Dream Lake
- nps.gov
- Estes Park
About
Dream Lake is the second stop up the trail from Bear Lake, with steep cliffs on the far shore. It's a short climb past Nymph Lake and the view repays it. Everyone knows it, so go early.
From the Bear Lake trailhead it's about 1.1 miles one way to Dream Lake, with roughly 474 feet of gain, starting at 9,475 feet. The NPS rates it easy to moderate. You pass Nymph Lake on the way, and cliffs rise sharply on the far side of the water. It shares its start with the Bear Lake loop and the longer Emerald Lake hike, so it makes a good pick when you want more than the loop and less than Emerald. Summer visitors need the timed entry plus Bear Lake Road reservation, and parking fills early, so use the shuttle.
This is where I'd go if you only have a morning. Early is calm, and by ten it's a conga line. Bring layers, because the wind off the cliffs is cold even in July. Stay off the shoreline plants, and keep your voice down if there are other people around. Dogs aren't allowed on park trails. In winter the trail is snowy and icy, so bring traction.
