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
523 reviews
TripAdvisor
  • By 358leanng
    You will not regret taking this snowy hike. Dream lake is beautiful, you can even bring your skates, and the extra effort to continue on to Emerald lake is worth it. It was definitely good advice to.....  more »
  • By noemiesMTL
    My reserved entrance was for noon. I was a bit worried about parking based on all the comments, but the park and ride had smoke space. I waited 5 minutes for the shuttle in both directions. On the...  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: 2 hours
Bear Lake ©
Water Body
Bear Lake
4.7
Duration: 2 hours
Old Fall River Road ©
Scenic Drive
Old Fall River Road
4.6
Duration: 2 hours
Alberta Falls ©
Waterfall
Alberta Falls
4.8
Duration: 2 hours

Nature in Rocky Mountain National Park

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

Trails in Rocky Mountain National Park

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

Hidden gems in Rocky Mountain National Park

Sky Pond ©
Water Body
Sky Pond
4.9
Duration: 2 hours
Ouzel Falls ©
Waterfall
Ouzel Falls
4.9
Duration: 2 hours
Chapel on the Rock ©
Religious Site
Chapel on the Rock
Allenspark
4.9
Duration: 30 minutes
Glacier Creek Stables ©
Ranch
Glacier Creek Stables
4.4
Duration: 2 hours

Side trips from Rocky Mountain National Park

©
Spa
Spas
Grand Lake
4.9
Duration: 1h 30 min
Granby Ranch ©
Ski Area
Granby Ranch
Granby
4.0
Duration: 2 hours
Lake Isabelle ©
Water Body
Lake Isabelle
Ward
5.0
Duration: 2 hours
Brainard Lake Recreation Area ©
Outdoor Activity
Brainard Lake Recreation Area
Ward
4.7
Duration: 2 hours

Nearby attractions in Rocky Mountain National Park

Alpine Visitor Center ©
Visitor Center
Alpine Visitor Center
4.6
Duration: 2 hours
Mt Ida Trail ©
Hiking Trail
Mt Ida Trail
5.0
Duration: 4 hours
Hallett Peak ©
Mountain
Hallett Peak
5.0
Duration: 4 hours
Timberline Falls ©
Waterfall
Timberline Falls
5.0
Duration: 4 hours

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

Trips to Emerald Lake Trail by other users

10 days in Colorado BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES Estes Park Idaho Springs Colorado Springs 8 days in Fort Collins BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES Ghost & Vampire Tours New Belgium Brewing Company Odell Brewing Company 3 days in Rocky Mountain National Park BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES Sprague Lake Tundra Communities Trail Trail Ridge Road 3 days in Fort Collins BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES Fort Collins Museum of Discovery Veteran's Plaza of Northern Colorado Horsetooth Mountain Open Space 7 days in Colorado BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES Colorado Springs Estes Park Denver 13 days in Colorado BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES Colorado Springs Denver Rocky Mountain National Park