The hike to Dream Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, is one of the most gorgeous hikes I’ve ever been on. It also happens to be one of the most accessible and one of the easiest.
Definitely put this hike on your to-do list the next time (or the first time) you’re in Rocky. I’ve done it twice now and look forward to hiking it again in the not-too-distant future.
How to Get There
The trailhead is on the east side of the Park, not far from Moraine Park Campground, where we camped on our first trip there. Take Bear Lake Road off Highway 36, coming from Estes Park.
There’s a sizeable parking lot right there at the trailhead—which is also where the short paved walk to Bear Lake begins. But the parking lot fills up quickly during the busy summer season—as early as 9:00 a.m. Your best bet is to take a shuttle from the Park-and-Ride along Bear Lake Road.
(You can see all this on the Park map here.)
On our 2015 trip, we had settled on seeing Bear Lake, so we took the shuttle there. Upon our arrival, a very helpful ranger suggested we take the trail to Dream Lake, too. She said the 2-mile round-trip hike was well worth it.
Are we ever glad we took her advice!
(Incidentally, this has happened to us before. If someone who knows the area suggests a hike, do it! We haven’t regretted it yet.)
Why we loved the Dream Lake Hike
The Views Along the Way
The views were the definite highlight. First we swung by Bear Lake, which is barely stepping away from the parking lot. Then we proceeded up the trail on the way to Dream Lake.
Shortly after we hiked past the second lake, which is Nymph Lake, our son and nephew led the way, scrambling up some rocks. We all decided to follow, and WOW—this was the treat in store for us:
Not bad, eh?! That’s Long’s Peak, the highest peak in Rocky at 14,259 feet.
There were great views like this in several places along the trail.
An Easy Hike for the Whole Family
This trail is 2.2 miles roundtrip, with only 450 feet of elevation gain. That’s pretty tame for the mountains.
The path is wide and well-worn. Very suitable for both young children (we saw many) and older adults. The youngest in our group was 8, and he handled it very easily.
Dream Lake
Dream Lake is the quintessential mountain lake with peaks that seem to climb right up off its shores, plenty of trees and the crystal clear water. There are plenty of places for the kids to climb around, and options to sit on the rocks and enjoy the view.
No Bugs!
As with Rocky in general, there are hardly any mosquitoes and flies. Truly a blessed thing for those of us from the Midwest!
What’s Not to Love
The Crowds
This hike is still very much worth it, even if you’re there on a busy summer day with dozens of others, like we were.
But if you prefer a more solitary hike, avoid July and August certainly, and maybe even the last half of June. Or get up very early and be on the trail by 6:00 or 7:00 a.m.
Still, not everyone who’s there to see Bear Lake bothers to take the hike to Dream Lake—or maybe they don’t know how great it is because they didn’t ask anyone!
On my second time there, three years later, it was in late May. There were a handful of people, but not nearly as many as during the summer season. We were easily able to park at the trailhead even at midday.
So shoulder season is always a good idea to avoid the crowds.
That’s really the only thing not to love. And for another reminder why you should do this hike, here’s an additional view from along the trail:
Pretty gorgeous, huh?
What Else to Know about This Hike
Prepare for the Altitude
After doing several mountain hikes in Colorado, Wyoming and Montana, I’ve discovered the altitude doesn’t really bother me, other than extra breathlessness.
But it affects some people quite a bit. It can cause headaches, nausea, heavy breathing and fatigue.
People usually suggest being in the area for a couple of days before you take on strenuous activities like mountain hikes. That gives your body a chance to acclimate.
Bring drinking water and some light, healthy snacks to help any symptoms you may get.
Bring Rain Gear
Like on any mountain hike, you’ll want rain gear with you just in case. An afternoon shower is common in the mountains.
Our first time there the sky was blue when we started out. By the time we headed back, it was raining lightly.
Do More If You Can
We didn’t take the time, but as you can see from the map, you can continue taking the trail to the west for Emerald Lake. Or take another trail toward the south and Lake Haiyaha.
I’m sure any of the trails in that part of Rocky are stunning. Again, one day I’d like to go back and take a full day (during shoulder season, preferably) to hike further in for more Rocky gorgeousness.
The Final Word
If you’re planning a trip to Rocky Mountain National Park, be sure to write this hike on your itinerary. Some of the most beautiful views in the Park are along this easy, accessible trail.
Go to this National Park Service’s page for info on fees, passes and timed entry reservations.
Mountains, trees, wildflowers, streams and lakes are such a vivid display of God’s beauty, creativity and blessing.
I think it’s so special that—unlike any of the other species on earth—He created us to be able to enjoy these wonders. To benefit from them emotionally, spiritually and physically.
What a gift!
Okay, one more photo:
Here’s more…
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