| Date: | 10-21-2024 |
| Location: | Rocky Mountain National Park, CO |
| Distance: | 4.03 mi |
| Elevation Gain: | 658′ |
| Total Time: | 3 hr 16 min |
| Parking: | 20+ cars |
While my buddy Pauly and I were in Estes Park we decided to head into Rocky Mountain National Park and do the hike up to Emerald Lake and all the preceding lakes on that trail.
As we made the half hour drive from our cabin in Estes. We noticed that the clouds were filling in up in the mountains, and the mountains were starting to disappear.
When we arrived at the trail head, we saw that there were about 50-100 cars already there. The parking lot is large because this is one of the most popular hikes in the Rocky’s. Mostly due to the fact that the lower section of Bear Lake is very easy and an accessible trail. So many just do Bear Lake and not the longer hike to Emerald Lake.
The temps were chilly and there was a pretty steady wind with some snow flurries. We grabbed our winter coats and gloves before we set out. At the trail head there are also some pit toilets for people to use.
The start of the trail is an easy grade. Some sections of the trail seemed to be paved to help prevent erosion.
As we climbed a few areas had a slightly steeper grade. We came upon some views but most of the mountains were socked in the clouds.
We continued on and shortly after made it to Nymph Lake. Temps were starting to drop a little and winds were picking up slightly. Many of the people on the trail seemed to turn around at this point. But we continued on.
As we climbed the trail got a little more rugged but still well maintained. This section of trail offered some great photo opportunities with mountain cliffs and and ledges and even a few tall peaks sticking out in the clouds here and there.
Soon we made it to Dream Lake. The wind was much stronger here. There were waves and white caps on the water. We didn’t stay to long here. We were .9 miles from our last lake, so we marched on.
This last section of trail was the most interesting with lots of different environments. Lots of photos on the way. We could feel the temps getting cold and we could see steady flurries in the air.
When we made it to Emerald Lake, we could hear the winds howl on our approach. There were a number of people at the lake but no one stayed long. When we got to the shore the large peaks were mostly behind the clouds.
When the wind gusted with the snow and sleet it was would sting our face so we could not face the wind long. The clouds were moving quickly so we stayed for a few minutes but unfortunately they never left the lake area. This was by far the most extreme weather we encountered on this trial.
After a few photos we started back down. One thing that really stood out to me was the amount of people going up that were not prepared at all for the weather. Some just in shots and sweatshirts.
On our way down the weather got better and the winds died down. By the time we reached the parking lot again the sun was out. We looked back toward Emerald Lake and we could still see the dark cold clouds over it.
This was a fun hike and I’ll have to go back and do it again on a nice day. I will say I was moving pretty slow with the high elevation. Breathing wasn’t hard but the thin air was noticeable. It is also important to make sure you stay hydrated. That will make all the difference.
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