Are dogs allowed on Dream Lake Trail?

No, dogs are not permitted on Dream Lake Trail. This is typical in many national parks and wildlife refuges — check for a nearby dog-friendly alternative.

Do I need a permit to hike Dream Lake Trail?

No, Dream Lake Trail does not currently require a permit. Still check for seasonal closures or day-use fees with the managing agency before heading out.

How difficult is Dream Lake Trail?

Dream Lake Trail is rated easy. It is 2.2 miles long with 427 feet of elevation gain. Difficulty ratings reflect a combination of distance, elevation gain, and terrain — your experience will depend on your fitness level and trail conditions.

What is the best season to hike Dream Lake Trail?

Dream Lake Trail is best hiked in summer and fall. Conditions vary year to year — check the trail status and weather forecast before your visit.

EasyOut and Back

Rocky Mountain National Park/Colorado

Dream Lake Trail

Estes Park, Colorado

2.2 mi

Distance

427 ft

Elev. Gain

1h 30m

Est. Time

Out & Back

Route Type

Easy

Difficulty

About This Trail

Generated from trail data

One of Rocky Mountain National Park's most popular hikes, climbing gently from the Bear Lake trailhead past Nymph Lake — ringed with summer pond lilies — to Dream Lake, a long subalpine tarn beneath the jagged ridgeline of Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain. The well-trodden, partly paved-then-dirt path gains about 425 feet through fir and spruce forest with near-constant views. The named trail continues beyond Dream Lake toward Lake Haiyaha and Emerald Lake.

Trail Conditions

Open

Updated May 24, 2026 — may be out of date

Dream Lake is one of RMNP's top-3 trails — would be flagged if closed. Bear Lake Rd corridor open; only Dream/Emerald/Haiyaha bridge replacement was a separate temporary closure (not this trail). Reclassifying open. Source: https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/trail_conditions.htm Quote: Bear Lake corridor (Nymph, Dream, Emerald) icy with microspikes recommended; trails open. Timed entry required May 22-Oct 18, 2026.

No recent condition reports. Be the first to share what you see on the trail.

Hazards & Warnings

High elevation (~9,900 ft) — afternoon thunderstorms and lightningSnow and ice on the tread into early summer (traction often needed)Very popular — limited parking, timed-entry reservation required in seasonSudden weather and cold above treeline

Trail Details

No dogs

Route Type: Out & Back
Surface: Dirt

Official sources & verification

Managed by National Park Service

Verify before you go

Reserve or permit

Apply for permit
Required permit application for this trail. Many systems run seasonal lotteries or fixed application windows — confirm current dates here.

Source of truth

Agency source page
The page our published rules and notes are derived from.
National Park Service unit page
Alerts, conditions, and the unit's plan-your-visit page.

Verify by phone or mail

Operator:970-586-1206
Address:1000 US Hwy 36 · Estes Park, CO · 80517

Best Seasons

Summer Fall

Highlights

Dream Lake beneath Hallett Peak and Flattop MountainNymph Lake and its summer pond liliesReflections of the Continental Divide on calm morningsEasy, family-friendly grade close to the Bear Lake trailheadContinues to Emerald Lake and Lake Haiyaha