Follow this road 8.5km to Emerald Lake. Emerald Lake Trail has snowfields into the summer after a wet winter, so prepare yourself accordingly. Moderate difficulty. Emerald Lake Trail is ranked #5 out of 6 things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. Trail Map. Snowshoeing to Emerald Lake is a fantastic trip in the backcountry of RMNP. Emerald Lake Trail zigzags through mountains and rivers on it’s way past a total of four unique but equally stunning lakes – Bear, Nymph, Dream, and finally Emerald Lake. The hiking trail around Emerald Lake Starting from the parking lot, the hike is only 5.2 kilometres (3.1 miles) long with an elevation gain of perhaps 15 m (50 feet). We could still spot some of the vivid green hues of the water below the thawing edges of the ice, giving the lake its name. The hike to Nymph Lake is an easy hike just over 1 mile. Turn left up into the Sundance area and proceed until you hit the ranger station. You will often see skiers in winter or climbers in summer heading up the boulder fields. Definitely a "best value hike," if you will, as you get to visit three lakes (Nymph Lake, Dream Lake, and Emerald Lake) on ONE short easy trail! This is a very popular trail and parking at the Bear Lake Trailhead fills quickly. It’s a family-friendly hike that highlights the mining history in the area, and strong hikers who are comfortable off-trail can explore the ridges above and beyond. The Emerald Lake Trail weaves in and out of beautiful pine forests full of perfectly shaped Christmas trees with streams and rivers along the way. Emerald lake and Yoho pass Hiking trail in Field, British Columbia (Canada). The Emerald Lake Trail starts at the main parking area for Emerald Lake. Once you've gotten your fill at Dream Lake, continue hiking along the trail for another mile until you reach Emerald Lake. See pictures and our review of Emerald Lake Trail. Emerald Lake Trail constitutes on over 3.1 miles in area. Elevation Gain: 1650 ft. Trailhead Access: Grewingk Glacier Trail; Humpy Creek Trail. The rich emerald-colored waters and the surrounding mountainous landscape, along with the easy access and even easier hiking trail all the way around the lake, make the Emerald Lake Loop Trail one of the best day hikes in the Canadian Rockies. Emerald Lake Trail / Emerald Basin – Similar to the loop trail, but it makes a detour up the Emerald Basin where the lake’s water source originates from glaciers high above. Keep in mind that in the spring there is usually a tongue of ice and snow on the left side caused by an avalanche. Despite the short distance the hike offers ever changing panoramas including majestic mountains, Emerald Glacier views and a section through the woods with hemlock, cedar and devil’s club. The trail is about halfway down the parking lot on the eastern side. There you would find a bit of climbing and nothing too much steeps or strenuous if you hike or you are used to hiking. The lake makes for a good resting point on this hike. The trail turns to dirt … The beginning section of your hike is primarily in the trees, with occasional mountain views peeking through. This is also the same location that hikers st… View on Map Coordinates You'll pass by an avalanche path on the west side of the trail and a neat delta of glacial streams flowing into Emerald Lake on the north side of the trail. Hike To An Emerald Lake On This Enchanting Hiking Trail In Montana. During the summer months, canoe rentals are available; in the winter, the lake is a popular cross country skiing destination. It’s long enough to get a good taste of the mountains yet short enough that you don’t wear yourself out on a … This is a very popular trail and parking at the Bear Lake Trailhead fills quickly. Exploring a verdant canyon on the east side of the Kettle Range, Hoodoo Trail makes a great early-season conditioning hike or introduction to overnighting. Rocky Mountain National Park encompasses some of the most beautiful landscape in Colorado. The trail can be a little muddy and full of roots so it’s good to wear boots. Dream Lake is a spectacular, narrow lake that sits in a drainage on the rugged eastern slope of Flattop Mountain. Dream Lake is the most beautiful lake of the three lake and many people decide to shorted the hike by 1.4 miles (2.3k) and avoid the last 180 feet (55m) of elevation gain but if it is within your capabilities, I would definitely recommend going the full distance. Assuming it’s frozen (which it usually is this time of year), feel free to walk into the center and enjoy the views. Approaching Emerald Lake was one of my favorite views of the trail. The path is paved. This 1.8 mile journey will take you past 3 lakes, Bear Lake (a couple hundred foot detour at the trailhead), Nymph Lake, and Dream Lake before hikers reach Emerald Lake. I’ve read this side is shorter and steeper than the Timpanoeke Trail, but I wanted to see Emerald Lake and the mountain goats. This hike is suuuuper super popular, so I’d definitely suggest utilizing the free park shuttles to get to the trailhead! Going in the winter offers less crowds, views of three stunning lakes, and the mountains along the trail are breathtaking. You are treated to essentially a 360 degree view of an enormous basin with dramatic peaks encompassing the lake. The Emerald Lake Basin Trail is a