snacks
It is highly recommended to pick a lunch and snacks when exploring Rocky Mountain. The only food option available inside Rocky Mountain National Park is the Trail Ridge Store located at the top of Trail Ridge Road.
BEAR LAKE.
ABOUT THE TRAIL
Distance: 5.7 Miles | Difficulty: Moderate | Elevation Gain: 1,135 FT | Time: 3 Hrs
To begin your adventure to Rocky Mountain’s Bear, Nymph, Dream, Emerald, and Haiyaha Lakes, head to the Bear Lake trailhead. The trail begins with an easy scenic 0.7 mile stroll around Bear Lake, where you’ll pass through a flourishing forest of spruce, pine, & fir trees with Hallet, Thatchtop, & Otis peak towering over 12,000 feet in the background.
BEAR LAKE.
After 0.7 miles, you’ll reach the Bear Lake / Nymph Lake / Glacier Gorge Junction, where you will stay to the right and head toward Nymph Lake. The path starts to pick up in elevation as you make your way up the mountainside through lush evergreen conifers.
In the summer, this rich alpine forest provides a necessary relief from the summer sun. Off to the left, Glacier Gorge will take you to Alberta Falls, The Loch, and Sky Pond.
ON THE TRAIL.
About 1 mile into the trail and 300 feet of elevation gain, you’ll reach Nymph Lake, the second of five on this hike. Lily pads cover the water as the lake perfectly reflects the surrounding mountains.
NYMPH LAKE.
The trail continues half a mile up and around Nymph Lake to a scenic lookout that you won’t want to miss. You’ll cross a wooden plank over Tyndall Creek and arrive to the Dream Lake/ Lake Haiyaha Junction. If you are looking to skip Dream Lake and Emerald Lake, you could go straight to Lake Haiyaha from here.
VIEW OF NYMPH LAKE.
ON THE TRAIL.
The path meanders along the shoreline of Dream Lake for about half a mile with stunning mountain views of Hallet Peak. There are plenty of great spots to sit, have lunch, and enjoy this serene landscape.
DREAM LAKE.
Another 0.3 miles is a steep climb up 200 feet to Emerald Lake with the Tyndall Creek rushing alongside the trail.
EMERALD LAKE.
Once you’ve taken in the views at Emerald Lake, you’ll head back down the trail for 1 mile until you get to the Dream Lake / Lake Haiyaha Junction, where you will branch off to the right toward Lake Haiyaha.
ON THE TRAIL
Half a mile and 250 feet of climbing, you’ll cross a wooden plank over the clear blue water of Chaos Creek toward Lake Haiyaha. This was our favorite part of the whole trail.
CHAOS CREEK.
The last half mile is a scramble across large rock boulders until you get to Lake Haiyaha. If you’ve made it this far on the trail you’ll be able to cross it no problem. Once you get to the lake, pick a boulder, and enjoy the view. This was definitely our favorite lake on the whole trail and also the one that took the most effort.
HAIYAHA LAKE.
Let us know in the comments what is your favorite lake in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Check out our reel hiking Bear, Nymph, Dream, Emerald, & Haiyaha Lake on Instagram!
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WE’RE MIKE & DEANDRA.
Two adventure seekers traveling the U.S in our 37 FT. travel trailer with our two companions, Griffin & Lucy. We share our life on the road and travel guides to our favorite destinations.
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