After starting my day off exploring Bear Lake, I decided to do the 3.6-mile roundtrip hike to…read moreEmerald Lake. While on hike, I passed by Nymph Lake and Dream Lake. Nymph Lake is a charming lake that is about half a mile into the hike and has pond lilies floating on the water. Dream Lake is another half mile after that. I took a little time to enjoy this lake because it was so pretty. The hike to Dream Lake begins at the start of the Bear Lake trailhead. It is a steady climb through aspen groves and ponderosa pine. From here, you can continue on to Emerald Lake. It is considered a moderately challenging hike because of the elevation gain. It is also one of the most photographed lakes because it is surrounded by steep cliffs. You can see Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain in the background. Dream Lake is a peaceful area to relax at and enjoy.

If you decide to hike to Emerald Lake, Dream Lake is the second of three lakes you'll discover…read morealong this hike. About 1.1 miles into the 1.8 mile, moderate hike, Dream Lake is a breath of fresh air. It's better than Nymph Lake and just a sneak peek of what's to come when you finally reach Emerald Lake. We did this hike in mid-June, and it was around Dream Lake when we began finding snow still on the trail. I use hiking sandals and was able to manage in the snow for this hike (was definitely not able to use them for the branch-off for Lake Haiyaha). But do be careful if you're not used to walking in snow. Even though Emerald Lake is the goal (and more gorgeous), make sure to take some time to sit and take in Dream Lake. It's a relaxing spot - drink some water and eat a snack. Just make sure to take all your trash with you! This hike is located on Bear Lake Road, so make sure you make the appropriate reservations - you will need a reservation for Rocky Mountain AND a reservation for Bear Lake Road. You'll park at the Glacier Gorge Trailhead, which is the location of some of the most popular hikes on the road. Even though the lot is big, it does fill up. The park & ride isn't too far away, and the shuttle will drive you in. While there is a good amount of shade on this trail, there are still portions in the open sun. Make sure to pack sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water. Beautiful destination. If you can, make sure to continue on to Emerald Lake!

Only one review? Well let's keep the five star momentum going because this place deserves it! I met…read moreup with some friends here for paddleboarding and was surprised that on a sunny, warmish October day that: A) It was empty. We were the only people on the water for awhile. B) Free parking. Hollllla! McIntosh is nestled in the middle of a residential area and I kind of love that (residents may say other wise). You have a spectacular view of Longs Peak right in front of you and even though you're near an airport, it's pretty quiet. North side has a playground with restroom and there are multiple places to launch from on your sup or kayak. This will be going into my regular rotation for sup next year!

McIntosh is a decent sized lake with walking/jogging paths, and a playground. It is in the middle…read moreof a residential area. McIntosh is my favorite place to have an impromptu SUP drop-in the water and a frequented stop to take my dogs walking over the years. Parking is free and almost always easy to find. McIntosh does not test their water, so keep that in consideration, especially if you are taking dogs into the water as they can easily get sick or worse from any contaminated/algae bloom lake water. Learn what blue algae is and look for signs before entering.

The Medicine Bow Curve vista is just west of the Alpine Visitor Center on Trail Ridge Road. You…read moreonly need a short time to enjoy the view from this curve. Parking is just a few spots off the side of the road. I made a quick stop here after spending some time at the visitor center. You can see the Medicine Bow Mountains and the state of Wyoming in the horizon at this lookout area. If you look down in the Valley below, you can see the Cache la Poudre River. If you want to explore this area a little more, there is a short dirt trail that wraps around the mountainside heading north.

Beyond this point on the road, the elevation drops, and you head down to the town of Grand Lake…read more The drive is also lovely, with good opportunities for hiking along the way, so of course, if you have time to continue, then head on. If you're on a limited timetable, this is a great half way point to stop, giving you time to see more of the rest of the park. Take in the views down into the valley from Medicine Bow Overlook, and then turn around for a well-deserved coffee break at the Alpine visitor center.

