Emerald Lake @ RMNP

Rocky Mountain National Park… This beautiful area boasts over 150 lakes, 29 waterfalls, 450 miles of streams, and 400 miles of trails. The park has five distinct regions to explore, my favorite of which is the Bear Lake Corridor.

To get to Bear Lake Corridor, enter the park through the Beaver Meadows entrance, and make the first left (as of August 2021 reservations are required weeks in advance for this area). The road takes you past majestic Moraine Park, where you’re bound to see some wonderful wildlife.

Our first stop was sunrise at Sprague Lake. Fun fact: the lake was named after the park’s very first patron, Abner Sprague. Don’t be fooled by my photoshop skills, the lake was very crowded, even at 6 AM.

From the parking lot at the end of the corridor, proceed westward on foot! The hike takes you past three lakes: Nymph, Dream, and Emerald Lake. This panorama is from a comfy sittin’-rock just past Nymph Lake. Pictured to the right is Storm Pass featuring the famous Long and Storm Peaks.

Dream Lake is any photographer’s dream. The tall trees and shallow waters deter disruptive elements and form a natural reflection pool, which perfectly reflects Hallett Peak and Tyndall Glacier.

After an hour and a half or so of walking, you’ll arrive at Emerald Lake, with Hallett and Tyndall looming overhead to greet you. It can get chilly at the top, so make sure to dress warmer than these gown-laden climbers summitting Tyndall Glacier. If you want a bit more privacy and have faith in your sense of balance, try scrambling up the rock to the left of the lake for some great seating without any interruptions.

Make sure to spend time enjoying the atmosphere at the top!

If your knees can handle it, there’s an unmarked but visible path leading from Nymph Lake to Bear Lake, where you’ll likely see some extra wildlife due to its isolation. However, it’s steep, which is why I recommend it for the way down.

Before you head home, I always make sure to make a pit-stop at Purple Mountain Taffy Company to get some treats for the drive home!