This is one of the most popular trails in Colorado and it’s easy to see why. The Emerald Lake Trail is 3.1 miles in and out and along the way you see three beautiful lakes: Nymph Lake, Dream Lake, and Emerald Lake.

Trail Trips

• You start the hike at 9,400 feet so be prepared with plenty of water and snacks for along the way. There is only about 700 feet in elevation gain, but when you start that might higher than sea level you’re already feeling it at the beginning of the hike.
• If you’re able to, don’t go on the weekends. This trail is SUPER popular and it’s very hard to find a parking spot.
• If you’re hiking this trail by the time it’s already snowed that season, then there is most likely snow on this trail and having crampons or a hiking stick (for the descent) would be very helpful. It was quite slick in some areas where snow was packed down a few inches and had turned into a solid block of ice.
• Bring layers! Hat, scarf, gloves, coat. It was warm in the beginning of the hike that I took off my coat and only wore my sweatshirt for part of the way, but as we got higher the wind really picked up and it was quite chilly at the top. I’m glad I had extra of everything so I could stay and enjoy the view for a bit without being frozen.