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About this place
Dream Lake is a gorgeous hike in the Rocky Mountain National Park, one hour from Boulder, CO. This is a pretty short hike so catching a sunrise isn't too rough, and it's one of the few hikes in the park that is manageable in any season.
Begin at the Bear Lake Trailhead, located at the end of Bear Lake Road, 9 miles from the entrance on Highway 36. Follow the signs to Dream Lake, passing Nymph Lake about halfway through. At 1.1 miles you will reach Dream Lake. The views of 12,713-foot Hallett Peak and 12,324-foot Flattop Mountain from the east shore of this subalpine lake are incredible, and the perfect backdrop for this aptly named lake. On your way back to the parking lot, be sure to get some shots from the trail as the mountain views headed down are some of the best in the park.
Be sure to check the trail status before you go to get the most current conditions. Microspikes in the winter are a must, and possibly snowshoes if the trail is not packed down. Also, keep in mind that this is an alpine lake around 10,000 ft, and also can experience very intense winds - be prepared!
PERMITS & RESERVATIONS:
- Camping: Be sure to obtain a backcountry camping permit from the Backcountry Office, which is adjacent to the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center on the east side of the park. Permits can also be reserved at Recreation.Gov. This fee does not include the Park entrance fee
- National Park Entrance: 1-day entrance; 7-day entrance; America the Beautiful Pass
- Timed entry reservation -- these are in effect in RMNP end of May through mid October
Leave No Trace
