Rocky Mountain Lake Trail

Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Hard
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
5.5-7.5h
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
19.0 km
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
783 m
User Ratings
These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
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Directions to Trailhead

Are you seeking a lake hike? If so, then the Rocky Mountain Lake Hike is a great option. Hike to not one, not two, not three, but ten alpine lakes! This lengthy adventure has got to be one of the most scenic excursions in the Rocky Mountain National Park.

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Route Description for Rocky Mountain Lake Trail

The Rocky Mountain Lake Trail is undeniably panoramic. Traverse the alpine terrain past several lakes in the mountain cirque. This incredibly scenic excursion demands stamina and preparation! Check the weather forecast as you will be hiking at a high elevation where afternoon storms are common. Wear layers and consider microspikes in the autumn and winter months to help navigate the likely icy and snowy terrain. Pack plenty of water and provisions to stay fueled along this adventure. Note the Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) requires visitors to purchase a pass.

Begin your adventure from the Nymph Lake Trailhead near Bear Lake and hike up to Nymph Lake. From here, track west up to Dream Lake. Revel in the lake's beautiful scenery and hike the shoreline to Emerald Lake. Enjoy the mountainous vista and retrace your steps back to Dream Lake. At the intersection, stay right and you will be diverted onto the Haiyaha Lake Trail up to the lake. From the lake, track the rightmost Haiyaha Cutoff Trail. At the next junction, turn right and ascend the path to Loch Lake, Lake of Glass, and Sky Pond.

When you meet the trail’s end at Sky Pond, retrace your steps back to the junction and take a sharp right up the Glacier Gorge Trail to Mills Lake and Jewel Lake. Turn around Jewel Lake and retrace your steps along the Glacier Gorge Trail past Alberta Falls. At the Chaos Creek intersection, stay straight on the Connector Trail back to the Nymph Lake Trailhead.

Getting to the Rocky Mountain Lake Trail Trailhead

The Rocky Mountain Lake Hike departs from Bear Lake off Bear Lake Road.

Route Information

  • Backcountry Campground

    No

  • When to do

    May-August

  • Pets allowed

    No

  • Family friendly

    No

  • Route Signage

    Average

  • Crowd Levels

    High

  • Route Type

    Lollipop

Rocky Mountain Lake Trail Elevation Graph

Weather Forecast

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Rocky Mountain Lake Trail Reviews

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