Lake Haiyaha, in Rocky Mountain National Park, is tucked away in the recesses of a large valley, and its shoreline is surrounded by stacks of massive granite boulders. This relatively easy, 4.2 mile round-trip hike can be a quieter retreat on the busy east side of RMNP, especially if hikers arrive during the early morning hours. Explore the full Lake Haiyaha hike profile below for trail map, driving directions, and all the details you need to enjoy this adventure in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Note: Rocky Mountain National Park now requires timed entry permits from May 27th through October 10th. See the RMNP permits page for more information.
Trail Snapshot: Lake Haiyaha in Rocky Mountain National Park
Hike Distance | 4.2 miles Round Trip |
---|---|
Difficulty | Moderate |
Duration | Approx 2 to 3 hr Round Trip |
Trail Type | Out and Back |
Starting Elevation | 9475′ at Trailhead |
Elevation Gain | Approx. +745′ |
Seasons | Spring through Fall, Winter Snowshoeing |
Dogs | Prohibited in RMNP |
Hike Trail Map | Click for a Map of Lake Haiyaha RMNP |
Denver Drive Time | 2 hr |
Driving Directions to Bear Lake Trailhead | Click for Google Map |
Town Nearest Hike | Estes Park, Colorado |
Beauty | Sub-alpine lakes, mountain views, wildlife: Abert’s squirrel, elk, bear |
Activities | Picnicking, hiking trails, snowshoeing, photography |
Conditions at Bear Lake Trailhead | Click Here |
Fee | Park Pass Required |
Lake Haiyaha has become one of my new favorite destinations on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park. Why, it’s got character. The shoreline is more rugged, and the trees surrounding its waters look like ancient sentinels stationed to protect something secret hidden in its depths.
An Ancient Pine at the Boulder-Strewn Gateway to Lake Haiyaha
Parking & Trailhead Information for Lake Haiyaha, Colorado
The trail up to Lake Haiyaha begins at the Bear Lake Trailhead (driving directions). In the event the parking lot at Bear Lake is full, you’ll then need to park at the Park & Ride near the Bierstadt Trailhead and take the bus into the trailhead. This service runs 7am to 7PM and more information on the RMNP shuttle bus routes can be found at this link. The trail to Lake Haiyaha is located on your way to Bear Lake, off to the left, just before reaching the shore viewing area of Bear Lake. It follows the same main trail that leads hikers up to both Nymph and Dream Lakes.
From the Bear Lake Trailhead, hikers will reach Nymph Lake at .5 mile in. After continuing on the trail for approximately another .5 mile, hikers will reach a trail split. Be sure to first hike the additional .1 mile (right-hand trail) up to Dream Lake first, then return to this trail split to take the trail leading another 1.2 mile to Lake Haiyaha. Dream Lake is aptly named and should not be missed. This adds just .2 mile to your total hike.
Here, the trail climbs, zig zagging with switch backs through spruce and fir forest. Out-of-state hikers, who are not acclimated to the altitude, may find this stretch both demanding and tiring. But pushing on to Haiyaha is worth it. Near the lake, the trail makes its way through a maze of boulders, which may require hikers to scramble over them to gain views of the lake. Be gentle with the ancient pines that surround the lake. These have been standing, some for centuries, and are exposed to a lot of human contact. On the way back down the trail, you’ll encounter new views. Nymph and Bear Lakes can now be seen from above, giving you a birds eye view of your journey.
Tips & Resources for Hiking to Lake Haiyaha, Colorado
- Explore More: Make this a loop hike and see 4 lakes and one of the RMNP’s best Waterfalls – Four Lakes and a Waterfall Loop
- Trail Map for Bear Lake Corridor: Trail Map Link
- Colorado Road Conditions: Colorado Road Conditions
- After the Hike: Poppy’s Pizza
- Photo: We would like to express our gratitude to Miguel Vieira for sharing such an amazing photograph of this hike in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Weather
Map & Driving Directions
Click for Driving Directions
Aaron Johnson has been hiking in Colorado for over 20 years. The owner and editor of Dayhikes Near Denver, Aaron writes every trail profile as a local guide who has hiked hundreds of miles of trails along the Front Range and deep in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado.