Trip Planner:   USA  /  Colorado  /  Rocky Mountain National Park  /  Emerald Lake Trail

Emerald Lake Trail, Rocky Mountain National Park

4.9
#1 of 18 in Trails in Rocky Mountain National Park
Must see · Hiking Trail · Nature / Park
A popular scenic route in the Rocky Mountain National Park, Emerald Lake Trail traverses changing terrain past two lakes and several waterfalls. Starting at the end of Bear Lake Road, this moderate 5 km (3.1 mi) hiking trail offers rewarding views of rocky mountain peaks and diverse geological features, including Hallett Peak and Glacier Gorge. Keep an eye open for local wildlife during the one-hour hike around the lake, and you might spot families of elks or mule deer. If you want to avoid crowds, start early in the morning. Take a look at our Rocky Mountain National Park tour builder site to schedule your visit to Emerald Lake Trail and learn about what else to see and do during your holiday.
Create an itinerary including Emerald Lake Trail
© OpenMapTiles © OpenStreetMap contributors

Emerald Lake Trail reviews

Rate this attraction
TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 5.0
534 reviews
TripAdvisor
  • By 5-Taking-A-Break
    We were at the Park for half a day and did the perfect hike. I would say that the difficulty was Easy to Intermediate and the roundtrip was 3.6 miles. What was super nice about it was that at...  more »
  • By whlnatalia
    Beautiful hike! It’s a challenging hike but perfect for kids and adults- The view at the top is beautiful so spend sometime up there - bring snack for the kiddos!!  more »
See more on TripAdvisor »

Plan your trip to Rocky Mountain National Park

  • Get a personalized trip
    A complete day by day itinerary
    based on your preferences
  • Customize it
    Refine your trip. We'll find the
    best routes and schedules
  • Manage it
    Everything in one place.
    Everyone on the same page.

Popular things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park

Trail Ridge Road ©
Scenic Drive
Trail Ridge Road
4.9
Duration: 2h 30 min
Bear Lake ©
Water Body
Bear Lake
4.7
Duration: 2h 30 min
Old Fall River Road ©
Scenic Drive
Old Fall River Road
4.6
Duration: 2h 30 min
Alberta Falls ©
Waterfall
Alberta Falls
4.8
Duration: 2h 30 min

Nature in Rocky Mountain National Park

Sprague Lake
Water Body
Sprague Lake
4.8
Duration: 2h 30 min
Lily Lake ©
Water Body
Lily Lake
4.8
Duration: 2h 30 min
Alluvial Fan ©
Geologic Formation
Alluvial Fan
4.8
Duration: 2h 30 min
Bierstadt Lake
Water Body
Bierstadt Lake
4.9
Duration: 2h 30 min

Trails in Rocky Mountain National Park

Adams Falls Trail ©
Hiking Trail
Adams Falls Trail
4.6
Duration: 2h 30 min
Cub Lake Trail ©
Hiking Trail
Cub Lake Trail
4.4
Duration: 2h 30 min
Lily Lake Trailhead
Hiking Trail
Lily Lake Trailhead
4.8
Duration: 2h 30 min
Tundra Communities Trail ©
Hiking Trail
Tundra Communities Trail
4.9
Duration: 2h 30 min

Hidden gems in Rocky Mountain National Park

Sky Pond ©
Water Body
Sky Pond
4.9
Duration: 2h 30 min
Chapel on the Rock ©
Religious Site
Chapel on the Rock
Allenspark
4.9
Duration: 2h 30 min
Ouzel Falls ©
Waterfall
Ouzel Falls
4.9
Duration: 2h 30 min
Dream Lake ©
Water Body
Dream Lake
4.9
Duration: 2h 30 min

Side trips from Rocky Mountain National Park

©
Spa
Spas
Grand Lake
4.9
Duration: 2h 30 min
Granby Ranch ©
Ski Area
Granby Ranch
Granby
4.0
Duration: 2h 30 min
Winding River Resort Stables ©
Equestrian Trail
Winding River Resort Stables
Grand Lake
4.6
Duration: 2h 30 min
Brainard Lake Recreation Area ©
Outdoor Activity
Brainard Lake Recreation Area
Ward
4.7
Duration: 2h 30 min

Nearby attractions in Rocky Mountain National Park

Alpine Visitor Center ©
Visitor Center
Alpine Visitor Center
4.6
Duration: 2h 30 min
East Inlet Trail ©
Hiking Trail
East Inlet Trail
5.0
Duration: 2h 30 min
Mt Ida Trail ©
Hiking Trail
Mt Ida Trail
5.0
Duration: 2h 30 min
Hallett Peak ©
Mountain
Hallett Peak
5.0
Duration: 2h 30 min

Don't Miss a Thing. See & Do More.

Trips to Emerald Lake Trail by other users

13 days in Rocky Mountain National Park BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES Forest Canyon Overlook Trail Ridge Road Andrews Glacier Trail 3 days in Rocky Mountain National Park BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES Old Fall River Road Trail Ridge Road Cub Lake Trail 8 days in Denver, Rocky Mountain National Park & Estes Park BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES Denver Rocky Mountain National Park Estes Park 8 days in Fort Collins BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES Annual Flower Trial Garden The Cupboard Cache La Poudre River 6 days in Colorado BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES Denver Rocky Mountain National Park Leadville 6 days in Colorado BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES Denver Rocky Mountain National Park Leadville