Nymph Lake
A serene alpine lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, famous for its summer water lilies and as the first stop on a popular hiking trail.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds and get parking
Nymph Lake
Best Time
Beat the crowds and get parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene alpine lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, famous for its summer water lilies and as the first stop on a popular hiking trail.
"A peaceful little pause before the final trek, with forest fairy vibes and beautiful views."
🎯 Book Timed Entry Early
Secure your Bear Lake Road timed entry permit online well in advance!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The trail has elevation gain; good hiking shoes are recommended. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Water Lily Wonderland
Nymph Lake
A serene lake dotted with water lilies, offering a peaceful, almost magical, atmosphere.
Gateway to Alpine Gems
Trailhead
The starting point for the iconic Nymph, Dream, Emerald, and Haiyaha Lakes hike.
Forest Fairy Vibes
Surrounding Forest
The enchanting woods surrounding the lake create a whimsical, fairy-tale ambiance.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timed Entry is Key
Hike Smart, Not Hard
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Timed Entry Early
Secure your Bear Lake Road timed entry permit online well in advance! 
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The trail has elevation gain; good hiking shoes are recommended. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Stay Hydrated
High altitude means you need more water than usual. Bring plenty! :droplet:
📸 Capture the Lily Pads
Nymph Lake is famous for its water lilies, especially in summer. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Timed Entry Early
Secure your Bear Lake Road timed entry permit online well in advance!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The trail has elevation gain; good hiking shoes are recommended. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Stay Hydrated
High altitude means you need more water than usual. Bring plenty! :droplet:
📸 Capture the Lily Pads
Nymph Lake is famous for its water lilies, especially in summer. :camerawithflash:
⬆️ Consider Continuing On
Don't stop at Nymph! Dream, Emerald, and Haiyaha Lakes are stunning too. :hiking_boot:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Nymph Lake to be a peaceful and beautiful stop, especially known for its water lilies in summer. While it can get crowded due to its accessibility and popularity as the first lake on a major trail, many appreciate its serene 'forest fairy vibes' and consider it a worthwhile pause on the way to more challenging destinations.
"This was our second stop after Bear Lake on the way to Emerald Lake. It’s a peaceful little pause before the final trek, with forest fairy vibes and beautiful views. Definitely more crowded since it’s a shorter hike from the parking lot, but still worth a quick stop to soak it all in."
cecilia wagner
"Nice little lake, peaceful. Wasn’t my favorite, but easy to get to! Wasn’t super crowded."
Vickie Parry
"Nymph Lake – A Peaceful Pause
Nymph Lake is a small, calm spot along the trail to Dream Lake. Covered in water lilies.
It’s a great place to take a breather, snap a few photos, and enjoy the quiet. Not a destination on its own, but a lovely stop on the way up."
Robin
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Nymph Lake is accessed via the Bear Lake Trailhead in Rocky Mountain National Park. You'll need a timed entry permit for Bear Lake Road to drive directly to the trailhead. Alternatively, you can use the park's shuttle system. The hike to Nymph Lake is about 0.5 miles from the Bear Lake Trailhead.
Parking at the Bear Lake Trailhead is extremely limited and fills up very early, often before 7 AM. It's highly recommended to use the park's shuttle service or arrive before sunrise. A timed entry permit for Bear Lake Road is required to access this area.
Yes, the Rocky Mountain National Park shuttle system is a great way to access the Bear Lake Road corridor, including the trailhead for Nymph Lake. Check the park's official website for current shuttle routes and schedules.
The hike from the Bear Lake Trailhead to Nymph Lake is approximately 0.5 miles one way. It's a relatively short distance but involves some uphill elevation gain.
No, dogs are not permitted on the Nymph Lake trail or any trails within Rocky Mountain National Park to protect wildlife and natural resources.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, Rocky Mountain National Park requires a timed entry permit for the Bear Lake Road corridor, which includes Nymph Lake. You must have this reservation in addition to your park entrance pass. Book these well in advance as they sell out quickly.
Nymph Lake is accessible during park operating hours, which are generally year-round. However, access to the Bear Lake Road corridor is managed by the timed entry permit system, so check those specific times.
There is an entrance fee for Rocky Mountain National Park, which is valid for 7 days. You will also need a separate timed entry permit for Bear Lake Road during peak season. Check the NPS website for current fees.
Timed entry permits are typically only available online in advance. It is highly unlikely you will be able to purchase them at the park entrance, so plan ahead.