moderately challenging out-and-back trail that takes you into the backcountry of Emerald Lake, specifically to the receding glacier that feeds the lake. Dream Lake is the most beautiful lake of the three lake and many people decide to shorted the hike by 1.4 miles (2.3k) and avoid the last 180 feet (55m) of elevation gain but if it is within your capabilities, I would definitely recommend going the full distance. Hiked one of the most popular trails in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, USA. Each of these lakes feature stunning views of Hallet Peak and Flattop Mountain. This parking lot is very large but you do need to get here early to get a parking space. Emerald Lake Trail in Rocky Mountain National Park. You start from the Bear Lake Trail head and can go further on to Dream Lake and Emerald Lake if you want to. Bear Lake, to Nymph Lake, to Dream Lake, to Emerald Lake. Not just for scenery, but also a great place to acclimate to hiking at the mountains if you are planning a few days there. You can access it from the parking lot itself near the lodge. At some point there is a creek crossing without a bridge... and believe me, the water is freezing cold right from the melted snow up the hill. To get here, drive to the end of Bear Lake Road and park in the large parking lot. The hike up Hoodoo Canyon from Trout Lake to Emerald Lake is a classic, low-elevation Inland Northwest hike through one of the largest remaining low-elevation roadless areas in the Kettle Range. Access to the Aspen Grove Trailhead is up Provo Canyon. Emerald Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most popular hikes in the area for good reason. They run from 7am to 7pm and will make your parking life a whole lot easier. Emerald Lake Snowshoe Trail Map. There is comparatively less elevation gain to other trials, and it rounds about 600 feet in elevation. Emerald Lake Trail Map PDF Getting There. Emerald Lake Trail is truly a perfect hike. The trail that takes you to Emerald is to the left. Emerald Lake Lodge, a high-end lodge perched on the edge of the lake, provides local accommodation. The best way to do either of those things is by scheduling regular hikes… and as an added bonus, you’ll be in great shape. The shortest and most direct path starts at Bear Lake Trailhead. You may be surprised to find that the trail is paved (although the pavement is not well-kept). This trail takes you to a beautiful alpine lake nestled in a panoramic mountain cirque at the base of Hallett Peak ( 3875m ). Emerald Lake Trail visits a trio of beautiful mountain lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park, easing past Nymph Lake and Dream Lake on the way to Emerald Lake, which is cradled below 12,000-foot peaks along the Continental Divide. Emerald Lake is a scenic alpine lake, glowing in the ridges below Mount Jardine. Watch for orange trail markers where the trail enters the woods from the alpine areas. While not as popular as Dream Lake, Nymph Lake is just as beautiful. Continue past Hyalite Reservoir; when … The Emerald Lake Trail goes around the lake on a 3-mile route that you can do in about two hours. Pets are not permitted on this trail. This short trail follows close to the shore for the entirety of the hike and may be rather busy at any time of the year. If you’re coming from Denver or Boulder, Emerald Lake makes a perfect day trip in Rocky Mountain National Park. From this trail, you will have views both of the lake, as well as the mountains and glaciers surrounding the lake. Emerald Lake Trail. Easy trail around the lake, but quite tricky up the Yoho pass. Ideally, plan on arriving by 7:30 am to get a parking space. There is one trail to Emerald lake which is located at the end of Bear Lake road. The trail is an excellent add-on for hikers looking for a … Emerald Lake Basin Trail. The trail to Emerald Lake starts at the Bear Lake Trailhead. The trail is open to mountain bikers with timeshare restrictions from July 16th – September 4. Departing from Bozeman, drive west on Main Street and take a left (south) on 19th. A 5.2 km (3.2 mi) hiking trail circuits the lake, the first half of which is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers. You'll quickly cross a bridge and begin heading southeast towards Peaceful Pond. Continue to drive on 19th Street headed south and west out of town for approximately 7 miles until you reach the turn to Hyalite Canyon. This trail is very well traveled by all types of hikers. Download its GPS track and follow the itinerary on a map. Emerald Lake Trail Note: Be aware that sections of this trail can be hard to follow early in the summer due to snow. Easy Access = Crowded 21 reviews of Emerald Lake Trail "Located in Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP), Emerald Lake Trail (at elevation 9475ft) is an easy and popular trail that can be done year round. Emerald Lake Trail (6.4 mi/10.2 km) Rating: Moderate to Difficult (long, steep climbs) Hiking Time: Emerald Lake: 2 hours, Humpy Creek: 5 hours. Directions Head south on 19th Ave. and turn left on Hyalite Canyon Rd. In the winter, the trail can be hiked with proper gear. Did you make a resolution to explore more of Montana this year or to spend more time outdoors? After a flat and easy going half mile, you’ll arrive at the diminutive but beautiful Nymph Lake.