Dream Lake

Estes Park, Colorado

4.9/5

based on 9 reviews

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Distance

1.97 miles

Elevation Gain

463 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Christin Healey

Dream Lake is a 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. Microspikes in the winter are a must, and possibly snowshoes 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!

PERMITS & RESERVATIONS:

Camping: Be sure to obtain a backcountry camping permit from the Backcountry Office, which is adjacent to the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center on the east side of the park. Permits can also be reserved at Recreation.Gov. This fee does not include the Park entrance fee
National Park Entrance: 1-day entrance; 7-day entrance; America the Beautiful Pass
Timed entry reservation -- these are in effect in RMNP end of May through mid October

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Dream Lake Reviews

Ashley Toon

Beginner

Dream Lake

01/25/16

This view never gets old. Ever. It's a must see, plus if you get there early enough you actually get a parking spot (so the sunrise is a great idea for many reasons).

5.0

Explorer

Jamie Fleck

Explorer

Dream Lake

01/19/16

We hiked to Dream Lake during the colder season, and it was great because there were no crowds and we were able to enjoy the scenery, including Hallet Peak. Along the trail, you get to enjoy Nymph Lake and Emerald Lake as well!

5.0

Explorer

Jason Hatfield

Explorer

Dream Lake

12/31/15

The times I've been up here the winds have been 50mph+ for sunrise, so a hammock isn't a good idea. The trail is usually pretty packed down unless there's been snow overnight.

4.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Flattop Mountain and Hallett Peak

Hike up to two very tall Rocky Mountain National Park summits. Along the route, you'll see wildlife and abundant wildflowers as well as views of Keyhole Route and Longs Peak. Arrive at the Bear Lake Trailhead. Follow abundant signage toward Flattop Mountain. Once you arrive at the summit of Flattop identify the unnamed unmaintained trail leading south toward Hallett Peak. Round the head of Tyn...

Ptarmigan Lake via Bear Lake Trailhead

The hike to Ptarmigan Lake has plenty of elevation gain for mountain lovers and views for miles from the Continental Divide. If you want to reach this spot for sunrise you'll need a very early start in the morning, but that also means you won't have to use the shuttle system to Bear Lake. The last half mile of the hike is off-trail so make sure to watch your step and practice Leave No Trace Pri...

Flattop, Hallett, Andrews Loop

Bear Lake to Flattop Mountain The trail starts at Bear Lake, where you get a view of Hallett Peak (12,713 ft) which will be the highpoint of your hike. After a short walk on the Bear Lake Trail, take the path to the right. After 1/2 a mile, take a trail left to the north. 1/2 a mile later, stay left at the trail intersection. If you follow the signs to Flattop Mountain, you should have no pro...

Nymph Lake via Bear Lake Trailhead

While not as popular as Dream Lake, Nymph Lake is just as beautiful. The hike to Nymph Lake is an easy hike just over 1 mile. You start from the Bear Lake Trail head and can go further on to Dream Lake and Emerald Lake if you want to. Both Dream and Emerald Lakes are also stunning and very photogenic as well. Nymph Lake is a great spot to capture the reflection of the still water and beautiful ...

Flattop Mountain Trail

Watch the sunrise from above treeline with great views below and to the south. This is my favorite place to view the sunrise is from just above the emerald lake overlook. The Bear Lake area is very crowded, but an early morning ascent of Flattop Mountain will provide ample opportunities for solitude! To catch the sunrise, begin at the Bear Lake trailhead in Rocky Mountain National Park. From t...

Dragon's Tail Couloir Climb

Start your day at the Bear Lake parking lot, and head out on the short 2-mile approach that winds uphill past Nymph and Dream Lake. After arriving at Emerald Lake, skirt around the shore on the left side to reach the bottom of the couloir, clearly visibile on the far side of the lake.The 1500 ft climb starts gradually and increases in steepness as the couloir narrows towards the top, reaching s...

Dream Lake

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Dream Lake Reviews

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Nearby

Flattop Mountain and Hallett Peak

Ptarmigan Lake via Bear Lake Trailhead

Flattop, Hallett, Andrews Loop

Nymph Lake via Bear Lake Trailhead

Flattop Mountain Trail

Dragon's Tail Couloir Climb

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