If you do not have a timed entry permit for Bear Lake Road, you will not be allowed to drive into that section of the park during the designated hours. You may be able to use the park's shuttle if it's operating and has availability.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The hike to Nymph Lake from Bear Lake Trailhead is about 0.5 miles and involves an uphill climb. It's considered moderate due to the elevation gain. The trail is well-maintained and offers beautiful forest scenery.
Nymph Lake is one of the first lakes on a very popular trail, so it can get crowded, especially during peak hours and seasons. Arriving early or visiting on a weekday can help mitigate crowds.
Nymph Lake is known for its serene beauty and is often covered in water lilies during the summer months. It offers a peaceful pause and lovely views, serving as a beautiful stop on the way to other lakes.
Swimming is generally not permitted in the alpine lakes of Rocky Mountain National Park to preserve water quality and protect the delicate ecosystem. Stick to enjoying the views from the shore.
The short distance makes it accessible, but the uphill climb means it's best for beginners who are prepared for some exertion. It's a good first stop before deciding to continue to more challenging lakes.
📸 📸 Photography
The best photo opportunities are along the shoreline, especially when the water lilies are in bloom. Look for reflections of the surrounding mountains in the calm water. The trail leading to the lake also offers scenic forest shots.
Early morning offers soft, diffused light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the serene atmosphere. Late afternoon can provide beautiful golden hour light, but be mindful of increasing visitor numbers.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive mountain views and the lake's expanse. A polarizing filter can help reduce glare on the water and enhance colors. A tripod is useful for low-light conditions or capturing reflections. :camerawithflash:
The water lilies are a unique subject, especially when in full bloom. Keep an eye out for wildlife like elk or marmots, which can add interest to your photos.
The best strategy is to arrive very early in the morning, ideally before sunrise, or visit during the shoulder seasons (late spring or early fall) on a weekday.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider this hike as part of the larger Nymph, Dream, Emerald, and Haiyaha Lakes trail. You can turn back at Nymph Lake for a very easy outing, or continue to Dream Lake for a slightly longer adventure. Pack plenty of snacks and water, and be prepared for crowds by arriving early. The shuttle system can also be a fun and convenient way for families to access the trailhead.
🚶♀️ Beginner Hikers
It's highly recommended to start early to avoid the busiest times and to wear appropriate footwear. Nymph Lake is a beautiful destination on its own, but it also serves as a stepping stone to Dream Lake, which is only another 0.5 miles further. This allows beginners to gauge their energy and decide if they want to extend their hike.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
To capture the best light and avoid crowds, aim for an early morning visit. A wide-angle lens will be useful for capturing the expansive mountain scenery, while a polarizing filter can enhance the colors and reduce glare on the water. Don't forget to look for wildlife; elk sightings are not uncommon in the area.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Nymph, Dream, Emerald, and Haiyaha Lakes Trail
+2Nymph Lake itself is a beautiful, relatively short stop, known for its serene atmosphere and, in summer, its abundant water lilies. It's a perfect place to catch your breath and enjoy the initial mountain vistas. From Nymph, the trail continues to Dream Lake, a picturesque spot with dramatic mountain backdrops. The journey then leads to Emerald Lake, arguably the most stunning of the four, nestled beneath towering peaks. Finally, the trail can extend to Lake Haiyaha, which offers a more rugged, boulder-strewn landscape and often has a unique, turquoise hue.
+1Many visitors find this trail to be a highlight of their trip to Rocky Mountain National Park. The progression of lakes offers diverse scenery, from the lily-covered tranquility of Nymph to the dramatic grandeur of Emerald and Haiyaha. It's a popular choice for families and hikers of all levels, though the elevation gain should be considered. Remember to check for timed entry permits and arrive early to make the most of this iconic hike.
Best Time to Visit Nymph Lake
However, this is also the busiest time. To avoid the largest crowds, early mornings (before 8 AM) are highly recommended, especially on weekdays. This allows you to enjoy the tranquility of the lake and secure parking at the Bear Lake Trailhead, which is often full by mid-morning. Visiting during the shoulder seasons – late September into early October – can offer beautiful fall colors and fewer people, though the water lilies will be gone and snow might start to appear at higher elevations.
Winter visits are possible but require snowshoes or skis, and the trail conditions can be challenging. The landscape is transformed by snow, offering a different kind of beauty, but access to the Bear Lake Road corridor may be restricted or require specific winter permits. Always check park conditions and weather forecasts before your visit.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit