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    Buchanan Pass Trail

    5.0 (1 review)

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    3 years ago

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    Emerald Lake - Lake

    Emerald Lake

    5.0(30 reviews)
    20.0 km

    The last of the lakes on this trail, this is definitely not the least. Actually, I'm not sure I…read morecould even identify the lake that would be considered the "least" since they're all so beautiful. All of the lakes (Emerald, Dream, Nymph, and Bear) have their own unique charm, which is what makes this trail so amazing! I think basically everyone rests here when they make it since it's essentially all the way uphill to get to this point. There's not a lot of room at the lakeshore as it's full of boulders, but everyone settled in their spots no issues. As always, make sure that you have appropriate hiking footwear, a hat, plenty of water, and some snacks. There are no toilets at this lake, so also make sure you use the washroom at the trailhead. Pace yourself on this hike since the air is thinner due to elevation.

    Our goal was to hike to Emerald Lake, and let me tell you... It was 100% worth it. On this 3.6 mile…read moreroundtrip hike, you'll also encounter Nymph Lake and Dream Lake. While they're both beautiful in their own right, neither one of them compare to the sheer beauty of Emerald Lake with the snowy mountains as a backdrop. As I said, it is a moderate hike. We started around 930am - would've been nicer to start earlier, but it still beat the full heat of the noon sun. There will be intermittent shade, but make sure you bring a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water. We visited in mid June. Once we neared Dream Lake, we started encountering snow on the ground. I used hiking sandals, and I was able to do it in those - just be careful. That being said, with the amount of snow that was on the trail to Lake Haiyaha was completely un-doable in my shoes. Once you reach Emerald Lake, find a place to sit and just take it all in. I could've sat there all afternoon, just being at peace with nature. Absolutely gorgeous. To get to Emerald Lake, you'll need access to Bear Lake Road. Just be aware that Bear Lake Road requires a reservation SEPARATE from the reservation to the national park. There's a big lot at the trailhead, but it gets filled up. They do have a park & ride a few miles away with plenty of shuttles ready to bring you in. If you're able to make the hike, hiking to Emerald Lake is wonderful. The hike itself is gorgeous, and the final lake is beautiful. Plan it in your schedule, and you will not be disappointed.

    Photos
    Emerald Lake - Friends

    Friends

    Emerald Lake - Me

    Me

    Emerald Lake - Lake

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    Lake

    Bear Lake - Aster

    Bear Lake

    4.8(53 reviews)
    19.8 km

    Bear Lake is the signature trail to do at Rocky Mountain National Park, and for this very reason,…read moreit's extremely crowded! I opted to eat a light, quick breakfast, and hit the road early in the morning to beat out the crowds. That way, I could enjoy lunch back in town in Estes Park too. To help manage crowding, if you're planning a visit you might need a timed entry + bear lake road reservation depending on the season you're visiting. This is not something you want to do on the fly unless you want to risk not being able to visit. This stroll isn't very long and it gives amazing views of forests, mountain peaks, and of course Bear Lake. Continue on the trail to Nymph, Dream & Emerald Lakes. I would say that these hikes are definitely worth the effort!

    Bear Lake is located on the eastern side of Rocky Mountain National Park, in the popular Bear Lake…read moreRoad Corridor. It was absolutely beautiful, with the lake surrounded by dramatic mountain peaks and a peaceful alpine setting. We spotted adorable chipmunks and beautiful blue-feathered birds along the way, which made the experience even more memorable. The roughly half-mile walk around the lake was manageable with our baby in a stroller and was a wonderful family-friendly way to experience the park. A beautiful and easy-to-enjoy stop that I would definitely recommend when visiting Rocky Mountain National Park!

    Photos
    Bear Lake
    Bear Lake
    Bear Lake - Bear Lake Ranger Station and Visitors Shuttle

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    Bear Lake Ranger Station and Visitors Shuttle

    Brainard Lake Recreation Area - Left Hand reservoir

    Brainard Lake Recreation Area

    4.5(34 reviews)
    6.8 km

    Wow! It's so beautiful here. I enjoyed my solo take out dinner sitting on top of a boulder and…read moreenjoying the views of the lake and mountains. Plus, the lake is only. Short walk from the parking lot, so it is accessible to most. While on a short hike on the trail, I ran into a beautiful MOOSE and caught a few photos while he ate his dinner. Amazing experience!

    Brainard NRA is stunning. I was surprised how fast the tickets go for this place during the summer…read moremonths - I went in mid September and the tickets for the morning times were fully gone within minutes after they dropped online a few weeks before I went Given RMNP tix go like that I was ready at 0900 for when they dropped, and actually within 1 min the 8-11a time slot sold out so I couldn't get it! But I did get the 5-8a slot which was fine. The area itself is very easy to find and navigate, and it is well maintained by the staff. When you arrive they do scan your day pass ticket and give you a pass to hang on your rear view mirror. The lot was plenty empty at Long lake trailhead (the start to get to Lake Isabelle) when I arrived around 0730. The day was fairly cool but not cold, and partly cloudy. It was absolutely gorgeous, the hike there was even more beautiful than the lake itself! I saw a moose along part of the trail too. The lake itself was surprisingly low, I'm not sure why the water level was that low but it looked much lower compared to the pictures/tiktoks I've seen online. That said, it is still very picturesque. There were lots of places to roam around the lake, and even tho it became SUPER windy when I got to the lake, I had a good time running around (but note - my nose was running like CRAZY, if you have allergies, come with tissues!). I did end up walking from long lake trailhead to the lake Mitchell trailhead and making the hike out there too; Isabelle is prettier imo but it was still a fun walk and the trailhead at Mitchell has plenty of parking too. There is a little trail, about 15 mins walk between long lake trailhead and Mitchell trailhead, although you do briefly have to walk along part of the road. Brainard lake itself is also lovely, I saw a moose hanging out right by this lake too!

    Photos
    Brainard Lake Recreation Area - Lake Isabelle Trail | Instagram: @telephonesmoothie

    Lake Isabelle Trail | Instagram: @telephonesmoothie

    Brainard Lake Recreation Area - Perfect day for snowshoeing....amazing powder

    Perfect day for snowshoeing....amazing powder

    Brainard Lake Recreation Area

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    Buchanan Pass Trail - hiking - Updated October 2026

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