I was able to visit Chasm Falls over the summer. To get here, you have to drive on the Old Fall…read moreRiver Road that starts at the winter closure gate near Endovalley. This gravel road is one-way and only opens in the summer. The road eventually ends up at the Alpine Visitor Center. It is a 11-mile winding scenic road with Chasm Falls being a few miles into the drive. Chams Falls is a beautiful waterfall and is a short walk from the parking lot. The parking lot only holds a small number of cars. There is a viewing platform that you can watch the waterfall from. The waterfall drops 25 feet through a narrow granite chasm. There are also gorgeous views of a narrow canyon to the east of Chasm Falls. When Old Fall River Road is closed in the winter season, you can walk or bike the roughly 2 mile trail up and back to Chasm Falls from the winter closure gate. There is parking near the Endovalley Picnic Area.

Nice place to fish, get cooled down and for me hammock and read! My husband caught a handful of…read morefish near the power plant.

Beautiful lake in Estes park! There are lots of outdoor tables making this a great picnic spot…read more Also a great place for water sports on a warm day. It's even nice just to drive by and see the wildlife.

Hidden Valley is a former ski area that is a junior ranger headquarters in the summer months. There…read moreare picnic tables, restrooms and hiking trails in this area of Rocky Mountain National Park. During busy seasons, a park ranger is on hand to answer questions that you may have. I stopped here and enjoyed walking on the short half mile Hidden Valley Nature Trail. You can enjoy the sounds of water flowing from Hidden Valley Creek as you hike. Hidden Valley Ski Area opened in 1955 and officially closed in 1991. Hidden Valley is located on Trail Ridge Road which closes in the winter.

During Covid times I've taken the opportunity to explore lots of the nearby open space that I've…read moresomehow missed over the past several years living here. Just a 15 minute drive from downtown Boulder, and a fun dirt road drive you'll find a small parking lot for Boulder Valley a Ranch trailhead. Bikers, walkers, & runners seek solace on the rolling dirt paths. It's a great spot to catch a peek at large birds of prey, prairie dogs, and wild cactus. There are also resident cattle that are alternated between many of the fenced in nearby open spaces. Point being if you pass through a gate be sure to close it securely behind you. A lovely spot to get some steps in without the crowds or incline you can find at many other spots in Boulder.

If you're hiking to Emerald Lake, Nymph Lake is the first of 3 lakes you will encounter on the…read moretrail. A moderate 0.5 mile hike, Nymph Lake is nice - but comparing it to what you'll experience further along the trail, Nymph is like a "starter lake" - they keep getting grander the farther along you go. If you don't want to go farther than Nymph Lake, it's still a pretty spot to stop and enjoy. The worst part of the hike for me was that first 0.5 miles. Was still a bit rough the entire way, but it didn't compare to that beginning. Located on the Bear Lake Road, you will need separate reservations to access the road in addition to the reservations to enter the park. The trailhead of Nymph Lake is at the Glacier Gorge Trailhead at the end of Bear Lake Road. It is a large parking lot, but some of Bear Lake's best hikes are all accessible from this parking lot. If it's full, they do have a park & ride location and the shuttle will bring you into the lot. It does get hot and there is not shade throughout the trail. So make sure to bring plenty of water, a hat, some sunscreen, and (of course) some food. But don't forget to pack in and pack out! Highly recommend hiking to Nymph Lake and all the way to Emerald Lake if you can.

If you are doing the 1.8-mile hike to Emerald Lake, Nymph Lake is the first of three lakes that you…read morewill encounter on the trail. It is half a mile from the start of the trailhead. What I liked about this lake is that it had all these lily pads floating on the water. It is a pretty lake that is easy to get to. There are benches around the lake to sit and relax on. This is also a good spot for bird watching. Nymph Lake starts at the beginning of the Bear Lake Trailhead in Rocky Mountain National Park. To reach this trail, you will need to make an online timed entry reservation to access Bear Lake Road. Once you pass the entrance station, the drive is around ten miles. You can also take the free shuttle to Bear Lake if the parking lot is full.