Hallett Peak
A majestic 12,718-foot peak in RMNP, offering strenuous hikes to breathtaking summit views and a chain of stunning alpine lakes.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoid crowds & afternoon storms
Hallett Peak
Best Time
Avoid crowds & afternoon storms
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A majestic 12,718-foot peak in RMNP, offering strenuous hikes to breathtaking summit views and a chain of stunning alpine lakes.
"The peak has amazing panoramic views and it isn't as hard to climb as it looks from Flat top Mountain."
🎯 Book Timed Entry Early
Secure your RMNP timed entry reservation online well in advance, especially for Bear Lake Road.
👟 Microspikes & Gaiters
Essential for icy and snowy conditions, especially in spring and fall.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Summit Views
Hallett Peak Summit
Experience breathtaking 360-degree views of Rocky Mountain National Park, including surrounding peaks and lakes.
The Chain of Lakes
Bear Lake, Nymph Lake, Dream Lake, Emerald Lake
Hike past a series of stunning alpine lakes, each offering unique reflections and scenery.
Tyndall Glacier & Rock Fields
Approaching Hallett Peak
Navigate rocky terrain and witness the impressive Tyndall Glacier as you ascend towards the peak.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timed Entry Reservations
Altitude & Weather Preparedness
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Timed Entry Early
Secure your RMNP timed entry reservation online well in advance, especially for Bear Lake Road.
👟 Microspikes & Gaiters
Essential for icy and snowy conditions, especially in spring and fall.
💧 Hydrate & Snack Up
High altitude demands extra water and calories. Pack more than you think you'll need!
🧥 Layer Up
Weather changes rapidly. Be prepared for sun, wind, fog, and temperature drops.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Timed Entry Early
Secure your RMNP timed entry reservation online well in advance, especially for Bear Lake Road.
👟 Microspikes & Gaiters
Essential for icy and snowy conditions, especially in spring and fall.
💧 Hydrate & Snack Up
High altitude demands extra water and calories. Pack more than you think you'll need!
🧥 Layer Up
Weather changes rapidly. Be prepared for sun, wind, fog, and temperature drops.
🥾 Start Early to Avoid Post-Holing
Beat the slushy snow by starting your hike before 7:45 AM.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Hikers praise Hallett Peak for its stunning panoramic summit views and the beautiful chain of alpine lakes accessible via well-maintained trails. Many recommend starting early to avoid crowds and post-holing in snow. Some visitors encountered challenging weather conditions like fog and wind, which can obscure views.
"Well kept trail with amazing views of Bear, Dream, and Emerald Lakes! Micro spikes helped tremendously with the ice and snow and would recommend gortex boots as well. The elongated lake in the one picture is Dream Lake."
Chris Werlinger
"The peak has amazing panoramic views and it isn't as hard to climb as it looks from Flat top Mountain. We hiked this in mid-May and it was about 10.3 miles round trip and 3,300 feet in elevation from Bear Lake.
The hardest park was the post holing on the way down due to how slushy the snow had become. Start early if you want to avoid this, we started at about 7:45am. You will also want plenty of food as we all burned about 2,000 calories."
Kyle Kempf
"I arrived at the trailhead parking lot at 7am. No issues with finding parking at that time. Started hiking it was sunny and warm at the trailhead. Was beautiful until I got just passed the Dream Lake overlook. At this point the fog rolled in, the wind picked up, and the temperature dropped very quickly. The beautiful views were instantly blocked out. You could see probably about 30 feet in front of you due to the fog. I hiked up to the Tyndal Glacier and Flattop Mountain. Unfortunately this is where I decided to turn around due to the weather. I would call it a strenuous hike but definitely worth it especially on a clear day. Although it was neat to see the fog roll in and block everything out. There were quite a few people on the trail especially down at the lower elevation areas."
JJB 632116
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common trailhead for Hallett Peak is at Bear Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. You'll need to secure a timed entry reservation for Bear Lake Road during peak season.
Parking at Bear Lake fills up extremely early. Arriving by 7 AM is recommended, or consider using the park's shuttle system.
Trail Ridge Road offers scenic views but does not directly access the Hallett Peak trailhead. The primary access is via Bear Lake Road.
