Hike to Nymph Lake

Colorado › Bear Lake Trailhead

Save List Review

96 Saves

Added by Nick Souvall

A beautiful spot to catch a sunrise at a very photogenic lake.

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 color on Hallet Peak during sunrise. Nymph Lake is also known for being filled for lily pads later in the summer. There are many other lakes in this area that you can hike to as well.

Thinking about a longer hike, you can extend this to Dream, Emerald, and Haiyaha Lakes.

Pack List

Hiking Boots
Head Lamp
Warm Clothes
Tripod
Camera
Water

Please respect the places you find on The Outbound.

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures. Be aware of local regulations and don't damage these amazing places for the sake of a photograph. Learn More

Activities:

Chillin, Photography, Running, Snowshoeing, Hiking, Fitness

Skill Level:

Beginner

Season:

Year Round

Trail Type:

Out-and-Back

Distance:

1.1 Miles

Elev. Gain:

245 Feet

Rating:

Features:

Bathrooms

Easy Parking

Family Friendly

Forest

Lake

Scenic

Wildlife

Swimming Hole

Are we missing something?

Suggest an edit

How to Get There

Get driving directions

Reviews

Leave a Review

Calvin Weibel Follow

6 months ago

Hike to Nymph Lake

Neat little spot

This is a cool spot where things won't be quite as crowded as Bear Lake. Also consider going to Dream Lake which is a great spot for photography when the light is good.

6 months ago

Krista Coulter Follow

6 months ago

Hike to Nymph Lake

Amazing Winter Scenery

Nymph lake is not far from Bear Lake and definitely worth the extra fifteen minutes in the winter. The lake when we went around Christmas was completely frozen over, a tiny pond that you can carefully walk across and marvel at the mountains ahead. If you make it to Nymph Lake, Dream Lake is not much further, maybe a half mile and then Emerald Lake beyond it. We made it to Nymph Lake easily without snow shoes but going any further without is fairly difficult (although not impossible). You can rent shoes from shops in Estes Park for $5 a day and it's definitely worth it.

6 months ago

Kama Solonoski Follow

7 months ago

Hike to Nymph Lake

Amazing!

Such a beautiful hike. But make sure you go check out Dream Lake & Emerald Lake :)

7 months ago

Alyssa Aaron Follow

8 months ago

Hike to Nymph Lake

One of my favorite spots in the RMNP

Gorgeous in the Summer and equally as nice in the Winter. If you're looking for an easy snowshoe trek check this trail out in the cold months too.

8 months ago

Added by Nick Souvall

More Adventures Nearby

Mountain Bike the Notch Trail

Colorado / Notch Trailhead

The trail is shared by mountain bikers and ATV users. The Notch Trail is located in the San Juan National Forest. Photos: William Snow, Davey Nin, and Kent Kanouse

The Outbound Collective

0 Saves

Hike the Hidden Valley Loop

Colorado / Hidden Valley Loop Trails

The trail is shared by mountain bikers, hikers, and trail runners. The Hidden Valley Loop offers amazing views of the Animas Valley, especially when the foliage changes in the fall.

The Outbound Collective

2 Saves

Hike the Jones and Dutch Creek Loop

Colorado / Jones Creek and Dutch Creek Trail

The trail is well maintained and is dog friendly. Bring extra water if using this trail in July or August. Photos: Chris M Morris and Daniel Weber

The Outbound Collective

4 Saves