Bear Lake
Bear Lake, located at the end of Bear Lake Road, is a large parking lot accessing numerous hikes in the park. This is a popular place and in the middle of the summer can fill up rapidly. If you get a late start, head for the shuttle bus parking lot and take the shuttle to the lake. Don’t be deterred by the number of people. This is the starting point for many long excursions and the further away you get, the fewer people on the trail.
Flattop Mountain
Elevation Gain: 2,849 ft.
Difficulty: Moderate to more difficult
Starting Point: Bear Lake Trailhead
Overall: One of the best moderate peaks in the park with a good trail and great views
Rising to a height of 12,324 ft. Flattop Mountain is one of the most popular mountain hikes in RMNP. Although it may draw a crowd, there’s plenty to recommend this beautiful destination.
The trail is excellent all the way to the top. There are two overlooks, one in the trees above Dream Lake and the other above treeline, dramatically looking down into Emerald Lake. From here the trail turns around to the backside of the mountain with views towards the Mummies and Trail Ridge Road.
The top is just as the name suggest, very flat. But the views are expansive. The Never Summers rise to the west, the Gores to the south and the foothills toward the Colorado plains to the east. Once arriving at the summit, I suggest you go a little further toward Hallett Peak. Shortly you can get a great view of Shadow Mountain Lake on the west side.
Lake Haiyaha
Elevation Gain: 745 ft.
Difficulty: Low moderate
Trailhead: Bear Lake, also possible from Glacier Gorge
Overall: Packs a lot of scenery into a short distance. Unimproved trail from Dream Lake. Easy to follow, but very rocky and rooty
Follow the trail from Bear Lake to Dream Lake. Just before Dream Lake, follow the trail marker to Lake Haiyaha. This is a lovely rocky trail on the side of the cliff (keep kids in tow). The trail will go past the Glacier Gorge turn-off and then turn right to approach the lake. The old twisted tree near the lake is said to be one of the oldest trees in the park. Return the way you came or take a loop to the Mills/Loch Junction, returning back to the Glacier Gorge Parking Lot. From there you can return to Bear Lake by trail or shuttle.
Nymph, Dream and Emerald Lakes
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Trailhead: Bear Lake
Overall: Three lakes. Nymph is easy. Dream and Emerald are moderate. Excellent place to go for your first hike or snowshoe with an excellent trail and fantastic views
From Bear Lake take the Emerald Lake Trail to the left. Nymph Lake is a short 1/2 mile. The trail then takes you higher into the rocks where there are some tremendous views towards Longs Peak and Glacier Gorge. One you arrive at Dream lake, continue to the right about a mile to Emerald Lake.
Stones Peak
Difficulty: Strenuous
Overall: For the mega-day-hiker who loves lots of tundra and distance. I made three attempts before summitting due to weather. If all goes well this is a gem. There are no boring sections on the trail, very little scree and not a lot of exposure. It does require fitness and good route-finding skills. Everything went well on my third attempt- finally. Three superb hiking companions, an early start (3 a.m.), good weather and a “let’s get this baby” attitude.
