Catch a Sunrise at Dream Lake
Details
Distance
2.2 miles
Elevation Gain
402 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Added by Christin Healey
Gorgeous hike in the Rocky Mountain National Park, one hour from Boulder, CO. This is a pretty short hike so catching a sunrise isn't too rough, and it's one of the few hikes in the park that is manageable in any season.
Begin at the Bear Lake Trailhead, located at the end of Bear Lake Road, 9 miles from the entrance on Highway 36. Follow the signs to Dream Lake, passing Nymph Lake about halfway through. At 1.1 miles you will reach Dream Lake. The views of 12,713-foot Hallett Peak and 12,324-foot Flattop Mountain from the east shore of this subalpine lake are incredible, and the perfect backdrop for this aptly named lake. On your way back to the parking lot, be sure to get some shots from the trail as the mountain views headed down are some of the best in the park.
Be sure to check the trail status before you go to get the most current conditions. Micro spikes in the winter are a must, and possibly snow shoes if the trail is not packed down. Also, keep in mind that this is an alpine lake around 10,000 ft, and also can experience very intense winds - be prepared!
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Reviews
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A Must-Do!
This trail is short and easy, but provides spectacular photo opportunities! My wife and I got to the parking lot about an hour and a half before sunrise and the lot already had many people. They must've been at Bear Lake or just sitting in their cars keeping warm because we were the first up to Dream Lake that day! We had plenty of time to set up cameras and take timelapse photos of the sunrise. Just wish we had gotten there slightly earlier, we could have also seen the moon set (though you can see the light from it setting in one of my pictures). Anyways, I highly recommend this trail all the way up to Emerald Lake if you're in the Park!
5.0
My favorite trail, and everyone elses also.
Make sure you get to the trail as early as possible. A great hike and even better photography opportunity.
5.0
Beautiful In The Winter
I came in the winter and it was beautiful with the lakes frozen over. It WAS freezing though prepare accordingly -- my phone died multiple times due to the cold. I did rent snowshoes but they weren't really necessary as long as you're careful in the deeper snow areas.
5.0
Great Hike In RMNP
Such a fun hike that connects with plenty of other trails. Hiked through the snow and watched the terrain change often
5.0
Low Effort, High Reward Hike
This is a gorgeous spot to watch sunrise in Rocky Mountain National Park. Since it's relatively short it makes it a great low effort, hike reward hike that is perfect for sunrises. Alpenglow lights up the surrounding mountains and if there are any clouds in the sky they glow pink and orange!
5.0
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on.
