Dream Lake offers views, serenity
No winter can pass by without a snowshoe hike to Dream Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. It may be one of the most popular hikes, if not the most hiked trail, in the park but there is a reason. The area’s beauty is not only iconic of Rocky Mountain National Park but appeals to even the casual outdoor enthusiast.
Wintertime can be cold and windy at this alpine destination, and lasts well into April, but the views and the serenity are well worth the time to play in the snow below jagged Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain.
The trail to Dream Lake starts near Bear Lake at the end of Bear Lake Road. This 2.2-mile out- and-back hike is considered an easy route during the summer but becomes a bit more challenging in winter due to the snowfall. In either season, the elevation climb is a mostly gradual gain of 445 feet.
After parking, head to the west end of the Bear Lake parking lot. Starting at 9,475 feet, the trail begins to the right of the ranger station at the bridge, which may be hard to spot as snow can often pile up to the handrails in winter.
At the first junction just past the bridge, follow the trail to the left. The trail to the right goes to Bear Lake.
Just a few hundred yards up the trail, hikers will reach another junction that connects with the trail to Glacier Gorge. Take the trail to the right again to start climbing up to Dream Lake.
Follow this path for approximately a half mile through ponderosa pine, taking in the periodic views to the left of Longs Peak. At a half mile, the trail arrives at Nymph Lake. In winter it will be hard to make out this area as a lake as it looks more like a snowy meadow.
From here, the designated trail wraps around the right side of Nymph Lake and climbs up the left side of a rock wall just above the lake. This is a steep, narrow section and if there is fresh, deep snow, may be prone to avalanches. If conditions are not favorable, return to Nymph Lake and take the winter trail around the left side of the lake through the forest.
Once above Nymph Lake, the trail again follows along the left side of the mountain and has several open areas in the trees. Enjoy these views of Longs Peak and Glacier Gorge as they are some of the best in the park.
The trail continues heading west through aspen trees and above Tyndall Creek, although in winter the water flows well below several feet of snow.
Follow the trail as it navigates along a couple of switchbacks before leveling out near the outflow of Dream Lake.
The next junction at one mile connects with the trail up to Lake Haiyaha. Take the path to the right at this junction to access Dream Lake just a few hundred feet to the right.
Winds at this lake that sits at 9,920 feet continuously blow the snow off the frozen water revealing the patterns of bubbles and cracks in the layers of ice. These can make for interesting foreground subjects in photographs of this spectacular destination.
Snowshoes and hiking sticks will be best for this trail, which can be rented at various outdoor shops in Estes Park.
Rocky Mountain National Park has a daily entrance fee and dogs are not permitted on trails. Even in winter, Bear Lake parking lot often fills, especially on weekends. Avoid crowds by hiking early and on weekdays.
For more information about the park and Dream Lake, visit https://www. nps.gov/thingstodo/romo_ dreamlake.htm.