In Summer, Nymph Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park blooms with the yellow blossoms of the lily pads that cover its surface. It’s a short easy hike from the Bear Lake Trailhead to Nymph lake. Most hikers will want to make the journey beyond Nymph to Dream and Emerald Lakes. Explore the full trail profile below for all the destinations and details: trail map, tips, and driving directions to the trailhead.

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: Nymph Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park

Parking & Trailhead Information

The trail up to Nymph Lake begins at the Bear Lake Trailhead (driving directions).In the event that 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 Nymph Lake is located on your way to Bear Lake, off to the left, just before reaching the shore viewing area of Bear Lake.

nymph lake rocky mountain national park

The hike up to Nymph Lake is one of the least demanding–but still rewarding–destinations in Rocky Mountain National Park. Most hikers make the Lake a stopping point on their journey on the longer, 3.6 mile round-trip hike to Emerald Lake. However, Nymph Lake is not without its attractions. In the summer, after the snow and ice have melted, the yellow pond lily fills the lake and bursts with yellow blooms. In the Winter, the Lake, being a smaller body of water (less than 1/5th the size of Dream Lake), freezes over, and Park Rangers will lead snowshoers across it’s frozen waters.

The half-mile trail from Bear Lake to Nymph has been improved with asphalt. However it’s not exactly wheelchair accessible. The trail was paved in order to absorb the impact of the numerous visitors who hike from Bear Lake to Nymph lake every day. The asphalt ends at Nymph and returns to a dirt trail, meandering through the woods to Dream and Emerald Lakes. At the Lake, hikers can take in some of the iconic scenery of Rocky Mountain National Park. Hallet Peak and Flattop Mountain loom in the distance. Go early in the morning for the most best photography opportunities, and be sure to explore the trail profiles below for the beautiful destinations beyond Nymph Lake.

List and Links of Destinations From Bear Lake to Emerald Lake

1. Bear Lake
2. Nymph Lake – @ .5 miles
3. Dream Lake – @ 1.1 miles
4. Emerald Lake -@ 1.8 miles

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Tips & Resources for Hiking to Nymph Lake :

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Map & Driving Directions


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