Dream Lake
A jewel in Rocky Mountain National Park, Dream Lake offers stunning alpine scenery and a rewarding hike accessible from the popular Bear Lake Trailhea...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Beat the crowds & catch sunrise
Dream Lake
Best Time
Beat the crowds & catch sunrise
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A jewel in Rocky Mountain National Park, Dream Lake offers stunning alpine scenery and a rewarding hike accessible from the popular Bear Lake Trailhead.
"The view is absolutely stunning and rewarding. Great if you're not usually a hiker but wanna do hiking and feel accomplished!"
🚗 Park Early or Use Shuttle
Parking fills up fast! Arrive before 8 AM or use the park's shuttle system to access the Bear Lake Trailhead.
💧 Hydrate and Pace Yourself
The altitude is no joke! Drink plenty of water and take breaks. The hike is short but can be strenuous.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Dream Lake's Serene Beauty
Rocky Mountain National Park
A stunning alpine lake reflecting the majestic Rocky Mountains, offering breathtaking views and a sense of tranquility.
The Bear Lake Corridor Trail
Bear Lake Trailhead
This popular trail connects multiple lakes, including Nymph, Dream, Emerald, and Haiyaha, offering a diverse and rewarding hiking experience.
Sunrise Spectacle
Dream Lake
Witness the mountains bathed in golden hues as the sun rises, creating a magical and unforgettable photographic opportunity.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timed Entry Reservations are Key
Altitude Awareness is Crucial
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Park Early or Use Shuttle
Parking fills up fast! Arrive before 8 AM or use the park's shuttle system to access the Bear Lake Trailhead.
💧 Hydrate and Pace Yourself
The altitude is no joke! Drink plenty of water and take breaks. The hike is short but can be strenuous.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Even though it's a relatively short hike, sturdy footwear is essential for the rocky and sometimes steep terrain.
📸 Capture the Golden Hour
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for photos. Plan your visit accordingly!
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Park Early or Use Shuttle
Parking fills up fast! Arrive before 8 AM or use the park's shuttle system to access the Bear Lake Trailhead.
💧 Hydrate and Pace Yourself
The altitude is no joke! Drink plenty of water and take breaks. The hike is short but can be strenuous.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Even though it's a relatively short hike, sturdy footwear is essential for the rocky and sometimes steep terrain.
📸 Capture the Golden Hour
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for photos. Plan your visit accordingly!
🗺️ Download Offline Maps
Cell service can be spotty in the park. Download trail maps and park information beforehand.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Dream Lake for its stunning natural beauty and rewarding, relatively short hike. Many highlight the incredible sunrise views and the opportunity to see multiple lakes along the Bear Lake corridor. Some note that the trail can be challenging due to the high altitude and that timed entry reservations are essential.
"Hiked to August 15, 2021
August 2021 went to Dream Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park Estes Park Colorado.
August 2021 hiked to Dream Lake, Emerald Lake, Bear Lake, Nymph Lake Rocky Mountain National Park Estes Park Colorado"
Dani MCDonald
"1.1 mile easy hike with 100m elevation from the Bear lake parking lot. Best place to see sunrise, and the mountains lit up orange during sunrise. There was Nymph lake with flowers on its surface too, this was around half way to Dream lake."
Janhavi Patil
"Must visit the lake in Bear Lake area. The trail is a bit challenging and probably needs an hour more after you reach Nymph Lake. Mostly it's incline and has lots of stairs you need to be prepared. We took a couple of times resting and almost gave up but we made it! And it was such an incredible experience. The view also made it worthy."
Nelly F Kembaren
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Dream Lake is accessed via the Bear Lake Trailhead in Rocky Mountain National Park, near Estes Park, Colorado. You'll need to drive to the Bear Lake Road corridor. Due to high demand, timed entry reservations are often required for this area.
The Bear Lake Trailhead parking lot is very small and fills up extremely early, often before 8 AM. Consider using the park's shuttle system or arriving very early to secure a spot.
Yes, Rocky Mountain National Park offers a shuttle system that services the Bear Lake Road corridor, including the trailhead for Dream Lake. This is a great alternative to driving and parking.
Visiting during the week, especially on a Tuesday or Wednesday, and arriving before 8 AM are your best bets for fewer crowds. Early morning or late afternoon can also be less busy.
The trail to Dream Lake is not paved and has uneven terrain, stairs, and elevation changes, making it unsuitable for strollers or wheelchairs. The paved Bear Lake Nature Trail is more accessible.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, Rocky Mountain National Park typically requires timed entry reservations to access the Bear Lake Road corridor, which includes Dream Lake, during peak season. Check the official RMNP website for current requirements and book in advance.
