United States · US

Emerald Lake

Tucked into the glacially carved Tyndall Gorge at 10,110 feet, Emerald Lake is the crown jewel of Rocky Mountain National Park's most celebrated short hike. Framed by the sheer cliff face of Hallett Peak and the jagged spires of Flattop Mountain, this alpine lake rewards hikers with one of the most dramatic mountain settings in the Colorado Rockies — all within a manageable round trip of just over three miles. The trail from the Bear Lake Trailhead passes through two other spectacular lakes before reaching Emerald, making this one of the most efficient scenic hikes in the entire park. Whether you come in summer for wildflowers, autumn for golden aspens, or winter for the surreal experience of walking across a frozen lakebed, Emerald Lake delivers an unforgettable encounter with the high country.