There’s a reason that Dream Lake is one of the most well-known and popular hikes in Rocky Mountains National Park. In fact, there are several reasons!
The lake itself is absolutely stunning. The hike to the lake passes by two other lakes. The mountains bordering the lake are nothing short of breathtaking.
This is one of the iconic hikes in Rocky Mountains National Park. It’s a “must do” when you visit the park. Here’s everything you need to know about it.
Published September 26, 2023…Updated January 7, 2025
Overview: Dream Lake
Rocky Mountains National Park is known for its mountain lakes – there are 156 of them! Dream Lake is one the most beautiful, and accessible of them.
The lake is large, with a wonderful blue-green color. Rock outcroppings jut out into the lake, providing ample spots for climbing, viewing, and taking photos. Such a peaceful place! Take a few minutes to just sit and relax and enjoy.
- Distance – 2.0 miles roundtrip
- Duration – The hike itself takes just over an hour roundtrip. But you’ll spend extra time exploring around the lake, taking photos, enjoying the views,…
- Difficulty – This hike is rated “Moderately Challenging” by AllTrails. However, the trail to Gem Lake has the same rating, and we found the Gem Lake trail to be much more challenging. We would rate this one “Moderate” on the “National Park Venture” scale.
- Restrooms? Yes, in the parking area.
- Parking? Yes, there is ample available parking.
- Dogs Allowed? No
- Crowded? Yes. Dream Lake starts in the Bear Lake section of the park, probably the most visited area of the entire park.
- Visitor Center? No, but there is a Ranger Station located at the trailhead. Rangers and volunteers are usually available to answer any questions.
- What Else? Rocky Mountains National Park uses “Timed Entry” to control traffic in the park during the busiest times of the day. You may obtain your entry pass at Recreation.gov.
Getting to the Trailhead
The hike to Dream Lake begins at the Bear Lake trailhead. Take US-36W headed towards Rocky Mountains National Park. On the way you will pass the entrance sign for the park. Stop and take a photo to show your friends.
You will also pass the Beaver Mountain Visitor Station. Stop in for a snack, a map, or a chat with a ranger. Rangers are there to help – be sure to take advange of that.
About 4 miles from Estes Park you will reach the Beaver Meadows Entrance Station.
After entering the park you will continue to drive southwest on US-36W for 0.2 miles, where you will turn left onto Bear Lake Rd. There is an entrance station here, also, so be prepared to show your Timed Entry Pass for the Bear Lake area.
Another 9.4 miles on Bear Lake Rd and you will arrive at the trailhead!
Trail Description
Most people (I suspect) begin the hike to Dream Lake with the loop trail around Bear Lake. It’s not technically a part of the Dream Lake trail, but they are literally right next to each other. And since the Bear Lake trail is only 0.5-0.7 miles roundtrip, why not?
I also suspect you will immediately notice the crowd of people. Bear Lake is extremely popular. It is an easy trail around a beautiful lake. And…so…many…chipmunks! Lots of photo opps here!
Bear Lake to Nymph Lake
After completing the Bear Lake loop, you will turn onto the trail for Dream Lake. The trail is old asphalt, very worn in places. The trail is mostly uphill all the way to Dream Lake, with an elevation gain of 459′
In about 15 minutes you will arrive at Nymph Lake. (Based on the name, we weren’t sure what to expect. To our disappointment, we did not meet any nymphs…)
We did discover it to be a pretty little oval-shaped lake with an abundance of water lilies. Our favorite part of Nymph Lake was the ducks! Lots of ducklings, and all very friendly and unfazed by the hikers.
Nymph Lake to Dream Lake
The trail continues down the side of Nymph Lake and then begins to climb again. There are some stunning views along this section of the trail, including a view looking down on Nymph Lake from the trail high above it. Also, the mountain scenes here are not to be missed!
After hiking 20-30 minutes past Nymph Lake you will see a sign directing you to Dream Lake. There will be a small waterfall/cascade here. Follow the sign.
You will soon arrive at a fork in the trail. The left takes you to Lake Haiyaha; the right takes you to Dream Lake. You will see a small lake/pond here – that’s not Dream Lake. Keep going. You will cross a log bridge over a small stream, walk just a bit more, and you’re there!
Dream Lake is aptly named – it really is dreamy. The water is a beautiful blue-green color. Large stone outcroppings jut out into the lake, perfect for climbing and taking amazing photos. Evergreens surround the lake, blending in with the color of the water.
At the far end of the lake, you will see Flattop Mountain (also aptly named). We were there in July and there was still plenty of snow on the mountain.