Rocky Mountain National Park is generally open 24/7, but access to certain areas like the Bear Lake Road corridor may be restricted by timed entry reservations. Always check the park's official website for the most up-to-date information.
There is an entrance fee for Rocky Mountain National Park, which is typically valid for 7 days. Check the NPS website for current pricing. Timed entry reservations are separate from the park entrance fee.
Timed entry reservations for the Bear Lake Road corridor must be booked online in advance. They are not typically sold at the park entrance.
Without a valid timed entry reservation for the Bear Lake Road corridor, you will likely be denied entry to that section of the park. Plan ahead to avoid disappointment.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The hike from the Bear Lake Trailhead to Dream Lake is approximately 1.1 miles one-way, making it a 2.2-mile round trip. It's considered an easy to moderate hike.
The elevation gain from the Bear Lake Trailhead to Dream Lake is about 585 feet. While not extreme, it can feel more challenging due to the high altitude.
Dream Lake is part of a popular chain of lakes accessible from the Bear Lake Trailhead. You can also visit Nymph Lake, Emerald Lake, and Lake Haiyaha on the same trail. 
The trail is generally considered easy to moderate. It has some inclines and stairs, but it's well-maintained. The main challenge for many is the high altitude.
Bring plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, a hat, and wear layers as mountain weather can change quickly. Comfortable hiking shoes are a must.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise offers incredible golden hour light, making the mountains glow. Mid-morning can also be beautiful before the sun is directly overhead. Sunset can also provide lovely light.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive mountain scenery. A polarizing filter can help reduce glare on the water. A tripod is useful for sunrise/sunset shots.
The entire shoreline offers stunning views. For iconic shots, look for reflections of the surrounding peaks in the calm water. The trail leading up to the lake also provides scenic overlooks.
Drone usage is prohibited in Rocky Mountain National Park to protect wildlife and ensure visitor safety. Please adhere to park regulations.
Beyond Dream Lake, Nymph Lake with its lily pads, the rugged beauty of Lake Haiyaha, and the classic reflections at Emerald Lake all offer fantastic photographic opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children
Key tips for families: Pack plenty of snacks and water, and be prepared for changing weather conditions. The stunning scenery and the chance to see wildlife (from a safe distance!) will keep kids engaged. The paved Bear Lake Nature Trail is a more accessible option for very young children or those with mobility challenges.
💰 Budget Travelers
To save money: Pack your own food and drinks for the day, as concessions within the park can be pricey. Utilize the park's free shuttle system to avoid parking fees and the hassle of finding a spot. Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (spring or fall) when crowds might be smaller and accommodations in Estes Park could be more affordable.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Recommendations for photographers: Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the vast landscapes, a tripod for low-light conditions, and consider a polarizing filter to enhance the colors and reduce glare. Be prepared for crowds, especially at sunrise, and always respect park regulations regarding drone usage.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Bear Lake Road Corridor: A Chain of Gems
+1Many visitors enjoy completing the entire loop, which can take a few hours depending on your pace and how long you stop to admire the scenery. The trail is well-maintained but can be busy, especially during peak season. Remember that this area is at a high elevation, so take your time, stay hydrated, and be aware of how you're feeling.
Pro-tip: If you're looking for a more challenging adventure, consider continuing past Emerald Lake to Lake Haiyaha, which offers a more rugged and wilder experience. The views along the entire corridor are consistently spectacular, showcasing the raw beauty of the Rocky Mountains.
Sunrise at Dream Lake: A Photographer's Dream
To capture this magic, aim to arrive at the Bear Lake Trailhead well before sunrise. You'll need to factor in the hike to Dream Lake itself, which takes about 30-45 minutes depending on your pace. Bring a headlamp for the trail and be prepared for cooler temperatures.
Key elements for sunrise photography include a tripod for stability in low light, a wide-angle lens to capture the grandeur of the landscape, and patience. The colors can change rapidly, so be ready to snap photos as the light evolves. The reflections of Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain are particularly iconic during this time.
Navigating Rocky Mountain National Park's Timed Entry
There are typically two types of timed entry permits: one for the Bear Lake Road corridor and another for the rest of the park. Ensure you select the correct permit for your intended itinerary. Without the appropriate permit, you may be turned away at the park entrance, even if you have paid the park's entrance fee.
Planning is essential when it comes to timed entry. Check the official Rocky Mountain National Park website (nps.gov/romo) for the most current reservation requirements, release dates, and any exceptions. Arriving early in the morning or later in the afternoon can sometimes offer more flexibility if you haven't secured a reservation for the prime midday slots.
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