denver day hike: emerald lake

distance: 3.1 miles (out and back) | elevation: 708’ (9,449’ starting) | difficulty: easy

Happy (final day of) National Parks Week! You may have missed it, but last Saturday was the first day of National Parks Week and all parks were free! If you didn’t get a chance to make it to the parks Saturday, you still have three more chances this year to get in for free – National Park Service Birthday (August 25th), National Public Lands Day (September 28th), and Veterans Day (November 11th).

In honor of National Parks Week, today’s post is about a hike in my own backyard located in… Rocky Mountain National Park!

how to get to emerald pond

This hike is located in Rocky Mountain National Park near Estes Park (about an hour and forty-five minutes from Denver). Estes Park is a quaint little town worth exploring on its own (make sure to see the Stanley Hotel as made famous by The Shining), but we’re talking about hiking today. The trail to Emerald Lake begins at the Bear Lake Trailhead, so from Denver, you’ll be arriving from the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center. Stop here if you have any questions, orrrrr if you want to use the bathroom (I mean, they’re nice and warm in the winter!).

Now let me just tell you now… Emerald Lake is one of the most popular trails in the park. This is of course for good reason, but just be prepared that no matter what the time of year, you won’t be alone. That said – winter and/or early morning are the best times! Just as an FYI, I hiked this in the winter and the parking lot was about half full at 9am.

the hike to emerald lake

Part of the reason why it’s so popular is you go past FOUR lakes and see outstanding views – plus its relatively easy. Okay, while the parking is at Bear Lake, that is technically a baby detour as that is towards the right, while you’ll want to take the trail towards the left. The first lake you’ll pass is Nymph Lake, where you will then continue up an incline onto Dream Lake. This is when the famous Longs Peak will begin to come into view. Once you reach Dream Lake, you’ll have Hallett Peak looming in front of you. Chances are if you google Rocky Mountain National Park, half the pictures will be of this exact scene (okay, may have just made that up… but it is really famous!!).

You’re almost there, but not yet, so continue for a little more than half a mile to arrive at Emerald Lake (as a lil side note, a perk of hiking in the winter is ya get to tramp right on over the frozen lakes!). Again, here you’ll have stunning views of Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain. If you hike in the winter and you’re lucky, you may witness some people hiking up or skiing down Flattop! It was so freaking windy, but I was in awe at how tiny the people were and probably watched for a good half an hour.

Done taking in the views and taking pictures and you’re ready to head back to your car? Just follow your footprints (or maybe the footprints of some of your friends) back!

before ya go to emerald lake:

This trail is (duh) located in a National Park which does mean a fee is involved. A day pass for $25 is good for one vehicle. Other options are $70 for a Rocky Mountain Annual pass or $80 for an America the Beautiful Annual pass which is your ticket to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites across the United States (can ya tell I’m a fan?). And don’t huff at these fees, check out what Rocky Moutain is using them for here!

As always, make sure to check the temperature and/or recent trail reports on AllTrails. Remember, how high this trail is located and know the trail could be covered in snow into the summer! If you go in the dead of winter, snowshoes will most likely be required. If you’re in need of snowshoe or microspikes rentals, check out the Mountain Shop located right outside the park.

And I’ll be a broken record, but please remember the ten essentials!

after the hike:

No surprise here, but I always head for a beer after a day hiking. Last time I hit up Oskar Blues, located in Lyons, which is about a half an hour drive from the park and on the way back to Denver.

directions:

Have been to Rocky Mountain National Park? What’s your favorite hike?