Nymph, Dream, Emerald- 3 Lake Hike in Rocky Mountain National Park

We have visited Rocky Mountain National Park many times over the years as a family. The kids have been little and in hiking carriers, up to today when they all independently walk on their own. I can confidently say that one of our favorite, and the one I think is the best, hike in Rocky Mountain National Park (even with kids) is the Nymph, Dream, Emerald Lake hike.

This 3-lake hike is awesome because in just 3 miles, you can see three amazing lakes. (Actually, you could see 4 if you walk just a few more feet to Bear Lake.) If you’re looking for multiple lakes in one hike at Rocky Mountain, this is the one.

It’s easy to visit with kids, too. If they’re too young, pop them in a carrier. If they’re older, they can do this hike at their pace and, of course, enjoy lots of water and snacks. We find our kids can do anything with lots of snacks.

Read on for your guide to hiking Nymph, Dream, and Emerald Lake at Rocky Mountain National Park and why it should be next on your list of hikes to do with the family.

Nymph, Dream, and Emerald Lakes Hike in Rocky Mountain National Park

Distance: 3.2 miles
Elevation gain: 692 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Trailhead: Bear Lake
Time to Complete: 1 hour 40 minutes (but of course, usually longer with kids!)

This 3-lake hike in Rocky Mountain is one of the more popular hikes. Yes, it’s a little more crowded, but for a very good reason!

Here you’ll get unique lakes with lily pads, mountain backdrops, and different colored hues in the water. It’s a great one to take with kids who are accustomed to hiking, or even just hit Nymph Lake if kids are little and can’t go far.

I highly suggest getting a backpack carrier if you have really young kids as this will let you complete the hike and adjust to their needs.

Otherwise, just take it easy, enjoy the journey, and take lots of pictures on your hike to Nymph, Dream, and Emerald Lakes.

First Stop: Nymph Lake

.5 miles from Trailhead
236 feet elevation gain

From the Bear Lake Trailhead, head to the left and follow the sign for Nymph Lake. You’ll start at a good incline to begin your way up to the first lake.

Nymph is a great lake for those that want that magical, fairy-like feeling. The lake is covered in beautiful lily pads, making it quite a unique spot in Rocky Mountain National Park.

If you have younger kids, you could always make this your final destination as it is one of the easier, shorter hikes in Rocky Mountain. There are always plenty of families and young ones up at Nymph Lake.

People tend to congregate right upon the opening to Nymph Lake. Know that you can continue walking a short ways along the lake to less crowded spot.

Next Stop: Dream Lake

Dream Lake the first time we visited had turquoise hues and shallow waters

.5 miles from Nymph Lake
1 mile from Bear Lake Trailhead
459 feet elevation gain (from the trailhead)

Dream Lake is one of my absolute favorite spots in Rocky Mountain National Park. It is so beautiful and quite, well, dreamy.

We have been here a few times, and the first time I took a million pictures. The water was a turquoise hue and the mountain backdrop was almost like it was created just for this lake. The next time the water wasn’t quite as turquoise, but still beautiful.

Dream Lake another year we visited looked a little different, but still beautiful

For just another half-mile past Nymph, it’s a pretty short commitment to add on this lake, though it does add some more climbing.

Dream Lake is a great place to find a rock, sit, enjoy the view, and re-fuel a little with a snack.

The great thing is that as you continue past Nymph and make your way to Dream, you’ll get some really cool views from above of Nymph Lake.

Note: When the trail forks, stay to the right. Going left will take you to Lake Haiyaha, another mile away (also a great stop, but not part of this hiking itinerary).

Final Destination: Emerald Lake

.6 miles from Dream Lake
1.1 miles from Bear Lake Trailhead
718 feet elevation gain (from the trailhead)

Emerald Lake is your final destination and presents another lake of different hues. Of course, it’s emerald green in color.

You’ll get the same mountain backdrop as Dream Lake. The difference is that Emerald Lake is actually right against the mountain this time.

Emerald Lake is the culmination of all the hard work (though, not terribly hard) you’ve put in. Stay a while and enjoy.

Dream Lake from the reverse perspective as you go back

A great part is that you get to see all these lakes again in reverse as you head back, but the new perspective is pretty awesome. We loved seeing Dream Lake from the opposite side as we headed back.

As you continue past Nymph Lake, look back and you can see it below!

What to Know About Accessing these Lakes

If you head to Rocky Mountain National Park during busy season (roughly May through October), you’ll need a timed entry to enter the park between 9:00 and 2:00.

To access this specific hike, you’ll need the timed entry + Bear Lake Rd pass between 5:00 am and 6:00 pm. Check out my guide to Rocky Mountain for specifically when to grab these passes (they go quickly!) Then head here for the passes when you’re ready.

The Bear Lake Trailhead

Bear Lake is the most popular area in Rocky Mountain.

As such, there are plenty of bathrooms at the trailhead and even a small info/ranger station to help.

While there is a larger parking lot at Bear Lake Trailhead, it is likely to be full during the busy season. It is highly encouraged that you park in the Park-n-Ride shuttle lot (along Bear Lake Rd, you’ll see a sign) and then ride the shuttle in.

I know, taking a shuttle can be a pain sometimes. However, we’ve done this shuttle many times and it’s pretty painless. It makes a few stops along the way to a few smaller trailheads. It really doesn’t add much extra time (maybe a few minutes) to get to Bear Lake. I highly recommend it.

Once you arrive, you’ll see a few trailheads that break off just as you enter the Bear Lake area. If you keep to the right, you’ll head to Bear Lake with just a short walk.

If you begin this 3-lake trail of Nymph, Dream, Emerald right away, you won’t see Bear Lake. But it’s really easy to add on at the beginning or end of your hike as it’s just a stone’s throw away.

Nymph, Dream, Emerald short video

Here is a little video of this hike in action and a little bit of what the trail looks like. Sorry about the quality 🙈

The Nymph, Dream, Emerald Lake Hike

This hike is a great way to see multiple lakes in one hike at Rocky Mountain National Park. It’s the most popular hiking area for a reason: you can see so much in just a few miles!

Add on Lake Haiyaha for 2 extra roundtrip miles. Add on Bear Lake for just a short walk more. That’s 5 lakes in around 5 miles if you’re feeling ambitious.

But if you’ve got the kids and limited miles on their legs, this hike to Nymph, Dream, and Emerald Lake is perfect. For just around 3 miles, you can get 3 unique and gorgeous lakes that they will love.

If you have more time, check out Bierstadt Lake trail which is also along Bear Lake Road!

👉🏼 Don’t forget some healthy snacks!
🏔 Check out easy hikes on the west side of the park!
🏔 Do NOT miss Sprague Lake, a super easy hike along Bear Lake Rd