Summer in Rocky Mountain National Park is truly picturesque, with colorful blooms, rugged mountain peaks, and bountiful alpine and subalpine lakes that are scattered throughout the park. Typically, around late spring, early summer snow melt has made its way down, filling up these once iced-over lakes. This summer discover these lake hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park during your Estes Park vacation.
Nymph Lake
An easy 1.1-mile out-and-back hike, Nymph Lake is the perfect day hike to not only see a pristine subalpine lake but wildflowers and wildlife as well. The hike begins at the Bear Lake trailhead; prepare to arrive early as this part of the park gets crowded quickly! Once you have reached Nymph Lake, hikers are able to continue past the lake to see expansive views of Hallett Peak plus an abundance of wildflowers along the way.
Cub Lake
Made popular by its stunning mountain views, colorful wildflowers, and its thick forest of trees, Cub Lake is easily one of the more popular lake hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. This moderate hike is just under five miles, at 4.8 miles roundtrip. Starting at Moraine Park, the trail brings you across the Big Thompson River to the edge of the Park. 2.3 miles in, hikers will reach Cub Lake surrounded by a thick pine forest, marshy shoreline and in the summer a smattering of lily pads that occupy the lake.
Dream Lake
The hike to Dream Lake is, well, a dream! This short 2.2-mile hike offers minimal elevation gain of 402 feet with plenty of beautiful lake views and wildflowers. The hike begins at the Bear Lake trailhead, where hikers will split off right to Dream Lake. A walk around Bear Lake is a great way to add on a bit to the hike if you are feeling up for it! Along the way hikers will also come across Nymph Lake, Hallett Peak, and Flattop Mountain.
Emerald Lake
Explore a bit more of the Tyndall Gorge area and add on to the Dream Lake hike by heading up to Emerald Lake. The hike to this subalpine lake adds about one mile to the Dream Lake hike by walking around the north shore of the lake. Approaching Emerald Lake, commanding views of Hallett Peak stop hikers in their tracks; forcing them to take in the Rocky Mountain life at 10,110 feet.
Gem Lake
Enjoy panoramic views, wildflowers, and in the fall golden aspen trees complete the serene setting at Gem Lake. Beginning at Lumpy Ridge Trailhead, the moderate hike to Gem Lake is 3.5 miles roundtrip with minimal elevation gain of 571 feet. The trail starts off with a giant granite rock outcropping which dates back 1.8 billion years ago and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2008. Just before reaching Gem Lake, you will come across stunning views of Estes Park, Longs Peak, and Mt. Meeker.
Best Estes Park Lodging
There is plenty to explore near Estes Park, just like these lake hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. So, make it easy on yourself and see as much as the area as possible with a stay at Alpine Trail Ridge Inn. Our proximity to Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park makes a us a great choice for exploring nearby. Combining comfort, affordability, and modern rustic details, our accommodations are the perfect way to complete your Estes Park vacation.
