Lake Haiyaha
- nps.gov
- Estes Park
About
Lake Haiyaha is a rocky, moderate hike from Bear Lake to a lake that feels a long way from the paved crowd. The last stretch is rough footing. If you can handle that, it's one of the best payoffs on the Bear Lake side.
Start at the Bear Lake Trailhead at 9,475 feet. NPS lists Lake Haiyaha at 2.1 miles one way with about 745 feet of gain, roughly 4.2 miles round trip. This is inside Rocky Mountain National Park. From late May through mid-October, a Timed Entry+ Bear Lake Road reservation is required during certain hours, so look at nps.gov/romo before you drive. The free Bear Lake shuttle runs in summer and it's the easy way in.
Bear Lake parking is often full by 9 a.m., and the park says so itself. I'd take the shuttle or be there before the sun is high. Haiyaha is the quieter cousin of Dream Lake and Emerald Lake, which share the same trailhead, so this is my pick if you want a hike with fewer selfies. Wear shoes with grip, because the last stretch is rocky. Dogs aren't allowed on park trails. Pack a layer, because it's cooler at the lake than at the car.
