First-Timer’s Guide to Hiking Emerald Lake Trail
The Ultimate Guide to your first hike in Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park
Craving the fresh air and mountain views of Rocky Mountain National Park, but not sure how to start? This guide will talk you through everything you need to know about navigating Emerald Lake trail, one of the most beautiful yet accessible trails in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Loved by locals and tourists alike, Emerald Lake trail has it all. It’s easy enough for a novice hiker to navigate, while still providing the “WOW” views that only difficult terrain can typically offer. 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.
If you’re coming from Denver or Boulder, Emerald Lake makes a perfect day trip in Rocky Mountain National Park. I’ll even share a few tips below for where you can stop to eat along the way. If you have more time, many people stay in Estes Park, CO and you can even camp in the area for the full outdoors experience.
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Emerald Lake Trail Overview
Trail: leads you through stunning scenery as you navigate through Bear Lake, Nymph Lake, Dream Lake, and (obvs) Emerald Lake trails
Distance: ~3 miles out and back
Difficulty: rated moderate by AllTrails.com. Expect some elevation gain and occasional slippery path.
Time: Plan for a whole day – RMNP is about 1.5 hours from Denver, plus add time for parking, riding the park&ride hiker shuttle, etc. (I PROMISE IT’S WORTH IT!)
*IMPORTANT: The last shuttle to take you back from Bear Lake trailhead to your car at the park & ride leaves at 7:30 PM! Don’t miss it – there are no Ubers in the Rocky Mountain wilderness!
Navigating to Emerald Lake Trail
- Navigate GPS to the Estes Park Visitor Center:
500 Big Thompson Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517 - Purchase the 1-Day Vehicle Pass on the day you go from your cell phone at this website: https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/fees.htm (you usually have to show to a park ranger) this is typically the best value as it covers your entire carload of people for $25
- Take the purple hiker shuttle express route to Park & Ride then hop on the orange Bear Lake route to Bear Lake trailhead (end of the line). There will be signs.
- The hiker shuttle picks up outside the Visitor Center. Park rangers are typically mulling around if you have questions.
- For return, just take this same route backwards!
A few navigation notes to keep in mind:
- This route is based on my experience but could vary. Check out Shuttle Bus Routes on the Rocky Mountain National Park website for the most up-to-date information.
- There is technically parking at Bear Lake trailhead. However, from all my research it’s pretty much always full – unless maybe you get there at like 5 am on a Tuesday. You can try your luck, but if it’s full and you have to go back to the Visitor Center, you’ll have wasted at least 30 minutes. Better to save the time and take the shuttle.
Hiking the Emerald Lake Trail in Rocky Mountain National Park
- Start at Bear Lake trailhead
- You can go right to see Bear Lake or left to start for Emerald Lake. Bear Lake is really just a 2 min walk from the trailhead so it’s definitely worth checking out before you officially start out on the Emerald Lake trail.
- From Bear Lake trailhead head toward Emerald Lake trail. Be on the lookout for signs for Nymph Lake and Dream Lake as well
- For return, take the same route backwards!
- Protip: Download the All Trails app! It will navigate you while on the trail! Here’s a link to the Emerald Lake Trail details on All Trails.
What to Wear for a Hike on Emerald Lake Trail:
Layers! This is usually the advice you’ll get from any hiker, but Colorado is an especially unique place. You may be sweating in the blistering sun one minute, then walk around a bend to find snow on the ground (a ludicrous concept for this Ohioan!)
For my hike in July, I wore leggings, a tank top, and a sweatshirt. If you’ll be hiking outside of mid summer, you may expect to dress a bit warmer. Wear good (ideally waterproof) tennis shoes or boots. There were some icy and wet spots on the path. Nothing too crazy, but worth considering so you’ll be comfortable.
For my hiking adventures, I use a pair of waterproof hiking boots by Hi-Tec. I’ve found them to be sturdy but comfortable, and I highly recommend for anyone in the market. Here’s a link where you can check them out!
What to Bring:
- Water – this is the most important! Between the dry Colorado air and altitude, you NEED a bottle of water in your bag!
- Healthy snacks in case you start to feel a little weak (think protein bars or fruit snacks). You can definitely bring a whole meal for a super scenic picnic – just keep in mind you’d have to carry everything with you the whole way!
- Light backpack to hold your water, snacks, phone, and anything else you bring along
En Route Food & Drink Stops
Traveling from Denver or Boulder, Colorado to Rocky Mountain National Park? Whether it’s for a coffee, a pee break, or a bite to eat – you’ll probably want to make a stop on along the way. Here’s where to stop on your journey to or from Rocky Mountain National Park.
The Stone Cup
442 High St, Lyons, CO 80540
The Stone Cup is a coffee shop in a super cute town called Lyons at the base of the Rockies. It’s the perfect spot to stop and pee, pick up some coffee, or even have a breakfast before you get to the park.
Oskar Blues
303 Main St, Lyons, CO 80540
Who isn’t in the mood for a beer and hearty meal after a hike? Head straight to Oskar Blues on your way home. It’s a well known brewery and Lyons is it’s original, eccentrically decorated location. Most importantly, ORDER THE CORNBREAD! Honestly, order cornbread to eat there and another to take back for later… and then order 9 more and send them to me!
I’d love to hear how your Emerald Lake adventures go! Share your highlights, or any other tips for Rocky Mountain National Park below!
