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    Green Mountain Trailhead

    5.0 (1 review)

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    2 years ago

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    Alpine Ridge Trail - Instagram: @telephonesmoothie

    Alpine Ridge Trail

    4.8(5 reviews)
    3.9 mi

    Our visit to Rocky Mountain National Park was very fluid - we didn't have much planned, but Alpine…read moreRidge Trail was still one of the only hikes that was on our must-do hike. It is so breath-takingly gorgeous, that if you're able to complete it, it should 100% be included on your itinerary. Located right by the Alpine Visitors Center, this hike is about 0.6 miles roundtrip and requires you to climb approximately 225 stairs. The hike itself is moderate, but also take into account that you're at a higher elevation - you'll probably have to take more frequent breaks, so just make sure to pace yourself. Plenty of fun placards to read along the way, though, so it's like the hike is inviting you to take a breather. The summit is at 12,005 feet and so beautiful. You will get a full 360 view from the top - take some time to just sit and enjoy. There's even a elevation sign at the top that you can take your picture with. It was June when we visited, so it was still cold, windy, and drizzling. Snow was still out on the mountains. But it was still so serene. The hike starts at the Alpine Visitors Center, which has both clean & modern bathrooms and a water bottle refill station. So make sure you stop by - it's not often you find both of these at a trailhead. Wonderful experience, highly recommend.

    If you're stopping at the Alpine Visitor Center when driving through Trail Ridge Road, it only…read moremakes sense to stop by here and go up the 1 mile hike. It is a slight bit challenging (well maybe it's because I didn't bring my water with me), but taking a break or so every 10 or so stairs will help out a ton. Once you get to the top, the views are priceless. You're not going to see viewpoints like this anywhere in RMNP. Being 12,000+ feet above sea level is special. This is one trail you can't skip out on and you'll remember it forever.

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    Alpine Ridge Trail
    Alpine Ridge Trail - Instagram: @telephonesmoothie

    Instagram: @telephonesmoothie

    Alpine Ridge Trail

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    Emerald Lake - Lake

    Emerald Lake

    5.0(29 reviews)
    10.3 mi

    Our goal was to hike to Emerald Lake, and let me tell you... It was 100% worth it. On this 3.6 mile…read moreroundtrip hike, you'll also encounter Nymph Lake and Dream Lake. While they're both beautiful in their own right, neither one of them compare to the sheer beauty of Emerald Lake with the snowy mountains as a backdrop. As I said, it is a moderate hike. We started around 930am - would've been nicer to start earlier, but it still beat the full heat of the noon sun. There will be intermittent shade, but make sure you bring a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water. We visited in mid June. Once we neared Dream Lake, we started encountering snow on the ground. I used hiking sandals, and I was able to do it in those - just be careful. That being said, with the amount of snow that was on the trail to Lake Haiyaha was completely un-doable in my shoes. Once you reach Emerald Lake, find a place to sit and just take it all in. I could've sat there all afternoon, just being at peace with nature. Absolutely gorgeous. To get to Emerald Lake, you'll need access to Bear Lake Road. Just be aware that Bear Lake Road requires a reservation SEPARATE from the reservation to the national park. There's a big lot at the trailhead, but it gets filled up. They do have a park & ride a few miles away with plenty of shuttles ready to bring you in. If you're able to make the hike, hiking to Emerald Lake is wonderful. The hike itself is gorgeous, and the final lake is beautiful. Plan it in your schedule, and you will not be disappointed.

    After spending a part of my morning at Bear Lake, I decided to do this hike to Emerald Lake the…read moresecond part of the day. This hike starts at the beginning of the Bear Lake trailhead and is 1.8 miles one way (3.6 miles RT). I would say that it is a moderate hike that has some elevation climb to it. You will pass both Nymph Lake and Dream Lake along way. The views along the way are spectacular. Emerald Lake is nestled in between some mountains at an elevation of 10,111 feet. You can see Hallett Peak and the jagged spires of Flattop Mountain across this iconic alpine lake. In between the two mountains is the Tyndall Gorge. There were some small ripples in the water caused but a slight wind. Several people that hiked here jumped in and swam in the water. I ended up relaxing on a large rock and eating my lunch while enjoying the view. Emerald Lake starts at the beginning of the Bear Lake Trailhead in Rocky Mountain National Park. To reach this trail, you must drive ten miles on Bear Lake Road after entering through the Beaver Meadows Entrance. There is a separate timed entry reservation that is required to access Bear Lake Road. If you are unable to find parking at the Bear Lake Trailhead, there is a free shuttle that you can ride to the trailhead.

