Emerald Lake
- nps.gov
- Estes Park
About
Emerald Lake is the end of the line on the Bear Lake trail, a bigger effort than Dream Lake and the one I'd pick if you've got half a day. Go early, take the shuttle, and bring a jacket.
Emerald Lake starts at the same Bear Lake trailhead and continues past Dream Lake, about 1.7 miles one way with roughly 771 feet of gain (the NPS rates it moderate). Starting elevation is 9,475 feet. It's inside Rocky Mountain National Park, so you need the timed entry plus Bear Lake Road reservation in summer. Check nps.gov/romo and use the shuttle, since the Bear Lake lot fills early.
If you're deciding between Dream and Emerald, ask yourself how much time you have. Dream is the easier win. Emerald asks for another half hour or so and gives you more quiet near the far shore. Go early and bring a windbreaker. Dogs aren't allowed. Stay on the trail, since shortcuts wear away the little plants that hold the slope. Snow can linger late, so don't assume June means dry.
