This trail visits three beautiful alpine lakes above Bear Lake. These lakes were carved out by the Tyndall Glacier, the immense weight of the glacier gouging out rock chucks, creating these glacial cirques. The trail starts at 9,500 feet at the trail junction at the Bear Lake Entrance, and we travel 1.8 miles and climb 600 vertical feet through some moderately deep snow.
The first lake is a small one called Nymph Lake, after the Nymph Water Lilies that grow there in the Spring. Make sure you take the spur to the lake and see the panorama from there.
We then begin to climb a bit with some great views of Longs Peak and glacial valleys out to the left until we get to Dream Lake. Dream Lake is surrounded by steep cliffs carved by glaciers, with a great view of Hallett Peak. The snow cover is fresh and deep, making for beautiful views.
We walk across the frozen and snow-covered lake on our way to the final destination, Emerald Lake. Emerald Lake sits at 10,000 feet beneath the dramatic sheer face of Hallett Peak and the rugged Crags of Flattop Mtn. #
