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Emerald Lake Trail

Intermediate Intermediate
 4.7 (28)
  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 28 votes

#6

in Bear Lake

#128

Overall
  4.7 from 28 votes
5 Star
68%
4 Star
32%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#6

in Bear Lake

#35

in Colorado

#128

Overall
2 Views Last Month
1,722 Since Jan 30, 2015
Intermediate Intermediate
3%
3%
81%
3%
9%
0%
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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

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Jan 3, 2025
Anonymous
Jul 13, 2024
Brayden Long
Sep 18, 2023
Maya Saterson
Sep 6, 2023
Binita Patel
Aug 18, 2023
Cole Burks
0.7mi
Aug 4, 2023
Leya Uy
Feb 3, 2023
Carly Gaylor
Oct 12, 2022
Juan Nava

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