Dream Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most magical lakes we have ever been to and one we continue to visit since we live so close! We’ve visited in all seasons and would recommend this hike to any visitor to Rocky Mountain National Park.
Rocky Mountain National Park is the 4th most visited national park, so some preparation is required for this epic trail. In this guide, we’ll share everything you need to know to hike to Dream Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Disclosure: All opinions expressed here are our own. This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, we may earn a small commission.
Where is Dream Lake?
Dream Lake is located in Rocky Mountain National Park near Estes Park, Colorado. The trailhead is about 2-2.5 hours from the city of Denver. Download the offline trail map with the AllTrails app!
Are reservations required to hike to Dream Lake?
The trailhead to Dream Lake is located on the Bear Lake Corridor and has the same trailhead. The parking lot for the trailhead is large as several other hikes depart from here as well.
However, since Rocky Mountain National Park is extremely popular national park, reservations are required during the popular visitation months.
A timed entry reservation is needed per vehicle for the Bear Lake Corridor between May 26-October 22, 2023 to access the road between 5 AM – 6 PM.
You can make the reservations on recreation.gov. Reservations typically open up 1 month in advance, but you should check the website for details.
How can I access Dream Lake if I don’t have a timed entry reservation?
There are a few ways to access Bear Lake Road in order to access the Dream Lake trailhead if you are unable to snag a reservation.
Book a campground reservation on Bear Lake Road. For example, Moraine Park Campground often has cancellations and we have booked a night at the campground last minute in order to access the Bear Lake Corridor.
This is definitely a more expensive option, but works well if you didn’t plan ahead. Moraine Park Campground is also a great place to camp!
Is it hard to park at the trailhead?
Although the parking lot is large, the popularity of this hike means the lot may be full during the popular visitation months. Even if you have a timed entry reservation and are able to drive your vehicle to the parking lot for the trailhead, you may struggle to find parking.
Luckily, there is a Hiker Shuttle that will take you to all of the trailheads along Bear Lake Road. Park your vehicle at the Park & Ride Transit Hub on Bear Lake Road and you can ride the shuttle to the Dream Lake trailhead.
How long is the hike to Dream Lake?
The hike to Dream Lake and back is only 2 miles round trip! Although it’s only 2 miles, there are a variety of views to see before you even arrive at the lake.
You’ll walk through forested areas and are treated to a beautiful vista of the mountains about halfway to Dream Lake. Due to how short the trail is, Dream Lake is a great trail to do for sunrise. The colors and reflection on the water at sunrise is magical.
How hard is the hike to Dream Lake?
Dream Lake has 476 feet of elevation gain. We would consider it the easier end of moderate. This hike is suitable for most people and is family friendly.
Combining Dream Lake with other lakes at Rocky Mountain National Park
You can easily add on some other lakes to your Dream Lake hike!
Bear Lake
Bear Lake is an easy stop before or after hiking to Dream Lake. It is also a short trail with minimal hiking required. It’s only 0.25 miles from the parking lot to Bear Lake. Then you will take a right to continue on to Dream Lake.
Nymph Lake
Good news, Nymph Lake is literally on the trail about half way to Dream Lake! Nymph Lake is a great first lake with views all around. You’ll make your way around the lake before continuing the trail to Dream Lake.
During the winter, you can walk across Nymph Lake. It’s also often snow covered.
Emerald Lake
We highly recommend extending your hike to Emerald Lake for only about a mile more past Dream Lake. Continue on the trail to the right of Dream Lake and be treated to another stunning lake!
If you do Dream Lake for sunrise and then hike to Emerald Lake, you’ll likely have a beautiful reflection at Emerald Lake too. When we visited, it looked like a painting!
Lake Haiyaha
Hiking to Lake Haiyaha from the parking lot is 4 miles round trip, so it is an additional 2 total miles or so past Dream Lake, to the left.
A recent rockslide caused this lake to turn a milky blue color due to excess rock sediment known as glacial flour. The result is one of the most unique colors we’ve seen in a lake, a bright milky baby blue.
The trail has minimal elevation at the beginning but climbs steadily after Dream Lake before reaching a boulder field near Lake Haiyaha. Be careful with the rock scrambling at the end of this hike.
When is the best time to hike Dream Lake?
Dream Lake is a great hike year-round! Dream Lake is accessible year round and visiting during the winter is just magical. If hiking in the winter, wear microspikes as it is sure to be icy. Use caution walking on the frozen lake early in the season.
If you wish to continue to Emerald Lake in the winter, sometimes snowshoes are required to reach it. You rarely need snowshoes if you’re only hiking to Dream Lake as the trail is often packed down due to its popularity.
However, always check recent trail reports on AllTrails as well as recent weather conditions.
Responsible Recreation at Rocky Mountain National Park
Consider the altitude
Rocky Mountain National Park ranges from 7,860 feet to 14,259 feet depending on what hikes you do. Because it’s close to the sun, sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses are a must.
Be sure to hydrate well by drinking lots of water and know the symptoms of altitude sickness: headaches, dizziness, nausea, loss of appetite, restless sleep, fatigue, and/or difficulty breathing.
Take 1-2 days to acclimate in Denver if you aren’t used to the elevation before hiking at altitude.
Bring appropriate gear
If you are traveling in the winter you need to bring the appropriate gear. You may need microspikes, snowshoes, or cross country skis to access the hiking trails. Check current conditions and download offline trail maps with the AllTrails app.
In the winter, you should bring a winter hat/beanie, gloves, goggles, long underwear, base layers, a gaiter, a warm midlayer (fleece or puffer jacket), warm jacket, and wool socks.
In order to recreate responsibly in these remote areas, follow the 7 Leave No Trace Principles:
- plan ahead and prepare: research current weather and trail conditions, bring enough food and water, bring/download an offline map, prepare for crowds in certain areas
- travel and camp on durable surfaces: be sure not to hike off trail or use social trails! Camp at designated areas only
- dispose of waste properly: even an orange peel or cherry pit can disturb the ecosystem and take years to decompose. Be sure to pack out absolutely everything!
- leave what you find: do not take rocks or build cairns of rocks, do not carve into trees, rocks, or other natural objects
- minimize campfire impacts: know current fire restrictions, keep fires small and only use established fire rings
- respect wildlife: Stay 100 yards away from bears and 25 yards away from all other wildlife
- be considerate of other visitors: do not play music on the trail, give the right of way to uphill hiker
We hope this guide to hiking Dream Lake, Rocky Mountain National Park helps prepare you for one of the most beautiful hikes in Colorado! Check out our full list of the best hikes at Rocky Mountain National Park.
