Dream Lake: A Rocky Mountain Fairytale
Hike to Dream Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park for breathtaking alpine scenery and stunning reflections of Hallett Peak.
Dream Lake, nestled in Rocky Mountain National Park, is a stunning alpine lake renowned for its serene beauty and breathtaking views of Hallett Peak. A relatively easy hike from the Bear Lake Trailhead leads to this picturesque destination, making it a popular spot for photographers and nature enthusiasts alike.
A brief summary to Dream Lake
- Colorado, US
Local tips
- Arrive early, especially in summer and on fall weekends, as parking at Bear Lake Trailhead fills quickly.
- Consider taking the free park shuttle from the Park & Ride to avoid traffic and parking hassles.
- Bring layers, as weather in the mountains can change rapidly.
- Wear microspikes from October to May due to icy conditions on the trail.
- Don't feed the birds, chipmunks, and squirrels as they can become habituated and lose their ability to find food on their own.
Getting There
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Shuttle
To reach Dream Lake using the park's free shuttle, park at the Park & Ride near Glacier Basin Campground. From there, take the Bear Lake Shuttle. The shuttle runs frequently, approximately every 10-15 minutes, from late May to mid-October, with the first bus departing around 6:30 a.m. Get off at the Bear Lake Trailhead. From the trailhead, it's a 1.1-mile hike to Dream Lake. A timed entry permit, including access to the Bear Lake Road Corridor, is required to access the shuttle. The timed entry permit is $2.00.
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Walking
From the Bear Lake Trailhead parking lot, the trail to Dream Lake begins near the ranger station. Walk up the path approximately 200 feet to reach the first view of Bear Lake. Continue to follow the signs towards Nymph Lake and Emerald Lake. The trail is well-maintained and easy to follow. After passing Nymph Lake, continue another half-mile to reach Dream Lake. The total distance is 1.1 miles. Note that the trail is not paved.
Discover more about Dream Lake
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Rocky Mountain National Park Sign
10.8 km
Discover the breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife of Rocky Mountain National Park, a natural wonder in Colorado for outdoor adventures and serene escapes.
Aspen Winds on Fall River
12.1 km
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Tour Estes Park
12.4 km
Explore the stunning natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and charming culture of Estes Park, your gateway to the Rocky Mountains.
Saint Catherine's Chapel on the Rock
12.6 km
Explore the spiritual and architectural charm of Saint Catherine's Chapel on the Rock amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Colorado.
The Wapiti Colorado Pub
12.6 km
Discover the flavors of Colorado at The Wapiti Colorado Pub in Estes Park, where local craft beers and delicious comfort food await.
Red Rose Rock Shop
12.9 km
Explore the Red Rose Rock Shop in Estes Park – a gem of natural wonders showcasing exquisite rocks, minerals, and unique souvenirs.
Estes Park Aerial Tramway Top Terminal
13.2 km
Experience the breathtaking vistas of the Rockies with a ride on the Estes Park Aerial Tramway, a must-visit tourist attraction in Colorado.
Open Air Adventure Park
13.2 km
Experience the thrill of outdoor adventures at Open Air Adventure Park, where excitement meets breathtaking natural beauty in Estes Park, Colorado.
Estes Park Brewery
13.2 km
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Fun City
13.3 km
Discover endless fun for the whole family at Fun City, Estes Park's ultimate amusement park, featuring go-karts, miniature golf, and more!
Mrs. Walsh's Garden
13.3 km
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Performance Park
13.4 km
Discover the stunning Performance Park in Estes Park, Colorado - where breathtaking nature meets captivating performances in an enchanting amphitheater.
Estes Park Aerial Tramway
13.5 km
Experience breathtaking views and adventure at Estes Park Aerial Tramway, a premier mountain cable car attraction in the heart of Colorado's Rockies.
The Water Wheel
13.5 km
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Snowy Peaks Winery
13.5 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
Lake Haiyaha
0.6 km
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Emerald Lake
0.7 km
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Bear Lake Trail
1.1 km
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Lake Haiyaha To Mills/Loch Jct Trl
1.1 km
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Bear Lake Trailhead
1.2 km
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Glacier Gorge Junction Trailhead
1.6 km
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Alberta Falls
1.9 km
Hike to a stunning 30-foot waterfall through beautiful forests in Rocky Mountain National Park. An easy and accessible natural wonder near Estes Park.
Lake Of Glass
3.1 km
Hike to Lake of Glass in Rocky Mountain National Park for stunning reflections and breathtaking mountain views.
Fern Lake
3.3 km
Explore the breathtaking beauty of Fern Lake, a tranquil sanctuary nestled in Colorado's Rocky Mountain National Park, perfect for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Rocky Mountain National Park
4.3 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Rocky Mountain National Park, a premier destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers in Colorado.
Sprague Lake
4.8 km
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Fern Lake Trailhead
5.6 km
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Hollowell Park
5.8 km
Explore the natural beauty of Hollowell Park in Rocky Mountain National Park, a serene hiking area perfect for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Keyhole Route
6.4 km
Experience the thrill of summiting Longs Peak via the iconic Keyhole Route, a challenging mountaineering adventure in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Chasm View
6.8 km
Experience breathtaking views from Chasm View in Rocky Mountain National Park, where nature's grandeur unfolds before your eyes.
Essential places to dine
The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern
10.7 km
Experience the best of American cuisine and craft brews at The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern in Estes Park – your cozy retreat after exploring nature's wonders.
Twin Owls Steakhouse
11.3 km
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Bird & Jim
11.4 km
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Boss Burgers and Gyros
11.8 km
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Smokin' Dave's BBQ - ESTES PARK
11.9 km
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Trailhead Restaurant
12.0 km
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Coffee on the Rocks
12.9 km
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Rivers Edge BBQ
13.0 km
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Big Horn Restaurant
13.3 km
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The View Restaurant
13.4 km
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Sweet Basilico Cafe
13.4 km
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Twisted Griffin Irish Pub & Restaurant
13.5 km
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The Grubsteak Restaurant
13.6 km
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The Wild Rose Restaurant
13.6 km
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Bob & Tonys Pizza
13.6 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Mad Moose
11.5 km
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The Village Store of Estes Park
11.5 km
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Rocky Mountain Gateway
12.0 km
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Wild Horse Gift Shop
12.0 km
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The Trading Post of the Rockies
13.0 km
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Lizzie's Boutique
13.3 km
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Omnibus
13.5 km
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Over The Edge
13.5 km
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Favorite Things
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The Whispering Wood
13.5 km
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Country West City East Gifts
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Cabin Fever of Estes Park Co
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Rocky Mountain Souvenirs
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Estes Park Souvenirs
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Annie's
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Rock Cut Brewing Company
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Full Throttle Distillery & Grill Estes Park
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Lonigans Saloon Nightclub & Grill, An Irish Pub
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Wheel Bar
13.8 km
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The Whiskey Bar At The Cascades Restaurant
14.4 km
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217 Wine Bar
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Avant Garde Aleworks
14.6 km
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The Bull Pin - Elevated Entertainment
14.6 km
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Lumpy Ridge Brewing Co.
14.7 km
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Pits & Stems
44.2 km
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Randi's Grill & Pub
44.3 km
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Gravity Haus Winter Park
44.7 km
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West End Tavern
45.6 km
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Press Play Bar LP
45.6 km
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The Bitter Bar
45.6 km
Discover The Bitter Bar, Boulder’s premier cocktail destination, offering unique drinks and a vibrant ambiance for a perfect night out.