Yes, rockslides can cause closures. A significant rockslide occurred on Hallett Peak in June 2022, impacting Chaos Canyon. Always check park alerts for current conditions.
During government shutdowns, entrance fees may be waived, but timed entry reservations might still be required. Check official park announcements.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You need a timed entry reservation to access Bear Lake Road, which is the trailhead for Hallett Peak, during specific hours and seasons.
Standard entrance fees apply unless there's a government shutdown. Check the official RMNP website for current pricing.
The park is generally open 24/7, but access to specific areas like Bear Lake Road is managed by timed entry reservations.
Winter hiking is possible but requires advanced mountaineering skills, proper gear (ice axe, crampons), and knowledge of avalanche conditions.
Beyond the park entrance fee and potential timed entry reservation, no additional permits are typically required for day hiking Hallett Peak.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The hike to Hallett Peak is considered strenuous, with significant elevation gain and exposure. It's a challenging but rewarding climb.
The round trip from Bear Lake can take 8-10 hours, covering about 10.3 miles with over 3,300 feet of elevation gain.
Expect incredible panoramic views of the surrounding Rocky Mountains, including Longs Peak, Grand Lake, and the Tyndall Glacier.
Yes, rockslides can occur, making areas like Chaos Canyon unstable and dangerous. Always heed park closures and warnings.
Due to its strenuous nature, high altitude, and potential for challenging conditions, Hallett Peak is generally not recommended for absolute beginners.
📸 📸 Photography
Dream Lake offers iconic reflections of Hallett Peak on calm days. The summit provides unparalleled panoramic shots.
Sunrise at Bear Lake offers beautiful light on Hallett Peak, while late afternoon can provide dramatic skies. Be mindful of afternoon thunderstorms.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, and a telephoto lens can capture distant peaks. A sturdy tripod is useful for low-light conditions.
Yes, wildlife like moose and elk are often spotted in Rocky Mountain National Park. Maintain a safe distance and never feed animals. +1
Rapidly changing weather, including fog and snow, can create challenging photographic conditions. Be prepared for anything.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the full Hallett Peak ascent is strenuous, the lower lake trails provide a fantastic introduction to the park's beauty for younger visitors. 💰 Budget Travelers
Many of the most breathtaking views, like those from the lake trails, are accessible without paying extra fees beyond the park entrance. 🧗♀️ Experienced Climbers & Hikers
Be aware of recent rockslide activity and potential instability in areas like Chaos Canyon. +1 Always check current conditions, carry appropriate safety equipment, and consider hiring a guide for technical ascents. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Hallett Peak Hike: A Challenging Ascent
Key Takeaways for the Hike:
* Distance: ~10.3 miles round trip
* Elevation Gain: ~3,300 feet
* Difficulty: Strenuous
* Start Time: Aim for 5-7 AM
Navigating the Terrain
The ascent takes you past several stunning alpine lakes, including Nymph, Dream, and Emerald Lakes, offering progressively rewarding views.
Recent Geological Activity
It's important to be aware of recent geological events. In June 2022, a massive rockslide occurred on the south face of Hallett Peak, impacting Chaos Canyon.
+1 This event has made the area unstable and potentially dangerous, leading to closures. Always check official park alerts and advisories before your hike to ensure safety and respect any restricted areas. Capturing Hallett Peak: Photography Tips
Arriving early, ideally for sunrise, can provide soft, golden light that illuminates the peaks beautifully. The Bear Lake Loop also offers accessible viewpoints with Hallett Peak as a majestic backdrop. Summit Views and Wildlife
The summit of Hallett Peak itself provides unparalleled 360-degree views, allowing you to capture the vastness of Rocky Mountain National Park.
Gear and Conditions
For capturing the diverse scenery, a wide-angle lens is excellent for sweeping landscapes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for isolating distant peaks or wildlife.
Be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions. Fog can roll in unexpectedly, obscuring views but also creating dramatic, moody shots. Given the potential for snow and ice, especially outside of summer, consider bringing microspikes and gaiters not just for hiking but also for stable footing while setting up your camera. 
Social
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