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Dream Lake Trail

Intermediate Intermediate
 4.6 (53)
  1. Areas
  2. CO
  3. …Front Range
  4. …Rocky Mountain National Park
  5. Bear Lake
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“The main thoroughfare between Bear Lake and Dream Lake. ”

Brian Smith
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1.0

Miles

1.6

KM

Point to Point

9,920' 3,024 m

High

9,489' 2,892 m

Low

432' 132 m

Up

9' 3 m

Down

8%

Avg Grade (5°)

20%

Max Grade (11°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Lake · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Description

From the Bear Lake trailhead, follow the signs for Dream Lake onto this well-traveled, asphalt-sealed trail. Hiking is very easygoing along the Dream Lake Trail as it contours at very mellow grades up the slope.

Just over 1.5 miles from the TH, you'll reach Nymph Lake, a picturesque mountain lake that makes for a good place to take in the surrounding peaks. Continuing up the trail, you'll eventually cross Tyndall Creek and come to a junction with Lake Haiyaha Trail. Hike past this intersection to reach Dream Lake.

Dream Lake is a spectacular, narrow lake that sits in a drainage on the rugged eastern slope of Flattop Mountain. The lake makes for a good resting point on a longer hike, or picnic destination from Bear Lake TH.

Contacts

Land Manager: National Park Service - Rocky Mountain National Park

Shared By:

Brian Smith
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.6 from 53 votes

#3

in Bear Lake

#33

Overall
  4.6 from 53 votes
5 Star
70%
4 Star
25%
3 Star
6%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#3

in Bear Lake

#10

in Colorado

#33

Overall
19 Views Last Month
6,525 Since Jan 30, 2015
Intermediate Intermediate
2%
12%
76%
8%
2%
0%
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Photos

Hallet Peak, 2 am, with moon and Jupiter
Mar 23, 2021 near Estes Park, CO
Long's Peak and aspens
Jan 19, 2015 near Estes Park, CO
Longs Peak stands prominently in the distance along the Lake Haiyaha Trail.
May 14, 2017 near Estes Park, CO
Dream Lake from the Emerald Lake Trail
Aug 24, 2017 near Estes Park, CO
Longs Peak above Nymph Lake
Oct 1, 2017 near Estes Park, CO
Sunrise on the way to Dream Lake
May 2, 2018 near Estes Park, CO

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

May 14, 2026
Ashley Zagari
1mi — 0h 40m
Oct 25, 2025
Nancy Neff
3mi — 1h 14m
Sep 2, 2025
Tilman Giese
Aug 15, 2025
Anonymous
Jun 13, 2025
Anonymous
Completed
Apr 15, 2025
Dave Cerlanek
Jul 21, 2024
Jordan Knox
2mi — 11h 00m
Jul 19, 2024
Lala White

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