Bear Lake – Emerald Lake loop from Sprague Lake

Hiking trails & Routes

United States

Colorado

Larimer County

Bear Lake – Emerald Lake loop from Sprague Lake

Hard

4.8

(1911)

17,923

hikers

Bear Lake – Emerald Lake loop from Sprague Lake

05:44

18.6km

580m

Hiking

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: August 20, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

Rocky Mountain Wilderness

Rocky Mountain National Park

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

4.45 km

Bear Lake

Highlight • Lake

Bear Lake is a very popular place because – in addition to its beauty – it is very easily accessible. A path leads all around this glacial lake.

Tip by

5.51 km

View of Nymph Lake and the mountains

Highlight • Viewpoint

From this side you have a beautiful view over the lake and the mountain.

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6.37 km

Dream Lake

Lake

7.04 km

Emerald Lake

Highlight • Lake

Emerald Lake is the third of three beautiful alpine lakes if you come from the Bear Lake Trailhead with Nymph Lake being the first and Dream Lake being the second …

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8.61 km

Viewpoint

9.51 km

Lake Haiyaha

Highlight • Lake

Lake with an exceptionally beautiful light blue color.
Unfortunately it's usually very overcrowded.

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12.3 km

Great viewpoint

Highlight • Viewpoint

Great vantage point with a wonderful view. The smooth stones are ideal for a picnic.

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12.9 km

Glacier Creek and Waterfall

Highlight • Waterfall

Great view of Glacier Creek with a waterfall.

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13.6 km

Alberta Falls

Highlight • Waterfall

This is one of the most accessible waterfalls in whole Rocky Mountain National Park. Therefore, it is also one of the most popular ones. To get to Alberta Falls start …

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14.2 km

Medium effort trail through alpine forests, along running streams and picturesque waterfalls. Come in autumn to see a perfect Indian summer. This trail becomes more and more secluded the farther you go.

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18.6 km

End point

Bus stop

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

16.5 km

2.11 km

< 100 m

Surfaces

15.8 km

2.14 km