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Hiking trails & Routes
United States
Colorado
Larimer County

Alberta Falls – Lake Haiyaha loop from Dream Lake

Routes
Hiking trails & Routes
United States
Colorado
Larimer County

Alberta Falls – Lake Haiyaha loop from Dream Lake

Moderate

3.0

(21)

87

hikers

Alberta Falls – Lake Haiyaha loop from Dream Lake

03:33

11.1km

340m

Hiking

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

Last updated: May 22, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

Rocky Mountain Wilderness

Rocky Mountain National Park

Waypoints

A

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

1

13 m

Bear Lake Trailhead

Highlight • Rest Area

Lots of great hikes from here to beautiful lakes. Csn combine them all into 1 long hike! Make sure to arrive early (before 6:30am) to avoid crowds!

Tip by

2

1.51 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 at the Bear Lake Trailhead and follow the signs south for Glacier Gorge and Alberta Falls. The falls are approximately .8 miles down the trail from the parking area. The difficulty of this hike is medium.

Tip by

3

2.18 km

Glacier Creek and Waterfall

Highlight • Waterfall

Great view of Glacier Creek with a waterfall.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

4

2.77 km

Great viewpoint

Highlight • Viewpoint

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

Translated by Google •

Tip by

5

4.25 km

Little Ponds

Highlight • Lake

A wonderful place for a break. The beautiful, smooth stones above the small lake offer good seating.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

6

5.54 km

Lake Haiyaha

Highlight • Lake

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

Translated by Google •

Tip by

7

10.2 km

Glacier Gorge Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

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.

Tip by

8

11.0 km

Rocky Mountain National Park

Highlight • Natural Monument

Truly one of the most beautiful national parks. Note: Reservations are required in many seasons.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

B

11.1 km

End point

Bus stop

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Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

7.72 km

3.35 km

Surfaces

10.8 km

181 m

< 100 m

< 100 m

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Elevation

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (3,120 m)

Lowest point (2,830 m)

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Weather

Powered by Foreca

Today

Monday 6 July

22°C

8°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 14.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

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Description

If you're looking for a moderate hiking route that packs in some of Rocky Mountain National Park's most iconic scenery without requiring an all-day commitment, the Alberta Falls – Lake Haiyaha loop from Dream Lake is an excellent choice. This 6.9-mile (11.1 km) hike, rated moderate, involves 1131 feet (345 metres) of elevation gain and typically takes around 3 hours and 33 minutes to complete. It's a fantastic option for those who want a diverse subalpine experience, hitting multiple lakes and a waterfall, making it a high-payoff adventure.

What to expect on Alberta Falls – Lake Haiyaha loop from Dream Lake

The journey begins on well-maintained paths, leading you past the lily-pad adorned Nymph Lake and then to the stunning Dream Lake, where Hallett Peak rises dramatically above. As you continue towards Lake Haiyaha, the trail becomes more rugged, requiring you to navigate a moderately steep climb and eventually scramble across large rock boulders to reach the unique turquoise waters. This section offers some of the best panoramic views of the Bear Lake and Glacier Gorge area. The loop then descends past the impressive Alberta Falls, a 30-foot cascade, providing a varied experience that suits hikers comfortable with rocky terrain and some scrambling.

Planning your visit

Accessing this popular area requires careful planning, especially during peak season. You'll need to consider Rocky Mountain National Park timed entry permits, which are often required for the Bear Lake Road corridor. Parking at the Bear Lake Trailhead fills up very early, so arriving before dawn or utilizing the RMNP shuttle system is highly recommended. Be prepared for changing conditions; snow and ice can persist in shaded areas well into early summer, so trekking poles or traction devices might be necessary. Always carry plenty of water and sun protection, as the elevation can be challenging for those not accustomed to it.

Trail details

  • Distance: 6.9 miles (11.1 km)
  • Elevation gain: 1131 feet (345 metres)
  • Difficulty: moderate
  • Estimated time: 3 hours and 33 minutes

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