There's an undeniable allure to the hushed beauty that winter bestows upon the great outdoors. The crunch of the snow underfoot, the animal tracks telling the stories of the forest, and the whisper of the wind through the trees are all amplified once the world transforms into a glistening wonderland. While many people (and animals combined) take this time to hunker down and hibernate, I encourage you to embrace the cold and check out some of the best alpine lake hikes near Denver in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Easy Out and Back: Bear Lake Trailhead to Emerald Lake
Length: 3 miles
Vertical Gain: 746'
Estimated Time: 2 hours*
Begin this hike at the Bear Lake Trailhead. Almost immediately on the trail, you’ll come to a trail crossing with the option to continue to ascend up the trail or to veer off towards Bear Lake. As tempting as it may be to feast your eyes on the first of many lakes on this hike, I recommend saving this one as a treat for the end of your hike, conserving your energy for the climb ahead.
From here, continue half a mile through aspen groves and ponderosa pine to Nymph Lake. Although the elevation gain is moderate in this section, there are plenty of wide areas where you can break to catch your breath as you take in the views of the Keyboard of the Winds ridgeline. Another half a mile up trail, you’ll reach Dream Lake, which runs long and narrow. Located in Tyndall Gorge, this lake is known for its winds that whip between the steep cliff walls, creating fun little frozen waves in the winter months.
The last half mile stretch is worth the steady climb to get there, so take your time as you push into the gorge along Tyndall Creek. If the elevation gain doesn’t take your breath away, the view at Emerald Lake surely will. As you clear the forest, you’ll be greeted by the jagged spires of Flattop Mountain overlooking the deep blue-green waters of the alpine lake. You’ll want to spend some time here to fully absorb the jaw-dropping scenery, and I recommend taking a lakeside meal.
On your way back to the trailhead, don’t forget to pop by Bear Lake. A short and sweet 0.1 miles from the main trail, it’s worth the view, but you can also easily tack it on to future hikes from this trail head if you're not feeling up to it, saving yourself something new to discover on your next visit.
Moderate Out and Back: Glacier Gorge Trailhead to Lake Haiyaha
Length: 5 miles
Vertical Gain: 1,212'
Estimated Time: 3 hours*
Just before the Bear Lake corridor road ends, you'll notice a smaller lot on your left. This is Glacier Gorge Trailhead, which connects to the iconic Five Lakes Loop. Take the Southern route towards Alberta Falls. If you're lucky, the snow will be melted and you can break to enjoy the gentle sound of the cascading waters. The trail continues past Glacier Knobs, weaving through a diverse landscape that showcases the park's rich biodiversity.
Initially following Glacier Creek, the trail gradually ascends through dense forests and imposing rock formations. As you gain elevation the trees begin to thin, revealing panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, including one of Colorado's most famed fourteeners, Long's Peak. The landscape eventually transitions into a boulder field. Cairns mark the way, guiding hikers through the labyrinth of boulders and rocky outcrops as you approach the lake.
After traversing some boulders, Lake Hiayaha comes into view, its milky blue waters lapping jagged peaks painted with lush forests. Named after the Arapaho word for "rock," the lake is aptly characterized by its rocky shoreline and scattered boulder fields. In fact, a 2022 landslide introduced minerals from the debris into the waters, giving it it's renowned sea foam blue-green tint.
I recommend finding a peaceful spot along the shore on a boulder. Listen to the water gently lapping below and take in its intense colors. Take some time to break for water or a snack, to catch your breath, or to just be mindful for a moment as you ground yourself before heading back to the trailhead.
Strenuous Out and Back: Glacier Gorge Trailhead to Sky Pond
Length: 8 miles
Vertical Gain: 1,829'
Estimated Time: 5 hours*
Initially following the same route above to Lake Hiayaha, break off from the Five Lakes Loop trail at Mills Junction toward The Loch. Long, narrow, and walled by towering peaks, I'm convinced this section of the park is enchanted. Here the wind whispers as it races across the lake, telling secrets to the trees that line it. At the end of The Loch, you'll arrive at Timberline Falls, tumbling from Lake of Glass above.
After traversing rocky switchbacks and steep inclines, Lake of Glass will come into view, its shimmering surface reflecting the surrounding peaks in a dazzling display of natural beauty. But as crazy as the views may seem here, it's definitely worth the additional quarter mile to Sky Pond. A testament to the untamed beauty of Colorado's wilderness, this alpine oasis truly captures the majesty of the Rocky Mountains.
I recommend exploring the shoreline of hidden coves and rocky promontories, each offering distinct vantage points to admire the breathtaking scenery. Choose one that blocks the wind, and you're all set to kick back and enjoy a well-deserved break before heading back down to the trailhead.
Know Before You Go
The best way to ensure a safe and successful trip is to make sure you have the most accurate and up-to-date information on trail conditions in the park. The park posts updates regularly on its site with any closures or other alerts. After selecting a trail that aligns with your hike objective and fitness level, I recommend contacting the park directly and asking the following questions to best prepare for your trip:
What are the current conditions on [your trail]? Will I need extra traction? Micro spikes? Snowshoes?
Are there any regulations, permits, or reservations I need for my activity? Are there any closures or alerts I should be aware of?
What's the best time to arrive to avoid lines and ensure parking?
The best source for weather forecasts is National Weather Service Here you can enter the GPS coordinates of your trail and refine the results by elevation zone, which is extremely helpful to determine exactly which layers you do (and don't) need. Rocky Mountain National Park is extremely large, so weather can vary drastically across the park and at differing elevations.
With winter hiking in the Colorado Rockies, you'll also want to be sure to check the Colorado Avalanche Information Center for the current level of risk for avalanches in the area you'll be hiking. They'll even tell you which slopes to avoid (e.g., north-facing) within a given area. Remember that low risk doesn't mean no risk, so chat with a Ranger if you're unsure.
While you should always pack the 10 Essentials with you when you hike, this is especially true for winter hiking. Weather can change without warning, and nights are cold. Having these essential items in your pack along with sharing your itinerary with a loved one prior to departure (as there's limited to no cell phone coverage in the park), you can ensure that you'll safely and successfully complete your trip.
As always when recreating on public lands, remember to respect the Leave No Trace Principles so future generations can continue to enjoy them.
*depending on your pace
Comments