Guide to Hiking Four Lake Loop Trail in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Quick Facts:

Location: Rocky Mountain National Park

Coordinates: 40.31209852555222, -105.64564105865942

Length: 7 Miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation Gain: 1,300 Feet

Dog Friendly: No

Introduction:

The Four Lake Loop Trail in Rocky Mountain National Park near Estes Park, Colorado, is a picturesque hike that takes you on a journey through some of the park’s most stunning alpine landscapes. This loop connects four beautiful lakes—Nymph Lake, Dream Lake, Emerald Lake, and Lake Haiyaha—each offering its own unique charm and breathtaking views. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just starting out, the Four Lake Loop Trail provides a perfect opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the Rockies in a single, manageable hike.

How to Get There:

The Four Lake Loop Trail begins at the Bear Lake Trailhead, one of the most popular starting points in Rocky Mountain National Park. To reach the trailhead, take US-36 west from Estes Park into the park. After entering the park, follow the signs for Bear Lake Road, which leads to the trailhead parking area. The drive from Estes Park to the Bear Lake Trailhead takes about 20 minutes, depending on traffic. The road is paved and well-maintained, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains as you approach the trailhead.

Parking Information:

Parking at the Bear Lake Trailhead can be challenging, especially during the peak summer months and on weekends. The lot fills up quickly, often by early morning, so it’s best to arrive as early as possible to secure a spot. If the lot is full, you can park at the Park & Ride located on Bear Lake Road and take the free shuttle to the trailhead. The shuttle runs frequently throughout the day, providing convenient access to the trail without the hassle of finding parking. There are restrooms and information boards at the trailhead, making it a comfortable place to start your hike.

Description of the Landscape:

The Four Lake Loop Trail offers hikers a journey through a variety of stunning landscapes, each lake providing its own unique experience. The trail begins with a gentle ascent from Bear Lake, leading you through dense forests of pine and aspen. The first stop is Nymph Lake, a small, lily-pad-covered lake surrounded by towering trees and wildflowers in the summer. The reflection of the surrounding peaks in the calm waters makes for a serene start to the hike.

Continuing on, the trail ascends to Dream Lake, a larger, more open body of water nestled beneath the craggy peaks of Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain. The views here are truly spectacular, especially in the early morning when the lake is still and the mountains are perfectly mirrored in the water. The trail then takes you to Emerald Lake, perhaps the most iconic of the four. Emerald Lake is framed by steep cliffs and offers a stunning, emerald-colored reflection of the surrounding landscape. The trail to Emerald Lake is slightly more challenging but well worth the effort for the breathtaking views.

The final lake on the loop is Lake Haiyaha, a secluded, less-visited lake surrounded by massive boulders and dense forest. The trail to Lake Haiyaha is rockier and requires a bit more scrambling, but the peaceful, secluded atmosphere makes it a perfect spot to relax and take in the beauty of the Rockies. The return journey takes you back through the forest to the Bear Lake Trailhead, completing the loop.

Trail Difficulty and Length:

The Four Lake Loop Trail is considered moderate in difficulty, making it suitable for hikers with a basic to intermediate level of fitness. The loop is approximately 6 miles round trip, with an elevation gain of about 1,100 feet. The trail is well-maintained and marked, but some sections, particularly the path to Lake Haiyaha, can be rocky and require careful footing. Most hikers can complete the loop in 3 to 4 hours, depending on their pace and how long they spend at each lake. The combination of manageable distance, elevation gain, and stunning scenery makes this hike a rewarding experience for all levels of hikers.

Dog-Friendly Information:

Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed on the Four Lake Loop Trail or any other trails within Rocky Mountain National Park. This regulation is in place to protect the park’s delicate ecosystems and wildlife. If you’re traveling with a dog, consider exploring nearby dog-friendly trails outside the park, such as those in the Roosevelt National Forest. Always check local regulations before heading out to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Local Regulations:

When hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park, it’s important to follow local regulations to help preserve the park’s natural beauty and ensure a safe experience for all visitors. Stay on designated trails to minimize your impact on the environment, and avoid disturbing the local wildlife. As with all outdoor areas, practice “Leave No Trace” principles by carrying out all trash, respecting other hikers, and leaving the landscape as you found it. Additionally, be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions, as the high-altitude environment of the Rockies can bring sudden storms and temperature drops.

Other Trails Nearby:

If you’re interested in exploring more of Rocky Mountain National Park after hiking the Four Lake Loop, there are several other trails nearby that offer different experiences. The Sky Pond Trail is a more challenging hike that takes you past beautiful waterfalls and alpine lakes, culminating at the stunning Sky Pond, surrounded by towering cliffs. The Bear Lake Loop is a shorter, easier trail that circles Bear Lake and offers beautiful views of the surrounding peaks, perfect for a leisurely walk. For those looking to summit a peak, the Hallett Peak Trail provides a challenging ascent with incredible panoramic views from the top.

Non-Hiking Attractions Nearby:

In addition to hiking, the area around Rocky Mountain National Park and Estes Park offers a variety of attractions for visitors. Trail Ridge Road is a must-see, offering a scenic drive that takes you to the highest continuous paved road in the United States, with breathtaking views of the Rockies. The town of Estes Park itself is a charming destination with shops, restaurants, and the historic Stanley Hotel, famous for its connection to Stephen King’s “The Shining.” For those interested in wildlife, the Rocky Mountain National Park Visitor Centers offer exhibits and information about the park’s ecosystems and wildlife, and are great places to learn more about the area.

Best Time to Visit:

The best time to hike the Four Lake Loop Trail is during the late spring, summer, and early fall when the trail is free of snow and the weather is generally mild. Summer is particularly beautiful, with blooming wildflowers and clear, sunny skies, while fall offers cooler temperatures and the opportunity to see the changing colors of the leaves. Winter hikes are possible but can be challenging due to snow and icy conditions on the trail. Snowshoes or microspikes may be necessary if you plan to hike in the winter, and be aware that the trail can be much more difficult in winter conditions.