Planning a Colorado short trip but unsure where to go? Make it Emerald Lake. The out-and-back emerald lake trail offers four alpine lakes, a 700-foot gain, and views of 12,713-foot Hallett Peak, all theres great view within a half-day frame.
For newcomers, that equates to being able to check “high-elevation hike, glacier-carved cirque, and postcard photos” off the list before lunch. The path is set up for kids try their first trekking pole. Add in timed-entry restrictions that limit car capacity and you’ve got good crowds compared to Maroon Bells or Garden of the Gods.
In short, Emerald Lake scores is highest for short hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Quick Map & Trail Guide
Emerald Lake sits 1.6 miles (one-way) southwest of Bear Lake Trailhead on the Bear Lake Road corridor.(Click here to see the map) Short yet scenic, you reach three photogenic lakes in the first mile.
Many visitors call the “payoff-per-step” unbeatable. Junctions are signed; if you can follow a sidewalk, you can follow this trail. Continue 0.7 mi to Lake Haiyaha for light scrambling practice or pivot to Flattop Mountain for a 9-mi big-day after you acclimate.
Quick Facts
- Distance (round-trip): 3.2 mi / 5.1 km
- Elevation gain: ~700 ft / 213 m
- Lake elevation: 10 110 ft / 3 082 m
- Average hiking time: 1 h 40 m moving; allow 2 h 30 m with photo breaks.
- Timed-entry window: 5 a.m.–6 p.m., May 23–Oct 19, 2025 (Bear Lake Road permit required).
- See more Emerald Lake detail
Best Time to Go to Emerald Lake
- June – Snow retreats, glacier lilies bloom, smaller crowds.
- July – Peak wildflowers; over 900 species carpet the park. Crowds crest as well.
- August – Warm, sometimes smoky; monsoon lightning common after lunch.
- September – Aspens flare gold; temps 35–60 °F; smaller crowds.
- October – First snows dust Hallett Peak; timed-entry ends after the 19th—looser access.
- November–April – Blanket snow; most trails require micro-spikes or snowshoes. See Wintertime Activities in Rocky Mountain National Park
Is the trail open in March? Yes, but expect knee-deep powder and sub-freezing wind-chill.
Pro Tips & Safety
- Pre-dawn dash: Arrive by 4 : 45 a.m.; no permit needed before 5 a.m., parking plentiful. (More about Timed Entry Reservations)
- Shuttle savvy: Lots full? Park-and-Ride shuttle runs every 10–15 minutes, 6 : 30 a.m.–7 : 30 p.m.(More Shuttle Info)
- Weekday edge: Weekends see up to 25 % more visitors on Bear Lake Road.
- Altitude basics: Oxygen is 15 % thinner at the lake. One in four visitors above 8 000 ft experiences mild Acute Mountain Sickness—hydrate and ascend slowly.
- Winter traction: Park rangers urge micro-spikes November–April and crampons for deeper alpine routes.
- Leave No Trace: Stay on stone-lined tread, pack out every crumb, filter geotags to protect fragile tundra.
More FAQ
Can I bring my dog on the trail?
Pets are prohibited on all RMNP trails, including this one—walk them in campgrounds instead.
Are drones allowed for aerial shots?
No. A 2014 NPS policy bans launching, landing, or operating uncrewed aircraft in every national park.
Do I need snowshoes in March?
Usually yes; trails are snow-covered and often iced over, so traction devices or snowshoes are essential.
Do I need Trekking Poles?
yes, Even the hiking trail is simple, bring trekking poles to protect your knees.
