Emerald Lake Colarado - Hike Through Outstanding Views and Wildflowers

Emerald Lake offers visitors a chance to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature. The lake itself is surrounded by towering trees and is popular for fishing, and swimming. There are also several hiking trails in the area, as well as a campground for those who want to spend the night under the stars. In the winter, you can go cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing. The lake is also a popular destination for bird watching, with over 100 species of birds having been spotted there.

The trails around the lake are paved due to it's popularity. There are towering peaks surrounding the area that reflects in the waters of the lake.

The lake is named for its green color, which is caused by light reflecting off of the mineral content of the water. Emerald Lake is one of the highest elevation lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park, and it is a popular destination for hikers and picnickers. The lake sits at the base of Hallett Peak, and it is surrounded by Lodgepole pine forests. Emerald Lake was formed over 12,000 years ago during the last ice age. Glaciers carved out a large basin in the valley, and when the glaciers melted, the basin filled with water.

It was in the mid-19th century when settlers first began arriving in the area. The first homesteaders in the area built their homes along the shore of the lake, and the community quickly grew. In 1873, a sawmill was built near the lake, and a post office was established soon after. By the early 20th century, Emerald Lake had become a popular summer destination for tourists and locals alike.

The  best time to visit Emerald Lake is during the summer months. From June to August, the weather is warm and sunny, making it ideal for hiking and camping. The lake is also teeming with wildlife during the summer, so you're sure to see plenty of birds and other animals.

1. Check the weather forecast in advance and come prepared for both warm and cold weather.
2. Pack plenty of food and water, as there are no restaurants or convenience stores at the lake.
3. Please pack out all trash - this includes food waste, cigarette butts, and packaging.
4. Campfires are only permitted in designated areas - please check with a ranger before lighting one.
5. Dogs aren't allowed on the trails near the lake.

1. The lake gets its name from its deep green color, which is caused by minerals in the water.
2. In the winter, the lake freezes over and becomes a popular spot for ice skating and cross-country skiing.
3. A trail encircles the entire lake, making it perfect for a leisurely stroll or vigorous hike.

Visitors can spend with an average of 4 to 6 hours hiking around the lake, picnicking on the shores, or simply taking in the views. In fact, many visitors spend so much time at Emerald Lake that they end up staying overnight in one of the nearby camping areas.

There are several ways to reach Emerald Lake. The most popular route is to take the Glacier Gorge Trailhead from the Bear Lake Parking Area. This trail is about 3 miles long and gains about 1,000 feet in elevation. The trail is well-marked and relatively easy to follow. However, it can be crowded on weekends and holidays. For a more challenging hike, visitors can take the Flattop Mountain Trail. This trail starts at the east side of the Rocky Mountain National Park and ascends over 3,000 feet before reaching Emerald Lake. The hike takes about 8 hours to complete and should only be attempted by experienced hikers.

There is no entrance fee to this lake. But visitors are asked to respect the natural surroundings by following leave no trace principles. 

The lake is open year-round, although the hours vary depending on the season. In the summer months, the lake is open from dawn to dusk. In the winter, the hours are more limited, and the lake is only open from 10 AM to 4 PM.