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Snowshoeing to Nymph, Dream, and Emerald Lakes

Estes Park, Colorado

Details

Distance

4 miles

Elevation Gain

800 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Haley Baker

An easy snowshoe trail that is perfect for beginners featuring three lakes and spectacular views of Longs Peak.

Bear Lake Road is one of the few roads that Rocky Mountain National Park keeps plowed all year long, making the Bear Lake Trailhead an easily accessible starting point for winter adventures.

The park rangers are usually standing outside of their hut to answer any questions and provide any details about the current snow conditions, as well as take group photos if you want one!

Snowshoeing to these lakes is a great way to explore the park the way you want to - there are no limitations to where you can and cannot walk because you will not cause erosion by going off trail. We went right at the trailhead instead of following the summer trail uphill. This led us to a fairly steep uphill section for about 400 yards. Depending on the time of day you arrive, you may be breaking trail in this section. Be on the lookout for wildlife tracks - both bobcats and snowshoe hares love this area!

The steep uphill portion will lead you directly to Nymph Lake. Continuing uphill will lead you to some beautiful overlooks. If the weather is clear you will get a great view of Longs Peak and a birds eye of Nymph Lake. The trail continues to climb uphill at a moderate grade. The next portion of the trail can vary depending on snow conditions: if there has been a lot of fresh snow, you will end up deviating from the summer trail and making your way through some underbrush because it is a safer route, and if the snow is all packed you will continue on the summer trail.

At the sign pointing right for Dream Lake, you can take a left as a tiny shortcut. This takes you over a small (buried) stream and up some deep drifts so snowshoes are recommended for this particular path. Depending on the weather, Dream Lake may be covered in snow. If not, head to the biggest boulder on the right side to find some pretty spectacular ice formations. A little later in the winter (Feb-March) the sun will heat the boulders and the trapped bubbles will virtually disappear, making the ice clear. You may also see people in Avalanche classes. If you look ahead towards Flattop Mountain, you might be able to pick out some backcountry skiers climbing up/skiing down Dragon's Tail Couloir.

As you head further up the trail towards Emerald Lake, you will hit the last uphill of the hike. This is a perfect place to stop and enjoy a snack and some water. The highest elevation of this hike is just before Emerald Lake, at 10,202 ft. Descending down to Emerald Lake, be on the lookout for bobcat tracks, and even the bobcat itself! The lake is a perfect place for panoramic photographs, as well as a prime snow angel location.

When you are ready to turn around, be aware of the other people on the trails. Cross country skiers love this particular hike, so be aware of where you are on the trail in relation to the people around you. Because there are no restrictions to where you can and can't walk, you don't have to take the same path back as you did there. If you decide to vary, make sure you have a topographic map and know where you are going, especially if you are breaking trail.

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Features

Snowshoeing
Bathrooms
Lake
Wildlife

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

Nearby

Hike Flattop Hallett Andrews Loop

Nymph Lake via Bear Lake Trailhead

Ptarmigan Lake via Bear Lake Trailhead

Photograph Bear Lake

Winter Hike Flattop Mountain

Snowshoe to Emerald Lake