Look for fish in the lake when you are standing on the shoreline. These are Cutthroat Trout, known for their bright red throats. They are very easy to spot.
If you decide you want to see more, Emerald Lake is just 0.6 miles farther up the trail, and well worth the extra steps. Or if your soul is full from your time at Dream Lake, just turn around and head back. It’s only 1.0 miles back to the parking lot at Bear Lake.
Where to Stay Near Dream Lake
If you’re a “hotel person” (which I am), then you are looking for lodging with a comfortable bed, amenities, and convenience. Dream Lake sits in Rocky Mountain National Park, which sits just outside of Estes Park, CO, which is where you’ll probably want to be. Here are three hotel options you might like…
Best Budget Hotel – Allow me to direct you to the “Alpine Trail Ridge Inn“, where room costs start as low as $124.60/night! But inexpensive doesn’t mean shoddy! The inn offers all of the usual amenities, plus an outdoor pool (open seasonally).
Alpine Trail Ridge Inn also has a great location, located between Estes Park and the Beaver Meadows Entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. It also sits next door to Bird and Jim’s, a very popular restaurant in the area.
Best Mid-Range Hotel – Check out “The Maxwell Inn“. It’s located near the heart of Estes Park, conveniently near shopping and dining. Amenities include Serta Signature Plush Mattresses, refrigerators, microwaves, hot tub, and fire pit.
The entire property is smoke-free and has received the TripAdvisor “Traveler’s Choice” Award for the last three years, in addition to receiving the Kayak “Travel Award” in 2022.
Best Luxury Hotel – I have four words for you – “Della Terra Mountain Chateau“. The Chateau sits on 14 secluded acres at the Fall River entrance into Rocky Mountain National Park, just five miles west of the heart of Estes Park.
Here is how their website describes their accommodations: “Della Terra suites are luxury lodging in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Our fourteen luxury suites feature walk-thru jetted showers, private balconies and hot tubs, sitting nooks with arched windows, see-thru fireplaces, soaking tubs, and romantic water features. Suites are adults-only, two-person occupancy, and include access to all chateau amenities.”
Wow.
Camping Near Dream Lake
On the other hand, maybe you’re the “outdoorsy type”, and you want to commune with nature, cook your dinner over an open fire, or get a glimpse of Bigfoot. Good news – you have options!
The National Park Service operates five camping areas in Rocky Mountain National Park, which are available to everything from tent campers to RVers. But there are a few things you need to be aware of…
Most campgrounds close for the season by the end of September due to weather. The exception is Aspenglen Campground, which is available for winter camping.
Click here to visit the National Park Service website for more info.
Click here to visit Recreation.gov to make reservations for a campsite.
Cabin Rentals
Cabin rentals are the sweet spot between hotels and camping out. You get to stay in a secluded, woodsy area, but you get to sleep in a comfy bed and usually have access to wifi.
There are so many cabin rentals available in this area. Here are a few places to start looking for a cabin that fits your needs…
One option you may not be aware of is…”The YMCA of the Rockies – Estes Park”. Wait…what?!?!?
The “Y” (I can’t get the Village People song out of my head right now…) operates several cabins very near Dream Lake. In addition, you can stay at their Lodge, you can tent camp at their campground, or you can stay in their yurt village.
Prices are very reasonable. Plus, they offer a dining room serving three meals/day, a cafe, and you can even buy groceries on site and do your own cooking.
The Verdict – Dream Lake
Dream Lake is without a doubt one of the best experiences in Rocky Mountain National Park. This hike has so much going for it! The trail is the perfect length for a wide variety of hiking skill levels. The scenery along the hike is beautiful.
You can take in three lakes on this hike – four, if you choose to hike a little farther to Emerald Lake (and you should). The mountains surrounding the lakes are spectacular.
Lots of wildlife here. We saw chipmunks, fish, birds, ducklings, a snake – and we missed a moose by minutes!
If you’re heading to Rocky Mountain National Park, make a hike to Dream Lake a priority. It’s just a wonderful experience.
Related Posts
- Gem Lake, Estes Park – One of the Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park
- 9 Best Easy Lake Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park
- Old Fall River Road – 11 Reasons We Love It
- 27 Unusual Things to Do in Estes Park, CO, in the Winter
The Author
Jeff Powell is the Creator/CEO of National Park Ventures. He and his wife Mary Ellen are on a venture to visit every national park in the United States and share what they experience with their readers. Their goal is to help their readers maximize their own national park ventures.
Jeff and Mary Ellen have two sons, two grandkids, and two dogs. They live in the mountains outside Blue Ridge, GA.