Are dogs allowed on Emerald Lake Trail?

No, dogs are not permitted on Emerald 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 Emerald Lake Trail?

No, Emerald 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 Emerald Lake Trail?

Emerald Lake Trail is rated moderate. It is 3.6 miles long with 650 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 Emerald Lake Trail?

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

1 / 4

ModerateOut and Back

Rocky Mountain National Park/Colorado

Emerald Lake Trail

Estes Park, Colorado

3.6 mi

Distance

650 ft

Elev. Gain

1h 32m

Est. Time

Out & Back

Route Type

Moderate

Difficulty

About This Trail

Imported description

Popular family-friendly hike from Bear Lake passing Nymph Lake and Dream Lake before reaching emerald-colored Emerald Lake surrounded by Hallett Peak, Flattop Mountain, and Tyndall Glacier.

Trail Conditions

Open

Updated Apr 19, 2026 — may be out of date

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

Hazards & Warnings

Wildlife encountersChanging weatherUneven terrain

Trail Details

No dogs
Kid-friendly

Route Type: Out & Back
Surface: Rock

Official sources & verification

Managed by National Park Service

Verify before you go

Source of truth

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

Spring Summer Fall

Highlights

Nymph LakeDream LakeEmerald LakeHallett Peak viewsWildflowers

Reviews

No reviews yet

Be the first to share your experience and help others plan their visit.

Verified from National Park Service public trails dataset

Trail centerline: National Park Service public trails dataset. Source ↗

Hunt context

This trail crosses hunting units

During hunting seasons, wear blaze orange and check regulations — see the Colorado hunting page

Emerald Lake Trail

About This Trail

Trail Conditions

Trail Conditions

Hazards & Warnings

Trail Details

Best Seasons

Highlights

Reviews

No reviews yet

This trail crosses hunting units

Nearby Trails

Flattop Mountain Trail

Bear Lake Loop

Hallett Peak

Lake Haiyaha

Dream Lake Trail

Sky Pond Trail

Other trails in Rocky Mountain National Park

Sky Pond Trail

Flattop Mountain Trail

Bear Lake Loop

Longs Peak via Keyhole Route

Chasm Lake Trail

Emerald Lake Trail

Campgrounds near this trail

Glacier Gorge Backcountry Campsite

Glacier Basin Campground

Over the Hill

Moraine Park Campground

East Portal Campground at Estes Park

Moraine Park - Rocky Mountain National Park

Similar trails in Colorado

Chavez and Beaver Brook Trail Loop

Royal Arch Trail

The Incline Trail

Maxwell Falls Lower Trail

Saint Mary's Glacier

Mount Galbraith Loop via Cedar Gulch Trail