Nymph (9,705′), Dream (9,905′), and Emerald Lake (10,110′), Front Range
Nymph, Dream, and Emerald Lake are located inside Rocky Mountain National Park, west of Estes Park. From the popular Bear Lake Trailhead, the trail passes Nymph and Dream Lake on the way to Emerald Lake.
There are prominent views along the way of Longs Peak, Glacier Gorge, Flattop Mountain, and Hallett Peak. If you have limited time to explore, this should be on your list for it’s beauty and accessibility, even in winter (additional gear required).
Trail Stats
- Trailhead: Bear Lake
- Round trip: Nymph 1.1 miles, 1.8 km / Dream 2.2 miles, 3.5 km / Emerald 3.5 miles, 5.6 km
- Elevation: Nymph 9,450′-9,705′ / Dream 9,450′-9,905′ / Emerald 9,450′-10,110′
- County: Larimer
- Agency: National Park Service
- Nat’l Park: Rocky Mountain
Trail Pictures
Emerald Lake
Emerald Lake
Bear Lake
Bear Lake
Emerald Lake looking east
Emerald Lake looking east
Sunrise above Emerald Lake
Sunrise above Emerald Lake
View from Emerald Lake
View from Emerald Lake
View west from Emerald Lake
View west from Emerald Lake
Jagged peaks above Emerald Lake
Jagged peaks above Emerald Lake
Emerald Lake
Emerald Lake
Near Emerald Lake
Near Emerald Lake
Hallett Peak
Hallett Peak
Longs Peak
Longs Peak
View of Longs Peak along the trail
View of Longs Peak along the trail
Between Nymph and Dream Lake
Between Nymph and Dream Lake
Nymph Lake from above
Nymph Lake from above
View from Nymph lake
View from Nymph lake
Frozen bubbles on Dream Lake
Frozen bubbles on Dream Lake
Another view of Dream Lake
Another view of Dream Lake
Dream Lake
Dream Lake
View of Longs Peak along the Dream Lake trail
View of Longs Peak along the Dream Lake trail
Deep snow
Deep snow
New snowshoes
New snowshoes
Panorama of Nymph Lake
Panorama of Nymph Lake
Snowman on Nymph Lake
Snowman on Nymph Lake
Panorama near Emerald Lake
Panorama near Emerald Lake
GPS Route with Elevation
Video Tour
Trail Directions
From Bear Lake the trail makes a steady climb up to the south side of Nymph Lake, which is usually filled with pond lilies in the summer. Once around the lake, follow the trail for a fairly steep climb for a short section. There are spectacular views of Longs Peak, Pagoda Mountain, Storm Peak, and the Keyboard of the Winds to your left.
At just over a mile you will reach the Lake Haiyaha junction. Stay to the right and you will arrive at Dream Lake after a short distance. Follow Dream Lake along it’s northern shore. The views here are spectacular.
Once past the lake the trail begins climbing a series of steps. On your left Tyndall Creek rushes down Tyndall gorge, and the jagged peaks of Flattop Mountain can be seen in front of you. Upon reaching Emerald Lake, 12,713′ Hallett Peak will be the mountain in front of you and on the right will be the jagged spires of 12,324′ Flattop Mountain.
Trailhead Directions