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    Emerald Lake - Friends

    Friends

    Emerald Lake - Me

    Me

    Emerald Lake - Lake

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    Lake

    Bear Lake - Aster

    Bear Lake

    4.8(48 reviews)
    10.6 mi

    On our day trip to RMNP we were able to get entry time to the Bear Lake road the day before. Came…read moremid day and park was busy. The Bear lake parking area showed that it was closed but we headed in anyway just to see the sights and wow what incredible views and what a magnificent park. The parking area was busy but there were spots as early visitors were slowly streaming out. You can take the shuttle which takes you to all the other trail areas and that seemed very convenient. Great facilites and this trailhead is a great spot for a bunch of different trails we did the Alberta falls hike and then at the end walk to the bear lake which is only like 300 ft from the parking area. There are only bending machines so there is no food so come prepared. We had a great time yes the bathrooms are stinky but that's a national park for you. Trail heads are well maintained and marked and this is such a beautiful part of the park and it's too bad we only have one day.

    I enjoyed hiking the nature trail here at Bear Lake. Because this is such a popular area of Rocky…read moreMountain National Park, it requires a timed entry reservation with Bear Lake Road access to get in. To reach Bear Lake, must enter through the Beaver Meadows entrance station to get into the park. Rocky Mountain National Park requires a timed entry reservation to enter the park during certain hours. After entering, you then have to show your "Timed Entry + Bear Lake Road" reservation at another entrance station at the beginning of Bear Lake Road. The road to Bear Lake is around ten miles. Just keep in mind that the parking lot will probably be full upon arrive. They do have a free shuttle that will take you to the beginning of the trailheads if you are not able to find parking. I got lucky and was able to pull into a parking spot when a car was leaving. I did three hikes during my full day here at Bear Lake. I started off with the nature loop that goes around Bear Lake. Then I did the hike to Alberta Falls followed by the hike to Emerald Lake. All of these trails start at the same place. There is a ranger station at the beginning of the trail that has a park ranger on hand to answer questions and to hand out maps. Bear Lake is so beautiful. The walk around the lake is easy and scenic. The Bear Lake loop trail offers spectacular views of Hallett Peak and the surrounding mountain peaks. Bear lake was formed during the ice age by a big chunk of ice. Keep an eye out for wildlife and other little critters that hang around the lake. I was able to do some bird watching while on my hike. A Steller's Jay followed me around the whole time that I was on the trail and provided some fun entertainment. I also enjoyed photographing the colorful wildflowers along the trail.

    Photos
    Bear Lake
    Bear Lake
    Bear Lake - Bear Lake Ranger Station and Visitors Shuttle

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    Bear Lake Ranger Station and Visitors Shuttle

    Crater Lakes

    Crater Lakes

    4.6(8 reviews)
    32.5 mi

    This is a great trail in summer & winter. Minimum is 7 miles with 1800 ft elevation, slightly…read morelonger to explore around any of the lakes more than the shortest trail provides. It's easy to reach in all seasons: due to the train tunnel, the dirt road to the trailhead is kept well maintained and plowed. Definitely way way more crowded on summer weekends than in winter. Several little waterfalls and tons on wildflowers even in late August made it a rewarding trail along the way, not only payoffs at the lakes. The trail from the lower two lakes to the upper lake is much steeper, but worth the added effort. Just note that when you first reach what you think is the upper lake, it's actually the drainage (albeit also lovely, see my attached photo); you need to go just a bit further over the boulders & through some bushes to reach the final upper cirque.

    James Peak Wilderness area is one of my favs close to Denver. That and Indian peaks wilderness…read more Crater lakes is a moderate hike to 5 fantastic lakes that you can hike, camp, backpack, fish at. Last time I was there I saw two amazing Moose...just gorgeous. Area gets insane on the weekends with tons of peoples and dogs. Last three times I have been there I have been in thunder and hails storms after 1 pm. So if you are planning to hike getting off the mountain before might be a good idea. You can also take the more strenuous Heart Lake trail which is also fantastic and if you really want to kick your ass go up to Rogers pass for beautiful vistas. Great parking.

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    Crater Lakes
    Crater Lakes
    Crater Lakes

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    Green Mountain Trailhead - hiking - Updated June 2026

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